With easy access to the rest of the UAE, it is not difficult to venture out and discover new spots when living in Dubai. In a matter of hours, you can convert mountains for skyscrapers, beaches for desert landscapes, and historic towns for mountains. Day trips from Dubai can be more convenient for people who want to experience a break without taking a vacation from their work.
There are plenty of Ras Al Khaimah day trips around Jebel Jais, and there are also plenty of options for families, couples and groups of friends to take a relaxed afternoon to explore Sharjah attractions. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a long weekend, here are some of the best places to consider.
Best Day Trips From Dubai
1. Hatta: Mountains, Kayaking and Outdoor Activities
One of the most straightforward options for a day trip in Dubai is a Hatta day trip. According to Visit Dubai, Hatta is approximately a 90-minute drive from the centre of Dubai and heads towards the Hajar Mountains.
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The highlights are Hatta Dam, a hiking and mountain-biking trail around the vicinity of the Hatta Wadi Hub. Kayaking is a popular activity on the dam and families can enjoy outdoor activities as well as visiting Hatta Heritage Village.
If you’re travelling from Dubai on the weekend and want to spend the night in a cabin or farmhouse, or hotel instead of heading home in the evening, then Hatta is a great choice.
2. Ras Al Khaimah: Jebel Jais and Mountain Views
For those who like a break with a dramatic scale, a day trip to Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect choice. The UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, (1934 m), is located here.
No booking is necessary to enjoy the mountain for an adventure activity. This is a beautiful drive, with winding roads, views of the Hajar Mountains, and viewing areas. The more adventurous can go on the Jais Flight, Jais Sledder or Jais Sky Tour.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, bring snacks with you and take in the surroundings at Jais Viewing Deck Park. It is also a great place for Dubai locals to go on road trips in the winter.
3. Fujairah: Beaches, History and the Gulf of Oman
A Fujairah day trip offers you one thing that Dubai can’t: an eastern-coast setting along the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah is renowned for its beaches, mountains, historic forts and marine activities.
If you are looking for a beachy day, you can’t go wrong with Al Aqah Beach. Swimming, snorkelling, and even diving are available in the area and some resorts have day passes for swimming and using the pool or beach facilities.
Those interested in history have the opportunity to visit Fujairah Fort and Al Bidya Mosque. Al Bidya Mosque was built in approximately 1599, and is one of the oldest existing mosques in the UAE.
4. Abu Dhabi: Culture, Beaches and Yas Island
If you are looking for a full day of options, then you will want to go on an Abu Dhabi day trip. Take a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, walk along the Corniche or head to Yas Island.
Attractions like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi are available for a day out with the family. Saadiyat Island harmonizes beaches, cultural activities and waterfront restaurants for a slower itinerary.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a very straight road, though may be longer depending on traffic during peak hours. If you are planning on doing more than one attraction in one day, do it early.
5. Al Ain: An Oasis Escape
If you desire history and greenery then an Al Ain day trip is well worth the longer drive. The city is located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is famous for its oasis, forts and Jebel Hafit.
Al Ain Oasis is an area of approximately 1200 hectares that is home to over 147 000 date palms and traditional falaj irrigation channels.
The oasis can be joined with Al Jahili Fort, Qasr Al Muwaiji and up Jebel Hafit. Al Ain is especially inviting in the winter when it’s cooler to walk around outside.
6. Sharjah: A Short Cultural Escape
There are some Dubai neighbouring areas in the vicinity that are amongst the best places to visit. For those who don’t want to spend the bulk of a day behind the wheel, Sharjah is a good option.
Begin on Al Noor Island where you can stroll through the gardens and visit the Butterfly House. The attraction has more than 500 butterflies and a 3.5-kilometre boardwalk.
You can then explore the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Al Qasba or Al Majaz Waterfront. If you’re feeling adventurous, head towards Mleiha, where desert landscapes, archaeology, dune bashing, and much more are combined.
How to Choose Your UAE Day Trip
The best choice would be dependent on how you wish to spend your time. Pick Dubai to Hatta for mountains and activities, Fujairah for beaches and heritage, Ras Al Khaimah for mountain views and Abu Dhabi for major attractions.
Desert trips from Dubai will be different from the organised desert trips near Dubai, in the sense that Mleiha and Al Badayer in Sharjah are providing a unique desert trip experience. For a full weekend, a night’s stay in Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta, Fujairah or Al Ain can make a weekend trip to the UAE a real vacation.
Always check with the attractions to see if they are open and the road conditions, particularly mountain areas, before leaving. Begin early, ensure water is available in the car and don’t over-plan. Two or three carefully selected destinations will be the best of a relaxed day rather than getting in and out of the car all day to cover every destination.
