uae day trips

9 of the best day trips from Dubai: culture, wildlife, and adventure

Jan 13, 2022 • 6 min read

From cultural sites to incredible outdoor adventures, here are the best day trips from Dubai © Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

If you've already tackled the best things to do in Dubai , how about exploring some of the neighboring emirates? You’ll find everything from mosques and museums to mountain bike trails and ziplines within day-trip distance.

Here are the best places to discover from  Dubai  in a day.

It takes just 90 minutes to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

With its onion-shaped domes and glowing white marble, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a must-see. Located 90 minutes from Downtown Dubai, the mosque runs free tours that take place daily, except during Friday prayers. Over on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is an essential stop for art and architecture aficionados . Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the building is as much of a draw as the 600 artworks on display.

How to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai: A taxi costs around Dhs200 ($55) each way. You can also catch a public bus (route E100 or E101) for Dhs28 ($7) one way.

Mleiha is home to an important archaeological site 

Located in Sharjah's central region, Mleiha is one of the most important archaeological sites in the United Arab Emirates . The Mleiha Archaeological Centre details the history of the region from the Paleolithic era and offers guided tours of the Bronze Age tombs and pre-Islamic forts. Feeling adventurous? Explore the wild beauty of the desert during a guided trek, a 4WD tour or a fat bike tour, or paraglide from one of Mleiha’s tallest peaks.

How to get to Mleiha from Dubai: Mleiha is 47 miles (75km) east of Dubai. You can rent a car, or check with the archaeological center in advance to see if return transport is available.

Hatta is perfect for outdoor adventure

Backed by the craggy Hajar Mountains, the picturesque Dubai exclave of Hatta is made for outdoor adventure. The Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre has 31 miles (50km) of graded single-track trails, and you can rent bikes from Adventure HQ . For walkers, a 5.5 mile (9km) trail sets off from near the camping area, continuing past Hatta Heritage Village to the artificial Hatta Dam. Here, you can rent kayaks and pedalos to cruise the turquoise waters.

How to get to Hatta from Dubai: You can rent a car to drive to Hatta, 84 miles (135km) southeast of Dubai, or take the E16 bus.

Sharjah is a cultural hub, packed with museums and galleries

Just 18 miles (30km) from Downtown Dubai, Sharjah city is known as the cultural capital of the UAE and for good reason, with more than 20 museums and galleries. Start at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization , which displays more than 5000 artifacts from the Muslim world, and then wander down to the Sharjah Heritage Museum for an insight into Emirati culture. A 10-minute stroll away, Sharjah Art Museum is a must for fans of contemporary Arab art.

How to get to Sharjah from Dubai: A taxi costs around Dhs90 ($24.50) each way. There are several public bus routes that go in that direction too (E303, E303A, E304, E306, E307 or E107A), which costs Dhs10 ($2.75).

Visit the Unesco World Heritage-listed oasis in Al Ain

Filled with more than 147,000 date palms, the Unesco World Heritage-listed Al Ain Oasis was once a vital stop on the caravan route crisscrossing the Arabian Peninsula. You can stroll the shaded walkways, see how the ancient falaj (irrigation) network carries water to the palms and visit the hi-tech eco-center. Stop by Al Ain Palace Museum , where Sheikh Zayed once held court, and the photogenic Al Jahili Fort , built in 1891 to defend the city’s precious plantations.

How to get to Al Ain from Dubai: Al Ain is located in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, around 95 miles (150km) southeast of Dubai. Public bus E201 runs between Dubai and Al Ain's bus station and takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Kalba is the perfect day trip for wildlife watching

This east coast exclave of Sharjah is a great place to see some of Arabia’s elusive wildlife. Keen birdwatchers should bring their binoculars, as Khor Kalba’s mangroves are an important habitat for the beautiful white-collared kingfisher. On the outskirts of the city, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is home to critically endangered Arabian leopard, Arabian wolf, tahr and desert lynx. At the nearby Kalba Bird of Prey Centre , free-flying demonstrations take place twice a day in the outdoor amphitheater (except Mondays).

How to get to Kalba from Dubai: Kalba is 80 miles (130km) east of Dubai, so rent a car to get there and around.

Take a road trip to Jebel Jais, the UAE's tallest peak

The starkly beautiful Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s tallest peak at 6345ft (1934m). To enjoy the area’s craggy charms, take a scenic drive up the wickedly winding mountain road. There are rest stops along the route, and the viewing deck at 4100ft promises even more phenomenal views. If you're after an adrenaline rush in RAK, you can launch from the Jebel Jais Flight Zip Line , the world's longest, which reaches speeds of up to 95mph (150km/h). You could also tackle the half-mile-long Jebel Jais Via Ferrata , a four-hour experience that includes three thrilling ziplines of its own.

How to get to Jebel Jais from Dubai: You’ll need to rent a car to get to Jebel Jais, which is 100 miles (160km) northeast of Dubai.

Go diving or snorkeling in the waters near Fujairah

Stretching along the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah has better visibility and more diverse marine life than the waters off Dubai. Roughly 350ft (100m) offshore at Al Aqah, Snoopy Island is popular with snorkelers, thanks to schools of clownfish and regular turtle sightings. Local dive centers offer shore dives and boat trips to popular sites such as Dibba Rock, Coral Gardens and various wrecks.

How to get to Fujairah from Dubai: Al Aqah is 100 miles (165km) northeast of Dubai. Rent a car or check whether the dive centers include transport from Dubai in their packages.

Cruise the inlets of Oman's Musandam Peninsula

Dubbed "the Norway of Arabia," the Omani exclave of Musandam is famous for its fjord-like inlets and aquamarine waters. Numerous companies offer cruises aboard traditional wooden dhows, with dolphin sightings all but guaranteed. Tours typically include round-trip transport and a buffet lunch, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling. Boats depart from Dibba on the east coast or Khasab at the northern tip of the peninsula, with the latter offering more spectacular scenery.

This day trip from Dubai requires some advance planning. If you're planning to go to Dibba, know that you cannot enter the Omani side of Dibba (Dibba Al Baya) as an independent traveler. All people entering here need to have a free permit, which is provided by any of Dibba Al Baya's tour operators when you make a booking. The process is exceedingly easy for those on UAE tourist visas. When booking your activities, email a copy of your passport photo page and UAE entry stamp page to the tour operator; they will then organize the permit and meet you at the border with it in hand.

How to get to the Musandam Peninsula from Dubai: Dibba is less than two hours' drive from Dubai, while Khasab is three hours each way. Check Oman's visa requirements before you go.

You might also like: 25 best things to do in Dubai    Best things to do with kids in Dubai    Top 7 beaches in Dubai   

This article was first published December 2017 and updated January 2022

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12 Top-Rated Day Trips from Dubai

Written by Jess Lee Updated Jan 24, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Dubai's combo of beaches and cosmopolitan buzz could keep you occupied for a week, but even serious city slickers need a break now and then.

The UAE is so compact, most of the major tourist attractions and popular things to do in the UAE are only a short trip away, so there is plenty of day-tripping potential when you want to explore farther than Dubai.

Everybody should make time to add a desert excursion into their trip to experience the landscape of rippling, orange dunes.

For visitors who want to dig into culture and history, the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are two of the best places to visit in the country and should be high on the day tripping hit list.

Abu Dhabi city is home to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the world-class collection in the Abu Dhabi Louvre, while Sharjah's restored heritage district is home to a clutch of museums. Out in the emirate's inland desert, the hugely important Mleiha archaeological site mixes ancient history with desert activities amid the surrounding sand dunes.

Many day trip destinations are accessible using RTA , Dubai's public bus network, which offers several intercity routes. You'll need to purchase a Nol card (Dubai's pre-paid transport system card) before traveling.

Discover where to head on your day out from the city with our list of the top day trips from Dubai.

1. Experience the UAE's Rippling Dunes on a Desert Safari

2. explore the sights of abu dhabi, 3. zipline, hike, or climb jebel jais, 4. get your speed thrills at ferrari world, 5. sail along the musandam peninsula's coast, 6. discover al-ain's history, 7. explore the heritage attractions of sharjah, 8. cool off in al ain adventure park, 9. kayak on hatta lake, 10. experience ancient history amid the desert at mleiha, 11. head into the hajar mountains, 12. head east to fujairah.

Heading out into the desert for a day is a must-do for any traveler who wants to experience the UAE's epic sand dune landscapes.

Desert day trips come in all varieties. Some include (or offer as extra) things to do such as camel trekking, quad biking, and sand boarding. Others offer desert dinner packages in a traditional-style Bedouin tent, and some focus on spotting endemic wildlife such as sand gazelles amid the dunes.

The nearest dune areas to Dubai are the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (which only a few tour companies are allowed to enter) and the desert dune area around Mleiha.

The dunes of the Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter) near Liwa Oasis are too far away from Dubai to be used as a day trip.

Unless you're a seriously experienced desert driver, with your own 4x4 and the equipment and back-up to off-road in the desert, the only way to experience the UAE's vast expanse of desert is on an organized tour.

If you don't have much time, the Dubai Desert 4x4 Safari offers a taster of the UAE's sprawling desert interior with a half-day trip by 4x4 into the sand dunes. It includes time spent driving within the dunes and a barbecue desert dinner at a camp where guests can sand board and camel ride. Transfers directly to and from your hotel are also included.

Alternatively, for an evening trip that is easy to slip into even the busiest Dubai schedule, the Dubai Red Dunes Quad Bike Trip takes you on a one-hour guided desert quad bike (ATV) ride, with a break for sand boarding on the dunes, and a barbecue dinner at a desert camp afterward where there are opportunities for a short included camel ride. Pickup and drop-off at selected Dubai hotels is also included.

Abu Dhabi, about 132 kilometers from Dubai , is home to two of the UAE's major modern landmarks.

Come to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque , a triumph of contemporary architecture merged with traditional Arabic design and artistry. Decked out with lavish use of marble, gold, ceramic work, and crystals, the mosque's high ornamentation is a combination of Mamluk, Fatimid, and Ottoman stylistic design to symbolize all the ages of the Arabic empires.

The mosque incorporates 82 domes, the world's largest Persian carpet (created by 1,200 carpet weavers), and seven absolutely ginormous crystal chandeliers (the largest weighing 12 tons). The overall effect is one of staggering opulence and superb craftsmanship.

After the mosque, head to Saadiyat Island where, on the waterfront, the galleries of the Louvre Abu Dhabi sit under a glinting silver dome.

Opened in 2017, the Louvre's collection tells humanity's story through the art we've left behind, swooping through history from the first communities, through the rise and fall of empires, up to the present day.

Abu Dhabi is easy to visit by public transport on a day trip from Dubai. Both RTA's E100 and E101 bus services ply this route, leaving approximately every twenty minutes. The E100 leaves from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, in Bur Dubai, and the E101 departs from Ibn Battuta Bus Station, south of Jumeirah.

Because the E100 leaves from the central city, travel time is generally a bit longer with the E100 taking around two hours to reach Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (near Al Wahda Mall), and the journey on the E101 usually taking 90 minutes.

The full-day Abu Dhabi Tour is a great option if you want to squeeze Abu Dhabi's main highlights into a day. The tour includes a guided visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, photo stops at Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, and Yas Island's Formula 1 circuit and Ferrari World, plus a stop at Louvre Abu Dhabi. All transport from Dubai, including pickup and drop-off from most hotels, is included, and the tour can be booked on a private or shared basis.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Jebel Jais in Ras Al-Khaimah has become one of the UAE's top adventure activity destinations. The highest mountain in the country, Jebel Jais is around 130 kilometers northeast from Dubai .

A switchback road leads up to a beautifully landscaped observation terrace near the summit if you just want to visit to take in the scenery of craggy mountain peaks and boulder-strewn slopes. Most visitors these days, though, are here to take part in one of the mountain's many activities.

The Jebel Jais Flight is the world's longest zip line, with zip liners whizzing down over the mountain's jagged contours at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour.

The mountain's Via Ferrata route around Jebel Jais's lower slopes offers organized climbing tours in the cooler months of the year.

For those who just want to pull on their hiking shoes and enjoy the mountain scenery on foot, a series of hiking trails have been mapped and marked on the mountain, and can be hiked independently.

If you want to include a group hike on your Ras Al-Khaimah day trip, the Samar Trail Hiking Adventure on Jebel Jais offers an organized three- to four-hour guided hike on Jebel Jais' easygoing Samar Trail, a non-technical, six-kilometer loop trek that can be completed by anyone with a decent level of fitness, and is suitable for children.

RAKTA , Ras Al-Khaimah's public bus company, provides a direct service between Dubai's Union Metro Bus Station, in Deira, and Ras Al-Khaimah's Al-Hamra Bus Station. The service operates hourly from 7:30am to 10:30pm and takes two hours .

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Ras Al-Khaimah

The Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi city, about 112 kilometers from Dubai, offers much more than just looking at cars.

Touted as the world's largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World encompasses roller coaster rides; Formula 1 racecourses; audiovisual attraction rides which allow you to experience Italy's most famous highlights from the air and tour the Italian Ferrari factory; an entire children's section with rides suited for little ones; and a museum of Ferrari's cars (obviously).

It's a great day out for kids of all ages, with everything from a learn-to-drive experience for small children to riding the world's fastest roller coaster (going from 0 to 240 kilometers per hour) on the Formula Rosso ride, which gives you the real Formula One racer experience.

The Abu Dhabi city tour with Ferrari World tickets is a good choice of day tour from Dubai if you want to combine time spent at the theme park with exploring other sights in the city. This guided tour includes an hour at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and quick photo stops at various points around the city with the best panoramic views of the skyline, and entrance tickets to Ferrari World with four hours there to fully enjoy the rides. Pickup and drop-off at your Dubai hotel is also included.

If you're traveling to Abu Dhabi specifically to visit Ferrari World, and have pre-purchased a ticket, you can use the Yas Express complimentary shuttle bus which offers transport to Ferrari World, and Yas Island's two other theme parks, from Deira City Center Mall and Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel. The shuttle leaves daily at 11am and returns to Dubai at either 7:30pm or 8pm.

This restrictive timetable definitely won't suit everyone, so if you don't want to self-drive, the Dubai to Abu Dhabi public bus is the best option for independent travelers.

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Oman's Musandam Peninsula, about 194 kilometers from Dubai, is the perfect peaceful antidote to Dubai's bright lights and big city buzz.

This jagged region is incredibly scenic, with its tall, mountainous coast plunging steeply into the sea of the Arabian Gulf.

Due to its similarity in character to the fjords of Norway, it's often nicknamed the Arabian Fjords, but these mountains in actuality were carved by tectonic plate movement and not by glacier movement.

The best way to experience the scenery here is by a dhow cruise from the Omani town of Khasab. There is a strong possibility of seeing dolphins along the way, and many cruises make a stop at Telegraph Island, which was once used as a telegraph station by the British for their London to Karachi cable line.

The inlets in this area are particularly spectacular, and those interested in history can still see the ruins of the very lonely station where the telegraph operators used to live and work.

The Musandam Dhow Cruise Day Trip from Dubai takes the hassle out of organizing your own Khasab dhow cruise. On this trip, you get a six-hour scenic dhow cruise departing from Khasab, including a stop near Telegraph Island for swimming, snorkeling, and an included lunch. All transport from Dubai, with pickup and drop-off from your hotel, a local guide, and unlimited cold soft drinks, coffee, and tea are also included.

If you don't want to take a tour, you'll need to hire a car and self-drive . Make sure the hire car agency knows you're heading to the Musandam Peninsula, as you'll need to purchase car insurance for Oman . Omani visas can be purchased by many nationalities on the Khasab border, and - obviously - don't forget to bring your passport.

Nicknamed "The Garden City," Al Ain makes a great day trip from Dubai for families, with its mix of historic attractions and outdoor activities.

Right in the center of town, Al Jahili Fortress is one of the country's finest restored forts.

Nearby, you can cycle within the shady retreat of Al Ain Oasis before visiting Al Ain Palace Museum's collection of artifacts from the city's Hili Archaeological Site, which gave Al Ain its UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Out of the center, the drive up to the peak of Jebel Hafeet (the second-tallest mountain in the UAE) is top of most visitor's must-do activities.

For families, though, one of the main reasons to head to Al Ain is to visit the renowned Al Ain Zoo , where you can spy Arabian and African species roaming in carefully created natural-style habitats, and head out on the zoo's own safari tour experience.

RTA operates a direct bus service between Dubai's Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Al Ain Bus Station approximately every twenty minutes, making public transport an easy, cheap, and convenient option to travel between the two cities. The journey time is just under two hours .

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Al Ain

One of the easiest day trips from Dubai, Sharjah sits just roughly 15 kilometers from downtown Dubai .

Head here if you want to delve into the UAE's history and culture, as Sharjah's heritage district on the waterfront is home to a bundle of museums.

The two major museums not to miss are the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilizations , one of the best museums in the country, and the Sharjah Art Museum , housing one of the world's best collections of contemporary Middle Eastern art.

The area around these two landmark museums is also home to a restored souk (bazaar) and is scattered with small museums dedicated to traditional culture, ethnography, and art that are well worth exploring.

Away from the heritage district, there's a lot for families here as well. The butterfly house on Al Noor Island and the Sharjah Rain Room are among the child-friendly attractions.

If you don't fancy driving this busy route, there are plenty of bus services between Dubai and Sharjah.

Buses leave around every twenty minutes from several different bus stations in Dubai, including Al-Ghubaiba Bus Station, Union Square Metro Bus Station, and Deira City Center Bus Station.

All buses arrive at Sharjah's Al-Jubeil Bus Station. Expect the journey to take approximately forty-five minutes .

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Sharjah

Dubai's city heat can really wear you out. Al Ain Adventure Park offers water park fun with a difference and is only a 153-kilometer drive from Dubai.

This activity park offers kayaking, surfing, white water rafting, and wakeboarding all in man-made facilities.

There's also climbing, zip lines, obstacle courses, and swimming pools (for just chilling out after all the activities).

The white water rafting course stretches for more than one kilometer, while the surfing pool offers a safe environment for complete beginners to master surfing techniques.

This is a great family-friendly day out that's sure to please teenagers, as well as younger children.

If you're not driving, RTA's Dubai to Al Ain bus service is a convenient transport option for a day trip.

Address: Hazza Bin Sultan Street, Al-Ain

The small town of Hatta sits surrounded by craggy, arid mountains, about 126 kilometers inland from Dubai near the border with Oman.

On the outskirts of town, the Hatta Dam is a popular day-tripping destination for anyone seeking a break from city life, with its kayaking and boating on the dam's lake amid jagged mountain slopes that roll right down to the water's edge. Both single and tandem kayaks are available to rent at the dam.

For more Hatta activities, the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail has 50 kilometers of marked trails in the surrounding area to explore, with bike hire at the trailhead (in the Wadi Adventure Hub just out of Hatta town), so you don't even need to lug a bike along from Dubai.

While in Hatta, pop into the Hatta Heritage Village for a taste of traditional Hajar Mountain life amid the fully restored ancient village, with its traditional dwellings and displays of local culture and crafts.

Hiring a car for a day trip to Hatta makes sense because your journey time will be shorter (around 90 minutes) allowing more time to explore Hatta.

RTA does run a bus service though. Bus E16 runs every two hours from Al-Sabkha Bus Station to Hatta Bus Station and takes just under three hours.

Mleiha Archaeological Site is both one of the UAE's most significant historic sites and a major desert activity center. It sits in the Emirate of Sharjah, 75 kilometers east of Dubai .

Human history at Mleiha has been traced back to the Paleolithic era, when nomadic early humans first left Africa and crossed through the Arabian Peninsula on their journey into Asia.

The archaeological excavations here have discovered multiple layers of human habitation from the caves used by those early humans through evidence of a later Neolithic settlement, Bronze Age tombs, and palace and fort remains dated to around the 2nd or 3rd century.

If this incredible history isn't enough to draw you here, Mleiha offers horse riding desert tours; trekking on the mountain of Jebel Buhais, which overlooks the site; 4WD excursions across the surrounding orange sand dunes; and walking tours to the caves used by those early humans.

Whatever extra activities you tag onto your visit, make sure to take one of their guided archaeological tours, taking in all the major archaeological sites at Mleiha plus the on-site museum, which thoroughly explains the deep significance of this site in our understanding of human history.

Although there's no useful public transport route between Dubai and Mleiha, you can book private shuttle transport through the official Discover Mleiha website as an alternative to a taxi or self-driving .

Ranging across the eastern UAE and into Oman, the Hajar Mountains make a great nature escape from Dubai and offer the Emirate's best road trip experience.

To explore this region you definitely need to hire a car if you don't want to take a tour .

The winding mountain passes offer stupendous panoramic views and plenty of opportunities to see gazelles, while bird watchers should keep their eyes peeled to spot Egyptian vultures.

There are several wadis (valleys) hidden within the mountains for hiking, rock scrambling, and climbing if you're looking for more activities than just a scenery-laden drive trip and the tiny villages of the region, sometimes topped with lonely fort watchtowers, are a world away from the bright lights of Dubai.

A day out in the Emirate of Fujairah, about 167 kilometers from Dubai , manages to combine both nature and history.

The mud-brick Al-Bidyah mosque is thought to be the oldest example of a mosque within the UAE, with a history that can be traced back to the 15th century (though it may be much older).

On the outskirts of the modern city of Fujairah is the small, golden-hued stone Fujairah Fort which was a vital communication and military post during the 16th century.

Around the fort area is Fujairah's Heritage Village where you can walk through a reconstructed typical village that highlights local Emirati rural life in earlier centuries, including exhibits and demonstrations on traditional farming techniques.

If you're looking for something less historic, the beaches to the north of the city are some of the prettiest in the UAE, lying along the Gulf of Oman, with excellent snorkeling and, for those who want to explore deeper, the best scuba diving in the Emirates.

RTA runs a direct bus service between Union Square Bus Station and Fujairah Bus Station every ninety minutes. The bus journey takes around two and a half hours , so for a day trip many people find it worthwhile to hire a car instead to save transport time.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Fujairah

More on United Arab Emirates

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Dubai

Day trips from dubai.

• Dubai to Abu Dhabi
• Dubai to Murqquab
• Dubai to Al Ain
• Dubai to Sharjah
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Dubai to Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque & Qasr Al Watan Palace

2. Dubai Full Day Tour with Entry Ticket to Burj Khalifa at the Top

3. Abu Dhabi Private City Tour

4. Private Abu Dhabi City Tour with Pick up from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

5. Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ Options

6. Dubai Heritage Land Rover Desert Safari with Traditional Dinner

7. Dubai Arabian Desert Adventure, BBQ Dinner & Optional ATV

8. Abu Dhabi Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai with Mosque Visit

9. Full Day Private Tour Throughout Dubai with Burj Khalifa

10. Full Day Musandam Cruise with Lunch from Dubai

11. Private Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing Tour

12. Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Vintage Land Rover & Breakfast

13. Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre, Qasr Al Watan Palace

14. Abu Dhabi City Tour Full Day, Optional Pick Up from Dubai Port

15. Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Tickets from Dubai

16. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Guided Tour

17. Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Falconry & Camel Ride

18. Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour From Dubai

19. Private Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour with Pick Up

20. Luxury Premium Desert Safari with 5* Live BBQ Dinner

21. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Day Tour with Grand Mosque & Louvre Museum

22. Full-Day City Tour of the Tourist Attractions and Places in Dubai

23. Private Desert Safari Dubai Tour With Camel Ride

24. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Full-Day Trip with Louvre & Grand Mosque

25. Dubai Sightseeing Day Trip from Abu Dhabi

26. Five Emirates Tour in a Day from Dubai - Know the East-Coast.

27. Dubai: Abu Dhabi Trip with Lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant

28. Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Riding & BBQ Buffet Dinner

29. Abu Dhabi Mosque including Ferrari World Tour from Dubai

30. Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai with guide, Grand Mosque, Heritage

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8 Utterly Unmissable Day Trips From Dubai to Try in 2024

Whilst we love Dubai – obviously! – we also love to get beyond the highrises and shopping malls and highly recommend you add a few day trips – even overnight trips to your Dubai itinerary.

Dubai is very central in the United Arab Emirates in terms of its geographic position. Immediately to the west of Dubai, you have the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the 7 Emirates of the UAE with so much going on, we even have another site just about Abu Dhabi!

Then to the northeast and beyond, you have the other five Emirates, often referred to as the “ northern Emirates “, to explore.  It’s also possible to visit parts of Oman on a day trip – more on that below!

On this page, we share with you our favourite locations that can be easily reached within a day from Dubai but trust us, when you see how much there is to do, you will want to stay a bit a lot longer!

[ Distances are calculated from Downtown Dubai, and timing is subject to traffic ]

Please note: All COVID-19 rules in the UAE, including mask wearing in public, domestic border crossing points and the need to present the Al Hosn pass in certain emirates has now been abolished – more here.

1. Best Dubai Day Trip: Abu Dhabi

Dubai to Abu Dhabi distance: approximately 160km / 1 hour 15 mins

Dubai is often mistaken as the UAE’s capital , but, in fact, it is neighbouring Abu Dhabi that holds this crown. Home to the country’s Federal Supreme Council and President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed al Nahyan, it’s also home to some of the country’s most magnificent architecture and cultural sites.

So many stops that it is challenging to see them all on a Dubai day trip, but here are a few that we recommend you should try to fit into a single-day trip from Dubai:

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: one of the most stunning buildings in the world, we have a detailed guide on exactly how to visit the Grand Mosque on a day trip from Dubai here . Entry is free for all, but be respectful of prayer times; closed on Fridays until 3:00 PM.
• Qasr al Watan: The Presidential Palace: Home of the Federal Supreme Council and UAE Cabinet meetings, where foreign dignitaries are greeted and offices of the President, Vice President & Prime Minister, and the Crown Prince – a detailed guide here on what to expect inside.
• Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi : Take on the Journey Through Humanity permanent display and many seasonal exhibits in one of the city’s finest modern buildings (closed Mondays) – a detailed visitors guide can be found here .

Top Tip : the Grand Mosque can be pretty packed from mid-morning as this is when most coach tours arrive from Dubai on day trips. If you want the Mosque to yourself, aiming for first thing in the morning (9:00 AM opening but you can arrive earlier) or mid-afternoon may prove much less crowded, this is the huge benefit of taking a private tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Recommended Day Tours to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

• This best-selling day tour option from Dubai includes a full day trip to the Grand Mosque and the Presidential Palace, as well as the famed Etihad Towers observation deck as part of a shared coach group.
• Short of time? This half-day Grand Mosque-only tour from Dubai includes just your shared coach transfers to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with plenty of time to look around.
• If you’d prefer to include the Louvre in your itinerary, we’d recommend this Abu Dhabi day tour from Dubai which includes the Grand Mosque and Louvre with English speaking guide.
• For the best Abu Dhabi tour experience, we recommend taking a Private small group tour to Abu Dhabi from Dubai so your itinerary can be as flexible as possible.
• Want to go it alone and save some cash? Check out this neat new service, the Cultural Express, that will take you to the door of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan for FREE! The schedule lacks flexibility but it can be a great cost-saving (note, it doesn’t include a stop at the Grand Mosque).

If you are seeking to make your own way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi we suggest you read this detailed guide on all your transport options along with this detailed guide to the best Abu Dhabi attractions to plan out your own day trip or overnight trip to the capital.

2. Best Dubai Day Trip: Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Dubai to Khasab distance: 196km / approx 2.5 hours

Transporting you to a whole different country but within reasonable driving distance from Dubai, the “Norway of Arabia” awaits in the Omani exclave of Musandam . Sitting to the northeast of the northern Emirate Ras Al Khaimah, the regional capital of Khasab, Musandam can be easily reached by road – an incredibly picturesque and often breathtaking coastal drive.

From Khasab, there is a small harbour with a plentiful choice of traditional dhow boats and more modern cruising vessels. Sail out to the stunning rocky fjords where the Hajar Mountains that run through the length of Oman and the UAE dramatically end at the Strait of Hormuz.

Dolphin spotting is a favourite activity and in the warmer shoulder season, snorkelling and scuba diving are popular, albeit the better diving is on the eastern coast of the peninsula.

You will want an early start to fit in a full day of fun, and taking an organised day tour, they will help you with the Omani visas and border crossing process. It is possible to hire a car and do it all alone, but first-timers will no doubt appreciate a guide to take you through the Al Darah border crossing point and the formalities involved.

Recommended Day Tours from Dubai to Musandam

• Try this full-day tour from Dubai to Musandam if you’d like assistance all the way with your journey with meet and greet border crossing, dolphin cruise, lunch & snorkelling gear all included.
• If you want to make your own way to Khasab then join this half-day Dolphin Watching Dhow Cruise which includes just your boat tour, snorkeling kits, and snacks with an English-speaking guide.

Your drive to Musandam will also take you on a scenic tour through five of the seven Emirates ! You can see the changing landscapes as you exit the big cities and many interesting stops along the way, such as Al Rams and Dhayah Fort on the way through Ras al Khaimah (more on RAK below!)

Recommended Day Tours from Dubai to Dibba

If you do not want the formality of crossing the border, it’s also possible to take a dhow cruise to a different part of the Musandam coast, coming via Fujairah and the east coast of the UAE to an area known as Dibba.

Your boats here do not need to make a formal land crossing into Oman so no border crossing is required, but you will still be richly rewarded with dramatic coastal views.

• Check out this full-day dhow cruise option from Dibba which includes transfers to Dubai and a full day out on the water with snorkelling and dolphin-spotting opportunities.

Musandam’s raw beauty and isolation are simply breathtaking and make this one of our top picks for nature lovers visiting Dubai.

Top Tip: You get a lot more visitors to Musandam over the local weekend which starts Friday afternoon through to Sunday night. If possible, time your trip for Monday through Thursday for fewer lines at the border.

3. Best Dubai Day Trip: Al Ain

Dubai to Al Ain distance: approximately 130km / 1 hour 30 mins

Sitting to the southwest of Dubai, you will find the Oasis City of Al Ain. With deep historic roots believed to date back to the neolithic period, this is our top-pick day trip for history lovers. You will find the UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered in several locations across the city – a full guide to these sites can be found here .

Much of the country’s more recent history also stems from the township of Al Ain, home town to the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al Nahyan , and the birthplace of the second ruler of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan .

Well-worth visiting spots include Al Jahili Fort, Qasr al Mawaji, Al Ain National Museum (as of 2019, closed indefinitely for renovations), and the Al Ain Palace Museum (the former Royal homestead).  You may also be fascinated by the supposedly healing hot springs of Al Mubazzarah, at the foot of Abu Dhabi Emirate’s tallest peak Jebel Hafeet.

Those travelling with kids will definitely want to try and squeeze in a trip to the Al Ain Zoo too. The best in the country, the zoo is set on large grounds with many new installations worth of a trip in themselves, including the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, perfect for history lovers of all ages with lots of interactive displays.

Getting to Al Ain is straightforward by car [though note you are in Abu Dhabi emirate so prevailing domestic border rules will apply ].

You can make the trip to the historic centre in approximately 1.5 hours from Dubai. However, if you plan a trip up the winding road to the top of Jebel Hafeet, add another 40 minutes. You will be rewarded with spectacular views over Al Ain and neighbouring Oman.

Recommended day tours from Dubai to Al Ain

If you are unfamiliar with the UAE roads, joining an organised group to get between the highlights is recommended as the city is well spread out.

• Try this full-day tour option taking in the city’s museums and nature highlights leaving from Dubai.
• If you’d prefer the intimacy of a small private group with more local experiences thrown in, try this private tour to Al Ain with all transfers included and a flexible itinerary.

Al Ain also makes a great stopover point if you are undertaking a Visa Border Run to Oman. Plenty to fill a day but you could fit a lot more into two days as many of the city’s highlights are well spread out.

We have a detailed post here on how to plan your own trip to Al Ain here

4. Best Dubai Day Trip: Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai to Ras al Khaimah distance: approximately 110kms / 1 hour 15 minutes

Ras al Khaimah – affectionately referred to as RAK locally is best known as the UAE’s outdoor adventure playground. The stunning Hajar Mountain range runs through the Emirate and is home to the country’s tallest peak Jebel Jais.

Jebel Jais is an adrenaline junkie’s dream, with plenty of new attractions being added every year. The world’s longest zipline allows you to speed up to 150km/hr 1680m above sea level for nearly 3kms. You can also experience Via Ferrata and the newest additions, the Jebel Jais Sky Tour – 7 different courses over 5kms through the mountains (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Recommended Day tours from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah

• You can try this tour which will pick you up from Dubai and arranges everything for your ziplining experience.
• Experience one of the UAE’s most incredible nature spots Wadi Shawka with a desert tour thrown in including Camel Rock and Fossil Rock.
• If you are seeking something a little more sedate, try this 5-hour private cultural highlights tour around the city of Ras Al Khaimah, including the Museum, Heritage Village, Fish Market, and ghost town (departs from locations in RAK).
• Another favourite for a truly unique cultural experience is heading to the tiny village of Al Rams and taking a tour of the active pearl farm Al Suwaidi Pearls – learn about this treasured part of local culture and see a live pearl diving demonstration.

We do recommend for those on a one week+ Dubai itinerary spare a few nights of their trip for staying up in Ras Al Khaimah. There are plenty of luxury resorts that line the shores of RAK and man-made Marjan Island – see some top accommodation choices in RAK here.

5. Best Dubai Day Trip: Fujairah

Dubai to Fujairah Distance : approx 120kms / 1 hour 15 minutes to Fujairah city

Taking you all the way to the country’s east coast, facing the Gulf of Oman, you will find the Emirate of Fujairah. Steeped in history, it is where you will find some of the country’s most interesting landscapes, from the azure waters and soft sands of Al Aqah to the historic forts and the country’s oldest mosque.

Many like to visit the country’s east coast for its scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities or simply experience a completely contrasting side of the country to Dubai. You may also enjoy visiting some Sharjah exclaves Khorfakkan and Kalba, which also sit on the east coast, surrounded by the Emirate of Fujairah.

Recommended Day Tours to Fujairah from Dubai

• Check out this diving tour to see the Dibba side of Fujairah from the water. All transportation, snorkelling gear and meals/drinks are included for a big day out on the east coast.
• History and beaches in this Dubai to Fujairah day trip which includes a journey through the mountains, Fujairah Heritage Village, Fujairah Fort and the UAE’s oldest mosque.
• Those interested in testing out their scuba diving skills in the UAE will love this day tour from Dubai to Fujairah which includes transfers, a certified instructor along with all your equipment and meals on board.

6. Best Dubai Day Trip: Yas Island Theme Parks

Dubai to Yas Island distance : approximately 115km / 1 hour

Arguably, the UAE’s best theme parks can be found on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, only around 45 minutes from Dubai Marina or an hour from Downtown Dubai down the E11 Freeway, you can easily spend a whole day – or ideally two if you are going to enjoy everything on offer.

The three big theme parks on Yas Island are:

• Yas Waterworld (outdoor water park)
• Ferrari World (indoor adrenaline and Italian-themed park)
• Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi (indoor theme park based on DC Comic characters and Looney Toon favourites)

Stay tuned Yas as will soon also be welcoming a S ea World to this theme park trio.

Each is a top-rated attraction with plenty of thrill rides and entertainment and for large parts of the year, limited lines.

Recommended Day Tours from Dubai to Yas Island

• See shared transfer options from Dubai to Yas Island
• Buy Yas Waterworld Tickets online in advance here (no transfers included) – or if you are staying in Abu Dhabi, you can combine your hotel transfer and Yas Waterworld ticket .
• When you purchase this day tour to Yas Island your Ferrari World Tickets are included, along with your transfers (this can work out cheaper than paying separately for your transfers and tickets).
• Want some culture along with your thrills? Try this Abu Dhabi day tour which includes the Grand Mosque, a drive by Abu Dhabi’s many highlights then finish your day at Ferrari World, Yas Island.
• If you love your motorsports, then perhaps a tour around the Yas Marina Circuit will be your thing, or even better the opportunity to drag your own Chevrolet Camaro around the track is your preferred experience.
• CLYMB Abu Dhabi is also well worth checking out. It has the world’s largest indoor climbing wall, and the largest indoor skydiving centre. It can be found inside Yas Mall, immediately adjacent to Ferrari World.

Top Tip: Yas Island has a small Plaza of hotels and restaurants, as well as the lively Yas Marina area at night and the newly opened Yas Bay entertainment district. It is well worth an overnight trip at least to this adventure-filled island to experience everything on offer.

There’s a good guide here on how to make use of the Yas Island Theme Parks shuttle bus service from Dubai.

7. Best Dubai Day Trip: Hatta

Dubai to Hatta distance: approximately 105km / 1 hour 20 minutes

One of the most exciting newly-developed destinations in the Dubai emirate is the area of Hatta and Hatta Dam . Sitting to the south of Dubai near the Omani border, a large amount of tourism development has been poured into this rugged area of the Dubai Emirate to create a brand new nature playground.

There is so much on offer at this destination, especially for your outdoor enthusiasts; after exploring the heritage village, take on kayaking to mountain biking, and enjoy the adventure sports at Hatta Wadi Hub and the Hatta Jump water park.

For an unforgettable experience extend your stay to be overnight so you can experience one of the Hatta Sedr Trailers Resort . They are limited though so book well in advance, winter season only.

Recommended Day Tours from Dubai to Hatta

• See this full-day tour from Dubai, which takes you through all the major highlights of Hatta with transfers included from your Dubai hotel.
• This Hatta safari day tour provides not just a desert tour away from the city crowds but you’ll also stop at Hatta Dam and one of the more unique local attractions, the Hatta Honey Bee Garden

Top Tip: It gets much busier on the local weekend which is now Friday afternoon through Sunday. Visit mid-week and out of school holidays, it’s beautifully secluded (though do check attraction opening times mid week).

Find all your transport options between Dubai and Hatta here.

8. Best Dubai Day Trip: Dubai Desert

This is a classic suggestion for a Dubai day trip, we couldn’t leave it off a day tours round-up, even if you’re still in the Dubai emirate.

There are all sorts of desert day trips at all different times of the day to suit individual traveller needs. A “ classic desert safari ” will include an element of dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and henna painting, followed by a traditional Bedouin feast along with musical and dancing entertainment ( except Ramadan ).

If your focus is on camel riding, we suggest you check out this article on how to get your fill of camel experiences in Dubai – there are plenty of them!

Alternatively, if you’d like a more immersive experience, check out this guide to overnight desert camping experiences.

Recommended Day Tours to the Desert from Dubai

With so many desert safaris available these days, it can be hard to choose between them.

Some of them such as Platinum Heritage are premium tour providers. Their focus is on the desert itself and connecting with the environment. You will enjoy vintage Landrovers taking you sedately through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve , falconry displays and traditional food, both day and evening tours are available.

Alternatively, some camps and day tours are set up very specifically with the needs of adrenaline junkies in mind. Your local driver will know his dunes back to front and find the most thrilling path into the camp, followed by options at your camp to hire dune buggies, fat bikes and sandboards to explore the dunes differently.

These are our top picks for Dubai desert day tours to try:

• This Al Khayma Premium Red Dunes and Camel Safari tour is one of the most booked in Dubai for a reason – enjoy dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding and camel feeding, with falconry and a traditional dinner. Always highly rated and deliver on customer service.
• Early starter? This Morning desert safari with Camel Riding & Sandboarding (plus optional quad biking ) might be the best choice for you.
• On a budget, one of the best value evening desert safari and BBQ options includes your pickups and dune bashing, with add-on activities possible.
• See our complete guide here to tours focused on Dune Buggy and adrenaline experiences in the Dubai desert .

For an absolutely unique and unforgettable Dubai experience, we recommend you try hot air ballooning at dawn above the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve:

• Try this sunrise balloon ride with breakfast and falconry show – including your transfers to and from central Dubai.
• Or combine hot air ballooning with a camel trek & quad biking adventure an Arabic breakfast is included before transfers back to your Dubai hotel after an action-packed start to the day!

Whenever you are headed into the desert, we always recommend trainers are a more practical option than sandals or flip flops – they will, of course, fill with sand too but you’ll find it easier to walk about. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat any time of year visiting Dubai – you can see our full Dubai desert checklist here!

W e always recommend visitors to Dubai to leave plenty of time to take in the highlights in the other Emirates as well.  Much of the natural beauty and culture of the country and region lies far beyond the city. 

If you’d prefer to make your own way around the Emirates to experience some of these highlights, we recommend you head over to our guide to driving in Dubai . Understand more about driving conditions, car rental options and whether self-drive is the better option for you.

If you’re interested in hiring a driver for a set number of hours, try a service such as GetTransfer . Drivers can bid on your journey making it highly competitive and at a fixed price for all-day convenience, which you may not find with a group tour.

Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai

• Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai , a handy guide on what to pack , and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
• Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai .
• Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
• Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance !!!
• Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai , or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

Take me back to the Dubai Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links . Dubai Travel Planner

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Day Trips From Dubai

The 10 Best Day Trips From Dubai

While the city of Dubai offers an array of activities to do, there are also a host of exciting destinations nearby that are excellent for day trips. Visit historical UNESCO world heritage sites, lay your eyes upon unique architectural feats, or cruise along the sparkling blue sea to watch dolphins. Whatever adventure your heart’s desire, you’re sure to find it on a day trip from Dubai. 

Abu Dhabi: View Architecture and Amusement Parks

EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER / Getty Images

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi offers a range of activities like amusement parks, mosques, and museums to visit. The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the world and a must-visit while in the area.

Considering the hot summers, Abu Dhabi has one of the few indoor theme parks in the world, called Ferrari World . Children and kids at heart are wowed by the amusement park’s Formula Rossa ride, which is the world’s fastest roller coaster . The last stop on a day trip to Abu Dhabi could be the Louvre Abu Dhabi . It plays host to art exhibitions from around the world, Asian trade routes, and the First Great Powers gallery.

Getting There: Options to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi include buses, taxis, or self-driving. The most affordable option is the intercity bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and cost 25 dirham (approximately US $6). It takes between 1.5 to 2 hours via bus.

Travel Tip: Don’t forget that the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque has a strict dress code. Men and women will have to wear loose-fitting, ankle-length trousers or skirts, and have their arms covered and women will need to cover their heads.

Al Ain: Explore an UNESCO Site

Balint Meggyesi / Getty Images 

Within the confines of the Abu Dhabi Emirate lies Al Ain, an oasis city on the eastern border of Oman. It’s chock full of date palm trees and flowing natural springs of water. The desert oasis contains an ancient irrigation system water falaj and loads of greenery. It's home to Jebel Hafeet, the highest peak in the UAE.

The UNESCO site in Al Ain features Hili’s archeological remains, Jebel Hafeet tombs, and the Bidaa Bint Saud settlement. The Hili archeological site is made up of Bronze Age and Iron Age sites, historic burial grounds, and an agricultural village. The Al Ain Museum is also located on the site, housing additional ancient artifacts.

Getting There: Al Ain is located around 2 hours away from Dubai via the Al Ain Road. It can be best reached by bus from Al-Ghubaiba bus station or from the Bur Dubai taxi station.

Travel Tip: A journey on the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road can be an extremely cool experience to have. Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy a stunning sunset on the mountain range. 

Ras Al Khamiah: Zip Line on Jebel Jais

 Noah Clayton / Getty Images

Jebel Jais is located on the North-Western side of the Hajar mountains in the Musandam Governorate of Oman and in Ras Al Khaimah. The peak of the mountain range on the UAE side has a summit elevation of 6,345 feet above sea level.

The Jebel Jais zip line, named the Jebel Jais Flight, holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest zip wire. Adventurers and adrenaline junkies alike will be excited to zip across the Jebel Jais mountain range at speeds of up to 93 mph. You can enjoy the ride solo or with a family member and/or friend, as two cables run beside each at the thrilling heights.

Getting There : There are several ways to travel to Jebel Jais, including the Jebel Jais tours shuttle buses from Ras Al Khaimah, personal cars or taxi and takes around 3.5 hours.

Travel Tip : Temperatures in Ras Al Khamiah are typically lower than other areas of UAE, especially on the mountain range. Make sure to bring a sweater or jacket for your zip line adventure.

Musandam: Watch Dolphins at Play

Located at the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam Peninsula is part of Oman but is surrounded by the UAE. In the capital of Dibba, view the 17th-century Portuguese Khasab Fort after driving the winding roads to arrive in the picturesque destination.

Several day tour options are available in order to do the main attraction in the area, a dolphin watching dhow cruise. View the serene animals from an ancient wooden boat, or dhow, in the middle of the Gulf of Oman.

Getting There : The drive from Dubai to Musandam is around 2 hours. Self-driving is the best option for touring Musandam. Follow the signs to the emirates of Um Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah, until reaching the border crossing for Musandam.

  Travel Tip : Due to Musandam technically being located in Oman, note that you’ll need to cross the border. Thus, if self-driving, ensure you have insurance to cover border crossing and the appropriate visa.

Hatta: Visit Hatta Fort & Heritage Village

 Maria Fedotova / Getty Images

Located just over 80.7 miles (130 kilometers) south-east of Dubai, Hatta offers stunning mountain cliffs and green valleys. In the center of town is the Hatta Heritage Village, which opened in 2001. In the middle of the Heritage Village is Bait Al Wali, the house where the ruler once resided amongst opulent jewels, garments, and weaponry.

Tourists are educated on the past customs here, including tales of old, customary marriage ceremony procedures, and even traditional songs. During a visit, it’s a must to also visit the historical fort which was built in 1896 and was restored in 1995. 

Getting There : The travel time from Dubai to Hatta Heritage Village is 1.5 hours via Sharjah-Kalba road.

Travel Tip : A visit to the local hotel near the Heritage Village, JA Hatta Fort Hotel is recommended for lunch or a coffee break. 

Sharjah: Historic Mleiha Archeological Centre

Palmares Cydrick Louie / EyeEm / Getty Images

Within the depths of deserts of Sharjah lies the Mleiha Archeological Centre , which offers visitors a glimpse into the region's historic Bedouin culture. The area offers magnificent natural backdrops, blending culture and history in the setting.

Mleiha dates back to the Bronze Age and offers the opportunity to learn about the Iron, pre-Islamic, and Islamic ages during a visit. It features interactive displays, exhibitions, and ancient artefacts to learn about times of yesterday in the Emirates.

Getting There : Mleiha is located 50 minutes outside of Dubai via Sharjah-Kalba Rd.

Travel Tip : For a private experience catered to your groups’ needs, Mleiha offers an exhilarating ArchaeoMOG tour in a UNIMOG truck. Experience not only the museum but the Mleiha Stables and the Valley of the Caves.

Sir Bani Yas Island: Enjoy Arabian Wildlife and Adventure

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Located off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. Families and friends can enjoy arriving to the island on a speedboat from Jebel Dhana Jetty to this picturesque island.

Sir Bani Yas island features the Arabian Wildlife Park , which offers a safari experience on a savanna reserve of more than 10,000 animals including gazelles, giraffes, Arabian oryxes, and cheetahs. The island also offers three Anantara Hotel Resorts and Spas, containing beach front solitude and access to water sports such as kayaking.

Getting There : Sir Bani Yas Island can be reached by boat, plane, or car. When traveling by car it takes approximately 4 hours from Dubai and 2 hours from Abu Dhabi via the E-11 highway.

Travel Tip : For history buffs, consider doing a guided walk into the island’s Bronze Age roots, where you can visit a Christian monastery developed by monks over 1,400 years ago.

Fujairah: Experience a Fort and Nature

Wendy Connett / Getty Images 

As one of the younger Emirates in the region, Fujairah isn’t as touristy as other locations, making it a great option for a getaway. Visitors can learn about Emirati history by visiting the 15th-century Al-Bidyah Mosque and the 16th-century Fujairah Fort.

Popular tourist attractions in the city of Fujairah include the 31,000-acre nature reservee Wadi Al Wurayah, which is home to the UAE’s only waterfall. Madhab Spring Park features mineral springs and is a great spot to hit for families, located close to Fujairah Heritage Village.

Getting There : Located around 1.5 hours from the city, Fujairah can best be reached by car via Fujairah Rd/Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Rd.

Travel Tip : If you happen to venture to Fujairah on a Friday, make sure to stop by the Friday market to experience a taste of local goods and food. 

Liwa: Off-Roading Adventures and Dune Bashing

by Marc Guitard / Getty Images 

The ancient city of Liwa convenes at the northern point of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), which is the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass region. It spans 100 kilometer and is home to some of the largest sand dunes known to man. The largest tribe in the UAE, the Bani Yas Tribe, also call Liwa home.

Tourists can climb the largest sand dune in the UAE: Tel Moreeb, which literally translates to "scary mountain." A host of tour companies offer dune safari experiences in 4X4 trucks. However, if dune bashing in 4X4s is not your speed, then you can opt to do a slow-paced Liwa camel trek.

Getting There : Liwa is around 3.5 hours from Dubai by car via Tarif - Liwa Rd .

Travel Tip : Celebrate UAE’s heritage by attending the 9 day Liwa Festival, which features bike and car races that climb the 300-meter-high Moreeb Dune. 

Umm Al Quwain: Explore Museums and a Water Park

typhoonski / Getty Images

As the second smallest emirate in the UAE, Umm Al Quwain  (UAQ), is one of the lesser-known destinations in the region. Nonetheless, it packs big fun for those looking to explore off the beaten path during a visit. It is positioned between Sharjah and Ras Al Khamiah.

UAQ is home to various reactional activities like skydiving, sailing, and even falconry. However, its top tourist destination is Dreamland Aqua Park , as it’s the UAE’s largest water park. History buffs would also enjoy the UAQ National Museum, which is housed in an impeccable fortress. It’s home to a collection of ancient artifacts excavated from nearby sites. 

Getting There : UAQ is located just under an hour from Dubai via Sheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd.

Travel Tip : Keep your eyes peeled for locals building traditional wooden dhows en route to UAQ.

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Dubai

Day trips from dubai.

• Dubai to Abu Dhabi
• Dubai to Murqquab
• Dubai to Al Ain
• Dubai to Sharjah
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Dubai to Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque & Qasr Al Watan Palace

2. Dubai Full Day Tour with Entry Ticket to Burj Khalifa at the Top

3. Abu Dhabi Private City Tour

4. Private Abu Dhabi City Tour with Pick up from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

5. Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ Options

6. Dubai Heritage Land Rover Desert Safari with Traditional Dinner

7. Dubai Arabian Desert Adventure, BBQ Dinner & Optional ATV

8. Abu Dhabi Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai with Mosque Visit

9. Full Day Private Tour Throughout Dubai with Burj Khalifa

10. Full Day Musandam Cruise with Lunch from Dubai

11. Evening Desert Safari Tour with BBQ Dinner and Live Show in Dubai

12. Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Vintage Land Rover & Breakfast

13. Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre, Qasr Al Watan Palace

14. Abu Dhabi City Tour Full Day, Optional Pick Up from Dubai Port

15. Miracle Garden and Global Village Private Tour with Food

16. Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Tickets from Dubai

17. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Guided Tour

18. Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Falconry & Camel Ride

19. Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour From Dubai

20. Private Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour with Pick Up

21. Luxury Premium Desert Safari with 5* Live BBQ Dinner

22. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Day Tour with Grand Mosque & Louvre Museum

23. Full-Day City Tour of the Tourist Attractions and Places in Dubai

24. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Full-Day Trip with Louvre & Grand Mosque

25. Dubai Sightseeing Day Trip from Abu Dhabi

26. Five Emirates Tour in a Day from Dubai - Know the East-Coast.

27. Dubai: Abu Dhabi Trip with Lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant

28. Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Riding & BBQ Buffet Dinner

29. Abu Dhabi Mosque including Ferrari World Tour from Dubai

30. Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai with guide, Grand Mosque, Heritage

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Dubai

Day trips from dubai.

• Dubai to Abu Dhabi
• Dubai to Murqquab
• Dubai to Al Ain
• Dubai to Sharjah
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

91. 57 Heritage Desert Safari Dubai

92. Abu Dhabi Small-Group Day Trip from Dubai including Qasr Al Watan

93. Private Tour - Al Ain Garden City Tour from Dubai

94. Private Night Layover Dubai Tour

95. Desert Safari with Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

96. Dubai Tour Including Entrance to Burj Khalifa 124th Floor from Abu Dhabi

97. 1 HR Self Drive Quad Bike , BBQ Dinner, Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & 3 Live Shows

98. Abu Dhabi Full-Day Small-Group Tour from Dubai

99. Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour With Grand Mosque, BAPS Mandir

100. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Dubai Evening Desert Safari Combo

101. Abu Dhabi Tour With Ferrari World From Dubai

102. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour From Dubai

103. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai

104. Private Desert Safari With Sand Boarding Quad bike and Camel Ride BBQ Dinner

105. Private Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing Tour

106. Abu Dhabi Cultural Tour with Falcon Hospital, Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Abu Dhabi !

107. Full-Day Abu Dhabi City Tour with Local Guide from Dubai

108. Musandam Dibba Tour with Dhow Cruise, Buffet Lunch & Transfers

109. Sharjah City Tour

110. Private Half-Day Tour in Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village

111. Dubai Desert Safari, CamelRide, sand-boarding, Dune Drive & BBQ

112. Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque Tour and Louvre Museum Visit from Dubai

113. Abu Dhabi Mosque and Louvre Museum with Lunch from Dubai

114. Dubai: Al Marmoom Oasis Vintage Safari with Camels, Stargazing & Bedouin Dinner

115. Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Sandsurf & 5* BBQ

116. Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque Tour With Louvre Museum Tickets

117. Dubai Evening Desert Safari - Private

118. Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Tour in Private Vehicle

119. Sunset Evening Safari,Camel ride,live shows and BBQ Dinner with No Hidden Charge

120. Abu Dhabi Private City Tour with Local Guide

What travelers are saying.

The Wandering Whites

• Family Travel

10 Easy Day Trips from Dubai

We know what it’s like to feel the need to take a trip back to nature after a long week of work in Dubai. Here are 10 easy day trips from Dubai , perfect for the whole family that have been tried and tested. And bonus – most are free!

Read on for our top, cheap family-friendly ideas for escaping the city on a day trip from Dubai. Pack a picnic, fill the car up and wear some comfortable shoes…..

10. Al Qudra Lake, Love Lakes and Expo Lake

Al Qudra Lake is a short trip from Dubai, only 30mins from the Marina. It can be just an afternoon or morning out with the family. Al Qudra desert is an oasis with ducks and lots of other birds, watch out for the flamingos. It can get really popular on weekends with campers and the Al Qudra road is lined with people selling firewood, charcoal and other camping requirements.

Love Lakes has a structured path which you can walk around (5km) so great for getting the steps in, a popular and easy day trip from Dubai!

Expo Lake is a bit further away, closer to the stunning Bab Al Shams desert hotel . It is quieter than Al Qudra Lakes and Love Lakes. We liked the oryx spotting tower and it is a lovely, early morning walk around the lake.

Practicals: 4×4 not required but some of the roads around there can have soft sand so do be careful if not in a 4×4. Pack a picnic and plenty of water, no toilets available in Al Qudra Lakes – go to Last Exit! Love Lakes and Expo Lakes have toilets.

9. Abu Dhabi

The capital of the UAE is only a short 45minutes down the road with much to offer for a day trip from Dubai. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-see, a simply spectacularly opulent building best seen as the sun sets. Yas Island has lots to offer with a beach, marina, restaurants and the popular Warner Brothers, Ferrari World and Water Park.

We have enjoyed the Emirates Zoo Resort when the kids were younger as there are lots of opportunities to get close to the animals. You can book breakfast with the giraffes. We also stayed overnight once which was an incredible experience. With lots to do in Abu Dhabi it is an easy day trip from Dubai.

8. Kite Beach Centre, UAQ

Who doesn’t love a beach day? This centre offers one of the most wholesome beach days in the area. Don’t be expecting waiters on roller skates or your own cooler box and towels. This place reminds us of Thailand and is perfect for what we know and love.

There are beach huts that can be reserved that have showers, hammocks and offer some well needed shade. The cafe is gorgeous and cooks up some amazing pizza from the wood fired ovens as well as lots of other delicious food. There are some small huts that can be rented overnight and you can bring your own tent and pitch up in a designated spot if you want to extend your day trip from Dubai. You can check out their website here. We love exploring different beaches as easy day trips from Dubai.

Practicals: Around 45mins – 1 hour drive from Dubai. Book beach huts well in advance especially for weekends. Dogs are welcome!

Sharjah has so much to offer and we love the fact that all the attractions are so affordable. It makes for the perfect affordable day trip from Dubai. Combine a few of the attractions so that you can get a full day trip from Dubai. Some of our favourites are Al Noor Island , Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum, Rain Rooms Sharjah , Discovery Centre and a wander around Al Majaz Waterfront for a coffee or some lunch.

Sharjah Safari is the largest park outside of Africa. A vast space with many Arabian animals. The kids will enjoy the trip on the bus.

There is so much in Sharjah that is not difficult to fill up the day so definitely add this on your list for easy day trips from Dubai.

Practicals: Pre-book the Rain Room and make sure to combine with something else as it is a half hour visit. Only a 30-45minute drive from Dubai so great for a shorter family day trip from Dubai.

Hatta is one of the most popular day trips from Dubai. Hatta has taken adventure under its belt over the last few years and really invested in activities in the area.

There is the famous Hatta dam where you can opt for a tranquil kayak around, we love going early morning before the crowds. Hatta Wadi Hub has a range of activities on offer from zip lining, hammer throwing, high ropes to a giant water slide. There are numerous walking trails and mountain bike tracks – you can hire bikes there too. The addition of the mountain chalets, trailers , campsite and more recently the domes and caravans has given a range of accommodations as well as the renowned Hatta Fort Hotel.

With so many activities on offer it really is a great option for easy day trips from Dubai. Read more here.

Practicals: Around 1.5hours drive from Dubai. Hatta Wadi Hub is where all the activities are based as well as the walks and mountain bikes. We have camped here which is a good option as it’s one of the only campsites we have found in the UAE offering toilets, showers and BBQ pits – more of this please UAE!! The accommodation gets booked up far in advance so be sure to be organised.

An archaeological site in Sharjah where recent discoveries have led to information about how Bedouins used to live. The site is in the desert close to Fossil Rock, if you are confident desert driving to explore. Alternatively you can book a guide for dune bashing, walking tours and other trips. Before entering the archaeological sight go and explore the wadis and caves around (free), a short hike and then go to the museum with a/c to cool down, there is a 55dhs entry charge (for a family of 5) which is worth a look. There is a lovely, airy café too. For more detailed information click here.

Keep your eye out for the winter pop up cafes that are often in this area. They have also recently opened a glamping spot.

Practicals: 1 hour drive from Dubai (put in Waze), wear walking shoes, bring plenty of water – it is the desert so it’s hot, go early before the midday sun!

4. Wadi Shawka

A firm favourite day trip from Dubai for us. A valley in the mountains of Ras Al Khaima which has lots of ideal walking trails from beginner to expert. Download the wikiloc app for detailed trails. It has lots of parking, no need for a 4×4 and is a great spot even if you’re not big hikers. You can just go for a picnic and a little wander around, play in the park, see the dam and take in the mountain air. One to try from the perfect easy day trips from Dubai, read more information here.

Practicals: 1.5 hour drive from Dubai (put into Waze), get there early as parking can fill up, toilets there, sometimes a coffee van, bring a picnic/bbq and lots of water.

3. Jebel Jais – RAK

Jebel Jais is the tallest mountain in the UAE, it gets busy with hikers, cyclists and motor bikes so go as early as you can. It can get cold in the winter in the UAE so make sure you take a jumper with you. There are some easy hikes at the top, a park and of course the zip lines – if you’re brave enough. There is also the new Jais Sledder which is amazing. Fun for the whole family.

Right at the very top of Jebel Jais is 1484 by Puro restaurant but you need to pre-book that before turning up. Worth adding to your list of easy day trips from Dubai for the freshest air in the UAE!

Practicals: A 2 hour drive from Dubai. The last 30minutes is driving up the mountain. Have the camera ready and pull in along the way to admire the views – watch out for the mountain goats. There are toilets, car park, playground, viewing points and a coffee van at the top.

2. Jebel Hafit

The most stunning, spiral drive up to the mountain peak offering impressive views of the Hajar mountain range in Al Ain . The drive is actually voted as one of the best in the world and Top Gear did a section about Jebel Hafit. Definitely worth the day trip from Dubai to check it out. At the foot of the mountain is the green mubazzarah which is as green as the name suggests, a rarity in the UAE. A perfect place for a picnic, to kick the ball about and enjoy nature.

Practicals: Around a 2 hour drive from Dubai to Al Ain, with the final 20minutes being the spectacular drive up the mountain. Stop at the various view points to take in the scenery.

1. Khorfakkan

Khorfakkan was named best Arab city in 2023. It is the perfect day trip from Dubai as there is so much to do here. Stop off in Al Rafisah dam on the way or way back there is a lovely cafe with views, go for a short hike in Wadi Sheesh nature trail, drive over to the corniche and check out the amphitheatre and old souk. If you’re looking for more adventurous hikes check out Al Rabi or Wadi Abadilah . With so much to do it makes for an ideal easy day trip from Dubai. More information here.

Practicals: 1.5 hour drive from Dubai, fill up petrol and use the toilet before the last 45minutes as there’s not many places to stop! Combine a few activities in one trip.

Hope you enjoyed this round up of easy day trips from Dubai. Do let us know which is your favourite or if you think we missed any. Check out our favourite family hikes in Dubai or 50 Activities in the UAE for some other ideas. If you are looking to go a bit further check out 7 Stunning places to visit in Oman.

For all our other information check out Everything you need to know about Dubai . Or if you are looking for other family travel inspiration check out our Destinations Page .

Disclaimer:  This post  Easy Day Trips from Dubai,  has affiliate links  and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you .

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12 Best Day Trips From Dubai

James A. Smith - Chief Editor

Last Updated: January 4, 2024

Hey there! I'm James, the author of the article "12 Best Day Trips From Dubai." As a travel enthusiast with a passion for exploring new places, I've compiled a list of the most exciting and memorable things to do near Dubai based on my own experiences. Enjoy planning your trip and have an incredible time discovering these amazing destinations!

It's a dream come true to vacation in Dubai, where you will find some of the most spectacular modern creations on the planet. The emirate casts a bewitching spell on its guests with its skyscrapers, ground-breaking attractions, and sweeping views of the Persian Gulf.

Nevertheless, after a while, these metallic hues can get monotonous and you may want to explore something different.

Although Dubai is home to some of the most popular attractions in the UAE, the rest of the UAE and its surrounding regions also offer many unique experiences. In addition, these may seem low on hype and crowds, which you will crave after a while in Dubai.

Read on to find a list of the best day trips from Dubai, and be sure to check out these off-beat places if you want to experience something out of the ordinary!

Most Recommended Thing to Do

Burj Khalifa

Top Choice Hotel

Burj Al Arab

Our Top Choice Restaurant

Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife

White Dubai

Best Time to Visit

Mild winters, October to April, ideal for tourism.

Average Temperature

Hot and sunny, with scorching desert temperatures.

Transportation Options

Metro, taxi, bus, tram, rental car, private car.

Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)

My Top Recommendation

When it comes to exploring the magnificent city of Dubai, it's all about experiencing the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and adventure. Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the vibrant streets of the Old Dubai area. Stroll through the bustling souks, where the aroma of exotic spices fills the air, and haggle for unique treasures. Don't forget to take an enchanting abra ride along Dubai Creek, enjoying the picturesque views of traditional dhows sailing by.

For a taste of the city's opulence, visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Ascend to the observation deck on the 148th floor, where you'll be awe-struck by panoramic views of the futuristic skyline surrounding the vast Arabian Desert. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner under the stars at one of Dubai's exquisite rooftop restaurants, offering a luxurious dining experience with breathtaking vistas. Finally, unwind and rejuvenate at one of the city's renowned spa retreats, where you can indulge in ancient wellness rituals and treatments fit for royalty. With its diverse offerings, Dubai promises an unforgettable and personalized journey tailored just for you.

What You'll Need to Bring

• Visa (if required)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Appropriate clothing for the weather and cultural norms
• Sunscreen and hat
• Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
• Travel adapter for charging your electronic devices
• Local currency or a reliable means of payment (credit card, cash)
• Portable charger to keep your devices powered on the go
• Guidebook or map for exploring the city

What Not to Miss

• Palm Jumeirah

Jumeirah Beach

Dubai marina.

• The Dubai Fountain
• Dubai Museum
• Sheikh Zayed Road
• Old Dubai (Al Fahidi Historic District)
• Desert Safari

What to Avoid

• Public displays of affection
• Drinking alcohol in public places outside designated areas
• Wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing, especially in religious or conservative areas
• Disrespecting local customs and traditions
• Taking photographs of individuals without their permission
• Using offensive language or gestures
• Eating or drinking during daylight hours in public during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims
• Engaging in any form of illegal activities, including drug use or possession
• Showing disrespect towards the ruling family or government authorities
• Engaging in any form of public protests or political demonstrations.

Table of Contents

1. Abu Dhabi

First up, it's the UAE's capital city. Now a major Middle East tourist destination, Abu Dhabi has been striving hard to level up against Dubai.

Located south of Dubai, and well connected by road, it is easy to take a day trip to the regional capital from central Dubai.

During this day trip, visitors can explore some of the emirate's most magnificent wonders, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (see our next point), Saadiyat Island, and Louvre Abu Dhabi to name a few.

Abu Dhabi is also a popular destination for anybody who would like to take part in a desert safari, go camel riding, or take any general desert excursion.

Alternatively, spend a day at Yas Island where a ticket to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi lets you explore the realm of high-speed thrills on the world's fastest roller coaster and much more.

Apart from Ferrari World, YAS Island is also home to the famous Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Water World is perfect for groups of friends or families.

It is common for visitors to opt for Abu Dhabi/Dubai combo tours, staying a few nights in Abu Dhabi, and a few nights in Dubai when visiting the UAE.

Those who do not wish to spend an overnight or full-day trip in Abu Dhabi may very well plan a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai.

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi city is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich culture and the history of the United Arab Emirates . It is easy to spend an entire day here, without heading into the city of Abu Dhabi itself.

With its stunning marble façade, intricate tilework, and spacious courtyard, the mosque is a true architectural marvel. It is also the country's largest mosque.

Visitors can admire the mosque's 82 domes, four minarets, and over one million individual hand-laid mosaic tiles, each of which contributes to the mosque's awe-inspiring beauty.

In addition to its stunning beauty, the mosque also offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, making it a perfect place to reflect and connect with one's own beliefs as well as the local culture.

Whether you're a religious pilgrim or simply seeking to experience the richness of Abu Dhabi's cultural heritage, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an unforgettable destination that should not be missed.

Visitors can request a drop off at the mosque and collection later in the day with a private driver or in any of Dubai's taxis.

3. Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, located in the northern part of the country.

It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, paragliding, and quad biking.

Ras Al Khaimah is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Already known as the adventure capital of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah offers a wide range of outdoor activities set against scenic backdrops, the most notable of which is Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE.

Only two hours by car from Dubai, the long drive is both refreshing and enthralling. As you approach the foot of Jebel Jais, the breathtaking views are framed by enormous, rugged cliffs of UAE's tallest mountain which are a sight to behold!

You can go on hiking trips once you arrive in Jebel Jais. Prepare for the longest zipline adventure of your life as you glide through the mountains' gorges and valleys.

You can also engage in the VIA FERRATA Mountain Climbing Expedition - the first of its kind in the UAE.

4. Khor Fakkan

While Sharjah is positioned as the cultural capital of the UAE, a slice of this emirate on the east coast of the UAE - Khor Fakkan - offers coastal vibes and water adventures.

Within just 2 hours by road to the east coast, you will be met with the sparkling clear waters of the Gulf of Oman and a quaint township that is less touristy and has serene beaches that rival those of Dubai.

If you like to swim, dive in and enjoy exploring the underwater world with the best snorkeling and scuba diving experience.

The beaches are perfect for strolls, and the water is perfect for a quick swim. Khor Fakkan is a hidden gem of the UAE and is an absolute delight to visit as one of the day trips from Dubai.

5. Al Ain Oasis

Speaking of hidden gems, Al Ain is another lovely, refreshing destination just a few hours outside of Dubai. It can be a good alternative for desert day trips, where you can camel ride as part of a private tour or in a larger group.

While it is located in Abu Dhabi, this destination sets itself apart from the emirate's modern and cultural vibes. There are many reasons to visit Al Ain, including its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as the garden city of the UAE.

The area is surrounded by a variety of date palms that have been preserved and nourished using an ancient watering system, and the surroundings are dotted with historical sites.

Without a doubt, this is the place that nature lovers should visit while in Dubai to get away from the glitz and glamour of the futuristic city.

Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, lies to the north of Dubai and presents an amalgam of natural and cultural scenes that are tranquil and slow-paced in comparison to the buzz of Dubai.

Explore the Bedouin culture and influences of Arabic empires in Sharjah with trips to places like the Sharjah Museum of Civilization, the Sharjah Art Museum, and the Blue Souk.

There is no doubt that the Persian Gulf and other waterfront areas are stunning spots for boat tours and cruise experiences. While not as grand as Dubai Dhow cruises , these options do offer a more relaxing, serene atmosphere and are worth exploring.

There's a slow and more mellow vibe in this emirate, and there aren't as many crowds as in Dubai.

The journey to Sharjah from Downtown Dubai by car doesn't take more than one hour. You can even reach Sharjah by ferry! The ease of access is the primary reason why it is a popular day trip destination from Dubai.

7. Hatta Mountains

A trip to the Hatta Mountains is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path excursion that completely removes you from the hustle and bustle of modern-day Dubai and places you in the middle of pristine natural beauty.

This is one of the day trips from Dubai that is perfect for most visitors who want to set foot on raw soil and breathe the mountain breezes and don't want to get overwhelmed by Dubai's dynamism.

You will instantly feel rejuvenated by Hatta's colossal views of rugged mountains and clear water pools as part of the majestic Hajar Mountains.

There are many activities that you can enjoy at Hatta Dubai, including trekking, strolling on nature hiking trails, visiting Hatta Heritage Village, or taking part in some adrenaline-pumping activities like kayaking on Hatta Dam, mountain biking, and more at Hatta Wadi Hub.

Upon visiting this serene mountain destination in UAE, you might fall in love with it so much that the next time you visit, you will take out one day from your schedule and stay overnight there, perhaps as a camping or glamping experience.

8. Musandam, Oman

Musandam in Oman is also known as the Norway of Arabia.

As a neighboring country, reaching the borders of Oman takes no more than three hours and is one of the most popular foreign day trips from Dubai.

However, a portion of Oman remains separate from the rest of the country, perched on top of the UAE just above Ras Al Khaimah, and consists of one of the most blissful and refreshing attractions in the Middle East.

This is Musandam in Oman, where you can immerse yourself in breathtaking views of rugged valleys and turquoise waters.

Include a boat trip on your visit to fully appreciate the beauty of this destination.

9. Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the closest day trips from Dubai available after Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. It is a destination that offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit for any traveler to the United Arab Emirates.

From its breathtaking natural scenery, such as the Hajar Mountains and pristine beaches, to its rich cultural heritage, with its historic forts, traditional souks, and archaeological sites, Ras Al Khaimah is a place of unparalleled beauty and diversity.

Adventure seekers will find plenty to keep them busy, with activities ranging from desert safaris and dune bashing to water sports and mountain trekking.

Visitors can also experience the luxury of Ras Al Khaimah's world-class resorts and spas or indulge in the local cuisine and shopping opportunities.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience, Ras Al Khaimah is a destination that truly has it all.

10. Fujairah

Fujairah is another emirate that makes the list of possible day trips from Dubai. It is a hidden gem in the United Arab Emirates that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness in the Arabian desert. Among UAE's seven emirates, Fujairah is the only one that lies on the country's eastern coast along the Gulf of Oman.

With its stunning beaches, rugged coastline, and the Hajar Mountains as a backdrop, Fujairah is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Visitors can explore the many beaches and go snorkeling or scuba diving to discover the diverse marine life in the area. Those interested in history and culture will enjoy visiting the ancient forts, and traditional markets, where they can learn about the local heritage and customs.

The major attraction in Fujairah City is the Fujairah Fort, which is a historical fortification located in the city of Fujairah. It is one of the oldest forts in the UAE and is considered a symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage.

The fort, which dates back to the 16th century, has been renovated and restored over the years, and today it serves as a museum showcasing the history and culture of Fujairah and the surrounding region.

Visitors to the fort can admire its architectural style, learn about the local history and customs, and see examples of traditional weapons and tools. The Fujairah Fort is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of the UAE and provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Fujairah is also home to several modern hotels and resorts, providing a luxurious escape for travelers seeking comfort and relaxation.

11. Musandam Peninsula's Coast (Boat Trip)

The Musandam Peninsula's Coast is a breathtakingly beautiful region located in the northern part of the Sultanate of Oman. Whilst it is not in the same country, it is still possible to visit the Musandam Peninsula as part of a day trip from Dubai.

It is known for its rugged and dramatic coastline, characterized by steep cliffs that rise up from the clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea. The Musandam Peninsula's Coast is a popular destination for those seeking adventure and outdoor activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing.

Visitors can also explore the many traditional fishing villages and witness the unique way of life of the local people, who have lived in the region for generations. The area is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and a variety of bird species, making it one of the popular sites for eco-tourism and wildlife watching.

The Musandam Peninsula's Coast is a truly unique and unspoiled part of the world and is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Arabian Peninsula.

12. Umm al Quwain

Situated on the Arabian Gulf, Umm al-Quwain is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is located in the northern part of the country and is known for its scenic beauty, including sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and wildlife reserves.

Visitors to Umm al-Quwain can also experience traditional Arabian culture by visiting historic forts and traditional markets, as well as indulging in water sports, camel rides, and fishing activities.

Despite the activities available, Umm al-Quwain is also a great destination for those seeking a more relaxed and natural atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

With its unique mix of modern amenities and traditional charm, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience for tourists.

Summing up: The Best Day Trips From Dubai

So, there we have it: our list of the best day trips from Dubai, suitable at any time of the year.

Due to its popularity and strategic location on the global map, Dubai has an unrivaled advantage in terms of connectivity to other regions and countries.

The other emirates can be easily explored in a day from Dubai because the distance is easily covered in a couple of hours. A trip to Oman is also suitable for exciting day trips if you do not mind going the extra mile to obtain one more visa for the trip.

Nonetheless, this post highlights many natural wonders and charming places, some of which would be completely overlooked if you planned only to stay in Dubai throughout your time in the UAE.

Now that you know the list of day trips from Dubai available to you, be sure to try them out as a short trip on your next visit!

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Al fahidi historic district, related articles, featured in.

Home » Travel Guides » United Arab Emirates » 15 Best Day Trips from Dubai

15 Best Day Trips from Dubai

Dubai is among the seven emirates that come together to form the UAE. The city is welcoming and gives tourists a chance to connect with a wide range of experiences. This independent city-state is filled with magnificent, world-class tourist destinations. Most visitors come here to shop and discover the wide array of ancient and modern sites.

The city’s energy is quite fascinating; during the day, shoppers throng the various malls, while at night, tourists are completely spoilt for choice thanks to the party spectrum that caters to all ages. However, even the most dedicated city slickers need a break from the bustling city center every once in a while. If you are looking for ideas for perfect day trips from Dubai, check out our list of 15 destinations that are worth exploring.

1. Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is UAE’s capital. It’s also the largest of the seven emirates of the UAE. This city is located along the Persian Gulf on an island that has a T-shape.

Abu Dhabi is located about 90 minutes from downtown Dubai. It is a wonderful mix of classic and modern Arab architecture.

The newly opened Louvre is a highlight for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi. This cultural spot is totally beautiful and houses impressive pieces of art. Louvre is located on Saadiyat Island.

If you have some time left, you can squeeze in a trip to the Emirates Palace and the Etihad Towers. These not only offer stunning city views but are also great photo opportunities.

Recommended tour : Abu Dhabi Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This mosque is located about 132 kilometers from Dubai. It is the largest mosque in the country and one of the world’s most visually stunning landmarks. Built in honor of the country’s first president, it is also here that he was laid to rest. The mosque was built between 1996 and 2007 – the actual building covers an area of 12 hectares.

This mosque incorporates 82 domes and is decked out with lavish helpings of marble, ceramic-work, and gold. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has seven absolutely gorgeous crystal chandeliers and is home to the world’s largest carpet; this was woven by 1,200 carpet weavers.

The mosque’s decorations are a combination of Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman styles; all these are symbols of the periods when the Arabic empires ruled.

If you’re non-Muslim, you don’t need to worry; you can also enter to admire the stunning architecture; however, women should be dressed in the right attire.

3. Musandam Peninsula

This peninsula is located 194 kilometers from Dubai. On this day trip to the “Norway of Arabia,” you should not forget your passport because this destination is in fact in a different country.

The Musandam Peninsula is the regional capital of Khasab, a small fishing village that has utterly stunning views. This peninsula provides a peaceful antidote to the city’s buzz. Musandam’s raw beauty comprises of incredibly steep mountains that plunge into the waters, resembling the Norwegian fiords.

To explore the Musandam Peninsula thoroughly, you need to take a cruise from Khasab. Expect to spot some dolphins on your ride.

Suggested tour : Musandam Dibba Full-Day Cruise with Lunch

4. Al Fujairah

Fujairah is another one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE and is located approximately 167 kilometers from Dubai. This Emirate became independent in the year 1952 and is the youngest of all the Emirates; its capital is Fujairah City.

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines nature with history lessons, the Al Fujairah is the perfect destination just for that.

Just outside the capital, there is the Fujairah Fort, which functioned as a military post in the 16th Century. Nearby, there is the reconstructed Fujairah Heritage Village, which shows how the locals lived in the past.

5. Palm Islands

The artificial Palm Islands comprise of the Jumeirah, Jebel Ali, and the Deira. Their creation started in the year 2001 at the request of UAE’s prime minister. A decade later, only Palm Jumeirah was completely created. Jumeirah Island is connected to the mainland using a monorail.

The Palm Islands resemble a palm tree that is topped by a crescent-shaped island. These man-made islands were created by the process of land reclamation and have added about 520km of beaches to the city.

These offshore islands are Dubai’s most unique and boldest megaprojects. They are often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. All the archipelagos used up more than 53 million pounds of sand and about 12million pounds of rock.

The name “Al Ain” means “The Spring” in Arabic. This city is also known as the Garden City of the Gulf, thanks to its green landscape. Al Ain is located in Abu Dhabi, about 130 kilometers from Dubai, on the border with Oman.

If you are a culture lover and want to learn about the country’s past, Al Ain will make a great day trip from Dubai. This lush oasis is where Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan spent much of his life. This means that this city has a lot of historical roots.

Some highlights of the trip are the Al Ain Palace and the Al Ain National Museums. The palace museum was constructed in 1937 and opened to the public in 2001.

Human settlement on this oasis – which has been listed as UNESCO site – dates back to the Stone Age.

7. Ferrari World

Ferrari world was opened on 4th November 2010 and sits 112 kilometers from Dubai. The park’s foundation stone was laid on 3rd November 2007.

The enormous theme park covers 86,000 square meters.

This massive theme park comprises of Formula 1 race courses, Flying Aces, and roller coaster slides. If you long for the ultimate Ferrari driving experience, it’s about time you made a trip to this amusement park. The Formula Rosso ride is the world’s fastest roller coaster; it goes from 0 to 240km/hr and gives you the thrill of the real Formula 1 racer experience.

Available tour : From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Day Tour with Ferrari World Ticket

8. Jumeirah Archeological Site

The Jumeirah Site is a historical archeological area that is located between Jumeirah and Al-Wasl road. These ruins date back to the 9th and the 11th Century.

Back in the day, the site functioned as a stopover for the caravan of traders who traveled between Oman and Iraq. This site is now a major attraction, bringing in tourists, researchers, historians and archeologists from all walks of life.

When the site was excavated in 1969, ancient treasures such as bronze coins, plate ware, and pottery jugs were found. This collection is on display inside the Dubai Museum.

9. Umm al Qaywayn

Umm al Qaywayn is also spelled as Umm al Qaiwain. This constituent emirate of the UAE is located on the Arabian Peninsula and faces the Persian Gulf. Umm al Qaywayn is located about 57km from Dubai and about 171km from the country’s capital, Abu Dhabi.

Umm al Qaywayn is the 2nd smallest and the least populous of all the seven emirates. The emirate has a triangular shape with an extremely irregular coastline; it has multiple small inlets, offshore islets, and spits.

Unlike most of its neighbors, this emirate’s economy does not rely on oil; no deposits have been found here. Its revenue is dependent upon tourism, fishing, and pearl diving.

10. Wadi Adventure Park

This adventure park is located approximately 153 kilometers from Dubai, in the arid zone of Al Ain.

If you would like to get away from the Dubai heat, visit the Wadi Adventure Park and cool down as you relax.

Bring your whole family to the park; there are lots of activities that you can all participate in, such as surfing, kayaking, swimming, and zip lining.

Skip the line : Wild Wadi Waterpark Full-Day Skip-the-Line Ticket

11. Sharjah

Sharjah is located 20 kilometers from Dubai. Due to its proximity to Dubai and thanks to the lower cost of living, most people working in Dubai prefer to reside in Sharjah. For this reason, you might get stuck in traffic if you find yourself on the roads at rush hour.

Sharjah is the only one of the seven emirates that has a coastline on both the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.

In this city, both the sale and the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. One needs to have an alcohol license. The city also takes its decency laws very seriously. Both men and women should not expose their knees, backs, or bellies.

12. Ras Al Khaimah City

This city is also referred to as Julfar and is located 94 kilometers from Dubai. It is another one of the emirates making up the UAE.

“Ras Al Khaimah” directly translates to “top of the small huts.” In this area, there are many huts along the coastal region; these were the area’s indigenous settlements.

Ras Al Khaimah is located in the north of the UAE and sits between the Persian Gulf and the Hajjar Mountains.

This capital is the 5th largest city in the UAE and is located 30 kilometers from Dubai, along the Persian Gulf. If you travel by plane, it will take you approximately 20 minutes to reach Ajman on your day trip. Ajman covers an area of about 460 square kilometers and borders Sharjah to the northeastern end.

Ajman is a rapidly developing tourist destination thanks to its beaches that extend for a distance of 16 kilometers.

The Emirate officially joined the UAE on December 2, 1971.

14. Khor Fakkan

This city is located along the eastern coastline of the Gulf of Oman. Khor Fakkan is surrounded by Fujairah. Khor Fakkan literally translates to “Creek of Two Jaws” in Arabic.

The bay area faces to the north-eastern end. The jetty that serves as the terminal for container ships protects the area from the strong winds experienced in the region. This container port is the deepest in the region.

Khor Fakkan rises to an altitude of 1,023m above sea level. This city is fairly developed due to the presence of the white sandy beaches that attract tourists.

15. Jebel Ali

This port town is situated 35 kilometers away from Dubai. These two cities are connected via the UAE Exchange, Danube, and the Dubai metro energy stations.

In Arabic, “Jebel” means mountain. Some historians believe that the port town got its name from Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Ali bin Abi Talib. The historians say that he stood on the hill overlooking the sea and supplicated.

This port is one of the most visited ports – outside the US – by ships belonging to the US Navy. This is due to its size, depth, and facilities offered.

15 Best Day Trips from Dubai:

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Musandam Peninsula
• Al Fujairah
• Palm Islands
• Ferrari World
• Jumeirah Archeological Site
• Umm al Qaywayn
• Wadi Adventure Park
• Ras Al Khaimah City
• Khor Fakkan

7 top-rated day trips from Dubai you can’t miss!

Things to do in Dubai Dubai Travel Guide Day Trips From Dubai

If you've already soaked the sun in Dubai's many beaches, taken a dhow cruise on the Dubai Creek and climbed atop the world's tallest building - the Burj Khalifa, it's maybe time to head out of the glitzy city and discover what the other emirates have to offer. From the glamourous capital city of Abu Dhabi to the green emerald pools of Hatta, there's a lot you can do if you wander outside the perimeter of Dubai. Here are our top 7 picks for the best day trips from Dubai.

Best Day Trips From Dubai

1 Abu Dhabi

Day trips from dubai.

UAE's capital city of Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates, a heady mix of traditional and modern Arab architecture. From the Sheikh Zayed Mosque to Yas Island and Ferrari World, a day trip to Abu Dhabi will help you experience everything the city has to offer. Other noteable attractions in the city include the Emirates Palace Hotel, the Corniche, Louvre and the newly opened Jubail Mangrove Park. Among its many man-made islands, the Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Sir Baniyas Island deserve a visit during your time here.

Regional Importance

There's no leaving UAE without visiting the capital emirate, even if it's just for a day. The Founders Tomb is in Abu Dhabi and so is the presidential palace - Qasr Al Watan.

Ease of access

There is a transportation option for every budget to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Buses, taxis, flights, helicopters or a serene 2 hour drive.

Lots to Explore

Abu Dhabi has its fair share of must-see attractions - Ferrari World, the Louvre and Sheikh Zayed Mosque to name a few. We'd recommend squeezing in 2 days to discover all of Abu Dhabi.

Bus (Cost - AED 30 | Duration - 2.5 hours)

If you close to in Bur Dubai, Satwa, or Karama in Dubai take the E100 bus from the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. If you are closer to Marina, JLT, or the JBR area in Dubai take the E101 bus from the Ibn Battuta Metro Station. The services run multiple times an hour, although the E100 service is slightly more frequent than the E101. The coaches are also air-conditioned, and offer free Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable journey.

Taxi (Cost - AED 250 | Duration - 2 hours)

Taking a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is an expensive affair, however, if an emergency arises - you have the option of hailing a taxi from anywhere in Dubai to anywhere in Abu Dhabi. Taxis in UAE accept debit card and NOL card payments. You can also use taxi booking apps like Uber and Careem, although rates may vary.

Car (Duration - 2 hours)

The most common route from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is via the Sheikh Zayed Road, or Highway E 11. Depending on where you enter the highway, it has at least one toll. Each toll typically costs AED 4. Organised Tour (Cost - AED 100 | Duration - 8 hours)

If you're looking to explore the city of Abu Dhabi with coach transfers to and fro Dubai, sightseeing, lunch and a great tour guide keeping you company through the day - an organised tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a great choice. If you're a first timer in UAE, we'd recommend signing up for an organised tour and let the logistics be taken care of. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the sights and beauty of the emirates.

Airport coaches (Cost - Free | Duration - 2.5 hours)

If you've arrived in Dubai via Etihad you can avail the free airport coach transfer. The pick-up and drop-off point is the Etihad Travel Mall in Downtown Dubai.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The gleaming white marble structure is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and a sight to behold! And a trip to Abu Dhabi is incomplete without a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The mosque has many unique elements that add up to its architectural beauty. But the exterior of the pristine white domes and imposing minarets itself is quite a sight.

The Corniche

Corniche is a waterfront promenade lined with parks, walkways, restaurants and cycle paths with a spectacular backdrop of the Abu Dhabi skyline and the clean blue waters to the front. Abu Dhabi's Corniche beach has been given the Blue Flag status which is an eco-label for beaches that guarantees safe and clean bathing water. Stroll along a stretch of the Corniche and feel the salty breeze in your hair.

Heritage Village

The Heritage Village provides travelers an insight into the desert life that bedouins in UAE led before the skyscrapers and glass structures came along. The Village is a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village replete with goat hair tents, the native falaj irrigation system and traditional artefacts used in the past. There are live workshops where you can see artisans demonstrate traditional skills like metalwork and pottery.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a treasure trove of art and culture - twenty galleries that journey through twelve chronological chapters of world civilisation. Built on 64,000 sq.m of a man-made island, the massive Arabian counterpart of Paris’s Louvre houses unique paintings, sculptures, and other artworks that have been sourced in collaboration with the Agence France Museums.

Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace of Abu Dhabi is an exquisitely crafted tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry. It is more than just a palace, it is a fountain of knowledge on the enriching journey of Arabian history in a contemporary setting. A mysterious labyrinthine of white domes, opulent buildings and well manicured gardens that were off limits to the public is now open to the public, giving travelers a chance to step foot into the grandiose palace and revel in its architecture, precious manuscripts and sculptures

Spread over 25 KM, Yas Island Abu Dhabi is is one of the finest man-made wonder's and truly a ‘leisure destination’ as they call it. With an array of world-class entertainment hubs like Warner Bros, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina Circuit, Clymb - there's no dearth of fun here! Activities aside, Yas Island is home to an array of opulent hotels like the Yas Viceroy, Crowne Plaza, Rotana etc. You also have the Yas Mall, a one stop destination for shopping, movies, arcades and fine restaurants.

Emirates Palace

The Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi is one of the few 7 star hotels in the world, a true world of opulence. This royal offering is decked with 394 rooms and suites and features 114 domes gilded in marble and gold. When the setting sun shines on the vast surface area of the hotel - it resembles a striking image in gold. For a quick taste of luxury and a glimpse of the different parts of this palatial hotel, you can sign up for an Emirates Palace tour.

Top experiences in Abu Dhabi

An hour's drive out of Dubai leads you to the aesthetic mountain ranges and emerald green rock pools of Hatta . Set off on an unplanned bike ride or battle the waves on a colourful kayak, there’s a lot to do in Hatta for adventure seekers. To acquaint yourself to rural Emarati culture, take a walk down its heritage street and step into the Hatta Heritage Village for an insight into the glorious past of the mountain region. Hatta is also now home to the region’s first “trailer hotel”, where you can camp along the banks of Hatta Dam in luxuriously Hatta Sedr Trailers. Don't forget to check out the all new Hatta Wadi Hub - a fun set of challenging outdoor experiences - from zorbing to horse backing riding and axe throwing!

Adventure Hub

Hatta is synonymous with adventure among locals in UAE. Be it off-roading, kayaking, ziplining, zorbing, mountain biking or a mountain safari - Hatta has it all!

Scenic Drive

The drive from Dubai to Hatta exposes you to a different terrain in UAE. Rugged and craggy greyish-brown mountains on either side of the road stretching for miles dotted by lush oases ever frequently.

If you're looking for an offbeat experience, Hatta is where you should head. With the only glamping facility in the emirate, state of the art spas and a host of adventurous activities at the Hatta Wadi Hub and Hatta Drop-in, Hatta is the perfect example of luxury meets outdoors.

Bus number E16 from Dubai's Sabkha bus station to Hatta Bus Station 1 will take you around 3 hours. Bus fare typically costs AED 2.

A 1.5 hour drive away from Dubai, Hatta is located 130 kilometers away from the city. Take the S112, Maliha road from Dubai and follow E-102 route towards Hatta for 90 minutes. A typical car rental in Dubai will charge you around AED 110 a day.

Hatta Heritage Village

Get a chance to see age-old watchtowers, mosques and forts that were constructed years back in the village of Hatta. Restored in 2001, the Hatta Heritage Village is treasure trove of traditional artefacts, weapons, furnishings, clothing and vessels of the bedouin tribes who lived in the rugged mountains of Hatta.

Hatta Hill Park

Developed by the Dubai Municipality for recreational and environmental reasons, the Hatta Hill Park is a lush greentop with a terrific view of the mountains surrounding Hatta. Set up a barbecue picnic and enjoy the crisp mountain air with your family at the Hatta Hill Park.

Mountain Safari & Biking

Experience the rugged ranges of Hatta first hand with a challenging mountain safari or a mountain bike and traverse the rocky ranges of Hatta. Most adventures start from the Wadi trails, crossing the dried river beds of Hatta and finally ends near the freshwater emerald pools. Feel free to take a dip in the pools!

Glamping In Hatta

The region’s first “trailer hotel” the Hatta Sedr Trailer, better known as glamping spots these days is open along the banks of Hatta Dam. If you're not much of a glamper, you can also opt to stay at the Hatta Damani Lodges featuring cosy purpose-built cabins closeby.

Hatta Wadi Hub & Hatta Drop-In

For an additional dose of adrenaline rush, head to the Hatta Wadi Hub or Hatta Drop -in. You can enjoy a range of adrenaline pumping activities like downhill carting, a human sling shot, axe throwing, archery, adventure rope courses, zip lines, and a lot more. Right next door the Wadi Hub is the the Hatta Drop-In -“water jump park” with crazy slides and intriguing “drop-in donuts”. You can also go zorbing here, a chance to roll down a hill in a giant transparent orb. It's unlimited fun here!

Musandam is where the mountains meet the ocean, a breath-taking quaint coastal villages with an eclectic culture, vibrant local markets, historic forts and towns along with an abundant aquatic wildlife. Though it is geographically a part of Oman, it lies in close proximity to Dubai and hence one of the most popular weekend getaways from the city life. Thanks to its picturesque landscapes, Musandam is often hailed as the ‘Norway of Arabia’ - a spectacular combination of coastal indulgence and the magic of mountains.

Scenic Beauty

Musandam is nestled among deep beautiful fjords, tranquil blue waters and the mighty red Hajar Mountains - a landscape like no other.

Omani hospitality onboard a dhow

A dhow cruise ride against the idyllic backdrop of Musandam is the cherry on top. These dhow cruise rides are also a chance to experience the Omani hospitality, replete with unlimited refreshments and a sumptuous spread of buffet lunch. The charming traditional dhows dotting the waters makes for the perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Water activities galore

One can indulge in a bunch of water sports on the sparkling waters of Musandam - snorkelling, canoeing, kayaking and swimming.

The best (and only) way to travel from Dubai to Khasab, Musandam is via car. The road from Dubai to Musandam is pretty straightforward. The route you will be following is Dubai - Sharjah - Ras Al Khaimah. At Ras Al Khaimah, drive on to the Cement Factory road which has road signs that direct you to Oman.

Since Musandam is geographically a part of Oman, you'll need a visa to cross the border. The crossing posts for UAE and Oman at Al’Darah are right next to each and the border processing time can be accounted for 20-30 minutes.Oman visit visa is AED 85 for both UAE visa and UAE tourist via holders and can be obtained on arrival from border and can be applied online at Oman E-visa website. You can pay by credit card, debit card or cash to the get visa from border.

Organised Tour

This is one of the most preferred ways to travel from Dubai to Musandam . Sign up for an organized tour and enjoy a hassle free getaway. Your visa processing, dhow cruise and travel to and from Musandam will be taken care of. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the Omani landscape!

Heritage and History of Musandam

In towns like Khasab and Bukha of Musandam, one can witness the rich heritage of local tribes - old forts with unique architecture, a traditional hand mill and the house of locks which were vaults for precious belongings of the tribes. The museum also showcases weapons, clothes, gems and jewellery of the Hajar tribes. The Khasab Fort has restaurants serving Lebanese, Omani, and Indian cuisines.

Dhow Cruise

Hop aboard an Omani Dhow cruise and glide along the crystal blue waters of the Strait of Hormuz, contrasting the imposing mountains. Enjoy unlimited refreshments and a traditional buffet spread for lunch and if you're lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins swimming alongside your dhow!

Snorkelling & Diving

The Musandam coastline has been carved through the centuries and has created shallow caves and fissures underneath the mountains dotting the coast. Deep dive and snorkel through the beautiful natural reef teeming with sea creatures - a refreshingly delightful experience. Even if you don’t know swimming, you can snorkel under the guidance of instructors and float on the blue waters. If you are PADI certified diver, you can also dive in and explore the secrets of the ocean.

Fishing & Kayaking

Fan of fishing? Musandam is just the right place. Relax and forget the ticking clock as you hop onboard a boat and go fishing! You can also fish from your dhow and if you get lucky catch one for the trip home! You can also kayak or canoe and explore the overhanging cliffs of the mountains. The crystal clear waters are very inviting and you might find yourself jumping in to cool off after a day of adventure!

The ONLY guide you need to explore the best of Dubai

Walking beneath lines of fruited date palm, listening to the babbling of a nearby hot spring and exploring the Jahili Fortress which houses UAE's oldest museum are all experiences exclusive to Al Ain. Nicknamed "The Garden City", this tranquil city of tall trees and quiet walled lanes - a modern age oasis is a popular getaway destination for locals and tourists alike. The Al Ain Zoo is a favourite among kids and views from Jebel Hafeet, the second tallest peak in the Emirates is a sight to behold.

Animal Haven

From the Al Ain Camel Souk, UAE’s biggest camel market where you can pet super-cute baby camels to the Al Ain Zoo where you have Arabian oryx, big-horned Barbary sheep and African gazelles - Al Ain is an animal lovers happy place.

Landscape & Views

Al Ain's called the Garden City for a reason. Blessed with bountiful greenery, unlike most of UAE, the greenery here is soothing and simply lush. Climb atop the Jebel Hafeet and you'll have a panoramic view of this oasis. Keep your cameras ready!

Natural Hot Springs

Hot Springs are a good enough reason to go just about anywhere! After a day's adventure, dip your feet in these hot springs and relax. It's absolutely free and you can sit as long as you'd like!

Bus (Cost - AED 25 | Duration - 2.5 hours)

Bus E201 departs from Al Ghubaiba bus station in Deira, Dubai every 30 minutes and terminates at Al Ain Central Bus Station.

Taking a taxi from Dubai to Al Ain is an expensive affair, however, you have the option of hailing a taxi from anywhere in Dubai to anywhere in Al Ain.

Taxis in UAE accept debit card and NOL card payments.

You can also use taxi booking apps like Uber and Careem, although rates may vary.

Drive (Duration - 1.5 hours)

The most common route from Dubai to Al Ain is via the Al Ain Rd/E66.

There are clear signboards throughout the journey or you can use the GPS to help you navigate better

Organised Tour (Cost - AED 100 | Duration - 8 hours)

If you're looking to explore the Al Ain with coach transfers to and fro Dubai, sightseeing, lunch and a great tour guide and entrance tickets to prime attractions - an organised tour from Dubai to Al Ain is a great choice. If you're a first timer in UAE, we'd recommend signing up for an organised tour and let the logistics be taken care of. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the sights and beauty of the Al Ain.

Minibus ( Cost - AED 20 |Duration - 1 hour 45 minutes)

Al Ghazal minibuses are available every 40 minutes from Al Ghubaiba bus station.

The minibus service starts from 05:40 am with intermittent services until 11:40 pm.

A family-friendly reserve famous for its research facilities and acclaimed breeding program for endangered species, the Al Ain Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals. Arabian oryx, big-horned Barbary sheep, African gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, monkeys, lions, tigers, pumas, leopards and jaguars to name a few. Some of the highlights include giraffe feedings, a walk-through lemur experience and the largest man-made safari trail in the world.

Jebel Hafeet

Rising 1,400 meters above the suburbs of Al Ain, Jebel Hafeet offers epic vistas views of the neighbouring lands of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Oman. Scramble to the top of the country's second highest peak and snap some unforgettable views of the seemingly endless desert. In the vicinity, you'll find Bronze Age tombs where archeologists have unearthed 5,000-year-old ceramic and copper artefacts. The 12 km hairpin drive to the summit is a testing, yet fun one. The uphill road is also a particular favorite for cyclists who relish mile after mile of 8% inclines under a sweltering Arabian sun.

Green Mubazzarah

At the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, you'll find a stream trickling by. It's no ordinary stream - its a natural hot spring! Dip your feet for a few therapeutic hours and enjoy your commune with nature. The lush greenery around and never ending rows of palm trees is all the shade you need for hours of feet soaking!

Al Jahili Fort

The Al Jahili Fort was rehabbed in 2007 and now houses a cultural center and permanent exhibit about Wilfred Thesiger. Twenty odd minutes should suffice here, after which you can head to the Al Ain National Museum and Al Ain Palace Museum for your dose of historic fix.

Al Ain's Camel Souk is a wonderful immersion of traditional Arab culture. From young Arabian camels that might grow up to be racers to impressive adult camels grown to breed, the market is a one-of-a-kind experience and glimpse into a treasured part of Emirati heritage. You can attend mock camel races, feed camels and see the way of life among locals and lifestock in here.

Though it may not be as glitzy as Dubai, the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah, nicknamed the Cultural Capital of UAE has a lot to offer. An interesting melange of sights, experiences, and activities - Sharjah is a true melting pot of cultures. For museum and art lovers, Sharjah is crammed full of excellent sightseeing opportunities. Since it is near the Persian Gulf, there is much to do by the shore too!

Melting pot of art and culture

Exploring the emirate of Sharjah is like taking a walk through the timeless souks, awe-inspiring museums, elegant mosques, romantic waterfront promenade, and elegant heritage buildings.

The tourist magnet of Sharjah is undoubtedly the Blue Souq. Sharjah's Central Market adorned with intricate blue tile work on the exterior has given it the nickname the Blue Souk. With more than 600 shops where shoppers can find anything from gold to electronics, the souq is a favourite in Sharjah.

Museums galore

From the Sharjah Archaeology Museum to the Maraya Art Center and Sharjah Science Museum; there's a lot for museums buffs in Sharjah.

Metro + Bus (Cost - AED 10 | Duration - 1 hour)

Take the Red line metro from Al Nakheel Station to Deira City Center.

Transfer to bus E307 at Deira City Center Bus Station and get off at Sharjah Jumbo station.

You can also take the Red line metro to Union Square Metro Station, transfer to bus E400 at the Union Bus Stand and get dropped at Sharjah Jumbo. This is a slightly longer route.

Taxi (Cost - AED 90 | Duration - 30 min)

Taking a taxi from Dubai to Sharjah is an expensive affair, however, you have the option of hailing a taxi from anywhere in Dubai to anywhere in Sharjah.

The most common route from Dubai to Sharjah is via the E11.

There are clear signboards throughout the journey or you can use the GPS to help you navigate better.

The most photographed building in Sharjah, the Blue Souk is the city’s central market decked with an exquisite blue-tile patterned exterior. This huge mall cum market is spread across 6 buildings with as many as 600 shops. From electronics, to handicrafts, intricately woven carpets, and antique jewellery, you can shop anything and everything here.

Sharjah Archaeology Museum

The Sharjah Archaeology Museum houses artefacts that can be dated to as far back as the Stone Age. Expect to find jewellery, pottery, and household goods, each telling the story of the city and its regional, centuries before the sky-scrapers went up!

Eye of the Emirates Wheel

In the picturesque waterfront promenade of Al Qanat Qasba, the Eye of the Emirates Wheel is the highlight. This large Ferris wheel provides fantastic views of the high rises in the city standing tall against the scintillating waters of the Persian Gulf. For an aerial view of the emirate, and even a microscopic view of Dubai, the Emirates Wheel is your answer.

Sharjah Heritage Area

The Sharjah Heritage Area is a blast from the past - a combination of several museums namely the Sharjah Heritage Museum, Al Hisn Sharjah, Al Midfaa House, and Hisn Fort that encompass different aspects of the region’s culture. You can also indulge in some souvenir shopping at the Souk Al Arsah, a large courtyard in the middle with several small stalls selling handmade goods.

Maraya Art Center

The Maraya Art Center is one of the most famous art galleries in UAE, located in the center of Al Qanat Qasba. With art curation by Giuseppe Moscatello, an Italian artist who designated three floors of exhibitions, expect to walk through various themed exhibitions hosted throughout the year. Contemporary art lovers must make a visit to Maraya Art Center.

Al Noor Mosque

This beautiful Ottoman style mosque overlooking the Khalid lagoon is the most magnificent mosque among the 600 mosques in Sharjah. It also happens to be the only mosque in Sharjah open to non-muslims. Soaring majestically over the city’s skyline with its domes and minarets, a visit to the Al Noor Mosque is great opportunity to learn a little about Islamic beliefs and digging deeper into the Islamic heritage of UAE.

This beautiful waterfront quarter in the heart of the city is the perfect spot for hanging out in the evening. Designed like a Venetian canal fringed on either sides with restaurants, cafes, galleries, shops and indoor play areas - Al Qasba is ideal for a long stroll. Head here also for boat rides, which launch out of the canal and into the bay to see the city lights from the glittering waters.

6 Jebel Jais

The world’s longest zipline in just 2 hours north of Dubai, in the rocky mountains of Jebel Jais. Scaling 1,934 meters, Jebel Jais is the tallest mountain in the Hajar range situated in the northern most emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. While the zipline is the star attraction, the mountains of Jebel Jais are a bikers favourite - with its winding roads flanked by a deep rugged valley. You can also indulge in bungee jumping , mountain climbing, Jebel Jais Sky Tour , Via Ferrata and even keep your kids entertained at the Jebel Jais Skating Rink .

The Hajar mountains are the true hub of adventure. With ziplining,bungee jumping, via ferrata, moutain boking and a skating rink, you can choose your pick of adventure here!

World longest Zipline

The very fact that the world's longest zipline is just 2 hours from Dubai is reason enough to head to the Hajar mountains!

Explore the northern most emirate

Ras Al Khaimah is more raw and pristine, less commercialised and starkly different from the other emirates. On your way to Jebel Jais, make sure you drive around Ras Al Khaimah and get a feel of this emirate.

Luxury Shuttle (Cost - AED 30 | Duration - 2.5 hours)

If you're traveling from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, you can use the luxury shuttle that will drop you from Dubai Airport to Hotel Tulip in RAK.

The shuttle is equipped with free wifi and complimentary water bottles.

From Hotel Tulip in RAK, you can easily arrange for a cab or rent a car to Jebel Jais.

Metro + Bus + Taxi (Cost - varies | Duration - varies)

Onboard the Red Line at the Nakheel Metro Station and get off at the Dubai Deira Terminal.

Hop onto buses C-19, C19, or C26 and get off at Ras al Khaimah Bus Station.

Hail a taxi or uber from here to Jebel Jais

Note, this is a very roundabout, time consuming and expensive way to travel from Dubai to Jebel Jais.

Drive (Duration - 2 hours)

The most common route from Dubai to Jebel Jais is via the E311

There are clear signboards throughout the journey or you can use the GPS to help you navigate better.Jebel Jais has a free parking lot so if you drive up to the peak, you can park your car conveniently

Shuttle from Ras Al Khaimah (Cost - AED 25 | Duration - 1 hour)

Jebel Jais Tours is a shuttle transfer from Al Hamra and Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah to the UAE’s highest mountain peak, Jebel Jais.

You must book a seat online in advance here. We advise booking a seat both ways in advance.

Jebel Jais Zipline

The Jebel Jais Flight is the longest zipline in the world and is over 2.7 km long. Zoom past stunning mountain views from a height of 1,680 meters above sea level at 120kph to 150kph for two-three minutes in a special harness fit for the experience.

Ice Skating Rink

Right in the heart of this mountain, you have an ice rink at 1300 meters above sea level that offers you to skate for as long as you want.This skating rink is the highest in UAE by virtue of being located on the country's tallest mountain.

Jebel Jais Via Ferrata

A Via Ferrata is a guided 1km route along the mountain that features fixed steel cables every 1 to 10 meters so climbers can be harnessed to it. The Via Ferrata experience involves a combination of walking, scrambling/climbing, and zip lining around a purpose-built course.

Outdoor camping in UAE is quickly picking up and Jebel Jais is a favourite. Pitch your tent and enjoy clear skies as you bask under a thousand stars. Many campers stay the night just to catch a glimpse of the rising sun over the rocky mountain. Keep in mind that bonfires should be made in fire pits and barbecues must be done on a grill, else you'll be charged a hefty fine.

Viewing Deck Park

The Jebel Jais mountain features some of the most scenic views in the region. The views of the winding road through the deep rocky canyon of the mountain is truly breathtaking and a unique experience. The Viewing Deck Park has seven viewing decks with twelve binoculars that visitors can use to view the stunning valleys of the mountain which is 1,250 meters above sea level. The park is open from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 11 pm on weekends and costs AED 5 for entry and tariff on parking is applicable (AED 5 for motorbikes, AED 20 for cars and AED 100 for buses or vans).

7 Rub Al Khali

Stretching for over 255,000 square miles, the Rub’ al Khali is the largest expanse of sand in the world, its skyscraping dunes and otherworldly salt flats crossing borders into four countries: Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. "Rub' al Khali" translates to "the Empty Quarter," and is a desert second only in size to the Sahara.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Run by the Anantara Group, this luxurious stay is a a veritable oasis in the middle of the desert. Architected like an old Arabian fortress town nestled in the valley of mountainous dunes, this is the perfect desert stay.

Slice of Desert Life

If you're staying in hotel, you can take part in in dune dawn walks, camel trekking and dune bashing, as well as falconry.

World's largest expanse of sand

While there are many deserts in UAE, Rub Al Khali is like no other.

Get on E11 from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Look out for Liwa Rd/Hameem St/E65 to Qasr Al Sarab Rd in Abu Dhabi and follow this road to reach the resort.

Qasr Al Sarab

"Qasr Al Sarab" translates to "mirage palace," a luxurious oasis with 154 rooms and 42 multi-bedroom villas. During the day, its dramatic dunes are astounding and the starry expanse of sky unmarred by city lights at night are simply mesmerising. Themed around a devotion to the original nomadic tradition of the region, saunter around the souk-style boutiques selling handicrafts from local merchants, and while away your day at the library is stocked with historic artefacts and thick tomes.

Qasr Al Sarab is home to 9 falcons - the ultra-fast Peregrine and Saker species. During the months between October and April, guests are treated to displays of falconry just before sundown, when the birds demonstrate their speed—which can top 215 mph while diving to capture prey.

Desert Activities

Fat-tire biking, land sailing, camel trekking, archery, yoga, tennis, horseback riding, sunrise and sunset dune walks and trips to the Liwa Oasis - choose your poison of adventure during your dtay here.

The on-site spa treatment suites open to a view to the horizon - golden dunes stretching infinitely. The view beats the spa treatment for some.

Day Trips From Dubai - Compare Your Options

Day trips from dubai map.

What are some of the most popular day trips from Dubai?

One of the most popular day trips from Dubai is to the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi, where visitors can explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Other popular destinations include Al Ain, an oasis city located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah, home to the oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.

How do I book a day trip from Dubai?

There are a number of ways to book a day trip from Dubai, depending on your preferred method of travel and desired destination. For those looking for a hassle-free experience, there are a number of tour operators who offer day trips from Dubai to popular destinations such as Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. These tours typically include round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide.

What is included in a typical day trip from Dubai?

What is included in a typical day trip from Dubai will depend on the specific tour or package you book. However, many day trips from Dubai include round-trip transportation, entrance fees to attractions, and a knowledgeable guide. Some tours may also include meals or other perks.

What should I expect to pay for a day trip from Dubai?

The cost of a day trip from Dubai will vary depending on the specific tour or package you book. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$200 USD per person for most day trips.

Are there any special considerations I should keep in mind when planning a day trip from Dubai?

When planning a day trip from Dubai, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind. First, consider the climate of your destination; Abu Dhabi and Al Ain can be quite hot during the summer months, so be sure to pack accordingly. Second, many of Dubai’s attractions are located in Muslim countries, so be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

What are some helpful tips for making the most of my day trip from Dubai?

• Start your day early to beat the heat and crowds at popular attractions.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking.
• Pack plenty of water and snacks, as many tours do not include meals.
• Be prepared to haggle when shopping in markets or souks.
• Have your camera ready to capture the stunning views and architecture.

More Dubai Travel Guides

Check out the top things to do in Dubai & our comprehensive Dubai Travel Guide , packed with insider tips & expert-crafted itineraries to plan your vacation like a pro!

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Day Trips from Dubai: 5 Ideas to Add to Your UAE Itinerary

last Updated: April 21, 2018 dubai UAE

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to the UAE soon and looking for the best day trips from Dubai? Come check out these 5 wonderful Dubai day trips, all possible within a few hours of the area!

If you’ve already had a good look around the bright lights of Dubai, visited the beach, gone up the world’s tallest tower, seen the Malls, strolled the old Quarter and taken a dhow – is there really more to see in Dubai and the UAE?  Absolutely! Read on for some fantastic day trips from Dubai to get to know the UAE even more!

It’s time to sort yourself out a car, find a reliable driver, or book yourself on some Dubai day tours and get yourself on one of these fabulous day trips to learn more about the countries ancient past and shimmery future as a culture capital.

Pre-Travel Guide to Dubai

How to get around.

There are two main options for taking day trips out of the city.

1) If you are a confident driver, we suggest you hire a car. There are many pick up points from both the airport or within the city. Traffic can be a little hectic in the city centre and moves fast, but the suggested day trips here are mostly freeway driving, and roads are in excellent condition. Cars are almost always automatic transmission; the UAE drives on the right side of the road. If you are crossing the Omani border, check that your car rental insurance will allow you to do this and you have the appropriate permission letter.

2) If the pace of Dubai traffic seems a little daunting – or you are having no luck getting paperwork and insurance sorted to rent a car – you can hire a driver for these day trips from Dubai recommendations. You may be in a small group of other tourists and a less flexible timetable, but it will relieve the traffic and paperwork stress. We recommend you look for a private driver or small tour group on  GetYourGuide .

Important things to pack

Remember it can get super hot out in the desert so sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and bottled water are always absolutely essential. Bring cash (Dirhams) on any trips- although ATMs are plentiful in the city centers, you may not be so lucky once out of town! If heading over the border to Oman, you’ll need to remember your passport and take cash – UAE dirhams and a credit card should see you through in Musandam without the need for Omani Riyal.

Where to stay

There are a multitude of accommodation choices in Dubai, so it really depends on your budget and what you have come to enjoy. Staying around Jumeirah is a popular choice for beach goers but comes with a price tag, where as you may want to stay close to Downtown for the shopping malls, tall towers and to be centrally located to many of the cities attractions. If you’re on a tighter budget the older parts of town Deira and Bur Dubai give good value options. Anywhere you stay near a Metro stop will give you great access to the rest of the city.

Dubai is in the arid desert, so visiting during the cooler winter months of the northern hemisphere is recommended. Late October through to early April you will catch the best of the glorious, mild winter weather. Visiting December and January you may need slightly warmer clothing but it rarely drops below day time temperatures of 20c. Rain is very rare but can happen in the cooler winter months, as can dust storms and fog. Generally, warmth and blue skies are almost guaranteed but best avoid the absolutely peak summer months, its simply too hot to do any real exploring.

Important local phrases to know

The official language of the UAE is Arabic but English is very widely spoken. You would only need a few words in Arabic if you wanted to be polite to your hosts or show appreciation (though there’s a high chance those working in the service sector are not Emirati!)

Thank you – Shukran Please – Min fadlak (m) Min fadlik (f) Sorry – Aasif (m) / aasifa (f) Stop – Kuf I don’t speak Arabic – ana La ataKalam El Aarabya Goodbye – Ma es-salaama

And without further ado, let’s get on with the real reason you’re here, to learn about the best Dubai day trips!

Best Days Trips from Dubai

Day trip from dubai on a desert safari.

It doesn’t take long (unless you’re stuck in peak hour traffic!) to get beyond the concrete of the city and into the UAE desert.  There are many companies that operate morning, half day, or evening trips into the desert, it all depends how much of an adrenaline rush you are looking for, and what budget you are working to.

Platinum Heritage Desert Safaris are a great option for those who want to appreciate the desert wildlife and flora.  In their open top vintage Land Rovers you will be taken through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.  Platinum Heritage also offer hot air ballooning packages for those who don’t mind an early start, a simply breath-taking way to experience the UAE if budget will allow that ends in a luxury breakfast spread in their Bedouin village.

Those after a more action packed trip to the desert may want to  look to one of the Dune Bashing expeditions.  Experienced Emirati desert drivers will take you through the rugged desert dunes the hard way in their modern 4x4s; they are bound to give you plenty of thrills and spills before arriving at a Bedouin styles camp for refreshment and evening entertainment that normally includes a line up of camel rides, henna painting, shisha, traditional music, cuisine and even belly dancing.

Catching a falconry display too is an added bonus and some tours will offer more action sports in their camps such as quad biking, sandboarding and fat bikes.  If you need something more sedate you can skip the dune bashing part and head straight to the desert camp – you will need to sign disclaimer forms to do any of the action sports and children need to be out of booster seat height to participate.

Generally speaking, to avoid the peak heat of the day most desert tours take off from Dubai in the late afternoon.  Depending on the company they will either have a designated pick up point or will do hotel pickups across the city’s hotels before driving you to their favourite dunes.  It’s not recommended unless you are a very experienced sand 4-wheel driver that you attempt to tackle the Dubai desert dunes on your own.

Recommended Options to the Sand Dunes:

• Dubai Red Sand Dunes Safari: BBQ, Camel, Sandboarding, and Falcon

From Dubai: Sunset Camel Trek

Dubai Morning Safari: Red Dunes, Sandboarding & Camel Ride

Dubai 4×4 Desert Safari with BBQ, Sandboarding & Camel Ride

Dubai Desert Safari with Sandboarding and Dinner

Day Trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Many people often think Dubai is the capital of the UAE but it’s actually big brother down the road Abu Dhabi that is the largest of the seven emirates and home to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, the nation’s leader. And what better than to list it as one of the best day trips from Dubai?!

The second largest city in the UAE, the capital has a somewhat calmer demeanour than Dubai. Still a wonderful mix between classic and modern Arab architecture can be seen, also a lot more greenery and slightly less frenetic pace. Dubai Down Town to the Abu Dhabi Corniche (main beach front) you are looking at about a 1.5-hour drive on a fast freeway, give or take traffic conditions.

The number 1 highlight in visiting Abu Dhabi is seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Built in honour of the countries founding father and where he is now laid to rest it is one of the most visually stunning buildings in the world. Entry is free and visitors can be provided for free with a hooded abaya or kandura if not sufficiently covered.

Day trippers from Dubai do tend to come in by the bus load during the day so it’s one to try and get to early for opening at 9am. Even with the cool marble tiles it can be hot going walking around the complex, but do take the time to walk all the way around and see the library and the Mausoleum.

Top Tip: Try and get yourself to the pedestrian bridge that crosses the freeway and check our Wahat al Karama as well. This is a dedication to UAE armed forces personnel who lost their lives serving the country. Not only is it a beautiful and thoughtful spot away from the crowds at the Mosque, you’ll also get some of the most stunning Mosque photos over the reflective pond, particularly at sunset.

Next on your Abu Dhabi agenda don’t miss seeing the newly opened Louvre (closed Mondays). A new cultural centrepiece on nearby Saadiyat Island. The building is equally as impressive as the art works inside, and not nearly the queues and crowds you might see in Paris!

If you have time, squeeze in a trip down the Corniche and drive past Emirates Palace – totally for the photo op! It’s a bit over priced to eat in, but get yourself across the road to Observation 300 at Jumeirah Hotel, Etihad Towers. From here you will get some stunning city scape views to die for and a perfect birds eye view into the magnificent new Presidential Palace. Your entry ticket includes a refreshment voucher to use on morning or afternoon tea.

On your way back to Dubai, make a cheeky stop at “The Last Exit” food trucks just over the Dubai border, well acclaimed for having some amazing dishes for hungry drivers!

Recommended Options to Abu Dhabi:

Abu Dhabi Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai

Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi & Grand Mosque Tour from Dubai

Abu Dhabi, Sheik Zayed Mosque and Louvre Tour from Dubai

Day Trip from Dubai to the Musandam Peninsula, Oman

We’re going to get well beyond the bright lights of the city and take you to a whole other country! Don’t forget your passport and set your alarm early to make the most of a trip to the “Norway of Arabia”. From Dubai it can be a good couple of hours to get your destination – the regional capital of Khasab in the tiny Omani enclave that juts into the Strait of Hormuz.

You want to beat the Dubai morning rush hour traffic and head north, through the northern Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain and Ras al-Khaimah until you hit the mountains (yes the UAE has mountains!). As the mountains hit the Arabian Gulf you come to the Al Darah border crossing. Here you have a few formalities on both sides of the border – an exit fee to pay in the UAE and a tourist visit Visa to Oman – you can read more on the formalities of the border crossing here .

Once you’re through the border it’s then a long 40 minute or so journey along the coastal mountain drive. You might need to take your Kwell tablets, but you’ll be reward with utterly stunning views into the small fishing village of Khasab. To see Musandam properly, you’ve got to get out on the water do grab boat in Khasab and get ready to explore the dramatic fjords.

The stark, raw beauty is completely engulfing. Once you are out on the water on a traditional dhow, you a transported to another world. A popular feature is the pods of dolphins that call the area home, you are almost guaranteed a spotting and they love coming out to play with the dhows. The more enthusiast may want to take on some snorkelling or scuba diving or even hiking into the khors.

Top tip: If you travel on a weekday (Sunday through Thursday) you will encounter far fewer expat day trippers who live in the UAE trying to do the same thing! This should make the border crossing a lot quicker and give you a true feeling of tranquillity when you’re out on the water. Also avoid making the border crossing around prayer times, staff will take breaks and this is when the queues back up.

Recommended Tours to Musandam Peninsula:

• Musandam Khasab Full-Day Cruise with Transfers & Lunch

Mystic Musandam Full-Day Sea Safari

Khasab: Full-Day Dhow Boat Cruise through the Fjords

Day Trip from Dubai to Al Ain

Also in the Abu Dhabi Emirate but this time you will drive south from Dubai and deep into the desert to find the lush oasis town of Al Ain that sits on the UAE border with Oman.

This is the original home of the Al Nayhan family, the rulers of the country so as you can imagine the town has a lot of historical roots. Worth visiting in Al Ain are the Al Ain National Museum and the Al Ain Palace Museum (the former royal homestead). Both will give you a good insight into the countries past and Bedouin culture and tradition.

The Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO site, can be a welcome retreat from the heat. And if time will allow, the Al Ain Zoo is one of the best of the region displaying many native species and featuring an African safari trail. To finish off your Al Ain road trip, head to the mountain top of Jebel Hafeet. From here you will see wide spanning views over to Oman. You can even stay here overnight in the Mercure hotel that precariously hangs off the cliff tops! At the foot of the mountain, don’t miss Green Mubazzarah, an oasis with a natural spring – the water said to have healing powers (though when you see how many others have their feet in it, you may not be so keen to touch it!!).

The journey both ways is about 1.5 hours give or take traffic but add 40 minutes for the steep drive up the mountain on this day trip from Dubai.

Recommended Tours to Al Ain:

Al Ain Garden City Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai

From Dubai: Al Ain City Tour

Al Ain Tour: Hili Gardens, Palace Museum & Jahili Fort

Day Trip from Dubai to Ras al Khaimah

The Emirate of Ras al Khaimah – affectionately known as RAK – has made it clear they are the adventure Emirate of the UAE, and because of this, it’s one of the best day trips from Dubai!   Home to the UAE’s highest peak Jebel Jais, Toroverde now operates the world’s longest zip line from the mountain’s top! Adrenaline junkies can now speed along at 150km/hr 1680 meters above the ground and take in the spectacular, rugged Hajar Mountain views over nearly 3 kilometres!

If that’s a little bit too much for you (I’m going a little pale just thinking about it!) then there are plenty of other outdoor adventures that can be enjoyed almost year round.  Horse riding and mountain biking are popular, as well as water sports on the expansive coast line to the Arabian Gulf.

The great part is RAK is in easy driving distance from Dubai.  You can self-drive or take an organised tour group that will pick you up from your hotel.  If you are heading to the top of Jebel Jais you will need to allow 2 hours – as you can imagine it’s a long winding road to the top, another one you’ll need your anti-nauseas for!

Recommended Tours to Ras al Khaimah:

Jebel Jais Mountain Picnic from Ras al Khaimah

Desert Safari & Camp Dinner from Dubai/Ras al-Khaimah

We always recommend visitors to Dubai to leave plenty of time to take in the highlights in the other Emirates as well. Much of the natural beauty and culture of the country and region lie far beyond the city.

Are you visiting the UAE anytime soon?! Which of these day trips from Dubai will you be adding to your itinerary?!

Keri is a travel writer, blogger, business consultant and expat mum of 3 living in the UAE. With her family they explore the region extensively. She blogs about her family adventures at Our Globetrotters and is co-founder and Middle East editor of city travel blog Little City Trips .

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July 7, 2023 at 12:53 pm

Jessia, I’d like to add something. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE and believed to be the third-largest mosque in the world.

By the way, you’ve mentioned few good day trip ideas.

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Dubai floods: Chaos, queues and submerged cars after UAE hit by record rains

Passengers report being stranded in the desert city as the international hub struggles in the wake of unusually heavy rain

Don’t blame cloud seeding for the Dubai floods

Dubai is wrestling with the aftermath of extraordinary torrential rains that flooded the desert city, with people describing harrowing stories of spending the night in their cars, and air passengers enduring chaotic scenes at airports.

Up to 259.5mm (10.2in) of rain fell on the usually arid country of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, the most since records began 75 years ago . The state-run WAM news agency called the rains on Tuesday “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949”.

As the sun returned on Wednesday, along with it came stories of people stuck in cars and offices through an arduous night.

“It was one of the most horrific situations I had ever experienced,” said one Dubai resident in his 30s, who did not want to give his name, after his 15-minute commute turned into a 12-hour ordeal on flooded roads.

At Dubai’s airport, one of the busiest for international travel, with nearly every flight repeatedly delayed, Emirates passengers were told to stay away “unless absolutely necessary”.

Frustration from those already there began to build.

A large crowd formed at a connections desk, clapping and whistling in protest as they waited for information.

“They are completely lost, it’s complete chaos – no information, nothing,” fumed one passenger, who did not want to be named, after a 12-hour wait, Agence France-Presse reported.

Standing water lapped on taxiways as aircraft landed. One couple called the situation “absolute carnage”. They spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity in order to speak freely in a country with strict laws that criminalise critical speech. “You cannot get a taxi. There’s people sleeping in the Metro station. There’s people sleeping in the airport.”

The BBC reported other passengers were diverted to Dubai World Central Airport – also known as Al Maktoum airport – telling the broadcaster they had been “living on duty free” and that water was in short supply.

One furious British traveller told PA Media that once his flight was diverted to Dubai World Central, he had not been given any food or water either. “It’s just been an absolute disaster. We’re stuck here and seven hours without a single update is inexcusable.”

Emirates, Dubai’s flagship airline, posted on X on Wednesday night: “Customers should expect delays with departures and arrivals” and that while some passengers had been able to get to their destinations “we are aware that many are still waiting to get on flights”.

The airline cancelled all check-ins and announced that it would continue to suspend services until Thursday morning, apologising for the disruptions. Those on FlyDubai, Emirates’ low-cost sister airline, also faced delays.

Dubai airport posted on X early on Thursday that flights had resumed from Terminal 1 but urged people to travel to the airport only if they had a confirmed booking, as flights continued to be “delayed and disrupted”.

Paul Griffiths, the airport’s CEO, acknowledged the issues with flooding on Wednesday. “It remains an incredibly challenging time. In living memory, I don’t think anyone has ever seen conditions like it,” Griffiths told the state-owned talk radio station Dubai Eye.

Neighbouring countries were also hit by heavy rains earlier this week, including Oman, where 20 people have died, including 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle with an adult.

Soldiers were deployed to badly affected areas of the sultanate, which rests on the eastern edge of the Arabian peninsula, to evacuate people trapped by flooding.

Schools will stay closed in Dubai until next week, authorities said, underscoring the difficulty of the clean-up.

In an unusual direct intervention, the UAE president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ordered “authorities to quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused”, official media said.

The president also gave orders for affected families to be transferred to safe locations, said a statement carried by the WAM news agency.

Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, wrote on X about “efforts being made by teams of citizens and residents that continue day and night” as the city’s media office posted video overlayed with dramatic music of officials conferring in groups and water pumping appearing to take place in the background.

Photos too were posted of what it said showed water flooding into desert areas.

صور من جريان الأودية في صحراء القدرة في #دبي pic.twitter.com/pyXP8OpBVF — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 17, 2024

Similar scenes were visible around the Gulf state including in Sharjah, in neighbouring Dubai, where people waded through main streets and paddled around on makeshift boats.

At least one person was killed in the flooding. A 70-year-old man who was swept away in his car in Ras al-Khaimah, one of the country’s seven emirates, according to police.

The UAE government announced that remote working for most federal government employees had been extended into another day because of the impact.

Agence France-Presse, PA Media and Associated Press contributed to this report

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Weather tracker: Gulf braced for thunderstorms

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Photos: uae sees its heaviest rains in 75 years.

Aya Batrawy

Atypically heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates on Monday and Tuesday caused flooding, flight cancellations and school closures. Vehicles were abandoned on highways like this one in Dubai. Francois Nel/Getty Images hide caption

Atypically heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates on Monday and Tuesday caused flooding, flight cancellations and school closures. Vehicles were abandoned on highways like this one in Dubai.

DUBAI — Schools and businesses have been closed across the United Arab Emirates after the country experienced about year's worth of rain in one day.

The flooding also disrupted travel at Dubai International Airport, which is the world's busiest for international travel.

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Videos posted online showed residents sweeping rainwater out of their homes and luxury cars stranded in Dubai's flooded streets, after a storm unleashed the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the country since the start of data collection 75 years ago. That was well before the country was founded.

Dubai's high-end stores weren't spared either, as rainwater gushed through the ceilings of shopping malls. At Dubai's main airport, the runway flooded and flagship carrier Emirates suspended all departing flights on Wednesday. The local Gulf News reported more than 1,200 flights were canceled due to Tuesday's storms. The airport is expected to return to fully operational by Friday.

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The city, known for its year-round sunny weather and beaches, saw sunshine later in the week, but schools remained remote due to road closures.

Despite some damage to cars, homes and roads, the UAE's state news agency says the rainfall boosts the country's groundwater reserves.

Rainfall in nearby Oman is blamed for more than 20 deaths this week, including 10 children swept away in a car on their way home from school Monday, according to state-owned media there.

A flooded parking lot in Dubai on Thursday. Francois Nel/Getty Images hide caption

Passengers queue at a flight connection desk at the Dubai International Airport on Wednesday. Dubai's main airport diverted scores of incoming flights on Tuesday as heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates, causing widespread flooding around the country. AFP/Getty Images hide caption

Cars drive in a flooded street following heavy rains in Dubai on Wednesday. Torrential rain caused floods across the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman. Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

A man walks along a road barrier on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road amid floodwater caused by heavy rain, Thursday. Christopher Pike/AP hide caption

A tanker truck sits abandoned in floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world's busiest airfield for international travel. Jon Gambrell/AP hide caption

People wait for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai on Thursday. Christopher Pike/AP hide caption

Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai on Wednesday. Jon Gambrell/AP hide caption

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• united arab emirates

United Arab Emirates struggles to recover after heaviest recorded rainfall ever hits desert nation

A man walks along a road barrier among floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world's busiest airfield for international travel. Credit: AP/Christopher Pike

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates struggled Thursday to recover from the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation, as its main airport worked to restore normal operations even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and roads.

Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel, allowed global carriers on Thursday morning to again fly into Terminal 1 at the airfield.

“Flights continue to be delayed and disrupted, so we urge you to only come to Terminal 1 if you have a confirmed booking,” the airport said on the social platform X.

The long-haul carrier Emirates, whose operations had been struggling since the storm Tuesday, had stopped travelers flying out of the UAE from checking into their flights as they tried to move out connecting passengers. Pilots and flight crews had been struggling to reach the airport given the water on roadways. But on Thursday, they lifted that order to allow customers into the airport.

Others who arrived at the airport described hourslong waits to get their baggage, with some just giving up to head home or to whatever hotel would have them.

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The UAE, a hereditarily ruled, autocratic nation on the Arabian Peninsula, typically sees little rainfall in its arid desert climate. However, a massive storm forecasters had been warning about for days blew through the country's seven sheikhdoms.

By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) of rain at Dubai International Airport. Other areas of the country saw even more precipitation.

A tanker truck sits abandoned in floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world's busiest airfield for international travel. Credit: AP/Jon Gambrell

The UAE's drainage systems quickly became overwhelmed, flooding out neighborhoods, business districts and even portions of the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road highway running through Dubai.

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.”

In a message to the nation late Wednesday, Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, said authorities would “quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused.”

On Thursday, people waded through oil-slicked floodwater to reach cars earlier abandoned, checking to see if their engines still ran. Tanker trucks with vacuums began reaching some areas outside of Dubai's downtown core for the first time as well. Schools remain closed until next week.

Authorities have offered no overall damage or injury information from the floods, which killed at least one person.

“Crises reveal the strength of countries and societies,” Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wrote on X. “The natural climate crisis that we experienced showed the great care, awareness, cohesion and love for every corner of the country from all its citizens and residents.”

The flooding sparked speculation that the UAE's aggressive campaign of cloud seeding — flying small planes through clouds dispersing chemicals aimed at getting rain to fall — may have contributed to the deluge. But experts said the storm systems that produced the rain were forecast well in advance and that cloud seeding alone would not have caused such flooding.

Jeff Masters, a meteorologist for Yale Climate Connections, said the flooding in Dubai was caused by an unusually strong low pressure system that drove many rounds of heavy thunderstorms.

Scientists also say climate change is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires around the world. Dubai hosted the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks just last year.

Abu Dhabi’s state-linked newspaper The National in an editorial Thursday described the heavy rains as a warning to countries in the wider Persian Gulf region to “climate-proof their futures.”

“The scale of this task is more daunting that it appears even at first glance, because such changes involve changing the urban environment of a region that for as long as it has been inhabited, has experienced little but heat and sand,” the newspaper said.

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Dubai clears up after epic rains swamp glitzy desert city

DUBAI (Reuters) -Dubai, a city in the desert proud of its futuristic gloss, was on Thursday busy clearing its waterclogged roads and drying out flooded homes two days after a record storm saw a year's rain fall in a day.

Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub, struggled to clear a backlog of flights and many roads were still flooded in the aftermath of Tuesday's deluge.

The rains were the heaviest experienced by the United Arab Emirates in the 75 years that records have been kept. They brought much of the country to a standstill and caused significant damage.

Flooding trapped residents in traffic, offices and homes. Many reported leaks at their homes, while footage circulated on social media showed malls overrun with water pouring from roofs.

Traffic remained heavily disrupted. A highway through Dubai was reduced to a single lane in one direction, while the main road that connects Dubai with the capital Abu Dhabi was closed in the Abu Dhabi direction.

"This was like nothing else. It was like an alien invasion," Jonathan Richards, a Dubai resident from Britain told Reuters.

"I woke up the other morning to people in kayaks with pet dogs, pet cats, suitcases all outside my house."

Another resident, Rinku Makhecha, said the rain swamped her freshly renovated house she moved into two weeks ago.

"My entire living room is just like ... all my furniture is floating right now," she said.

In Dubai's streets, some vehicles, including buses, could be seen almost entirely submerged in water. Long queues formed at petrol stations.

Dubai airport had yet to resume normal operation after the storm flooded taxiways, forcing flight diversions, delays and cancellations.

Dubai Airports Chief Operating Officer Majed Al Joker told Al Arabiya TV he expected Dubai International Airport to reach 60-70% capacity by the end of Thursday and full operational capacity within 24 hours.

The airport struggled to get food to stranded passengers with nearby roads flooded and overcrowding limited access to those who had confirmed bookings.

RETURNING SUPPLIES

The storm, which hit neighbouring Oman on Sunday, pounded the UAE on Tuesday, with 20 reported dead in Oman and one in the UAE.

While some roadways into hard-hit communities remain flooded, delivery services across Dubai, whose residents are used to ordering everything at the click of a mouse, slowly began returning to the streets.

Rains are rare in the UAE and elsewhere on the Arabian Peninsula, which is typically known for its dry desert climate. Summer air temperatures can soar above 50 degrees Celsius.

Following Tuesday's events, questions were raised whether cloud seeding, a process that the UAE frequently conducts, could have caused the heavy rains.

But climate experts blame global warming for such extreme weather events.

Researchers anticipate that climate change will lead to heightened temperatures, increased humidity and a greater risk of flooding in parts of the Gulf region. Countries like the UAE where there is a lack of drainage infrastructure to cope with heavy rains can suffer the most.

A UAE government agency that oversees cloud seeding - a process of manipulating clouds to increase rainfall - denied conducting any such operations before the storm.

President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a statement he had ordered authorities to assess the damage and provide support to families impacted by the storm.

Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum said on X that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors was the utmost priority.

"At a meeting with government officials in Dubai, we set directives to prepare comprehensive plans in response to natural crises' such as the unexpected current weather conditions," he said.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell, Federico Maccioni, Yousef Saba, Abir Ahmar and Amr Alfiky; Editing by Maha El Dahan, Tom Hogue, Angus MacSwan and Tomasz Janowski)

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Dubai airport diverts arrival flights after city-state struck by year's rainfall in a day

More than 120mm (4.7 inches) of rain soaked the city-state on Tuesday - with more expected in the coming hours.

Tuesday 16 April 2024 23:13, UK

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Flights arriving into Dubai airport - the world's busiest for international travel - were temporarily diverted on Tuesday evening to other locations after the city-state was hit by major flooding following heavy rainfall.

More than 120mm (4.7 inches) of rain came down on Tuesday, which is the typical yearly average in the desert nation.

Homes and roads were flooded and partially submerged cars were left abandoned.

The tarmac at Dubai International Airport was also flooded as planes made their way around what looked more like a lake.

Earlier, it was announced airport operations were suspended for 25 minutes due to the bad weather, with at least 21 outbound and 24 inbound flights cancelled during the day, and three flights diverted to other airports.

Despite the disruption, the airport said in its latest announcement that departure flights were continuing to operate.

The airport said that inbound flights would be diverted until weather conditions improve.

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An airport spokesperson was quoted by Gulf News as saying the flights would go to the nearest "available airports".

"The airport is working hard with its response teams and service partners to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to our customers," said the spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Flydubai said it had temporally suspended all of its flights departing from Dubai until 10am local time (7am UK time) on Wednesday due to the bad weather, the UAE state news agency WAM reported.

Passengers are being urged to check with their airline about the latest information on their flight status.

There was also heavy rainfall in other parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates that consists of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson said: "Intense showers and thunderstorms have been affecting eastern parts of the Arabian Peninsula and southern Iran today, with further flooding rains possible on Wednesday.

"The risk will also extend into southwestern parts of Pakistan.

"It's not unusual to see flash flooding events in the Gulf region, it happens most years, but usually between December and March.

"It looks like over 40mm of rain fell at both Dubai airports earlier today, potentially making it the wettest April day in Dubai according to the Met Office.

"Urban areas and baked ground both increase the risk of surface water flooding as the water is unable to soak through the ground easily."

Lightning flashed across the sky, and it sometimes touched the tip of the world's tallest building - the Burj Khalifa.

Rain is unusual in the UAE - but it happens periodically during the cooler winter months.

Many roads and other areas have insufficient drainage due to the lack of regular rainfall, causing flooding.

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Police and emergency personnel were seen driving slowly through the flooded streets, and tanker trucks were sent on to the streets to pump away the water.

Rain also fell in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, at least 18 people have died in neighbouring Oman following recent heavy rain.

The victims included 10 schoolchildren and an adult who were swept away in a vehicle.

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Heavy rains lash Middle East, disrupting flights in Dubai after killing 20 in region

Authorities and communities across the United Arab Emirates were clearing debris on Wednesday after heavy rain subsided late on Tuesday.

Dubai, the Middle East's financial centre, has been paralysed by torrential rain that has caused floods across the UAE and Bahrain, leaving 19 dead in Oman and at least one in the UAE.

Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest air hub for international passengers, diverted scores of incoming flights amid the flooding. DBX was expecting more than 100 flight arrivals on Tuesday evening.

But the airport announced a halt to arrivals before announcing a "gradual resumption" more than two hours later.

Videos on social media showed planes taxiing across an apron flooded with standing water.

Departure flights remained in operation during the evening but were plagued with delays and cancellations. Roads to the airport were also badly flooded.

Similar scenes were repeated across Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE as the oil-rich Gulf state, better known for its arid climate and intense summer heat, reeled from the storm.

Year's worth of rain in 24 hours

Flagship shopping centres Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates both suffered flooding.

Water was ankle-deep in at least one Dubai Metro station, according to images posted on social media.

Some roads collapsed, residential communities were hit by heavy flooding and many householders reported leaks from roofs, doors and windows.

Schools were shut across the UAE and were expected to remain closed on Wednesday, when further storms are forecast. Dubai's government also extended remote working for its employees into Wednesday.

Some inland areas of the UAE recorded more than 80 millimetres of rain over the 24 hours to 8am, approaching the annual average of about 100mm.

The National Center for Meteorology "urged residents to take all the precautions … and to stay away from areas of flooding and water accumulation".

The Asian Champions League football semifinal between the UAE's Al Ain and Saudi side Al Hilal, due to be hosted in Al Ain, was postponed for 24 hours because of the weather.

Climate-fuelled flooding

Bahrain, to the UAE's north-west, was also hit by heavy rain and flooding after being pummelled by thunder and lightning overnight.

"I like to play in the rain but for the first time it scares me," said nine-year-old Ali Hassan, as he helped his mother clear water from outside their house in Bahrain's capital, Manama.

The storms descended on the UAE, Bahrain and parts of Qatar after hitting Oman, where they caused deadly floods and left dozens stranded.

A child's body was recovered on Tuesday, taking the death toll to 18 with two people missing, emergency authorities told the official Oman News Agency.

Nine schoolchildren and three adults died when their vehicles were swept away in flash floods, the news agency reported on Sunday.

Both Oman and the UAE, which hosted last year's COP28 UN climate talks, have previously warned that global warming is likely to lead to more flooding.

Friederike Otto, a leader in the field of assessing the role of climate change on specific extreme weather events, said it was likely that global warming played a part in this week's rain.

"It is highly likely that the deadly and destructive rain in Oman and Dubai was made heavier by human-caused climate change," said Ms Otto, of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at Imperial College London.

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