Destinations
Most people visit Dubai for about 4-5 days and this gives them hardly any time to explore the city itself or take any day trips from Dubai to the neighbouring emirates. With ample things to do for people of all ages and interests, Dubai will keep you busy and occupied for as long as you plan to spend here.
The UAE itself is a very small country and although most tourists visit only Dubai & Abu Dhabi, there are many other things to see and do in the other Emirates as well. If you find yourself with some spare time and a curiosity to explore what lies beyond the stylish and modern city, here are 10 day trips from Dubai that are worth taking, at a maximum of 3 hours driving distance and within the country.
Note: Although you won't be crossing the UAE border in many of these (except no.10), it is recommended that you carry your passport with you as there might be police checkpoints on the way.
Click here to book your car.
#1 Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque & Corniche
The capital of the UAE is second in its popularity with the tourists. Although it is no match for its fashionable and chic neighbour (Dubai), it is home to one of the most stunning monuments in this region - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Abu Dhabi has a lot to do and you will find some remote yet gorgeous beaches here. One of the best day trips from Dubai is to Abu Dhabi, where you must visit the Grand Mosque and the Corniche (a public beach at near the city centre offering water sports, plenty of cafes, restaurants and beach clubs with the lovely skyline in the backdrop) and if time allows, you may also visit Ferrari World, a theme park with rides, 4D and simulator experiences, as well as an exhibition of Ferrari's cars over the years or Warner. This is also where you can enjoy the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa. Abu Dhabi is now also home to Warner Bros, one of the largest indoor, fully-air conditioned theme parks in the world.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi skyline
Corniche
Spending more time? Read here about other places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
#2 Jebel Hafeet
Jebel Hafeet makes for one of my favourite day trips from Dubai because of its contrasting landscape from most other emirates. A craggy limestone hill with a steep ascent that leads to UAE's second highest peak, this place is a 2-hour drive from the city. Catching a sunset from the top is a popular thing to do here, followed by a drink at the rooftop terrace of the only hotel here, Mercure Grand, which offers breathtaking views of the city below and its sparkling lights.
The drive from the base of the hill to the top is steep yet the road is very well paved so it does not need a 4-wheel drive. There is a small cafe/food stall at the top where you can have tea, coffee, and snacks while you enjoy the beautiful views.
Drive towards Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain
Drive up the hill, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain
Mercure Grand, Jebel Hafeet
View from the top
Click here to read What you must know BEFORE visiting the UAE.
#3 Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
Not only do I love this resort, but the drive to it through the undulating golden sandy desert is also absolutely breathtaking. It is hardly a 45-minute drive away from the city and is another one of the best day trips from Dubai. Even for those not staying at the resort, it is absolutely recommended to visit it even if it just for a drink or snack in their rooftop lounge, Al Sarab or the popular restaurant Al Hadheera located in the middle of the desert, a few meters away from the resort, offering an authentic Arabic buffet meal with traditional entertainment.
A walk through the resort to any of these two places is also an absolute pleasure because of the beautiful Arabic architecture and the detailing of the interiors, with lamps, majlis, and pots that are magnificent, luxurious yet welcoming. You may also enjoy camel rides and a falcon show on their premises during evening hours.
Lamp at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Falcon Show
#4 Hatta Mountain Safari & Dam
Yet another one of the amazing day trips from Dubai, Hatta is about 1.5 hours away from the city and at the border of UAE and Oman. You may drive to the Hatta Fort Hotel and take a mountain safari tour from there (in a 4x4 vehicle) or book one from Dubai itself. The safari takes you through the rugged mountainous terrain and crystal clear green pools located amidst these mountains and the Hatta Dam. Alternatively, you can drive to the Hatta Dam in your own vehicle. The view from the top of the dam is absolutely stunning, with the dark brown hills and the green lake in between.
Hatta Mountain Safari
Wadi Pools, Hatta
Wadi Pools. Hatta
View from Hatta Dam
#5 Al Hamra Ghost Village, Jazirah Aviation Club & Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is my favourite emirate after Dubai because of its gorgeous beaches, host of adventurous activities and the amazing resorts located on the coast. The emirate is hardly a 1.5-hour drive from the city and is home to an abandoned old village which is rumoured to be haunted. If you're really brave and adventurous, a trip to this 'Ghost Village' in Al Hamra is probably up your alley. If not, you can skip it and proceed to the city centre where ample resorts and their beachside restaurants will definitely make you fall in love with the town.
Another activity for the adventure seekers is the microlight or gyrocopter flying, offered at a reasonable price at the Jazirah Aviation Club. About 30 minutes away is one of my favourite resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Cove Rotana. Although many new and swanky resorts have sprung up in the area recently, this remains one of the charming ones which is spread out over a large area, has amazing Arabic architecture and feel, offers stunning views from the infinity pool and the beach is absolutely gorgeous! If you can, you must spend a night here at the resort and even if you cannot, I recommend you to have a drink or dinner at their beachside dining restaurant.
Al Hamra Ghost Village
Gyrocopter flying at Jazirah Aviation Club
Microlight flying at Jazirah Aviation Club
Cove Rotana Beachside Dining
The resort, Cove Rotana
Cove Rotana Poolside Dining[/caption]
Click here to read How to experience 15 world records in 4 days, in the UAE.
#6 Snoopy Island & Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah
Fujairah is yet another fantastic emirate, slightly further away from Dubai than the rest but totally worth a visit because of the natural beauty and landscape. One of the popular day trips from Dubai to Fujairah would involve a visit to the Al Aqah beach, which is lined with several resorts but also has a white sandy public beach which offers water sports and amazing views, with the Al Hajjar mountains in the backdrop. It is about a 2-hour drive away from Dubai and although it is home to several historically significant monuments (such as Al-Bidyah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE and the Fujairah Fort), it is the beaches that attract maximum attention. You may choose to stay overnight in one of the many amazing resorts here but if you cannot, a visit to Al Aqah public beach is a must. The drive through the rugged mountains leading to this coastal town is as lovely as the town itself.
A local favourite is the Snoopy Island, located 10-minutes before approaching the Al Aqah beach. A public beach located off the Snoopy Island (named so because of its shape), is where you might find a lot of Dubai residents camping for the night, especially during the cooler winter months.
Drive to Fujairah
Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah
Water Sports at Al Aqah Beach
Snoopy Island, Fujairah
Overnight camping at the beach near Snoopy Island
#7 Jebel Al Jais
Jebel Al Jais is the tallest mountain in the UAE and one is several years, it is known to see some snow during thick winters. The road through the mountains was carved only recently and since then has attracted a lot of local population that loves to drive all the way up (the last 5 km are still rubble and a road is being built) to enjoy sweeping views of the valley below. Eventually, the area will see some resorts, cable car, and many sporting activities but at the moment, there is just a tea and coffee truck at the highest point. There are several observation points along the way and the vistas are amazing. This is definitely one of the unique day trips from Dubai.
Drive to the top of Jebel Al Jais mountain UAE
A reservoir on the way to the summit
Sweeping vistas of the valley from the summit of Jebel Al Jais
#8 Wadi Adventure, Al Ain
This is the perfect day trip for adventure lovers! Wadi Adventure, a park that has an artificial whitewater river for rafting, a wave pool for surfers, zip lining, kayaking, a rope course and climbing wall and my favourite- the giant swing, this is the place to come to for your dose of adrenaline rush. It is a one-of-its-kinds park in the UAE and set at the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, may be combined with a trip to the summit of the hill to enjoy gorgeous views of the sunset.
#9 Sharjah Corniche
Sharjah is a stark contrast to Dubai, both in terms of the vibe, which is more laid back and conservative and the attractions, which are more cultural than the lively city-life. However, a day-trip to the emirate can be a good way to spend time away from the busy and fast-paced life of Dubai, and learn more about the culture of this region. Some particularly interesting places to visit are Blue Souk (also known as the Central Market), an air-conditioned market with more than 500 shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, perfumes, jewellery and knick-knacks. Although it is in an enclosed area, the place has the ambience of an authentic Arabian souk. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to take a break from exploring and shopping. For those who like visiting museums and learning about the history and culture of places, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is an interesting one. Exhibits here date back to the 7th century, focusing on Islamic art and crafts from that era.
Sharjah Skyline
Personally, my favourite place is Al Qasba, and that too at night because of how beautifully the place lights up and comes to life, with plenty of waterside cafes and restaurants, making it perhaps the most lively place here. You can choose to take a ride on the Eye of the Emirates (the giant wheel that offers birds-eye-view of the city) or watch the musical fountain on the lake, rent a water bike or take an abra tour.
Al Qasba, Sharjah
Another particularly beautiful place to visit here is the Al Noor Mosque, one of the few mosques in the UAE that are open to non-Muslims for tourism. You will find stark similarities between the architecture of this mosque and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The yellow lighting at night, with the reflections on the lake and the backdrop of Sharjah's skyline, make for the perfect Instagram picture.
Al Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah
Al Noor Mosque Sharjah
#10 Khasab
Khasab makes for one of the most picturesque day trips from Dubai. As it geographically is a part of Oman and requires crossing the borders and stamping the passport, you might need to first check the requirements of entering Oman based on your nationality. For UAE residents, if you're driving to Khasab, you need to make sure you're carrying your passport and relevant car papers (registration, insurance). As for non-UAE-residents, the entrance into Oman will depend on your nationality. Some people might need to apply for a visa in advance whereas others can get on arrival.
Also note, if you need to enter back in the UAE after, this means the requirements for entering into the UAE should also be checked (do you have a multiple entry visa, does your nationality get a visa on arrival, etc). However, it may be worth looking into these things because Khasab is a part of the Musandam peninsula, which is considered to be the Norway of the Middle East, with magnificent fjords, gorgeous blue seas and the perfect weather all year around.
When in Khasab, you may choose to camp for the night on one of the public beaches (it is extremely safe to do so) or stay in one of the few resorts located here.
Remote beaches at Khasab
Fishing at Khasab
You could also consider taking an organized Khasab Tour from Dubai for more convenience.
Khasab
All these place are wonderful to visit and article very informative. Dubai is a really great place & everyone wish to visit this at least once in life.
Shreya Saha
You have nicely compiled the places to see and things to do outside Dubai, but if I am not wrong, very few people actually make it outside the city when they visit Dubai. You live there, so it’s great that you can share so much of information of UAE to readers like us. I have never really heard of most of the places you mentioned except a few like Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque and Al Qasba in Sharjah, reason being I have friends living in those two cities. If I visit Dubai, I would like to spend few days doing these what you have recommended.
Medha Verma
It’s true, people come here for 4-5 days and just about manage to see Dubai (and a little bit of Abu Dhabi) but if one has more time to spare or if someone likes to go offbeat, there are so many options!
Annick
UAE is on my list of places to visit, particularly Dubai. I like that you chose both historical areas and the more modern Sharjah Corniche. Plus I like the fun you can have at Wadi Adventure for those who have a bit more time.
Medha Verma
Very few people make it outside the city of Dubai when they visit. At most, they will visit Abu Dhabi. But there is a lot more to do and see around here!
Marissa
This is a great list! I’ve stayed in Dubai but never left the city, so I can’t believe how many day trips there are. I’d love to go to Jebel Hafeet – it looks like it’s straight out of a movie! Whitewater rafting would be a blast as well.
Medha Verma
Whitewater rafting is alright, the river is artificial so it is not like the proper ones but still fun!
Juliette S
What a brilliant guide to getting out of the city! I would never have known these were feasible day trips to take from Dubai. I love the landscape of Jebel Hafeet – it looks truly amazing! And some of those beautiful beaches with such blue water – that looks like my kind of day trip.
Medha Verma
The beaches outside Dubai, in other emirates, are so much better than the ones in Dubai. I always tell people looking for a beach holiday to head towards Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah.
Rosemary
Always love getting out of the major cities and exploring further out. I’m familiar with Dubai and Abu Dhabi (though never visited), but not more. This is a great way to travel beyond for a richer experience. Can’t wat to visit Dubai at some point.
Medha Verma
I especially love Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. The beaches are amazing and you can go snorkelling, diving or just relax in a nice beach resort.
Jen Joslin
This has really made me rethink how we will plan our trip to Dubai! I had no idea there were so many day/overnight trips you can make from the city. I’m interested in nearly all of them, but especially visiting the Al Hamra Ghost Village, Jazirah Aviation Club, Ras Al Khaimah. The beaches there look beautiful! I would also love to watch sunset at Jezebel Hafeet, and get drinks at the rooftop hotel nearby 🙂
Medha Verma
If you have a week to spend here, these things can be included in your itinerary. It’ll give you enough time to explore Dubai and take these day trips 🙂
Rahul Khurana
Wow, there is so much to do there. I would definitely go for a gyrocopter ride and drive a vehicle on the road leading to Jebel Hafeet. The views are stunning from the top especially the night scene. Great ideas.
Medha Verma
Yeah I think the gyrocopter is a unique thing to do!
Lauren
It’s so cool that you can base yourself in Dubai and travel all over the place! So many different views and terrain. It’s always so interesting to see so much water and water sports in such a dry place! Those gyrocopters look like a lot of fun – I haven’t seen anything like that before
Medha Verma
I love the gyrocopters, they fly low enough to enjoy views below and high enough to feel like yoy’re..well..flying! 🙂
Julie
Wow I had no idea that there was so much to do within reasonable distance from Dubai. I’ll have to take more time there next time I fly through.
Medha Verma
There’s a lot more to the UAE than just Dubai 🙂
Paige
I had no idea that there was so natural beauty in UAE! Those desert formations and mountains are UNREAL! That road leading to Jebel Hafeet looks incredible. I also love those little pools! So cool!
Medha Verma
There’s natural beauty, just of a different kind. No greenery but the desert landscapes are something else!
sherianne
A friend was recently talking about taking a trip to Dubai and I wasn’t super excited about the idea until now. Looks like there is tons of things to do in the area, though I’m a bit of a chicken and will opt out of the Gyrocopter!
Medha Verma
Haha its not as scary as it sounds!
Tracie
Pinning this! Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque is breathtaking! I love that middle eastern architecture. I would definitely have to visit the Wadi Adventure park too. Sounds like a lot of fun!
Medha Verma
Thanks, its one of the best places to visit in the UAE, in my opinion 🙂
Anda
Dubai was never high on my travel list, but after reading your post I began thinking that a trip there may be interesting after all. Not necessarily for the city itself, but for some of these day trips that sound quite exciting. Like for instance the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque, or the Al Hamra Ghost Village.
Medha Verma
The city is pretty cool too but yea, if you can spare little extra time, these day trips are totally worth it 🙂
Annemarie
This is fabulous! I love the many ideas you provide and your photos are so good. I really wanna visit the Grand Mosque. Hopefully one day.
Medha Verma
Even if you aren’t able to cover all the day trips here, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not one to be missed!
Megan Indoe
Yep, I want to do all of these! Especially the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque and the desert! Also, Khasab is like an oasis that I know I will love! The night photos are spectacular as well!
Medha Verma
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of my favourite places to see in the entire country!
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
Love this list! It’s really wide-ranging to suit a whole range of interests. I’m fascinated by the desert so I’d have Bab Al Shams Desert Resort on the top of my list for sure. It seems like an incredible place to stay for a night. The pool and rooftop lounge seem like incredible property amenities.
Medha Verma
Its one of my favourite resorts too! The best part is, its not as expensive as most other desert resorts here 🙂 And, its not too far from the city (45 min drive only).
Sandy N Vyjay
There is so much more to the UAE beyond Dubai and your post amply demonstrates that. Recently we were in Sharjah and loved it. A day trip to Dubai highlighted the contrasts of the two cities and we found both equally interesting. But there is still so much to see in the region, we have to go back.
Medha Verma
True, there is 🙂
Carol Colborn
Thanks for this list. We did an overnight layover in Dubai two years ago because we thought the city is all there is. We knew about Abu Dhabi but not all the rest…the desert, the beaches, the mosques.
Medha Verma
There’s always more to every place 🙂
Barb
Visiting the UAE has been on my bucket list forever. I have seen so many photos of the Grand Mosque, I feel like I really want to see it now. You give some great tips to visitors on this post. Thanks!
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Lydia Smith
Not surprised Dubai has this much to offer its visitors. Its quite interesting to see in a single post the many sides of the city. From the Corniches, Jebel Hafeet to Al Noor Mosque, a trip to Dubai can never get boring. And gosh, those pictures are dope!
Medha Verma
Thanks, Lydia! You must visit sometime 🙂
vanessa workman
Excellent info! It’s interesting to see the various destination images, side by side, to see the diversity of the Dubai area. It does indeed look like there is plenty to do to keep everyone happy. Falcons are one of my favorite birds too, so I’d love to see that show.
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Anne Slater-Brooks
There are some great options here and it is a great reminder that there is more to Dubai than glitz and glamour. I love the idea of getting out of the city and exploring and it certainly seems like there is plenty to do for a week or more.
Medha Verma
There sure is Anne 🙂 So much more to Dubai than a glitzy, ‘artificial’ city.
Siddhartha Joshi
Your post was a revelation to me Medha – I’ve been to Dubai but had no idea there was so much to do around the city! My favorite was Wadi Pools at Hatta and the adventures in the river…
I think I really need to revisit Dubai 🙂
Medha Verma
Haha yes you must! Wadi Pools are pretty awesome. I also love the drive up Jebel Hafeet 🙂
Rosemary
Wow, I had no idea there was so much to do around Dubai. I’m quite impressed to see so much beautiful nature – the mountains, reservoir, beaches. I’d really to try the Gyrocopter, what is like? I have not been to Dubai yet, but now I know there is so much more to see and explore. Thanks for the interesting article.
Medha Verma
I love the gyrocopter experience – it’s fun because it flies low enough to enjoy the view below closely 🙂
Anneklien Meanne
Wow so much to do and see around the area, definitely the mosque visit and wadi adventures is on my list.
Medha Verma
You’ll not be disappointed 🙂
Jennifer
I’ve been to Dubai at least four or five times now and one trip to Abu Dhabi. There’s clearly a lot more I have left to see. The wadi pools and the ghost village alone make me want to plan another trip back. I still have so many Emirates left to explore! Good to know all of these can be done as day trips from Dubai.
Medha Verma
You need to plan another trip soon 😉
Lucy
I have only spent 3 days in Dubai and saw a lot, but I would like to go back to do some of these trips. I would love to see Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and my husband would like to go to Ferrari world!
Medha Verma
I hope you get to visit again soon x
Cai Dominguez
Wow! You made me feel so excited to visit this part of the world. so many unique experience to do here! I would love to experience adventures on a dessert. Visit mosque and tour Oman, a friend of mine said that Oman is surprisingly beautiful so I really would love to check it out!
Medha Verma
Oh yes, Oman is extremely beautiful, so much natural beauty and that too, untouched!
Ami
Medha, I grew up in Abu Dhabi and I have done all these as a kid. Your post makes me so nostalgic that I want to hop and see these again. Of course, they are now a lot different from when I had seen them but no less beautiful. Thanks for getting me all warm and fuzzy with those memories. Loved this post for that.
Medha Verma
Oh that’s great, I’m sure you miss the UAE. I know I will miss being here, when I leave 🙂
Dorene
Thanks for the in depth list of things to do in Dubai! My hesitation of going to Dubai has always been the thought that everything there is artificial, but you have proven something different to me with your day trips — Jebel Hafeet looks lovely as does the Hatta Mountains. Thanks!
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Cathy
I agree that 4-5 days shouldn’t be enough to explore the beauty and nice trips in Dubai. Next year, we’re planning to visit here and actually we just want to stay near the beach in the city. Reading your post makes me realise that it our trip and number of days to come here may not be enough! I especially like to visit Wadi Adventure, Al Ain and would love the giant swing! We love adventures so this could be a perfect place for us soon!
Medha Verma
You might also want to try the longest zip line in the world (they will be opening it beginning 2018) at Jebel Al Jais. I’m sure it’ll be amazing!
Megan Jerrard
I loved my time in Dubai, but one thing I do regret is not having made the day trip to Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque & Corniche. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is something I really want to see – such a beautiful building – you got really stuning shots. Nice to know there are a range of other day trips worth taking too though – Wadi Pools in Hatta looks beautiful, and Wadi Adventure sounds fun! White water rafting is not something I would have expected to be able to do in the UAE!
Medha Verma
I always recommend anyone who has only 4-5 days in the UAE, to definitely make it to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, if nowhere else. In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful architectural icon in the UAE.
Debra Schroeder
Those day trips look like fun. Every time I’ve visited Dubai, I just stay in the city. Next time I need to venture out, especially to Wadi Adventure park. Whitewater rafting in the desert, who would have thought it possible!
Medha Verma
Haha they say anything is possible in the UAE 😉
Tamara Elliott
This is such a great post! You’re right that I think most of us only consider visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but this shows how many other great spots there are to explore in the UAE. I especially like the sounds of the mountain safari tour and the Wadi adventure park. The water in that reservoir was also so pretty!
Medha Verma
The Hatta mountain safari tour is quite a unique experience actually. Sad that it doesn’t get spoken about much, I’m sure people would flock to it if they knew 🙂
Anu
I would love to visit Al-Ain – the only UNESCO World Heritage Site of UAE. Have been just once to the country and could not manage to reach Al-Ain. I found the museums of Sharjah and its old souks very interesting. All the antique stuff they sell is so fascinating.
Medha Verma
Oh yes the souks in Sharjah are quite unique 🙂
Julien Mordret
That post is pretty useful for me as I am greatly tempted by a road trip in the UAE for 2018! Very cool suggestions, I love the Hatta Mountains, looks like something I would love to explore. Khasab looks stunning! But I am French and I need a visa, so sad!
Medha Verma
Haha I totally get the visa hassle. I’m Indian and I need a visa to pretty much everywhere lol.
Jennifer Melroy
I had fun driving Jebel Hafeet when I was in Dubai. It was a nice road to go fast but I was disappointed it was super curvy. I loved to explore the date farm in Al Ain. I enjoyed trying an untold number of types of dates (and turned me in to a snob when it comes to my dates).
Medha Verma
Haha I’m not much of a fan of dates, I only like the ones covered in chocolate 😉 But yeah, that’s a good recommendation too.
Mei
We’ve never been to the UAE and must admit that it has not really been on our bucket list, but we’ll save this post for when we would eventually visit. It’s good to know that the road to Jebel Hafeet is well paved and that we wouldn’t need a 4-wheel car to get there (last summer we had some problems with bad roads in Crete, so it was kinda stressful!!) Al Hamra Ghost Village sounds interesting too, and we would consider visiting it, since we usually prefer ancient villages over resorts or crowded places. Also, I’m glad you mentioned Al Noor Mosque as one of mosques in the UAE that are open to non-Muslims for tourism!
Medha Verma
Al Noor mosque is beautiful but I would recommend not to miss Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque given a chance, its the most beautiful mosque (and site) to see in the UAE.
Alli
Everything here looks absolutely amazing! I have yet to be to this side of the world – it looks so beautiful. Those Wadi Pools and Jebel Hafeet in particular catch my eye 🙂
Medha Verma
I do love the incredible views from Jebel Hafeet and driving on that winding road to the top within a span of 20 min is such an amazing experience.
Kavita Favelle
I never thought before about using Dubai as a base for so many great day trips! Of the ten great ideas, I’m most drawn to the desert landscapes at Jebel Hafeet, the Hatta Mountains and Dam, and Jebel Al Jais. I think Al Hamra Ghost Village would be fun too, so photogenic!
Medha Verma
They’re all good choices Kavita. Personally I would recommend you to not miss out on Fujairah either, it’s one of my favorite emirates 🙂
Jenna
I never realized how many great things were accessible as a day trip from Dubai! I’ve always wanted to visit Abu Dhabi and the grand mosque but I never thought about visiting on a day trip from Dubai. Would be a fun way to combine both destinations! The Hatta Mountain Safari & Dam looks really cool too. I love the mountains and the color of the water! Wadi Adventure, would be fun too—I’ve wanted to try one of the artificial whitewater rivers for a while now, just sounds like something interesting and fun to try out!
Medha Verma
Abu Dhabi is hardly an hour’s drive from Dubai and can be easily covered in a day. Wadi Adventure and Jebel Hafeet can also be combined as they’re not too far from each other. If you plan a trip to the UAE, try to make it for a week so that you can see all the great stuff here.
Jolina S....
We didn’t have a lot of time during our first trip to Dubai so we only got to #1 on your list! Definitely have to bookmark this — have to get to #2 and #8 next time I visit! The Wadi Adventure looks like fun!
Medha Verma
I hope you get to visit again soon x
Jitaditya
Great list. I always imagined this city to be a concrete jungle in the middle of a desert. I am glad to see so many other options and natural beauty so near to the city. I would definitely love to move away from the city and drive along these epic landscapes.
Medha Verma
Cheers!
Lauren
I love the idea of getting out of the main cities and exploring! There’s so much awesome natural places to explore there, I had no idea. Thank you for sharing these ideas – I want to check out the Wadi Pools!
Medha Verma
Taking a 4-WD into those rugged areas is a great experience, best done on an organized tour rather than yourself 🙂
Jessica
Thanks for the tips. The Wadi pools look amazing. Would definitely add this and the dessert experience to my list. The gyrocopter looks pretty epic too!
Medha Verma
Oh yes the gyrocopter is a unique and amazing experience 🙂
Suruchi
Traveling to Dubai In near future was never in our bucket list but your post has surely changed the thought. Out of all these day trips I was only aware about Mosque. Jebel Hafeet and wadi adventures looks like super fun. Dubai surely has so much to offer. Hopefully we will visit Dubai soon
Medha Verma
Hope you do. Cheers x
Samantha Sparrow
I had no idea there were such a variety of great day trips from Dubai – I only really thought of Abu Dhabi before reading this post. I think my husband would love to visit Wadi Adventure, although I would prefer the rugged beauty of Jebel Al Jais.
Medha Verma
They’re introducing the world’s largest zip line in Jebel Jais soon, so that’s an added incentive I’m sure your husband would love 🙂
amit
So many great options for day trips here, I have to say Jebel Hafeet, Hatta Mountain Safari & Dam, would be on-top of my list, (which of course you would have to be my guide haha) but I would need to experience all of these – Another great post of you tempting me to come to Dubai haha 😀
Medha Verma
Haha, see you soon 😉
Victoria
I wish I took the chance to visit the neighbouring Emirates during my Dubai trip. Thanks for the info on this post! I’ll def make use of it. Pinning!
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Ritika
i have been to ll the places and taht another reason i luv dubai so much..so many thinsg to do even when you cant travel..great list ..will share it with my Dubai friends
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Shruti Prabhu
I am so glad I have discovered this post! I am thinking of heading to Dubai in 2018. There’s so many places in this list I did not know about! Jebel Hafeet and Jebel Al Jais are just amazing! I never imagined doing any of these. Bookmarked!
Medha Verma
That’s great, have fun!
Nathalie salcedo
I didn’t know there were too much more to come and see in UAE.
Everything about the places were a must see and the adventures is worth the try. Will bookmark this for future use.
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Nisha
I have been to some of these places and all of them were worth it. I do hope to go again to the UAE sometime and probably that time I will cover the other places.
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Ashish GUpta
Really a great article Medha. Now I can plan multiple days visit to Dubai.
Cheers
Ashish Gupta
Medha Verma
Thanks Ashish, you must 🙂
Lois Alter Mark
I had no idea there was so much to do outside of Dubai! We were there a couple of years ago and if I had known, we would have done a lot of these day trips. Your photos are beautiful, and these all sound like great places to see.
Medha Verma
Thanks Lois 🙂
noel
It looks great to see the outdoors and scenic landscape of the country in comparison to just the urban images one thinks of Dubai. I’m more interested in seeing the old and beautiful parts of the country
Medha Verma
I agree, the scenic part of the UAE should be talked about a lot more than just the modern skyscraper city of Dubai.
Melissa
Ive always wanted to visit the Grand Mosque, but so many of these other sites look amazing, too. I had no idea that there were beaches around Dubai.
Medha Verma
Dubai also has beaches and some great beachside resorts. However I personally like the beaches in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Khasab more 🙂
Indrani
Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque, Desert Safari and Sharjah done. I hope I get the opportunity to do the others too soon.
Medha Verma
Cheers, I hope you do x
Restless Heart Blog
I had no idea there are so many interesting things around Dubai, super surprised! I would consider going there after reading this, I had no desire to visit Dubai before 🙂
Medha Verma
Oh I guess the nature and historical/ cultural places don’t get spoken about enough. People always focus on the glitzy and glamorous city of Dubai 🙂
Jen
Wow there is so much to do, absolutely loved reading and seeing all your photos! This is really inspiring me to visit Dubai and take these day trips! Thank you!
Medha Verma
Cheers Jen 🙂
Followingtherivera
This is so good to read about these day trips from Dubai. I always read about the city but have never heard of many of these places. I particularly love the desert resort, especially after my own experience in Morocco. Khasab looks stunning too, and I’d love the chance to step into Oman, if only for a short time! Another lovely post, and informative too!
Medha Verma
Thanks Lisa, you will find a lot of similarities between Morocco and the UAE 🙂
Mia
This is such a great resource! You wouldn’t believe how many people don’t realize they can take a day trip from almost any destination (many times, they can see another country as well). I’ll have to keep this for my trip to Dubai next year!
Medha Verma
You can do day trips from Dubai to cities in Oman as well like Khasab mentioned in my post 🙂 Hope you’re able to travel long enough to explore Dubai and other emirates too!
Marvi
Wow.. I love your list of day trips! I honestly didn’t know most of this places.. Wadi Adventure looks pretty cool.. I’d love to try the whitewater river rafting and kayaking.. I don’t know about the giant swing though.. I’ve seen one in Davao here in the Philippines and I was like, ‘noooooo…’.. hahaha.. Cool list!
Medha Verma
I guess these places hardly get spoken about when people talk about Dubai 🙂 Unless somebody has more than 4-5 days here, they probably won’t consider going out of the city.
Fiona Maclean
So many diverse things to do. You are right, I’ve been to Dubai and seen nothing but the city…
I’d love to see the grand mosque in Abu Dhabi – but more than that, the Wadi trip sounds truly fascinating – and 4×4 adventures into the desert look wonderful.
Medha Verma
Maybe on your next trip, you can go off-beat and take some daytrips outside the city 🙂
steph & zach dorworth
You had us at Ferrari World! Really wanting to go to Abu Dhabi and had no idea there was a Ferrari world there. So we must visit that. The other day trips also sound amazing. The beaches (like snoopy beach) would be a must too! Great post!
Medha Verma
Thanks, there are really nice beaches around here, great places to relax 🙂 Ferrari World has iconic roller coasters by the way!
Carmelatte
Woow <3 I love your pictures! Must have been a great experience <3
Medha Verma
Thank you 🙂 Yes it was.
Catherine
Thanks for this great list. I only had familiarity with Abu Dhabi and the Grand Mosque. This is one Clare’s I’d love to visit!
Medha Verma
Very few people know about UAE beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There’s so much more to see here !
Penny Protopapa
Oh I have Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque and Ferrari World already in my list!! Now I’ll definitely add the Bab Al Shams Desert resort!!!
Medha Verma
I love Bab Al Shams 🙂 And it’s just about 45 min away from Dubai !
Col B S Rehal
Wow. This article has motivated us to make a trip to Dubai.
Thanks
Medha Verma
Cheers!
Madhu
Thanks for sharing this very useful and informative blog post. I always assumed Dubai to be like a concrete marvel. But now with so much to see and visit I wl visit soon
Medha Verma
Hope you visit soon Madhu x
Kat
I knew about Abu Dhabi but not about the others! The Wadi Adventure looks like so much fun! And I love the photos of the blue water at Khasab.
Medha Verma
Khasab is technically a part of Oman but not far from Dubai and it has beautiful waters, I love that place! I wish people would look beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi 🙂