The charming city of Dubai dazzles almost everyone with its incredible experiences. Whether it is the futuristic skyline or the luxurious attractions, Dubai has it all. But, it does not just stop there. The surrounding areas of the Dubai also offer the equally enchanting experiences. These best day trips from Dubai provide the perfect escapes for the weekend adventures for families and the couples.
Right from the pristine beaches to the majestic mountains, historic villages and the lush oases. There is something for everyone in the Dubai. Families can opt for the wildlife encounters or the theme parks. On the other hand, couples can prefer the serene desert adventures or the cultural heritage sites.
Read on to know about all those easier trips from Dubai for an amazing day trip experience. Also, make sure to get your Dubai Tourist visa from UK in advance for a worry-free travel experience!
The Day Trips from the Dubai offer the incredible diversity in the landscapes and the experiences. You will mostly find yourself transitioning from the urban wonders to the nature attractions in mere hours!
As the UAE is relatively compact in size, you can head over to multiple environments on your day trips from the Dubai. In the morning, you might find yourself swimming in the turquoise waters. By the afternoon, you could be on a hiking spree on the rugged mountain trails. As the evening arrives, you will most likely enjoy a desert sunset!
This is thanks to the excellent highways that connect Dubai to the neighbouring emirates and the attractions. Most of the destinations usually feature the well-developed tourist facilities. These usually comprise the restrooms, dining options and the parking areas.
But, the amazing part is that these best day trips from Dubai reveal a different side of the UAE. They allow you to witness the rich heritage and the diverse natural beauty of the country. All you need is an online Dubai visa to get started!
i). Sharjah Cultural District – Sharjah is the cultural capital of the UAE. This incredible place is just about 30 minutes away from the Downtown Dubai. Simply head over to the cultural district where you will find the Arts Area which houses the multiple museums. Then there are the other attractions like:
ii). Al Qudra Lakes – This place is around 40 minutes away from the Central Dubai. Visiting Al Qudra lake is easily one of the popular things to do around Dubai. That is because, you will get to enjoy the tranquil scenery of the desert!
This place is essentially a human-made oasis which spans the multiple connected lakes. All of these are amidst the rolling sand dunes. You will also get the chance to see lot of wildlife. These comprise the flamingos, swans and the desert foxes.
On the other hand, there is the cycling track (86 kms), Picnic areas with BBQ facilities and the famous love lake!
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i). The Al Ain Oasis – Do not miss out on the “Garden City” Al Ain, which lies about 90 minutes to the east of the Dubai. This is essentially a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is popular for its historic irrigation systems.
One interesting thing you will notice are the thousands of the date palms. These create a cool and shaded walkway across the oasis.
You can check out some interesting attractions here such as:
ii). Beaches & Mountains of Fujairah – This amazing place is positioned on the east coast of the UAE. From here, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Gulf of Oman.
This is one of the best day trips from Dubai which will take you approximately two hours to reach.
One of the first things you will notice are the crystal clear waters. These make it ideal for the scuba diving or the snorkelling adventures. Apart from this, there are some other attractions that you should check out:
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i). Liwa Oasis – Sitting approximately three hours Southwest of Dubai is the stunning Liwa Oasis. Enormous red sand dunes make surrealistic landscapes around the settlements. This crescent shaped collection of villages is in the border of the empty quarter.
Traditional farms incorporate modern techniques, which actually enhances farm production; furthermore, ancient forms of irrigation are still present in Traditional farms. Palm date plantations stand out and are a sharp contrast with the brutal desert surroundings. Local heritage centers explain the regions astounding desert adaptation strategies.
ii). Jebel Jais – The journey takes roughly 2.5 hours from Dubai to reach the Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE, in Ras Al Khaimah. It can be noticed that the temperature drops significantly as the mountain roads are ascended.
Thrill seekers are offered heart-racing experiences on the longest zipline in the world. Spectacular vistas of the rugged mountain terrains are provided on viewing platforms. Other than those, hiking trails with varying fitness levels are also available.
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i). Dubai Safari Park – The Dubai Safari Park extends 119 hectares to the Dubai’s city outskirts, a simple 30-minute drive from downtown Dubai. It is organized into four distinct villages that represent global ecosystems.
The African Village accommodates lions, zebras, and giraffes while The Asian Village has tigers, Komodo dragons and many types of primates. There is conservation education performed through shows and demonstrations. Visitors are transported via air-conditioned buses between the major sections of the park. There are also walking paths for selected close-acquaintance observation of animals. Thinking about Where can families go near Dubai for a weekend? This place is the ideal choice for you!
ii). Butterly Garden and Miracle Garden – Miracle Garden is the most visited floral garden in the world and can be found 20 minutes from the city center. It hosts more than 50 million flowers that are arranged in creative ways. Sculptures made out of the flowers include the Emirates A380 airplane and Disney characters. There are pathways that wind through archways and structures.
Being further from the city center, the Butterfly Garden is among the first places to host the colorful butterflies. Climate-controlled domes have been set up in the garden which allows you to observe the butterflies all throughout their diverse life cycles.
i). Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – In Bur Dubai, where it is reachable within 15 minutes, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood preserves Dubai’s architecture prior to the oil boom. You can check out the traditional buildings made from coral stones feature wind towers.
Al Fahidi fort houses the Dubai Museum which illustrates the life of early Emiratis. Atmospheric walking routes in the form of narrow sikkas (alleyways) link the buildings. Numerous restored merchant houses in the district now serve as art galleries. Make sure to add these best day trips from Dubai to your travel itinerary!
ii). Mleiha Archaelogical Site – Located approximately an hour from Dubai in the Sharjah emirate, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre showcases 130,000 years of human existence. The archaeological findings span from the Paleolithic period to the Islamic era.
Ancient marine fossils can be found in limestone formations along the Fossil Rock hiking trail. You can also check out the Bronze Age tombs that house artifacts from early desert civilizations. Then, there is the interactive museum that highlights the marvels of many significant discoveries. Do not miss out on such wonderful Things to do near Dubai!
Also see, Interesting Facts About Dubai You Should Know!
i). Sir Bani Yas Island – Sir Bani Yas Island provides more than just leisure activities . Now situated two hours away from Dubai, the former private royal wildlife sanctuary allows overnight visitors. Arabian wildlife roams freely on vast portions of the island that you can witness!
Safari drives uncover herds of oryx and gazelles along with giraffes set in the romantically natural settings. The exquisite private beach coves provide unparalleled serene swimming and sunbathing spots.
ii). Al Maha Desert Resort – Al Maha Desert Resort, located about 40 minutes from the Dubai, offers magical romantic retreats alongside secluded luxury. The property is exclusive to being within a desert conservation reserve. Secluded villas are decked out with plunge pools that overlook scenic desert views. This place ranks amongst the best short trips from Dubai by car, so, do not miss it out!
Included activities feature nature drives where guests are certain to witness Arabian wildlife such as oryx, gazelles, and even elusive desert foxes. Horseback riding is incredible together on the dunes where experiences will never be forgotten.
Also see, First time 4 days in Dubai: Perfect for beginners
Al Qudra Desert presents a great escape into the wild within a short 40 minute drive from Dubai. The desert consists of rolling dune fields and dotted ghaf trees. Wildlife includes desert foxes, gazelles, and a wide variety of birds.
More recently created, Love Lake’s romantic shape and design has drawn in more visitors. Camping in the desert has few demands in terms of gear, mostly needing to set up on flat sandy spaces. But the camping experience is just amazing. Sunset photography captures stunning colors across the dunes.
Hatta is certainly one of the best places for a day trip from Dubai. This mountain enclave, situated 90 minutes east of Dubai, has a cooler temperature in comparison to costal Dubai, usually several degrees lower.
The resoted Heritage Village of Hatta showcases the traditional mountain life. The stone houses and watchtowers depict the brutal living conditions and the structural ingenuity needed to survive . Local guides provide rich commentary regarding the history and the means of survival in the mountains.
The Hatta Dam is breathtaking; it creates a turquoise reservoir surrounded by rugged mountains. Rentable kayaks invite adventurers to the tranquil waters. The area also boasts exceptional hiking possibilities with trails featuring everything from leisurely strolls to steep mountain climbs.
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The best day trips from Dubai are certain to uncover the remarkable diversity the UAE has to offer beyond its towering skyscrapers . The wonderful surrounding destinations can be traveled within a few hours, offering sites like mountains, cultural museums, deserts, beaches, and so much more. These sites are ideal for weekend getaways tailored to the needs of all kinds of travelers.
Families can find and learn together through the numerous educational activities available for children and adults. Couples can enjoy beautiful views which are available in luxurious desert camps and mountains. History lovers can find endless archaeological sites, some of which date back thousands of years.
So, why hold yourself back any longer? Apply for a Dubai Visa for UK Resident now. Go on a memorable adventure across the Dubai and the nearby attractions with your near and dear!
You will find many cities that make for a perfect day trip from the Dubai. You can choose from cities like the Abu Dhabi (1.5 hours), Sharjah (30 minutes), Ajman (45 minutes), Ras Al Khaimah (1.5 hours), and the Al Ain (2 hours). On the other hand, Fujairah offers the mountain and beach experiences (2 hours), while the Hatta provides a refreshing mountain holiday (1.5 hours).
Most of the day trips from the Dubai allow you to explore for around 4 to 6 hours at the destination. This will mean, you have enough time to check out 2 to 3 major attractions, relish a local meal and may be go for some shopping too!
For the day trips from the Dubai, always try to wear the lightweight and breathable clothing. Go for the modest attire, especially, when you are visiting the mosques or the traditional areas (shoulders and knees should be covered). Wear the comfortable walking shoes and also bring a hat, sunglasses and the sunscreen for the sun protection.
Families will have a great time enjoying the day trips from the Dubai. Many of the destinations feature the kid-friendly attractions like the wildlife parks, beaches and the interactive museums. There are places such as the Al Ain Zoo, Splash Pools of Hatta and the beaches of the Fujairah.
You can choose from the different types of the activities like desert safaris, exploring the historical forts, hiking the mountains, visiting the museums or simply relaxing on the charming beaches of the Dubai.
The day trip options for the solo travellers are quite excellent. You will come across many of the shared group experiences that offer both the safety as well as the socializing opportunities. Popular solo-friendly day trip include the desert safaris, city tours to the Abu Dhabi or the Al Ain and the Hatta mountain excursions.
Hatta offers a combination of the adventure activities such as the mountain biking, hiking or the kayaking with the peaceful mountain views. Then, there is Fujairah which provides the thrilling water sports and the snorkelling alongside the quaint beaches for you to relax!
Yes, you can enjoy a delightful day trip in the Dubai without renting a car. Try joining the organized tour groups with the hotel pickup services or use the intercity bus networks connecting Dubai to the Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and other emirates for a wonderful day trip without renting any car!
Some of the rich cultural and historical sites near the Dubai comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Al Ain that boast the ancient oases and the archaeological treasures. You can also head over to Sharjah to check out the Arts Heritage District which has many museums and the restored buildings.
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