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8 Best day trips from Dubai
Discover the 8 best day trips from Dubai, from Abu Dhabi to thrilling desert safaris. Explore stunning landscapes and historic sites.
Dubai has it all: skyscrapers, luxurious shopping, international food, and vibrant nightlife. Already explored the city and enjoyed the views from the Burj Khalifa? Day trips from Dubai are the best way to see more of the UAE and what lies beyond the city.
The outskirts of Dubai offer visitors a chance to see other sites and sample Dubai street food while on the road. These activities are perfect for day trip itineraries from Dubai and attract hundreds of visitors yearly. From ancient forts to beaches and spectacular deserts, there’s plenty of places near Dubai to discover, and we’ve got the perfect list to complement your travel guide for Dubai.
Join us as we unpack the eight best day trips from Dubai and share practical tips, like choosing the best eSIM for Dubai to stay connected, that will ensure you have connectivity across the region.
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1. Abu Dhabi: The grand capital
Best day trip from Dubai for: Culture enthusiasts and those seeking architectural marvels.
Travel duration: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus.
Quickest mode of transport: Taxi or private car ( around 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic). For ultra-luxury and speed, helicopter transfers are available, taking around 40-50 minutes.
Just a short drive south, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, offers a nice contrast to Dubai’s modernity. Once you’ve experienced all of the top things to do in Dubai, a visit to Abu Dhabi is a worthwhile way to spend your day.
The highlight is the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with white marble, intricate carvings, and vast prayer halls. Beyond the mosque, you can delve into the world of Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, for a glimpse into Emirati governance and heritage.
If you’re an art lover, the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island has a collection of art spanning various civilizations. Abu Dhabi is one of the places to visit near Dubai that offers rich cultural immersion.
2. Hatta: Mountain adventures
Best day trip from Dubai for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Travel duration: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus.
Quickest mode of transport: Car (around 1 hour 35 minutes).
Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, the enclave of Hatta is a world away from the bustle of Dubai. This rugged landscape offers thrilling outdoor activities and is one of the best places near Dubai for an energizing escape. It offers magical views for those who get to spend an early morning or evening enjoying the sunrise and sunset.
The Hatta Dam is a focal point, where you can rent kayaks, paddle boats, or swim in its turquoise waters, surrounded by mountainous landscapes. If you’re seeking more adrenaline, the Hatta Wadi Hub offers mountain biking trails, hiking routes, zorbing, and even axe throwing! Don’t miss to spend a day in Hatta Heritage Village, a restored ancient village that provides a fascinating insight into traditional Emirati life in the mountains.
3. Sharjah: The cultural capital
Best day trip from Dubai for: Art and history buffs.
Travel duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour by car or bus.
Quickest mode of transport: Car or taxi (around 25 minutes during off-peak hours).
Known as the cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah is one of the closest places to Dubai (and one of the easiest sites to get to) and offers a range of museums, art galleries, and heritage sites.
Explore the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, which houses a collection of Islamic artifacts and showcases the beauty of Islamic art and science. Wander through the Heart of Sharjah, a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site, which is a restored area offering a glimpse into traditional Emirati architecture and lifestyle.
The Al Noor Island’s butterfly house and contemporary art installations also provide a unique experience. If you’re seeking a destination near Dubai rich in cultural heritage, Sharjah is the answer.
4. Al Ain: The garden city
Best day trip from Dubai for: Families and visitors interested in history and traditional Emirati heritage.
Travel duration: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus.
Quickest mode of transport: Car or taxi (around 1 hour 35 minutes).
Al Ain, often called the “Garden City” due to its lush oases, is another excellent choice for a day trip from Dubai. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the stunning Al Ain Oasis, where you can stroll through vast date palm plantations.
Visit the Al Ain Palace Museum, the former residence of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father. For panoramic views, drive or hike up Jebel Hafeet, the highest peak in Abu Dhabi, offering breathtaking vistas of the city and the surrounding desert. The Al Ain Zoo is also a popular attraction, especially for families. These are truly unique places to visit near Dubai.
5. Fujairah: East coast escape
Best day trip from Dubai for: Beach lovers and those seeking a coastal retreat.
Travel duration: 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
Quickest mode of transport: Car or taxi (around 1 hour 16 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes).
For a change of scenery from the Arabian Gulf, head to Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast, bordering the Gulf of Oman. This is one of the most scenic places near Dubai if you’re after ocean views. Fujairah offers beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Snoopy Island, just offshore, is a renowned spot for marine life. Explore historical sites like Fujairah Fort, one of the oldest forts in the country, and the Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the country. A day trip from Dubai to Fujairah provides a relaxing coastal escape.
Visits to sites in and outside of Dubai, like the Al Bidya Mosque, require guests to dress appropriately. Knowing how to dress in Dubai and its surrounding areas is important.
6. Ras Al Khaimah: Northern Emirates adventure
Best day trip from Dubai for: Adrenaline junkies and mountain explorers.
Travel duration: 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
Quickest mode of transport: Car or taxi (around 1 hour 4 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes).
Further north, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a diverse landscape, from pristine beaches to the rugged Hajar Mountains. It’s a fantastic option for a day trip from Dubai if you’re looking for adventure.
The main draw is Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, home to the Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline, offering an exhilarating experience with incredible views. You can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and exploring wadis.
Lastly, don’t miss Dhayah Fort, a historic hilltop fort with panoramic views. These attractions are worthwhile sites and cater to all kinds of adventurers. As these trips require planning, it’s a good tip to know how to buy a Dubai SIM card, so you can easily plan and book day trips online.
7. Musandam (Oman): Fjords of Arabia
Best day trip from Dubai for: Scenic cruises and dolphin watching.
Travel duration: 2.5 to 3 hours by car.
Quickest mode of transport: Car or private transfer (around 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on border crossing times).
While technically located in Oman, the Musandam Peninsula is a popular day trip from Dubai. Often referred to as the “Norway of Arabia” for its dramatic fjords, this region is best explored by taking a traditional dhow (boat) cruise.
Stop by this beautiful location and glide through turquoise waters, past steep cliffs, and could even spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat! Many tours include snorkeling and swimming opportunities in the clear waters.
As this is a neighboring country, remember to check visa requirements for Oman before planning this day trip.
8. Desert Safari: The Arabian sands
Best day trip from Dubai for: A classic Arabian experience and thrill-seekers.
Travel duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Quickest mode of transport: Car or taxi (approx. 40-50 minutes to reach the desert areas outside the city).
No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing the magic of the Arabian Desert, and a desert safari is an ideal day trip from Dubai for this. This isn’t technically outside of the city, but it takes you to the Dubai outskirts for an entirely different landscape.
If you’re a thrill seeker, you can enjoy exhilarating dune drives in a 4×4 vehicle, followed by sandboarding down the golden dunes. Many tours also offer camel riding, a traditional way to explore the desert.
As the sun sets, you’ll arrive at a desert camp in the evening for a traditional BBQ dinner, cultural performances like belly dancing and Tanoura shows, and the chance to try henna painting. These are quintessential places to visit in Dubai for an authentic cultural experience.
Experience the best day trips from Dubai with unlimited data
As you explore these day trips from Dubai, staying connected is key. Reliable internet is essential for sharing photos with friends from Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque or looking up the best eateries in Al Ain.
Holafly’s UAE eSIM provides unlimited data across the entire United Arab Emirates, ensuring you have seamless connectivity on the go. Effortlessly use maps to find your way to authentic restaurants in Fujairah, or coordinate with your tour guide in Musandam – all without skipping a beat.
Whether the UAE eSIM, or the Holafly eSIM for Dubai, it is incredibly easy to set up and activate, meaning you can connect within minutes of arrival.
If you’re working remotely or extending your time in the UAE, Holafly Plans may be a better option. Holafly Plans is a monthly eSIM subscription service covering 170+ destinations, including Dubai. Plans start from 10 GB to unlimited data and hotspot sharing, and prices range from $39.90 to $64.90/month.
Stay effortlessly connected throughout your journey and make the most of every incredible moment on your day trip from Dubai with Holafly.
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