And that\u2019s just it\u2014Dubai is synonymous with fun, adventure, beauty, affluence, modernity, world records, astonishment, and great weather. Think about it, have you ever seen a picture of Dubai with a cloudy day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But while most people visit Dubai to explore popular attractions that lie within an hour\u2019s drive from its city center, there are the few that know all too well that are also plenty of grand mosques, beaches, beautiful hikes, amusement parks, and desert tours to experience just beyond its borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s an ultimate list of the 10 best day trips you can make from Dubai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 1 Hour 45 Minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ras al Khaimah is best known for its diverse topography and year-round outdoor activities, making it a perfect day trip for nature enthusiasts and adventurists. Here are 3 things to do in Ras al Khaimah that\u2019ll make you not want to leave:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll want to explore the hiking trails, wild animals, steep cliffs, and sweeping views of Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE. Once at the top, Jais Flight, the world\u2019s longest zipline, lets the only the bravest visitors fly over the 1,680-metre tall mountains at a heart-pumping 120kmph+ for 3 minutes. My heart\u2019s racing just thinking<\/em> about it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your next choice is to take a guided kayaking tour or traditional Dhow cruise around Ras al Khaimah\u2019s picturesque mangrove coastline. The rich eco system provides magnificent views of marine life, wild birds, and the region\u2019s densely populated mangrove trees. Consider this one of the most relaxing things you can do if you want to get away from the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And third? Bask under the sun with an exciting trip to Ras al Khaimah\u2019s Flamingo Beach, a shallow water public beach renown for its golden sand, turquoise water, tourist resorts, and spectacular sunsets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 40 Minutes – 1 Hour<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the must-do day trips to make from Dubai is visiting a desert safari for adventurous outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two popular desert areas surrounding Dubai\u2014Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Mleiha\u2014provide various tours and experiences that include camel rides, sunset dinners, desert treks, falconry, sandboarding, agricultural expeditions, drone shows, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two activities you\u2019ll really<\/em> want to experience, though: Dubai Desert 4×4 Safari and a hot air balloon ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Go on a guided desert tour by 4WD, ATV, or dune buggy, and ravage the sand dunes or drive comfortably. Or, or rather, and<\/em>, choose to hop aboard a tranquil hot air balloon ride at 4,000 feet above Dubai\u2019s desert during sunrise\/sunset. There are plenty of memorable things you can do in Dubai, but this <\/em>activity certainly tops the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 1 Hour<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kite Beach Centre, a certified kite-surfing school, resides on one of the UAE\u2019s most beautiful white sand beaches about an hour\u2019s drive away from Dubai. The center offers kite surf and surfboard lessons, and provides a variety of water activities that include snorkeling and coastal mangrove kayak tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, Kite Beach Centre is a private beach, but that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t get in. You\u2019ll just need to pay a fee for entry, and once inside you can rent volleyball courts, wooden rackets, beach huts, and get access to its Tarzan Gym, where fitness freaks can enjoy workouts on the sand using wooden and stone-made weights and exercise equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 30 Minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should you want to observe more of the cultural and historical side of the UAE, Sharjah is a fantastic place to explore mosque, museums, archeological sites, and forts. Only half an hour\u2019s drive outside of Dubai, Sharjah is the UAE\u2019s 3rd<\/sup> largest city by population and has been dubbed the cultural capital of the UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can learn about Islamic art and culture at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, or overview a vast collection of modern and contemporary art by artists from the UAE and nearby regions at Sharjah Art Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feel free to visit the Sharjah Heritage Museum and roam the alleyways of the historical Emirati homes in the neighborhood. Afterwards, stopover at the Souk Al Arsah traditional marketplace, one of the longest surviving in the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of fun, family friendly leisure activities to do in Sharjah, too, like visiting the Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah and Al Mamzer beaches, Al Noor Island\u2019s Butterfly Park, and Al Majaz Waterfront. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 1 Hour 30 Minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Khorfakkan is a charming coastal city located along the eastern shorelines of the UAE, which means on one end lies the rugged but awe-inspiring Hajar mountains, and on the other, endless pristine beaches and striking gulf water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make the best of your day trip, you\u2019ll want to visit Khorfakkan Beach, a 3 kilometer stretch of gorgeous sand lined with palm trees, food trucks, and a breathtaking artificial 45-metre tall waterfall. Visitors can participate in water sports activities like kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing, or rent equipment for snorkeling and scuba diving off Shark Island. Read up on traveler reviews via Trip Advisor and you\u2019ll discover that it\u2019s considered one of the best beaches in the entire UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more, lying near the beach is Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, a Roman styled, fairly new (built in 2020) amphitheater that puts on spectacular culture and heritage shows in front of a jaw-dropping backdrop of the Gulf of Oman. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For hiking enthusiasts, enjoy nature trails that lead to prominent landmarks situated on small hills above the city, such as the Resistance Monument, Al Rabi Tower, and Al Suhub Rest House. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 1 Hour 45 Minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Renown as \u201cgarden city\u201d, Al Ain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s abundant with family-friendly activities and sprawling green spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the way, there\u2019s nothing<\/em> liking seeing a large, lush green space in the middle of the desert. In fact, pay a visit to Al Ain Oasis\u2014over 147,000 date palm and fruit trees spread over 1,200 hectares\u2014and you\u2019ll quickly find out exactly<\/em> what it is that makes a desert oasis special. You may also explore Green Mubazzarah for its beautiful green grass, hot springs, and picnic areas, and Al Ain Paradise Garden for it\u2019s gorgeous floral displays and hanging flower baskets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re the type to enjoy a rockier terrain, you\u2019ll want to travel the winding roads of Jebel Hafit mountain, winner of Trip Advisor\u2019s 2022 Traveler\u2019s Choice Award. The 1,249-metre tall mountain is the UAE\u2019s 2nd<\/sup> tallest peak, and you\u2019ll have sweeping views of Al Ain once at the top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Traveling with kids? They\u2019ll love a trip to Al Ain Zoo, Wadi Adventure water sports park, Hili Fun City amusement park, and Al Ain Camel Market, where visitors can take photos with a variety of Arabian camels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 2 Hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swimmers, snorkelers, divers, and beachgoers, rejoice! Welcome to Snoopy Island, one of the best places in the UAE to experience underwater coral reefs and marine life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in Fujairah, Snoopy Island\u2019s unique rock formation gets its name from resembling the shape of the popular American cartoon, Snoopy, laid on its back on top of a dog house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The island is popular for its abundance of marine life\u2014turtles, urchins, sea slugs, octopus, non-threatening sharks, eels, colorful reef fish\u2014and safe and shallow waters. Visitors can either swim out to examine Snoopy Island\u2019s coral reefs on their own or by guided snorkeling and scuba diving tours. Unfortunately, you\u2019re not allowed to actually stand on the island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 1 Hour 30 Minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hatta Dam is a popular scenic area located just 90 minutes outside of Dubai\u2019s city center. An inland lake surrounded by the jagged Hajar Mountains, Hatta Dam is a perfect nature escape. Visitors can partake in mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, and animal rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best thing to do in Hatta, however, is to go kayaking, paddle-boating, and\/or paragliding over Hatta\u2019s striking turquoise lake, especially around sunset. Mark my words, you\u2019ll think you\u2019ve found Heaven on Earth after one boating session along the dam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, you won\u2019t want to miss visiting Hatta Mural\u2014a large mural in the mountains commemorating the founding fathers of the UAE\u2014and Hatta\u2019s own version of the Hollywood Sign, made up of 60-metre tall letters settled on the highest peaks of the Hajar Mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 5-7 Hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oman is one of the best destinations for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the mountains, caves, beaches, and forts surrounding Dubai. A word of caution, though, Oman and its attractions require a 5-7 hour drive from Dubai, so you\u2019ll need to head out in the early morning to take advantage of its attractions. Here are your best options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experience a beautiful nature hike through a rocky gorge and finish with a cliff dive (not required) into a crystal clear, turquoise water lake. There are secret waterfalls, hidden caves, and plenty of gorgeous places to snap your best Insta-worthy pictures for the gram\u2019. Just make sure you bring water shoes and a waterproof bag for your electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you ever seen a sinkhole? Better yet, did you even know there are some you can swim in? I know! Welcome to Bimmah Sinkhole, a striking 50m x 70m, 20m deep sinkhole located at Hawaiyat Najm Park in Oman. Swimming is allowed in Bimmah\u2014trust me, you\u2019ll want<\/em> to swim\u2014and don\u2019t worry, there are steps leading to ground level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hop aboard an Omani Dhow ship and embark on a wonderful cruise around Musandam. You\u2019ll have the chance to see dolphins, snorkel, explore historical buildings and ancient villages, sail over stunning turquoise water, and enjoy the region\u2019s breathtaking mountainous scenery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re not trekking the mountains or smooth sailing over the sea, I highly recommend visiting any one of Oman\u2019s impressive attractions, which include Sultan Qaboose Grand Mosque, Mutrah Corniche promenade, and Nizwa, Bahla, Nakhal, and Mutrah forts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive from Dubai:<\/strong> 1 Hour 20 Minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not uncommon to see tourists making stops over in Abu Dhabi when visiting Dubai. A mere 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Burj Khalifa, the UAE\u2019s capital city boasts a number of cultural and religious sites, malls, luxury hotels, beaches, amusement parks, museums, and stunning buildings, just waiting for you to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you want to conquer the best of Abu Dhabi in a day, there are about several can\u2019t-miss-attractions you should squeeze into your itinerary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start your day blasting off on a thrilling speed boat tour of famous locations across Abu Dhabi. You\u2019ll take a Ribcraft rigid inflatable boat and explore Yas Island, Maya Island, Corniche, Emirates Palace, and more from the Arabian Gulf. What\u2019s a better way to start the day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, enjoy Islamic art, culture, religion, and architecture with a tour of Abu Dhabi\u2019s most prominent attraction, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. One of the largest of its kind, the mosque is renowned for its exquisite beauty and serves as a center for enrichment and welcoming people from various cultural backgrounds around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the afternoon, check out any one of three amusement parks situated on Yas Island. Head to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to experience gut-dropping thrill rides and G-force speeds on the world\u2019s fastest rollercoaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warner Brothers World, the world\u2019s largest indoor theme park, offers six themed areas that feature the studio\u2019s most iconic characters, from DC\u2019s Superman and Batman to Tom and Jerry and the Looney Tunes. A trip to Warner Brothers World is best if you\u2019re traveling with kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yas Waterworld is a sprawling water park filled with hair raising slides, wave pools, tornado water coasters, diving tanks, lazy rivers, water playgrounds, and more. It\u2019s the perfect family escape to cool off from Abu Dubai\u2019s sweltering heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By late evening, spend a few hours touring the luxurious, 5-star, award winning Emirates Palace Hotel, and Abu Dhabi\u2019s Marina Mall, which stays open until 10pm-12am depending on the day of the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, after reading the best<\/em> extensive list of day trips from Dubai, where do you think you\u2019ll get started? Are you wanting to explore the gorgeous beaches of the UAE or zip line over mountains? Go on coastal kayak tours or learn about the history of the region in a fort or mosque? Whatever you decide, you\u2019ve got plenty of days throughout the year to experience it all<\/em>. Safe and happy travels! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Discover the best day trips to make from Dubai with an extensive list of nearby places to go and things to do. \n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":4785,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[684,532,573],"tags":[788,1130,878,698,880,879],"class_list":{"0":"post-4781","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-guides","8":"category-asia","9":"category-united-arab-emirates","10":"tag-asia","11":"tag-day-trip","12":"tag-dubai","13":"tag-guide","14":"tag-middle-east","15":"tag-united-arab-emirates","16":"cs-entry","17":"cs-video-wrap"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4781","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4781"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4781\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4785"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4781"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4781"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4781"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/wael-hneini-QJKEa9n3yN8-unsplash-1200x900.jpg\")
Ride the World\u2019s Longest Zip-Line in Ras al Khaimah<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reach the Top of Jebel Jais Mountain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/mirza-babar-baig-i_GIJysTyG0-unsplash-1200x900.jpg\")
Kayak Around Mangrove Coast<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/50016026856_2195fea012_k-1-1200x801.jpg\")
Get Soaked at Flamingo Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/38283028762_214155edc6_k-1200x800.jpg\")
Experience a Desert Safari<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/zafeerah-heesambee-bXsJnwcIykw-unsplash-edited.jpg\")
Practice Water Sports at Kite Beach Centre<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/kite-surfing-g5075bf850_1920-1200x799.jpg\")
Discover Culture and Heritage in Sharjah<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8279684364_ca6e1d3f61_k-1200x674.jpg\")
Live the Coastal Life in Khorfakkan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/fahad-salman-GNZ7UL2BPOA-unsplash-1200x800.jpg\")
Visit an Oasis in Al Ain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4182111362_16e1eecb73_k-1200x900.jpg\")
Swim With the Fishes at Snoopy Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/zoran-supic-ozU36xGHeWg-unsplash-1200x900.jpg\")
Experience Heaven on Earth at Hatta Dam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/veer-sree-IV5-fiDRudE-unsplash-1200x675.jpg\")
Go on Outdoor Adventures in Oman<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hike Wadi Ash Shab<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Wadi_Shab_Oman_17-1200x900.jpeg\")
Swim in Bimmah Sinkhole<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/39343942600_9dec6dc970_k-1200x830.jpg\")
Go on a Khasab Musandam Tour<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/capture-20221001-170116-1200x794.png\")
Try Oman’s Leisure Attractions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/51840648504_9f0ff847c1_k-1200x900.jpg\")
Explore Abu Dhabi<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Go on a Yellow Boat Tour<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/47370567701_4d194ff574_b.jpg\")
Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pexels-deb-pentek-11681934-1200x900.jpg\")
Explore Yas Island Amusement Parks <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/sean-wang-xgBdYAJ4Inc-unsplash-1200x675.jpg\")
Roam Marina Mall + Emirates Palace Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/earthcurious.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Marina_Mall_-_Abu_Dhabi_-_panoramio.jpeg\")
Where to Get Started?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n