The Emirates is a treasure trove of wonders, so when in Dubai, let your customers know to take the opportunity to explore its surrounds. There is so much to see and do beyond the city!
Outside of the theme parks, opulent hotels, clubs and magnificent Burj Khalifa, there is a plethora of hidden gems to discover.
Here’s our guide to the best day trips in some of the neighbouring Emirates.
Abu Dhabi
Why We Love It
The capital city of UAE, Abu Dhabi is a city full of wonderfully unique activities, and it’s only 90 minutes away from Dubai! Filled with modern architecture, historic mosques, shopping experiences, thrill-seeker adventures and the famed Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track, it’s a great option for a day out. Stay for a day or opt for a fantastic family weekend break.
Things to do:
The Louvre
9200 square metres of galleries. The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab World, translating the spirit of openness between cultures.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques, and the only to bring a culmination of cross-cultural architectural influences from Emirati, Italian and British with design elements from Turkey, Morocco, Egypt and beyond.
Yas Island
Stroll the marina, splurge at the luxury mall, climb in the ultimate adventure hub, indulge in exceptional dining, explore the home of Formula 1's racetrack, tee off at the award-winning golf course... what isn't there to do at Yas Island.
Saadiyat Beach Club
Along the glorious Arabian Gulf, Saadiyat Beach Club is the perfect place to relax for the day. Guests can sunbathe by the infinity pool in their private cabana, whilst enjoying contemporary dining on offer.
Planning a Visit
Travel Time from Dubai
90 minutes
Great for
Fun & Adventure
Stay longer at:
Extend their stay with a night or two at:
- Best for families: Emirates Palace
- Best for couples: W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
- Best 5 star: Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Hatta
Why We Love It
Hatta is a great option for those who love the outdoors. Bordering Oman and backed by the Hajar mountains, Hatta is a popular spot to visit during Dubai’s summer months thanks to its cooler temperatures. Your customers can enjoy mountain biking, hiking mountain peaks and even kayaking through the dam. Bikes and canoes are available for rent from local vendors. Hatta is 135 km southeast of Dubai.
Things to do:
Hatta Wadi Hub
Surrounded by the mountains, the hub offers a whole host of adventures and activities, from zorbing to the adventure ropes course.
Hatta Honey Bee Garden
Hatta's best kept secret. Get on a beekeeper suit and head into the peaceful garden to learn everything that anyone wants to know about bees.
Paddle Hatta Dam
The iconic image of Hatta, with its piercing blue waters against the orange mountains. Hire a kayak, pedal boat or water bike and admire the stunning Hatta from the water.
Hatta Heritage Village
Mud, reed and stone buildings occupy the area of this traditional village. Explore where the ruler used to reside and wander through the impressive rooms and courtyard.
Planning a Visit
Travel Time from Dubai
90 minutes
Great for
The Great Outdoors
Stay longer at:
Extend their stay with a night or two at:
- Best for comfort: Hatta Fort Hotel
- Best for nature: Damani Lodges Resort
Fujairah
Why We Love It
One of the most popular getaways from Dubai is Fujairah. Located on the East coast of the UAE, Fujairah charms with its majestic mountains and secluded beaches. It’s the perfect place to snorkel with marine life and camp in the desert. Just 100 metres away from the shore is Snoopy Island, a great jumping off point for snorkeling and diving. Here, visitors will be able to see schools of colourful clownfish and even turtles! There are local dive centres offering boat trips and shore dives to popular dive sites like Dibba Rock and Coral Gardens. Fujairah is located 165 km northeast from Dubai.
Things to do:
Hajar Mountains
The majestic mountains offer a myriad of adventures. Hike around the mountains for spectacular views or jump on a 4x4 tour over the terrain.
Ain al-Madhab Hot Springs
A natural underground spring which pumps the warm sulphuric water. Perfect for relaxing after busy day of sight-seeing. *Men and women bathe in separate mineral pools.
Al Bidyah Mosque
The oldest mosque in the UAE is a respite from the skyscrapers. A uniquely built mosque with four layered domes and a central pillar surrounded with local flora and market stalls.
Snoopy Island
A hotspot for water sports with a plethora of marine life. Kayak, paddle, dive or snorkel to catch a glimpse of sea turtles, sharks and rays as they swim the warm waters.
Planning a Visit
Travel Time from Dubai
70 minutes
Great for
Relaxation and water activities
Stay longer at:
Extend their stay with a night or two at:
- Best for families: InterContinental Fujairah Resort
- Best for couples: Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Why We Love It
The furthest north you can get from Dubai. An hour away from Ras Al Khaimah, you’ll find the tallest mountain in the UAE. Jebel Jais is 1934 metres high and is part of the spectacular Hajar mountain range. Your customers can take a scenic drive up a winding mountain road, enjoy the view at 1500 metres or try the Jebel Jaiz Flight Zip Line, the world’s longest. Jebel Jais is 160 km northeast of Dubai.
Things to do:
Hiking
With 6 unique trails and a 30km round-trip, the hike up Jebel Jais will take visitors through towering cliffs of rocks and through local villages.
Viewing Deck Park
The perfect place for a more laidback experience. With 7 viewing decks, look over the superb vistas of the Arabian Gulf and Hajar Mountains.
Flight
The World's Longest Zipline as certified by the Guinness World Records, thrill seekers will soar at speeds of up to 150kph in approx. 2-3 minutes.
Jais Sky Tour
Zip from platform to platform over a total distance of 5km with a series of 7 ziplines. Fly through the sky at 60kph enjoying panoramic and bird's eye views of the Hajar mountains.
Planning a Visit
Travel Time from Dubai
124 minutes
Great for
Unique bucket list experience
Stay longer at:
Extend their stay with a night or two at:
- Best for all-inclusive: Rixos Bab al Bahr (83km from Jebel Jais)
- Best for families: DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island (84km from Jebel Jais)
