Top 5 Day Trips from Dubai You Should Not Miss

Beyond Dubai: The UAE’s Best Kept Secrets

Dubai is extraordinary, but the UAE is so much more. Within a two-hour drive of the city, you can be standing in a 1,000-year-old mosque, swimming in the Gulf of Oman, or hiking through dramatic mountain wadis. Here are the five best day trips from Dubai.

1. Hatta Mountains

Set in the Hajar Mountains on the border with Oman, Hatta is a world away from the glittering towers of Dubai. The turquoise Hatta Dam is one of the most photographed spots in the UAE, the Heritage Village tells the story of traditional mountain life, and the Wadi Hub offers kayaking, cycling and zip-lining for the adventurous. Distance from Dubai: approximately 100km, about 1.5 hours.

2. Fujairah

The only emirate with no Arabian Gulf coastline, Fujairah faces the Gulf of Oman and has an utterly different character to the rest of the UAE. The Al Bidyah Mosque is the oldest in the country, the Fujairah Fort dates back over 500 years, and Sandy Beach is one of the best swimming spots in the region.

3. Khorfakkan

Part of Sharjah emirate but located on the east coast, Khorfakkan is a laid-back port town with a beautiful corniche and stunning mountain backdrop. The colourful Khorfakkan Beach is perfect for snorkelling, and the old market area offers excellent fresh seafood.

4. Ras Al Khaimah

The northernmost emirate is famous for Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak at over 1,900 metres. The mountain road offers spectacular views, and the area is becoming an adventure tourism hub with zip-lining, via ferrata and hiking trails. The ancient dhow-building town of Jazirat Al Hamra is also worth a visit.

5. Al Ain

The UAE’s garden city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Ain is an oasis town of extraordinary character. Jebel Hafeet dominates the skyline, the Al Ain Oasis is a tranquil labyrinth of falaj irrigation channels and date palms, and the Al Ain Zoo is one of the best in the Middle East.