Dubai is an amazing city with world-class experiences for tourists young and old. From the astonishing Burj Khalifa to the magical desert safari, Dubai is a heavenly tourist destination for all. Although it's hard to tire of the city's glitz and glamour, sometimes it's nice to get out of the city and explore some of the other charming cities around Dubai. Here are some great day trips from Dubai that'll give you a much-needed breather from the thick crowds in the city!
Why Take a Day Trip from Dubai?
- Dubai is a great city to visit, but it's also great to explore the smaller towns and villages in the UAE.
- Get an authentic glimpse into Arab culture. You can find traditional markets, mosques, and souks in these towns, as well as cultural performances and festivals.
- Take a day trip from Dubai if you want to escape the bustle of city life for a while, or if you're looking for a new adventure.
- If you're a history buff, there are plenty of ancient ruins to explore in the UAE.
- If you're a nature lover, there are plenty of stunning hikes and biking trails to check out in Hatta and Jebel Jais.
Best Day Trips from Dubai
Why Visit Abu Dhabi: If you’re looking for an interesting day trip from Dubai, consider heading out to Abu Dhabi. This Arabian city is home to some of the most impressive architecture in the region, as well as a number of cultural attractions.
November to February
| 139 Km | : | 90 Min |
Getting There:
Bus: The bus journey takes around two hours, and tickets can be purchased for as little as AED 20.
Car: The drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi takes around two hours, and the route is well signposted.
Plane: Abu Dhabi is home to a number of international airports, including the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Flights from Dubai to Abu Dhabi typically cost around AED 200.
Things to do: Here are some of the top attractions in Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World Theme Park, Abu Dhabi Corniche, and Emirates Palace.
Places to eat: Nusr-Et Steakhouse, Prego's Restaurant, Bosporus Turkish Cuisine
Why Visit: If you’re looking for a less touristy day trip from Dubai, consider spending a day in Sharjah. This city is home to a number of mosques and cultural attractions, as well as a lively souk.
November to January
| 28 km | : | 30 min |
Getting There:
Bus: The bus journey takes around 30 minutes, and tickets can be purchased for as little as 5 AED.
Car: The drive from Dubai to Sharjah takes around 30 minutes with well-laid roads throughout.
Plane: Sharjah is home to a number of international airports, including the Sharjah International Airport.
Things to do: Here are the best things to see in Sharjah: Blue Souk, Eye of the Emirates, Al Qasba, and Masjid Al Noor.
Places to eat: Shakespeare and Co., Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Crisol Restaurant and Lounge.
Why Visit: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, consider spending a day in Jebel Jais. This mountain is home to the world’s longest zipline, as well as a number of hiking trails.
December to April
| 162 Km | : | 120 Min |
Getting There:
Car: The drive from Dubai to Jebel Jais takes approximately two hours.
Plane: Jebel Jais is not serviced by any international airports. The closest airport is the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, which is a one-hour drive from Jebel Jais.
Things to do: Jebel Jais is home to the world’s longest zipline, as well as a number of hiking trails.
Places to eat: 1484 By Puro, Abu Ali Restaurant, Al Mubarak Restaurant.
Why Visit: If you’re looking for something that offers a bit of everything, consider a day trip to Hatta. This town is home to a number of historic forts and mosques, as well as a beautiful desert landscape.
November - April
| 135 Km | : | 90 Min |
Getting There: The drive from Dubai to Hatta takes around one and a half hours. You can also take a private bus to reach Hatta from Dubai.
Things to do: Hatta Water Dam, Hatta Heritage Village, Hatta Hill Park
Best Places to Eat: Tanoor Restaurant, ALHAJARAIN Restruant.
Why Visit: Fujairah is the perfect day trip from Dubai If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, stunning mountain views, and a scenic drive.
October - February
| 123 Km | : | 90 Min |
Getting There:
Bus: Take the E700 bus for AED 25 to reach Fujairah in under 2 hours.
Car: The drive from Dubai to Fujairah takes under two hours with excellent roads throughout the journey.
Plane: You can take a flight to the Fujairah International Airport from Dubai.
Things to do: Fujairah Fort, Umbrella Beach, Fujairah Beach.
Places to Eat: The Sailors Restaurant & Cafe, Chili's, Bon Appetite.
Why Visit: If you're looking for a day trip with stunning mountain vistas and clean beaches, Ras al Khaimah must be on your list.
December - March
| 128 Km | : | 90 Min |
Getting There
Bus: The bus journey from Dubai to Ras al Khaimah takes around two hours.
Car: The journey from Dubai to Ras al Khaimah may take up to an hour and a half.
Plane: There are direct flights from Dubai to the Ras al Khaimah International Airport.
Things to do: National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, Saqr Park, Flamingo Beach
Best Places to Eat: La Burrata, Thunder Road Pizza & Grill RAK, Al-Maeda
Why Visit: Spend a day in Al Ain for stunning mountain views and a ton of cultural activities. This quaint city is home to a few museums and historical sites, in addition to a busy marketplace.
November - April
| 146 Km | : | 100 Min |
Getting There:
Bus: You can take the E201 bus to reach Al Ain in under two hours.
Car: The drive from Dubai to Al Ain takes around one and a half hours.
Plane: You can take a flight to the Al Ain International Airport from Dubai.
Things to do: Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Zoo, Wadi Adventure
Places to Eat: Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Royal House Restaurant, Coriander Indian Cuisine
Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Dubai
There are plenty of great day trips from Dubai that can provide visitors with a memorable experience. Some of the best options include visiting the city of Abu Dhabi, exploring the beauty of the Hatta mountains, or venturing to the charming city of Sharjah.
The shortest day trips from Dubai are to either Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. Both cities are less than two hours away and offer a variety of activities and attractions.
Hatta and Jebel Jais are some of the best day trips from Dubai for nature lovers.
Fujairah, Sharjah, and Al Ain are great destinations for day trips from Dubai for history buffs.
Winter is the best time to take day trips from Dubai as the weather is bearable and pleasent.