Your guide to Dubai / Day Trips nearby Dubai
Day trips - nearby Dubai
With so many tourist destinations in Dubai, this city offers an exciting destination for any visitor. But it also serves as a great home base for day trips sure to enhance your travels. Whether you're looking for quick day trips from Dubai or you're willing to travel farther, there's an abundance of places to explore in the region.
Less Than an Hour of Travel Time
Visit Sharjah, the UAE's Cultural Capital
You can't go wrong with Sharjah if you're looking for short trips from Dubai. The city gets its reputation as the country's cultural capital thanks to the over 20 galleries and museums that are located there. From the Sharjah Art Museum, a must-see stop for contemporary art, to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, home to more than 5,000 artifacts from the Muslim world, there's so much to explore without going far from Dubai.
- Sharjah Art Museum: Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
See Palm Jumeirah up Close
Resembling a palm tree with an island shaped like a crescent on the exterior, Palm Jumeirah is a collection of artificial islands created using land reclamation processes. They make for a great beach getaway without traveling far from central Dubai. These offshore islands are often called the eighth wonder of the world — and it took more than 53 million pounds of sand to create them!
1-2 Hours of Travel Time
Go to Abu Dhabi for Art and Architecture
It will only take you about 90 minutes to get from downtown Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Once there, you'll find plenty of art and architecture to fill your day. Make sure you make time for the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Located on Saadiyat Island, this breathtaking museum features 600 artworks — but the building itself is just as much of an attraction. Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel designed the structure.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Find Museums and More in Al Ain
An assortment of museums, fortresses, and cultural sites makes Al Ain a great choice for culture-lovers searching for Dubai day trips. "The Garden City" is located in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi and features the Al Jahili Fortress, home to the oldest museum in the UAE. This Al Ain Museum boasts a collection touching on the ethnography and archeology of the Emirates. Then there's the Al Ain Palace Museum, set in the residence of the UAE's first president. Finally, for family trips, there is the Al Ain Zoo.
- Al Ain Museum: Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
- Al Ain Palace Museum: Hessa bint Mohamed St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
- Al Ain Zoo: Nahyan The First St - Abu Dhabi
Explore Mountain Vistas in Hatta
You'll find yourself surrounded by arid, craggy mountains in Hatta, a small town near Dubai's border with Oman. From picturesque mountain scenery to outdoor adventure, there's plenty to do in Hatta. Rent single or tandem kayaks at the Hatta Dam or go biking or walking on the wadi trails. Looking for a taste of traditional life in the Hajar Mountains? Make some time for the Hatta Heritage Village, where you'll enjoy exploring a restored ancient village complete with traditional dwellings, culture and crafts.
- Hatta Water Dam: Hatta - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
2-3 Hours of Travel Time
Escape into Nature at the Hajar Mountains
Travellers looking for a road trip experience can't go wrong by visiting the Hajar Mountains. You'll enjoy winding mountain roads that feature breathtaking panoramas, not to mention opportunities to see wildlife like gazelles and Egyptian vultures. Jebel Jais, near Ras Al-Khaimah, is one of the easiest trips to make from Dubai. Adventurers will enjoy the Jebel Jais Flight (it's the world's longest zipline!), while anyone can appreciate the observation terrace close to the summit.
- Jebel Jais Flight: Jebel Jais - Ras al Khaimah - United Arab Emirates
The Musandam Peninsula Offers Another Trip Into Nature
Searching for more Dubai trips that offer a respite from the big city? The Musandam Peninsula, located in Oman, lets you make your escape from the bright lights. There, you'll find a scenic, mountainous coast by the Arabian Gulf. Your best bet to get there from Dubai is to travel to Khasab in Oman, then take a dhow cruise. You might even get the added bonus of a dolphin sighting as you go!
- Musandam Peninsula: Musandam Governorate
Explore History in Al Fujairah
Fujairah, another of the UAE's seven emirates, is the youngest of the group. The Emirate gained its independence in 1952. It's the perfect pick for a day trip if you're looking for nature and history. Go diving at Snoopy Island, which is next to the InterContinental Fujairah Resort, to experience some breathtaking underwater wildlife. History buffs will enjoy paying a visit to Fujairah Fort, just outside the capital. The reconstructed Fujairah Heritage Village is also found nearby.
- Snoopy Island: United Arab Emirates
- Fujairah Fort: Fujairah - United Arab Emirates
- Fujairah Heritage Village: Fujairah - United Arab Emirates
Make your trip to Dubai even more memorable by adding one or more day trips to your itinerary. There are so many places near Dubai that will enrich your stay!