Abu Dhabi is a good starting point to go to lots of wonderful places. These places are not too far and are very exciting for anyone wanting to explore. They have beautiful things to see and fun things to do. You can learn about different cultures, see beautiful nature, or just enjoy being somewhere new. These short trips will make you know and love the area even more.
Ajman
Ajman is the smallest of the seven Emirates and often missed by visitors. However, it's a great place for a day trip from Abu Dhabi. You can spend the day walking along Ajmanβs long beach, explore the small town center, and visit places like the Ajman National Museum, the Al Jarah Cultural Center, or the place where they build traditional boats called Dhows.
Al Ain
The Garden City is very near to Abu Dhabi, but many people who live there don't go to Al Ain. They are missing out because there's a lot to see and do there. You can't see it all in one day, so you might need to go back or stay for a weekend. You can go to the Al Ain Oasis, which UNESCO protects, or learn about culture at the Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Jahili Fort, and Al Qattara Arts Centre. Going into these places is free, which is great.
If you enjoy nature, there's Green Mubazzarah Park with its green grass, palm trees, and hot springs. You have many options. Also, Al Ain is just a 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi, so it's easy to reach.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
If you don't have a PADI diving license, you can still enjoy the water by snorkeling at this big beach park. There are many small bays protected by breakwaters where you can swim. We suggest trying the bay at beach three. Be careful of sea urchins, though! There are also nice places to have a picnic, so bring a basket with food and drinks and spend the whole day.
Open Sunday-Wednesday from 8 am to 10 pm. Located at Al Mamzar Beach Park, Al Mamzar Beach Street, Al Mamzar, Dubai
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a special place in the UAE. It has been recognized by The International Union for Conservation of Nature and was the first area in Abu Dhabi to be protected by law, thanks to Sheikh Zayed. The reserve is home to many flamingos, around 4,000 during spring and autumn, and more than 250 other bird species and 37 types of plants. Visitors can walk on two easy trails and use a flamingo watching tower to see the birds up close without bothering them, making it a great place for a day trip. Entry is free. It's open from Monday to Saturday, 8am-5.30pm. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Jarn Yafour. Visit ead.gov.ae for more information.
Jubail Mangrove Park
This place is not very far. Depending on where you live in the city, it could be just ten minutes away. But, it's really beautiful and we had to put it on our list. Since it opened, Jubail National Park has become very popular in the Emirates.
It's on Jubail Island, between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island. The park has three paths that go through the mangrove forest and a floating platform to see marine life up close. There are also activities like walking on the boardwalk with a guide, dragon boating, kayaking at sunset and when it's dark, and yoga classes. You can spend the whole day here.
Liwa Desert
Taking a day trip can easily last the whole weekend if you decide to camp under the stars, but only when the weather is good. However, before you go into the sands without a plan, there's a lot to think about, especially if it's your first time.
Once you're ready, one of the best places to see in this wonderful country is the Liwa Desert. You'll find endless dunes, beautiful views, and quiet spots. But remember to take care of the environment, don't risk your life, and don't get lost in the desert.
Moreeb Dune
The desert has much more to see than just big sand hills and lots of sand everywhere. But if you want to see a really big sand hill, you should see the Moreeb Dune. It's also called the terrifying mountain, and it's the biggest dune around. It's 300 metres tall and has a very steep side that's at a 50-degree angle. It's huge and very impressive.
Every year, people go really fast up this dune in their cars during the Liwa International Festival, and it's amazing to watch. The good news is if you want to see it, there's a road that goes right to it through a beautiful desert area. You don't even need a special car to get there and see this huge and beautiful sand area for yourself.
