Dubai is always fun with its cool places, good food, and lively nightlife. But sometimes, you need a break. Luckily, if you want a change and have some free time, there are many places to visit. Whether you want a quiet beach, fresh mountain air, or some culture, you have choices.
To the south, there's Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. To the north, there’s Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. On the east coast, you can visit the peaceful emirate of Fujairah. The roads in the UAE are good, and you can reach most places within two hours, making day trips easy. Here are some of our favorite day trips from Dubai.
Hatta, Dubai
The best day trip from Dubai for outdoor fun includes kayaking and biking.
The drive takes about 90 minutes.
If you don't like planning, Hatta is a great place to see Dubai's adventurous side. It has lovely views and clear water. Day trips often start at Hatta Dam, a big lake by the Hajar Mountains. In the cooler months, families come early to rent kayaks or pedal boats. A bus takes visitors to other spots in Hatta, like Hatta Wadi Hub, where you can rent bikes for the 50km Hatta Mountain Bike Trail or go on a 10km hike through the rocky area near Hatta Heritage Village.
If you stay the night: People love the JA Hatta Fort Hotel for its old-fashioned charm and friendly service, especially in the main restaurant Jeema, which has a changing international buffet. The big, open rooms have natural decor with stone and linen, creating a calm feel. Each room, suite, and villa has a balcony with views of the gardens and rocky peaks.
Snoopy Island, Fujairah
The best day trip from Dubai offers sunbathing, scuba diving, and delicious grilled lobster.
The drive takes about two hours.
Sun, sea, and sand – Fujairah looks a lot like Dubai at first, so why drive two hours to the UAE's east coast? It's all about the slower pace. This quiet town is a great escape for Dubai residents needing to relax. Most visitors come to Fujairah to swim, snorkel, or dive around Snoopy Island, about 50 meters offshore. The island looks like Snoopy from the cartoon, lying on his doghouse. The rocky bottom is home to many fish, and you might even see black-tip reef sharks and turtles. Many people stay at Sandy Beach Hotel, a chalet-style resort known for wellness festivals and lively parties. Day passes are affordable, the staff is friendly, there's an infinity pool, and Snoopy Island is nearby for snorkeling. Before heading back to Dubai in the evening, stop by Gonu Bar and Grill at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort. It feels like a beach shack in Sri Lanka, and the Omani lobster is amazing.
If you stay overnight: For luxury, choose the InterContinental Fujairah Resort. Or stay at Sandy Beach, between Snoopy Island and the Hajar Mountains, for a classic, relaxed family vacation.
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
For culture enthusiasts and food lovers, this is the best day trip from Dubai.
The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
With its white sand beaches, green shrubs, blue ocean, and luxury resorts, Saadiyat Island is like a honeymoon paradise. It's beautiful enough for tourists and UAE locals looking for a change of scenery and a slower pace. About 100km from Dubai, you can enjoy drinks and pizza at Antonia’s on Mamsha Al Saadiyat, spot dolphins from a paddleboard, or visit cultural sites like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and The Abrahamic Family House—all within a short drive.
If you stay overnight: Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort easily attracts guests. Located on one of the UAE’s nicest natural beaches, the large resort offers peace and relaxation. Wildlife like hawksbill sea turtles also live here. The resort feels more like a destination, with a bright lobby, several restaurants, a luxury spa, and a private beach. The new Sal Saadiyat Island adds a beach club vibe with navy loungers and beds around an adult-only, 30-meter infinity pool. Guests in premium rooms can reserve a lounger here for free.
Sharjah
For a cultural day trip from Dubai, it's the best option.
The drive takes about 30 minutes.
Sharjah might not have the big palaces of Abu Dhabi or the tallest buildings of Dubai, but it has some of the best cultural places in the area. There are many museums and galleries, like the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, which has lots of artifacts and exhibits showing the history and contributions of Islamic civilization around the world. The Sharjah Heritage Museum shows visitors the traditional Emirati way of life, with displays of traditional clothing and old handicrafts.
A favorite spot among locals is the Sharjah Art Foundation, which showcases various works by new and famous artists. The foundation's exhibition space is nicely designed, with open-air courtyards and rooftops that provide a calm place to enjoy art. The foundation also holds events, workshops, and film screenings to engage the community and deepen the understanding of contemporary art. When the weather is nice, you can walk from one museum to another, enjoying Sharjah's rich heritage and lively cultural scene.
If you stay overnight: In the center of Sharjah, near the water but hidden behind tall walls, is a unique hotel called the Chedi Al Bait with 53 rooms. The hotel is made up of old buildings that used to belong to the pearl-trading Al Midfa family. Each room and suite mixes modern comfort with traditional Arabian style, featuring detailed woodwork, luxurious fabrics, and authentic decor. The hotel grounds offer a peaceful retreat with quiet courtyards, calming water features, and ornate wooden doors that give a feeling of timeless elegance.
After a day of sightseeing, the cozy courtyard lobby with its soft sofas and flickering candles welcomes you warmly. You can relax here with a book and a refreshing drink, and you might fall asleep to the gentle sounds of conversation and rustling leaves. When you wake to the call to prayer echoing through the old wind tower, you might feel like you've traveled back in time, surrounded by the rich history and culture that make Sharjah a truly unique place.
Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Ideal for those who love outdoor adventures.
The best day trip from Dubai for thrill-seekers is a two and a half hour drive.
Driving up to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, can make you feel dizzy with its steep, winding roads and amazing views. But the fun activities at the top make the trip worth it. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, this northern area is becoming a popular spot for outdoor adventures, drawing thrill-seekers from everywhere. Many cyclists take on the tough roads up to Jebel Jais, which is 3,392 feet high. For those who like different challenges, there are hiking trails, rock climbing spots, and options to slide down via ferrata or race on a toboggan.
One highlight is the Jebel Jais Flight zip line, run by Toroverde Ras Al Khaimah. The friendly team straps you in head-first, and you zoom through the air at thrilling speeds of up to 150 km/h. You stop on a hanging platform before taking a second zip line seated, showing a new view of the beautiful scenery below. After all these exciting activities, you can relax and eat at 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the UAE. Here, you can enjoy great views and tasty meals like their double patty beef burgers and other gourmet dishes.
If you stay overnight: There are no places to stay directly on Jebel Jais unless you want to camp under the stars or stay at the rough Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. But a short hour-long drive down the mountain brings you to the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, where many five-star hotels are waiting. We suggest the spacious suites at the fancy Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, which has amazing views and top-class amenities. Don’t miss eating at Lexington Grill & Bar, one of the best steakhouses in the country, known for its fine meat and great service.
Whether you're looking for excitement or relaxation, Jebel Jais and Ras Al Khaimah offer a perfect mix of both, promising a memorable experience in the heart of the UAE's natural beauty.
Al Ain
For a day trip from Dubai that offers a mix of history, heritage, and optional white-water rafting.
Drive around one hour and 15 minutes.
Al Ain is a beautiful oasis city with more palm trees than houses and old waterways that water the land. Even though it’s charming, many travelers to the UAE often miss Al Ain, a city with a lot of history. Around 4,000 years ago, Al Ain was an important stop on old trade routes across the Arabian Peninsula. Its green oases and water sources gave tired travelers a needed break from the desert. Those who visit Al Ain find it very rewarding, discovering a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern adventure.
Start your day with a relaxing bike ride on the main oasis's stone paths, where sunlight filters through the palm leaves, creating a calm and beautiful setting. You can rent bikes at the entrance, making it easy to explore the lush greenery at your own pace. The oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showing the area's farming practices and ancient irrigation systems called "falaj," used for thousands of years.
Later, visit Ethr, a nice outdoor café with a cool red steel monolith in the middle of the oasis, for an iced latte and strawberry shortcake. The café’s atmosphere, surrounded by palm trees and traditional buildings, is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty. Nearby, you’ll find old forts where history lovers can explore archaeological parks and see ancient artifacts, including pottery, tools, and remains of early settlements. The Al Ain National Museum and Al Jahili Fort are must-visits for those interested in the area's rich history and culture.
But Al Ain is not just about history; it’s also a place for adventure. Thrill-seekers can have fun at Al Ain Adventure, which has the Middle East’s first man-made white-water rafting channels and artificial surfing waves. The facility offers activities like kayaking, wakeboarding, and a high ropes course, ensuring there’s something for everyone who loves adventure. Where else can you surf a wave in the desert at the base of a mountain? The backdrop of Jebel Hafeet, a towering mountain that stands over the city, adds to the unique experience.
If you decide to stay the night: Go to Jebel Hafit Desert Park for a special glamping experience in a dome with a skylight, evening barbecues, and a chance to explore nearby archaeological sites on camelback. The park offers different accommodation options, from luxury domes with modern comforts to traditional tents that offer a more authentic desert experience. At night, the clear skies offer amazing views of the stars, making it a great spot for stargazing. The park also offers guided tours to nearby historic sites, including ancient tombs and rock carvings that tell the story of the region's early people.
Whether you love history, seek adventure, or want a peaceful retreat, Al Ain has something for everyone. Its unique mix of past and present creates a rich travel experience that leaves a lasting impression.
For those looking for the best day trips from Dubai, the options are amazing. You can explore the cultural sites of Al Ain with its historical landmarks and fun attractions, or enjoy the peace of the Jebel Hafit Desert Park under a starlit sky. Each trip offers a mix of fun, learning, and relaxation. These places provide a nice break from the busy city, offering unique adventures and peaceful spots just a short drive away. With such a variety of great experiences, a day trip from Dubai turns into a journey of discovery and joy that truly captures the spirit of the UAE.