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The 6 Best Day Trips From Dubai

Sunrise at Jabal Al Jais Mountain /
Sunrise at Jabal Al Jais Mountain / | © Erina Baftiroska / The Culture Trip

Getting away from the big city is regularly necessary and very easy when it comes to Dubai. Luckily, the city is surrounded by great day escapes making them easy and accessible for a visit even when you’re only here on a visit. Check out this list of places to visit if the city tours have got you overwhelmed and the weather is perfect for a road trip!

Jabal Al Jais

Part of the Al Hajar Mountains, Jabal Al Jais is the tallest mountain in the UAE standing at 1,910m in Ras al-Khaimah near the UAE-Oman border. A great getaway for the day with plenty of space to camp at overnight, the peak offers a great drive and break that makes for an amazing sunrise watch over the surrounding peaks.

Hatta Dam

Located on the southeastern border of the UAE and Oman, just a few hour drive away from the city center, the town offers a peaceful escape from the city. The scenic drive through the sandy desert and into the mountains gives visitors an idea of the varying landscapes in the UAE. With a town resort and hotels, a meal is always available after a day of exploring the mountains or admiring the scenery.

Hatta Dam

Wadi Adventure

Anyone with an adventure spirit will love a day at Wadi Adventure – one of UAE’s best water parks, not for the slides but the water activities, anything from kayaking to rock climbing to surfing goes! Day passes are sold at the door for every day of the week, this is an ideal place for the whole family!

Tim’s Reef

Located in Fujairah, on UAE’s east coast looking out into the Indian Ocean, it’s the only swell that breaks on the reef and therefore has become one of the best surf spots in the Emirates. Regardless of the swell, Fujairah’s beaches are a gorgeous setting for an overnight camping spot and a great place to wake up to and watch the sunrise.

Kite Surfing

Yas Island

Home of Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island has something for everyone. Located just an hour drive from Downtown Dubai, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, the island is great location to enjoy a hot day at the water park, hop on the fastest roller coaster in the world or watch the Formula 1 races when they’re in town. You will enjoy it so much, a day trip might turn into two!

Sir Bani Yas Island

Located on the western coast of Abu Dhabi, the island is a source of over 40 archaeological sites, some dating back to 600 AD. Today, under the patronage of the late UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the island serves as a wildlife sanctuary. Book a room in advance and sit back on the beach or explore the island on guided tours, horseback riding or mountain biking.

Sir Bani Yas Island
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