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Short trips near Dubai: Beaches, Mountains & More

The UAE offers a surprising variety of getaways just a short trip away. Whether you're a beach lover, a mountain adventurer, a history buff, or a family looking for fun, there's a perfect destination waiting to be discovered. 

Short trips near Dubai

This blog is your one-stop guide to the best short trips from Dubai. We'll unveil hidden gems and must-see attractions, tailored for every kind of traveller.

 

Types of Short Trips from Dubai that tourists can go on


  1. Flamingo Beach

The moment you step out of the car, you're met with mind-blowing views of the ocean. There are awesome cafes and restaurants around the beach, so you can eat anything you desire after chilling on the sand. 


Flamingo Beach is truly one of the best destinations for short day trips from Dubai, it has stunning views and delicious food. So, if you're on short road trips from Dubai and searching for a perfect beach chill spot with epic views and delicious food, Flamingo Beach is your dream.

  • The distance from Dubai is around 23.5 km.

  • By car: Around 25–30 minutes.

  • By plane: No direct flights are available; car travel is recommended.


  1. Fujairah

Fujairah is like the adventure capital of the UAE, way cooler than just a beach town. It's a two-hour drive from Dubai, and the short road trip from Dubai itself is epic. Once you get there, the real fun begins. Fujairah is the ultimate diving spot in the UAE, boasting crystal-clear waters and offering places like Snoopy Island to explore underwater. 


Suppose diving's not your thing, no worries! You can kayak between mountains, go parasailing, or even go deep-sea fishing. There's also hiking in Wadi Wurayah, a gorgeous mountain valley. So basically, Fujairah is your one-stop shop for an action-packed UAE adventure.

  • The distance from Dubai is around 120 km.

  • By car: Around 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • By plane: Rare domestic flights are available; flight time is approximately 30–40 minutes, but not commonly used.

Fujairah

  1. Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet is the UAE's Grand Canyon, but way more exciting! Towering over the city of Al Ain, it's the second-highest mountain in the country. But, unlike other mountains, you can drive up a winding road to the peak for some seriously epic panoramic views.


This mountain isn't just about pretty sights, though. Jebel Hafeet's got a ton of history too, with ancient beehive tombs from the Bronze Age hidden at its base. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even hike or climb the mountain for a real challenge.

  • The distance from Dubai is around 160 km.

  • By car: Around 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • By plane: Approximately 30 minutes flight to Abu Dhabi, then a short drive to Al Ain (domestic flights are ot typical for this trip).


  1. Jebel Jais

There are a lot of great places to visit during short day trips from Dubai, but Jebel Jais is the ultimate UAE mountain escape for adventure seekers. It's the tallest mountain in the whole country, with stunning views of valleys and peaks. With many activities like ziplining over stunning mountains, or even tackling a Bear Grylls-style boot camp. 


If that's not your thing, no worries! You can also relax, take in the incredible views, and enjoy a bite to eat. Jebel Jais is a choose-your-own-adventure for anyone wanting to escape the city and have an epic mountain experience.

  • The distance from Dubai is around 156 km.

  • By car: Around 2 hours.

  • By plane: No direct flights available; car travel is best.


  1. Sir Baniyas Island

If you are on a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, then a visit to Sir Baniyas Island is a must! 

With thousands and thousands of animals roaming free like the endangered blackbuck antelope, Arabian oryxes, cheetahs and giraffes, Sir Baniyas Island is the UAE's version of a real-life safari park.  You can hop on a safari tour to explore it all. It's a bit of a trek - a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi followed by a 25-minute boat ride - but worth it for an unforgettable wildlife adventure.

  • The distance from Dubai is around 360 km.

  • By car: Around 4 to 5 hours, including a 25-minute ferry ride.

  • By plane: About 45 minutes to Abu Dhabi, followed by a drive and ferry transfer to the island.


  1. Al Wathba Salt Lake

Another place you can go while on your day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai is Al Wathba Salt Lake. Al Wathba Salt Lake is exploding on social media for its unique beauty.  The water is so clear you can see right through it, and there are these amazing "mushrooms" made of salt scattered around the lake. 

Al Wathba Salt Lake is free to visit and explore. The salt flats are even sturdy enough to walk on, so you can get super close for some unreal desert shots. 

  • The distance from Dubai is around 159 km.

  • By car: Around 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • By plane: A 30-minute flight to Abu Dhabi, then a short drive.


  1. Fossil Rock

Moving on, we have another place you can go during your short day trips from Dubai, The Fossil Rock, it’s just a short 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Dubai. 

This natural wonder in Sharjah is so impressive that you can even see it from 25 kilometres away. It's a cool spot for a quick road trip and perfect for snapping some scenic pics. 

  • The distance from Dubai is around 70 km.

  • By car: Around 1 to 1.5 hours.

  • By plane: No flights available; it’s a driving destination


  1. Hatta 

And to finish up our list of the best short-day trips from Dubai, we recommend Hatta. The Hatta is a scenic mountain town just a 1.5-hour drive away.  Hatta boasts cooler temps, making it perfect for a summer getaway.  With striking mountain views, crystal-clear pools, and exciting adventures like kayaking and camping under a blanket of stars. 

  • The distance from Dubai is around 135 km.

  • By car: Around 1.5 hours.

  • By plane: No direct flights available; car travel is the best option


FAQS about the best short trips from Dubai


Q. What are the best short trips from Dubai for a weekend getaway?

  • There are many great short trips from Dubai, but we recommend a visit to Hatta, Fossil Rock, or the Jebel Jais for the best experience. 


Q. Are there any visa requirements for travelling to nearby emirates?

  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, and travel between them generally doesn't require a visa for most nationalities. 


Q. What are some budget-friendly short-trip options from Dubai?

  • We recommend Al Wathba Salt Lake for the best budget-friendly short-trip options from Dubai.


Q. What are the best places to go while on a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai?

  • We recommend Sir Baniyas Island and Al Wathba Salt Lake for the best day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai options available.


Notes:

  • Driving is the most practical and flexible option for almost all these destinations, considering the short distances.

  • Flights are available mainly to Abu Dhabi but are generally not necessary unless you're combining multiple trips.


  • Weekend traffic can add extra travel time, especially when heading towards popular spots.



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