Summer weather in the UAE sees the temperature soar to a sweltering 45°C (113°F) and above, and the idea of sweaty outdoor adventures are quickly swapped for air-conditioned spaces. But come winter, typically from November to March, a whole new side of the United Arab Emirates is unlocked. Daytime temperatures hover between a perfect 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) and the country’s stunning natural landscapes come into their own.
From mountain hikes and clear starlit skies to camel racing and exploring the vast Empty Quarter, grab your sunglasses and leave the jacket at home – these are some of the best places to visit in the UAE during the winter season.
1. Camp in the UAE desert
The UAE’s cooler winter nights offer star-filled skies among the dunes during a camping trip. Choose a Bedouin-style glamping experience or go rustic, setting up your own tent in places like Al Qudra, a quiet, wild, haven with a series of man-made lakes. Barbecue, watch the sunrise, and if you’re lucky (and quiet!), maybe you’ll spot some desert foxes and oryx.
2. Go kayaking at Hatta Dam
Just 90 minutes from Dubai, Hatta Dam offers a chance to unplug from city life among its jagged Hajar Mountains. Rent a kayak with Hatta Kayak and explore the furthest reaches of the dam’s glassy turquoise waters. The mural of the UAE’s founding fathers adds a historical layer to this serene setting. Be prepared for a bit of a walk down to the lake, which is worth the effort once you're on the water.
3. Swim in a pool in the sky
The UAE’s longest sky pool, inside the One&Only Zabeel, is suspended between soaring towers, and offers cinematic views in every direction. Get a pass for the hotel’s Tapasake Pool Club before evening to watch the sunset against Dubai’s iconic skyline, with a margarita in hand. After your swim, chill in a cabana or enjoy Japanese-Peruvian bites from the poolside restaurant, Tapasake.
4. Work out while time travelling at Fossil Rock
Fossil Rock near Mleiha is where natural history meets epic hiking. Climb up for panoramic desert views and search for ancient marine fossils embedded in the rock, some of which are more than 70 million years old. The terrain’s a mix of steep slopes and loose rocks, so wear proper shoes for the ascent. Keep on the look out for oryx or gazelle, which roam these parts. The nearby Mleiha Archaeological Centre dives into the area’s ancient human history. Go early or at sunset for cooler temperatures and stunning skies.
5. Horse or camel trek in the Empty Quarter
The Rub' al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is a vast and silent 650,000-sq-km area covering the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula, crossing into Oman and Saudi Arabia. Winter is the best time to journey through this otherworldly landscape, ranking as the world's largest uninterrupted sand desert. Go by camel or horseback like the ancient Bedouins did with Anantara Qasr al Sarab (for horse riding) or Bamboo Travel (for camel riding) – it's one of the UAE’s most soulful experiences and an ethical way to connect with desert culture.
6. Wander through a luscious palm oasis
UNESCO-listed Al Ain Oasis is a 4,000-year-old marvel – the greenest spot in the UAE thrives thanks to the falaj (also known as aflaj) irrigation system. Walking its shaded, peaceful paths under a canopy of canopy of 147,000 date palms feels worlds away from the nearby desert. Along the way, you’ll see ancient water channels, historic forts and more than 100 types of plants.
7. Flyboard off Abu Dhabi’s Corniche
The closest you can get to being Iron Man for the day is blasting some 10 meters above the Arabian Gulf with a jetpack strapped to your feet. Flyboarding requires a rider to balance on a board connected by a long hose which supplies a jet ski with water to propel the flyboard into the air with two fast jets. The setting for this experience is equally as movie-like – the blue waters and skyline views off Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. Those who perfect the art of hovering can attempt flying backward flying, flips and dolphin dives.
8. Snorkel at Dibba Rock
The coral-covered slopes below Dibba Rock in Fujairah attract various marine life, including colored fish such as clownfish, parrotfish, turtles, moray eels, stingrays and reef sharks. Visibility can hit 10 to 30 meters on a good day, making it a great scuba diving and snorkelling spot. For a more of a thrill, dive or snorkel at night with an ultraviolet light which creates a glow in the dark world, with corals ignited by their fluorescent pigments and turtles snoozing between the rocks.
9. Drive Half-Desert Road
This road doesn’t have an official name, but you’ll know it when you see it – a large stretch of asphalt is swallowed by auburn desert sand. Close to Academic City in Dubai, it’s an odd yet starkly beautiful desert dreamscape where the city meets nature. It’s become a favourite among instagrammers, so expect not to have it to yourself. Once you get an iconic picture, head off into the dunes for a quiet sunset picnic or turn up the speed with some dune-bashing.
10. Take in the views from Abu Dhabi’s highest mountain
Jebel Hafeet (Jebel Hafit) rises 1,240 meters above Al Ain like a giant watchtower. Drive (or bike, if you’re up for a challenge) along the switchbacks to the summit for sweeping views over the desert and onto Oman. At the base, Jebel Hafeet Desert Park tells stories of Neolithic life, with ancient tombs and hiking trails. Time your trip for sunrise and sunset for soaring panoramas over a pink sky.
11. Watch a camel race at Al Tallah
Instead of jockeys, camels are steered by little robot riders at Al Tallah Race Track in Ajman, with their owners racing alongside in SUVs and honking encouragement. It's a chaotic, bizarre and utterly unique scene that has to be experienced at least once in the UAE. Races usually happen on Friday and Saturday mornings from October to March, and entry is free. The Camel Festival in February, meanwhile, has heritage events and a camel beauty contest.
12. Sleep in an African-inspired bungalow next to a mangrove
For eco-chic bungalows that feel more Zanzibar than UAE, Casa Mikoko in Umm Al Quwain is set on the edge of a serene mangrove forest alive with flamingos, rays and herons. Days here are for kayaking, paddleboarding and enjoying the peace. Nights are all about slow dinners, sea breezes and a little yoga on the beachfront deck. It’s rustic but stylish, and a world away from the city noise.
