Dubai’s dizzying skyscrapers, buzzing nightlife and busy beaches are all part of its charm, but occasionally, an escape from the city’s fast pace can be just what you need. Within two hours’ drive, you'll find dramatic desert dunes, heritage towns, coastal escapes, and natural beauty that offer a refreshing change of scenery. These are the best day trips from Dubai.
1. Abu Dhabi, UAE
The UAE’s capital offers a mix of modern architecture, cultural experiences and peaceful beaches, making it one of the most popular day trips from Dubai.
Start at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest and most spectacular mosques in the world, with beautiful white domes, marble floors inlaid with floral mosaics and reflective pools. Then explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a world-class museum on Saadiyat Island that houses works by artists as diverse as Jackson Pollock, Van Gogh and Ai Weiwei. If you're travelling with kids, try Yas Island for a fun-filled day out at Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld theme parks.
How to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai: Driving takes around 90 minutes via Sheikh Zayed Road. Buses run frequently between Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Bus Station and Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. You can also book one-day tour packages from several operators that include transport and personalised itineraries.
2. Hatta, UAE
Tucked in the Hajar Mountains near the Oman border, a visit to Hatta is a total change of pace, as its rugged landscapes, cool mountain air and freshwater dams make it feel a world away from Dubai’s urban bustle.
Hatta Dam is the most popular destination for visitors, ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding in clear blue waters, surrounded by rocky peaks. For hiking and mountain biking, Hatta Wadi Hub offers marked trails and gear rentals. History buffs can visit Hatta Heritage Village, a restored mountain hamlet with traditional Emirati architecture.
How to get to Hatta from Dubai: Driving takes around 90 minutes from central Dubai. There’s no direct public bus to Hatta, so hiring a car or joining an organised tour is your best option. Some tours include 4x4 off-road segments or desert stops en route.
3. Al Ain, UAE
Known as the ‘Garden City’ of the UAE, Al Ain is a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with history and greenery. It’s also home to one of the country's oldest permanently inhabited settlements.
Top spots include Al Ain Oasis, a sprawling palm plantation with shaded walkways and an ancient falaj irrigation system, and Al Jahili Fort, which showcases traditional mudbrick architecture. The drive up Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi’s highest mountain, offers panoramic views across the desert.
How to get to Al Ain from Dubai: Al Ain is around 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Dubai by car. Buses run from Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Ain Central Bus Station.
4. Sharjah, UAE
Often overlooked by tourists, Sharjah is one of the UAE’s quieter emirates. It’s only 30 minutes away from Dubai, but offers a completely different vibe, with low-key museums, art, and heritage districts.
Check out the Sharjah Art Foundation for contemporary exhibitions or visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, to see artefacts from across the Muslim world. Souq Al Arsah is one of the UAE’s oldest marketplaces, and is great for an atmospheric wander, and to pick up some souvenirs or antiques.
How to get to Sharjah from Dubai: Sharjah is just 30 minutes by car from central Dubai, though traffic can add time as this is a busy commuter route. Public buses leave regularly from Al Ghubaiba or Union bus stations. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also a good option for this journey.
5. Musandam Peninsula, Oman
Across the UAE border, Musandam is part of Oman, and is well worth the journey for its dramatic coastline and clear waters. It’s just about do-able on a day trip from Dubai, but if you have the time, a weekend trip is better for making the most of the destination.
Visitors can join a dhow cruise from the port town of Khasab, which includes dolphin-spotting, snorkelling, and lunch on board. The cliffs and turquoise inlets famously look like Norway’s fjords, but with the added bonus of warm, sunny weather as you view them.
How to get to Musandam from Dubai: Driving to Khasab takes around 2.5 hours, but it’s wise to allow extra time for the border crossing at Ras Al Khaimah. You’ll need your passport and some nationalities require an Omani visa.
6. Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of the UAE’s most outdoorsy emirates, offering beaches, adventure activities and mountain scenery.
Its biggest draw is Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak and home to the world’s longest zipline. You can also try hiking trails, visit the viewing deck park or simply enjoy the cooler temperatures, as the altitude is higher than Dubai. On the coast, check out the Dhayah Fort and Suwaidi Pearl Farm for a glimpse into the region’s heritage.
How to get to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai: Driving takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it’s best to drive yourself or take a tour if heading to Jebel Jais. Public buses leave from Union Square bus station to Ras Al Khaimah City.
7. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, UAE
For a close-to-home desert adventure, a safari at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is an amazing day out. It’s one of the UAE’s largest protected areas and a top spot for connecting with Dubai’s often-forgotten nature, wildlife and landscapes.
Join a morning or evening wildlife drive to spot Arabian oryx and gazelles, or opt for activities such as horse riding, camel treks, falconry and a traditional Bedouin-style barbecue camp experience.
How to get to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve from Dubai: Located about 35 minutes from downtown Dubai. Access is only via authorised tour operators which include transport to and from the reserve.
8. Fujairah, UAE
Located on the UAE’s east coast along the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah offers a wealth of beaches, diving spots, and heritage sites and is among the country’s most beautiful places.
It’s a popular weekend escape for its laid-back vibe and scenic coastal roads. Visit Snoopy Island for snorkelling or diving, or head inland to explore the Al-Bidya Mosque, the oldest in the UAE. Fujairah Fort and the nearby Heritage Village give visitors a look at pre-oil Emirati life. It’s also a good destination for those after budget beach resorts.
How to get to Fujairah from Dubai: The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or Intercity buses run from Dubai’s Etisalat Bus Station to Fujairah City several times a day.
9. Liwa Oasis, UAE
For a deeper dive into desert culture, Liwa Oasis in the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) is a bucket-list trip.
Home to the UAE’s largest sand dunes, it offers a mesmerising desert experience. Visit Tel Moreeb, one of the highest dunes in the world, or tour the historic Liwa Forts. This is a great destination for those keen to soak up the sandscapes and see a different, more remote side of the UAE. While Liwa is technically doable as a day trip, it’s a long drive from Dubai, so better experienced as a weekend jaunt.
How to get to Liwa from Dubai: The drive takes around 3.5 hours, so it's best suited for early risers or overnight trippers. There are no public buses directly to Liwa so car rental or organised desert tours are the way to go.
