The United Arab Emirates may be known for its imposing skylines, mammoth malls and glitz and glam, but scratch the surface and you’ll find an adventure playground begging to be explored. Take a weekend break in the UAE and spot roaming cheetahs and giraffes on a wildlife reserve, bed down in the desert under the stars, or jack up your adrenaline by tackling the world’s longest zipline. These are the very best weekend breaks the UAE has to offer (and a bonus one in Oman!).
1. Enjoy a luxury desert retreat
Set in the Dubai Desert Conservation Area, Al Maha is part desert hideaway, part luxury vacation spot. The 42-tented villas here boast large beds, traditional decor and cute touches like easels in case you feel inspired by the scenic views. While you could easily while away your time here meditating on the desert scenery around you, there are plenty of activities to fill a weekend. Take a hair-raising, dune-bashing trip, try horse or camel riding, or book onto a wildlife tour – keep an eye out for gazelle and oryx, and learn about the flora and fauna that live in the desert. In the evening, grab some dinner onsite or book yourself into the spa for a heavenly massage.
2. Take in some history in Hatta
History buffs rejoice – a weekend in Hatta will allow you to depart from city life and take in some of the region’s history and heritage. Start with a visit to the Hatta Heritage Village, where you can stand in a “living” museum. This reconstructed traditional village shows how ancient practices including jewellery making, pottery and crafting with copper (mined locally) continue. After that, visit Hatta Fort, which dates back to 1896, and stop for a picnic in Hatta Hill Park.
If your energy starts to flag, take on some adrenaline pumping activities such as mountain biking and hiking in the local area. You can camp locally too, or if you’d rather something a little more luxurious, stay at the family-friendly JA Hatta Fort Hotel and make use of the facilities (yes, there’s a pool).
3. Take a break in Sharjah
One of the lesser-known emirates, Sharjah has plenty to offer, and is a great place to spend a long weekend. Locally known as the cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah has a number of interesting attractions to visit, including the Sharjah Mosque and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, where you can learn all about Islamic history through the thousands of artefacts stored here.
There’s plenty of history and culture to keep you entertained for a weekend here; visit the Sharjah Heritage Area, where traditional courtyards and alleyways house a number of museums and attractions (from former pearl-trading residences to calligraphy exhibitions). You can also book onto an art walk and enjoy a guided tour of the area’s architecture and art.
4. Spot animals on Sir Bani Yas Island
There are a number of national parks in the UAE that make for great weekend breaks. Sir Bani Yas Island is a top pick if you’re looking for a wildlife encounter, with numerous species of birds and beasts calling this nature reserve home. Here you’ll spot rare Arabian oryx, cheetahs, giraffes, gazelle and ostrich, as well as more than 100 different species of birds. Desert Islands Resort & Spa By Anantara is a brilliant family friendly hotel option that can organise activities from wildlife spotting to horse riding, falconry and water sports. The nature alone is enough to delight even the fussiest of kids, but the long list of activities, big family rooms and friendly staff are the icing on the cake.
5. Get adventurous in Ras Al Khaimah
A brilliant weekend option for the young (and young at heart), Ras Al Khaimah boasts adrenaline-filled and active pastimes aplenty. Just two hours’ drive from Dubai (depending on traffic) and you’re rewarded with imposing mountains, stunning coastline and some pretty fancy hotels to boot. Kick off your weekend with a hike in the Al Hajar Mountains – if you have the energy, you can climb to the highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais. Make it up here and you’ll be rewarded not only with stunning views but also the chance to try your hand at the family friendly Jais Ropes Course. Bigger kids (and adults) can also try the world’s longest zipline at Jais Flight. It’s an exhilarating (if nail-biting) journey and you’ll hit speeds of 150 kmph.
But the adventure doesn’t end there! You’ll also find the Bear Grylls Survival Camp and a sledder mountain coaster in the vicinity, with the whole area perfectly prepped for thrills and adventure. Organised hikes often include outdoor campsites, where you can end the day looking at the stars, but there are also plenty of hotels around. Get up early and book onto a hot air balloon ride to get a different view of sensational Sharjah.
6. Take a boat trip in Musandam
It may not be in the UAE but Musandam, a governorate of Oman, is perfect for a weekend getaway from Dubai. Just a few hours’ drive from the city – and an even shorter hop over the border from Ras Al Khaimah – Musandam boasts a rugged coastline and waters teeming with life. Book onto an overnight dhow cruise (if there’s enough of you, you can charter your own) and snorkel, kayak and swim with dolphins, turtles, fish and even sharks (though they’re normally in the deeper waters here).
Catch your own fresh fish off the side of the traditional dhow boat, which will take you ashore to cook your catch over a fire, before you return to the boat to sleep. Facilities on board tend to be basic, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
