Dubai’s Top Weekend Getaways and Road Trips

Looking for the perfect weekend escape from Dubai?

Dubai, with its bright city, and plenty of shopping and entertainment options is a great city of dazzlers' charms. However, sometimes you may feel that the overwhelming hustle and bustle drives you to a need for a break. The good news is that you don’t have to travel far to find such escapism routes. The United Arab Emirates has various road trip areas for a summer weekend, whatever your choice is.  Let’s take a ride along the best weekend Trips from Dubai where life becomes interesting!

Hatta: Nature Retreat and Adventure Center

Hatta, just a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai, is the best choice for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. A real escape from city life surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, this place offers you something new and refreshing.

Things to Do in Hatta

Hatta Dam: Rent a kayak or rent a paddleboard and discover the turquoise waters surrounded by rocky cliffs.

Hatta Wadi Hub: Take part in spine-tingling activities. It includes mountain biking, zip-lining, archery, and axe-throwing.

Hatta Heritage Village: Walk through history and check the restored watchtowers. Explore traditional houses and ancient falaj irrigation systems.

Hiking Trails: The challenge is to find the trail that will show you the best views of the mountains and valleys.

Stay in Style: Choose from the luxury staying at Hatta Sedr Trailers, mountain lodges, and more. Sleep under the stars in a traditional camping area.

Al Ain: A Garden City Getaway

Al Ain ‘the Garden City’ of the UAE, is a green oasis just two hours from Dubai. This historic town is packed with cultural heritage, green parks, and family attractions.

Things to Do in Al Ain

Jebel Hafeet: Drive to the second-highest mountain in the UAE and enjoy the panoramic view of the desert and the city underneath.

Al Ain Oasis: Walk through the date palm trees and learn about the ancient falaj irrigation system at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Al Ain Zoo: Visit one of the UAE’s best zoos, home to lions, giraffes, and rare white tigers.

Al Jahili Fort: Travel to one of the neighboring forts and view the exhibits about desert life and the explorer Wilfred Thesiger.

Hot Springs at Green Mubazzarah: The perfect choice for relaxation is lying in natural hot springs on the foot of Jebel Hafeet.

Fujairah: A Coastal Retreat

Fujairah is an ideal destination for a quiet beach retreat which is just 1.5 hours away from Dubai. This emirate is home to the clearest waters and the wildest shores that both water sports lovers and history buffs would explore.

Things to Do in Fujairah

Snoopy Island: Go snorkeling or scuba diving among the tropical fish or spend time on the warm sand.

Fujairah Fort: Witness one of the oldest forts in the UAE with spectacular views and an insight into the local history.

Al-Bidyah Mosque: Visit the oldest mosque in the UAE, established in the 15th century.

Dibba Rock: A diving site with coral reefs, reef sharks, and plenty of other marine life to see.

Beach Resorts: Enjoy your vacation in luxury resorts like Address Beach Resort and Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort.

Ras Al Khaimah: The Capital of Adventure

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the ultimate spot for those who love extreme sports and outdoor activities, being only a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai. Besides mountains, deserts, and beaches, it is a combination of fun and leisure.

Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah

Jebel Jais: Skim the highest mountain in the UAE or give the longest zipline a ride for an adrenaline adventure.

Bear Grylls Explorers Camp: Acquaint yourself with survival skills and participate in the outdoor training sessions.

Dhayah Fort: Get to the hilltop and see the stunning view of the mountains and the sea from this fort.

Suwaidi Pearls Farm: Uncover the secret of ancient pearl diving and choose a unique pearl to take home with you.

Luxury Desert Stays: Stay the Bedouin way at The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert or sample beachfront luxury at Waldorf Astoria RAK.

Abu Dhabi: A Cultural and Luxurious Escape

Abu Dhabi, which is just 1.5 hours away from Dubai, is a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and luxury. Whether you want to explore contemporary architecture, world-class museums, or thrill-seeker attractions, the capital has it all.

Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Gaze at the beautiful white marble structure with intricate Islamic art.

Louvre Abu Dhabi: Go through an extraordinary art and history collection found in this iconic museum.

Yas Island: Excite yourself with Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld.

Qasr Al Watan: Visit the striking palace and get some knowledge about the Emirati heritage and government.

Saadiyat Beach: Chill on the pristine white sand beach or hit the water by paddling in the mangroves.

Liwa: A Dunes Adventure

For the devoted lovers of the desert, Liwa, situated around four hours from Dubai, is a hidden jewel with incredible dunes, ancient history, and total peace.

Things to Do in LiwaRub' al Khali (Empty Quarter): Exploring the world’s largest sand desert.

Moreeb Dune: This is where you can experience dune bashing or see pros who are driving off-road vehicles on one of the tallest dunes in the world.

Liwa Forts: Visit ancient forts that narrate tales of the region's history.

Camel Racing: Come and watch the camel racing events, which are part of the UAE’s culture.

Stay in Luxury: Treat yourself to the exclusive desert experience at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

Khasab, Oman – A Cross-Border Getaway

A perfect spot for an international road trip is Khasab, Oman, which is 2.5 to 3 hours drive from Dubai. The Musandam Peninsula, also known as the "Norway of Arabia” consists of stunning fjords and features an incredible variety of marine life.

Things to Do in Khasab

Dhow Cruise: Go on a traditional wooden boat ride through the fjords and watch dolphins.

Snorkeling and Diving: Discover colorful coral reefs filled with marine animals in the clear waters.

Khasab Fort: Get to this fort, erected on the coast, learn the history of Omani and view the breathtaking sea.

Telegraph Island: Enjoy the ruins of the British telegraph station and swim in the calm waters.

Mountain Safari: Take a 4x4 drive to rugged mountains and enjoy stunning panoramic views.

Tips to Follow on Road Trips From Dubai

Driving Rules: Make sure your valid UAE driving license is not expired. If you need an international driving permit, please ensure to carry it along.

Best Travel Time: The winter months (October to April) are perfect for road trips due to the best weather.

Packing Essentials: Water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a phone charger, and emergency supplies are essential to carry.

Car Rental Options: SUVs for mountain trips or comfortable sedans for city trips are available.

Border Crossings: If visiting Oman, check for visa requirements and carry the necessary documents.

Conclusion

You can enjoy a lot of adventurous road trips from Dubai. It offers you mountains, beaches, deserts, and other sites to explore. Your weekends will be great all the way. Dubai allows you to travel to scenic and exciting places of UAE like hidden gems. So, pack your bags, fuel up your car, and get ready to make beautiful memories!