Day Trips from Dubai
Dubai is the gateway to seven emirates and two countries within a 3-hour drive. This guide covers every major day trip destination: Abu Dhabi, Hatta, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain, and Oman border crossings.
Before You Go
Pack sunscreen, plenty of water, and comfortable walking shoes for every day trip. Start early — leave Dubai by 8 AM to beat heat and traffic, and arrive back before evening rush hour. Fill your petrol tank in Dubai before heading out; some routes have limited stations.
Abu Dhabi
140 km 1.5 hours
Attractions & Activities
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
FreeMust book online in advance; one of the world's largest mosquesLouvre Abu Dhabi
AED 63World-class art museum on a stunning island; allow 2–3 hoursFerrari World (Yas Island)
AED 345World's fastest roller coaster Formula Rossa; indoor theme parkWarner Bros. World (Yas Island)
AED 315DC Comics and Looney Tunes themed rides and experiencesYas Waterworld
AED 295UAE-themed waterpark; less crowded than Atlantis AquaventureQasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)
AED 65Presidential palace open to public; stunning architecture and museumAbu Dhabi Corniche
Free8 km beachfront promenade; free public beach sectionsEmirates Palace
Free to enter lobbyIconic luxury hotel; great for afternoon tea (AED 200+)Getting There
Car:E11 Sheikh Zayed Road → E22. Toll: AED 4 each way on Abu Dhabi toll gates
Bus:From Al Ghubaiba Bus Terminal. AED 25 one-way. Journey ~2.5 hours
Practical tip: Abu Dhabi is best as a 1-day trip. Combine Grand Mosque (morning) with Louvre or Yas Island (afternoon). Yas Island theme parks require a full day each. Dress modestly for Grand Mosque — free abayas/kanduras provided at entrance.
Hatta
115 km 1.5 hours
Attractions & Activities
Hatta Dam
FreeBeautiful turquoise reservoir surrounded by mountains; popular photo spotKayaking / Pedal Boats
AED 60–120Rentals at the dam; 1-hour sessions availableHatta Heritage Village
FreeRestored traditional village showing historic Hatta life; well-maintainedMountain Biking Trails
AED 100 bike rentalHatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre; rated beginner to expert; 35+ km of trailsHatta Wadi Hub
Varies by activityAdventure park: ziplines, archery, bouldering, ax throwingHatta Fort Hotel
Free to visit groundsLuxury resort in the mountains; good restaurant for lunchGetting There
Car:E44 (Dubai–Hatta Highway) direct route. No tolls. Fuel up before leaving Dubai
Note:No metro or RTA bus to Hatta. Must drive or book a tour
Practical tip: Pack sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. Start early — the mountains heat up by midday. The drive through the Hajar Mountains is scenic. Some trails cross into Omani territory temporarily but no passport check is required for day visitors.
Sharjah
25 km 30 minutes (traffic dependent)
Attractions & Activities
Sharjah Art Foundation
FreeMajor regional contemporary art institution; multiple galleries across the Heritage AreaSharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
AED 10Outstanding collection of Islamic art and science; former covered souk buildingAl Noor Island
AED 35Butterfly house and art installations on a lagoon island; beautiful at sunsetHeart of Sharjah
Free to walkOngoing heritage restoration project; traditional souks, old houses, cafesRain Room
AED 25World-famous interactive art installation; walk through rain without getting wetBlue Souk (Central Market)
FreeIconic blue-tiled souk; carpets, gold, and souvenirs at lower prices than DubaiGetting There
Car:E311 or E11 from Dubai. Parking is cheap or free. Traffic can be heavy 4–7 PM
Bus:RTA E303 bus from Al Ghubaiba; AED 10. Inter-Emirate Transport buses also available
Practical tip: IMPORTANT: Sharjah is a completely dry emirate — no alcohol is sold or served anywhere in Sharjah, including restaurants and hotels. Dress conservatively. The art district is clustered around Corniche Al Buhaira and is very walkable.
Ras Al Khaimah
100 km 1 hour
Attractions & Activities
Jebel Jais Viewpoint
FreeHighest peak in the UAE at 1,934m; stunning panoramic views of the Hajar MountainsToroverde Zipline (Jais Flight)
AED 450World's longest zipline at 2.83 km; booking essential, especially weekendsJais Adventure Park
From AED 150Via ferrata, hiking trails, sledge ride, and mountain activities at Jebel JaisAl Hamra Village
Free to exploreAbandoned Emirati village dating to the 1800s; eerie and atmosphericRAK Beaches
FreeAl Marjan Island and Al Hamra Beach; less crowded than Dubai beachesGetting There
Car:E311 or E611 north. Journey is easy highway driving with good signage
Bus:Inter-Emirate Transport buses from Al Ghubaiba; AED 25. No bus to Jebel Jais — rent a car or join a tour
Practical tip: Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAE's fastest-growing tourism destinations. Book the zipline well in advance for weekends. Jebel Jais road is excellent but can be windy. The drive to the summit takes 45 minutes from RAK city.
Fujairah (East Coast)
130 km 1.5 hours
Attractions & Activities
Al Aqah Beach
Free (public beach)Clear, calm Gulf of Oman waters; excellent for swimming and snorkelingSandy Beach Hotel & Resort
Day pass ~AED 100Best snorkeling access on the east coast; directly faces Snoopy IslandSnoopy Island Snorkeling
AED 50 (boat shuttle)Tiny island teeming with sea turtles, fish, and coral; one of UAE's best snorkel spotsFujairah Fort
AED 5One of the oldest forts in the UAE; perched on a rock with views over the cityBidiyah Mosque
Free (exterior)Oldest mosque in the UAE (1446 AD); small, historic, and photogenicBull-Butting Arena (Dibba)
FreeTraditional spectacle held Friday afternoons in winter; no blood sport — bulls lock horns and pushGetting There
Car:E611 (Al Ain Road) through Sharjah to Fujairah, or via E88 from Dubai. Mountain pass is well-maintained
Bus:Inter-Emirate Transport from Al Ghubaiba to Fujairah city; AED 20. Limited onward transport to beach areas
Practical tip: The Gulf of Oman coast has calmer, clearer water than the Arabian Gulf side. East coast roads pass through the dramatic Hajar Mountains. Pack snorkeling gear to save on rentals. Water temperatures are warm year-round.
Al Ain
160 km 1.5 hours
Attractions & Activities
Al Ain Oasis
FreeUNESCO World Heritage Site; 147,000 date palms in a walled urban oasis; tranquil and beautifulAl Ain Zoo
AED 30Largest zoo in the UAE; over 4,000 animals; spacious and well-maintainedJebel Hafeet Drive
FreeSpectacular 11.7 km mountain road to 1,249m summit; stunning views. Considered one of the world's best driving roadsGreen Mubazzarah Hot Springs
AED 15Natural hot springs at the base of Jebel Hafeet; popular with familiesAl Ain Palace Museum
AED 3Former palace of Sheikh Zayed; excellent insight into UAE founding historyAl Ain Camel Market
FreeOne of the UAE's last traditional livestock markets; photogenic and authenticGetting There
Car:E66 from Dubai through Abu Dhabi emirate. Well-signed highway, approx. 160 km
Bus:Abu Dhabi inter-city buses run from Dubai; 3–4 hour journey. Limited options for getting around Al Ain without a car
Practical tip: Al Ain is known as the "Garden City" — far greener than Dubai thanks to its oasis heritage. The city is relaxed and uncrowded. It makes an excellent full-day trip combining the oasis, palace museum, and a drive up Jebel Hafeet.
Oman Border Trip
Dibba: 150 km / Khasab: 210 km 2–3 hours
Attractions & Activities
Musandam (Khasab) Dhow Cruise
AED 200–400Traditional wooden boat through dramatic fjords; dolphin watching, swimming, snorkeling includedDibba Day Trip
Entry via Hatta-Buraimi crossingDrive through spectacular scenery; visit Dibba fishing village on the Musandam borderAl Ain–Buraimi Crossing
Free for most nationalitiesVisa-free border crossing for many passport holders; connects Al Ain to Buraimi, OmanHatta–Oman Border
Check visa requirementsCross into Madha (Oman enclave) during Hatta trip; road passes through Oman brieflyGetting There
Car:Private car essential. Ensure your car rental includes Oman coverage (extra fee). Check with rental company in advance
Note:Passport required for all Oman crossings. Residents' Emirates ID not sufficient
Practical tip: Always carry your passport. A UAE visit visa does not automatically permit Oman entry — check Oman visa requirements for your nationality. Many Dubai tour operators offer Musandam dhow cruise packages including transport (AED 300–600 per person).
Budget Breakdown by Destination
Estimates below are per person, including transport (car fuel or bus), entry fees, and a simple meal. Fuel costs assume a standard sedan with one or two people sharing costs.
| Destination | Transport | Entry Fees | Food | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharjah | AED 10 | AED 10–70 | AED 50–100 | AED 70–180 |
| Hatta | AED 50–80 (fuel) | AED 0–120 | AED 50–100 | AED 100–300 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | AED 80–100 (fuel) | AED 0–450 | AED 60–120 | AED 140–670 |
| Fujairah | AED 80–100 (fuel) | AED 5–100 | AED 60–120 | AED 145–320 |
| Abu Dhabi (sightseeing) | AED 100–120 (fuel+toll) | AED 0–128 | AED 80–150 | AED 180–400 |
| Abu Dhabi (Yas Island) | AED 100–120 (fuel+toll) | AED 295–345 | AED 80–150 | AED 475–615 |
| Al Ain | AED 120–150 (fuel) | AED 3–50 | AED 60–120 | AED 183–320 |
| Musandam | AED 150–200 (fuel) | AED 200–400 | AED 60–100 | AED 410–700 |
Tour Operators
If you prefer not to drive, organised day tours offer the convenience of return transport, a guide, and often combined attractions. They are generally more expensive than driving yourself but save the hassle of navigation and parking.
Arabian Adventures
Premium operatorEmirates Group subsidiary; wide range of day tours; reliable pick-up service
AED 200–600 per person
Big Bus Tours
Hop-on hop-offAbu Dhabi and Dubai circuits; good for first-time visitors wanting flexibility
AED 175–250 per person
Viator
Online marketplaceAggregates tours from many operators; read reviews carefully; price competitive
Varies widely
GetYourGuide
Online marketplaceStrong selection of Oman and east coast day trips; good cancellation policies
Varies widely
Wonder Days
Dubai-focusedDesert safaris and day trips; popular with tourists; consistent reviews
AED 150–400 per person
Tip: For Musandam dhow cruises, booking through a Dubai tour operator is often the most convenient option as they handle the transport, border crossing, and boat in one package.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June–September)
Temperatures 38–45°C. Outdoor activities like Hatta hiking or beach trips are best limited to early morning (before 9 AM) or evening. Abu Dhabi indoor attractions (Louvre, Yas Island theme parks) are excellent summer day trips — air-conditioned throughout. Mountain areas like Jebel Jais are 5–10°C cooler than the coast.
Winter (November–March)
Ideal conditions: 20–28°C. All outdoor activities are comfortable throughout the day. East coast beaches, Jebel Jais hiking, Al Ain oasis, and Hatta mountain biking are all at their best. Peak season means more crowds on weekends — book ahead for popular attractions.
Planning Your Day
Leave Dubai no later than 8 AM on weekends to avoid traffic on the major highways. Return by 4 PM to miss evening rush. Keep a full water bottle and snacks — rural areas between emirates have limited convenience stores. Most UAE attractions do not require cash; card payments are universally accepted.