The 8 Best Day Trips from Dubai: Tested + Ranked

The Best Day Trips from Dubai 2026: 8 Tested Itineraries

Best day trips from Dubai: Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque + Sharjah heritage + Hatta mountains + Al Ain oasis + Musandam fjords (Oman) — desert + sea + Bedouin culture all close.

Quick Summary

Best day trips from Dubai: Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque + Sharjah heritage + Hatta mountains + Al Ain oasis + Musandam fjords (Oman) — desert + sea + Bedouin culture all close.

Top 8 Day Trips from Dubai

1Abu Dhabi + Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Distance: 1 hr 30Duration: Full day

World’s most photographed mosque + Louvre Abu Dhabi + Emirates Palace + Yas Island.

How to get there: RTA bus E100/E101, ₩25 AED. Or guided tour 200-400 AED.

2Hatta Mountains + Heritage Village

Distance: 1 hr 30Duration: Full day

Hajar mountain escape + Hatta Dam kayaking + Heritage Village + cooler 5-10°C lower than Dubai.

How to get there: Self-drive recommended. Or RTA bus 51A from Deira, 2 hrs.

3Sharjah (UAE Cultural Capital)

Distance: 30 minDuration: Half day

Heart of Sharia Islamic culture + Blue Souk + Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.

How to get there: RTA bus E306, 30 min, 25 AED.

4Al Ain Oasis + Jebel Hafeet

Distance: 1 hr 45Duration: Full day

UNESCO oasis + falaj irrigation + Jebel Hafeet mountain road (most scenic in UAE).

How to get there: Self-drive recommended. Or bus E201 to Al Ain.

5Musandam Fjords (Oman)

Distance: 3 hrDuration: Full day

“Norway of Arabia” — fjords + dhow boat cruise + dolphins + snorkeling off Khasab.

How to get there: Border crossing + tour combo from Dubai 400-700 AED. Requires passport.

6Desert Safari (Conservation Reserve)

Distance: 1 hrDuration: Half day

Dune-bashing + sunset over Hajar mountains + camel ride + Bedouin dinner camp + falconry.

How to get there: Tours from Dubai pickup 250-500 AED.

7Ajman Beaches

Distance: 45 minDuration: Half day

Quieter beaches + Ajman Museum + ferry to Umm al-Quwain (most laid-back emirate).

How to get there: RTA bus E400, 1 hr, 18 AED.

8Ras Al Khaimah + Jebel Jais

Distance: 1 hr 30Duration: Full day

UAE’s tallest mountain + world’s longest zipline (2.83km) + mountain restaurants 1900m elevation.

How to get there: Self-drive recommended. Jebel Jais Flight zipline 650 AED.

Planning more of Dubai? See our 3-day Dubai itinerary, UAE travel guide, the destinations index, or our Ultimate Bucket List.

Dubai Day Trips FAQ

What is the best day trip from Dubai?

Abu Dhabi + Sheikh Zayed Mosque — 1.5 hr away, plus Louvre Abu Dhabi + Emirates Palace. Most popular for first-timers.

Can you visit Oman as a day trip from Dubai?

Yes — Musandam fjords (Khasab) are 3 hr drive. Requires UAE+Oman visa. Day tours include both border crossings.

Is Abu Dhabi worth a day trip from Dubai?

Yes — Grand Mosque alone is worth it + Louvre Abu Dhabi for art lovers. Easy 1.5 hr each way by RTA bus.

When to do Dubai desert safari?

Sunset (4-9pm) is iconic — pickup at hotel, dune-bashing, BBQ dinner. October-April for tolerable temperatures.