We know what it’s like to feel the need to take a trip back to nature after a long week of work in Dubai. Here are 10 easy day trips from Dubai, perfect for the whole family that have been tried and tested. And bonus – most are free!
Read on for our top, cheap family-friendly ideas for escaping the city on a day trip from Dubai. Pack a picnic, fill the car up and wear some comfortable shoes…..
10. Al Qudra Lake, Love Lakes and Expo Lake
Al Qudra Lake is a short trip from Dubai, only 30mins from the Marina. It can be just an afternoon or morning out with the family. Al Qudra desert is an oasis with ducks and lots of other birds, watch out for the flamingos. It can get really popular on weekends with campers and the Al Qudra road is lined with people selling firewood, charcoal and other camping requirements.
Love Lakes has a structured path which you can walk around (5km) so great for getting the steps in, a popular and easy day trip from Dubai!
Expo Lake is a bit further away, closer to the stunning Bab Al Shams desert hotel. It is quieter than Al Qudra Lakes and Love Lakes. We liked the oryx spotting tower and it is a lovely, early morning walk around the lake.
Practicals: 4×4 not required but some of the roads around there can have soft sand so do be careful if not in a 4×4. Pack a picnic and plenty of water, no toilets available in Al Qudra Lakes – go to Last Exit! Love Lakes and Expo Lakes have toilets.
9. Abu Dhabi
The capital of the UAE is only a short 45minutes down the road with much to offer for a day trip from Dubai. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-see, a simply spectacularly opulent building best seen as the sun sets. Yas Island has lots to offer with a beach, marina, restaurants and the popular Warner Brothers, Ferrari World and Water Park.
We have enjoyed the Emirates Zoo Resort when the kids were younger as there are lots of opportunities to get close to the animals. You can book breakfast with the giraffes. We also stayed overnight once which was an incredible experience. With lots to do in Abu Dhabi it is an easy day trip from Dubai.
8. Kite Beach Centre, UAQ
Who doesn’t love a beach day? This centre offers one of the most wholesome beach days in the area. Don’t be expecting waiters on roller skates or your own cooler box and towels. This place reminds us of Thailand and is perfect for what we know and love.
There are beach huts that can be reserved that have showers, hammocks and offer some well needed shade. The cafe is gorgeous and cooks up some amazing pizza from the wood fired ovens as well as lots of other delicious food. There are some small huts that can be rented overnight and you can bring your own tent and pitch up in a designated spot if you want to extend your day trip from Dubai. You can check out their website here. We love exploring different beaches as easy day trips from Dubai.
Practicals: Around 45mins – 1 hour drive from Dubai. Book beach huts well in advance especially for weekends. Dogs are welcome!
7. Sharjah
Sharjah has so much to offer and we love the fact that all the attractions are so affordable. It makes for the perfect affordable day trip from Dubai. Combine a few of the attractions so that you can get a full day trip from Dubai. Some of our favourites are Al Noor Island, Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum, Rain Rooms Sharjah, Discovery Centre and a wander around Al Majaz Waterfront for a coffee or some lunch.
Sharjah Safari is the largest park outside of Africa. A vast space with many Arabian animals. The kids will enjoy the trip on the bus.
There is so much in Sharjah that is not difficult to fill up the day so definitely add this on your list for easy day trips from Dubai.
Practicals: Pre-book the Rain Room and make sure to combine with something else as it is a half hour visit. Only a 30-45minute drive from Dubai so great for a shorter family day trip from Dubai.
6. Hatta
Hatta is one of the most popular day trips from Dubai. Hatta has taken adventure under its belt over the last few years and really invested in activities in the area.
There is the famous Hatta dam where you can opt for a tranquil kayak around, we love going early morning before the crowds. Hatta Wadi Hub has a range of activities on offer from zip lining, hammer throwing, high ropes to a giant water slide. There are numerous walking trails and mountain bike tracks – you can hire bikes there too. The addition of the mountain chalets, trailers, campsite and more recently the domes and caravans has given a range of accommodations as well as the renowned Hatta Fort Hotel.
With so many activities on offer it really is a great option for easy day trips from Dubai. Read more here.
Practicals: Around 1.5hours drive from Dubai. Hatta Wadi Hub is where all the activities are based as well as the walks and mountain bikes. We have camped here which is a good option as it’s one of the only campsites we have found in the UAE offering toilets, showers and BBQ pits – more of this please UAE!! The accommodation gets booked up far in advance so be sure to be organised.
5. Mleiha
An archaeological site in Sharjah where recent discoveries have led to information about how Bedouins used to live. The site is in the desert close to Fossil Rock, if you are confident desert driving to explore. Alternatively you can book a guide for dune bashing, walking tours and other trips. Before entering the archaeological sight go and explore the wadis and caves around (free), a short hike and then go to the museum with a/c to cool down, there is a 55dhs entry charge (for a family of 5) which is worth a look. There is a lovely, airy café too. For more detailed information click here.
Keep your eye out for the winter pop up cafes that are often in this area. They have also recently opened a glamping spot.
Practicals: 1 hour drive from Dubai (put in Waze), wear walking shoes, bring plenty of water – it is the desert so it’s hot, go early before the midday sun!
4. Wadi Shawka
A firm favourite day trip from Dubai for us. A valley in the mountains of Ras Al Khaima which has lots of ideal walking trails from beginner to expert. Download the wikiloc app for detailed trails. It has lots of parking, no need for a 4×4 and is a great spot even if you’re not big hikers. You can just go for a picnic and a little wander around, play in the park, see the dam and take in the mountain air. One to try from the perfect easy day trips from Dubai, read more information here.
Practicals: 1.5 hour drive from Dubai (put into Waze), get there early as parking can fill up, toilets there, sometimes a coffee van, bring a picnic/bbq and lots of water.
3. Jebel Jais – RAK
Jebel Jais is the tallest mountain in the UAE, it gets busy with hikers, cyclists and motor bikes so go as early as you can. It can get cold in the winter in the UAE so make sure you take a jumper with you. There are some easy hikes at the top, a park and of course the zip lines – if you’re brave enough. There is also the new Jais Sledder which is amazing. Fun for the whole family.
Right at the very top of Jebel Jais is 1484 by Puro restaurant but you need to pre-book that before turning up. Worth adding to your list of easy day trips from Dubai for the freshest air in the UAE!
Practicals: A 2 hour drive from Dubai. The last 30minutes is driving up the mountain. Have the camera ready and pull in along the way to admire the views – watch out for the mountain goats. There are toilets, car park, playground, viewing points and a coffee van at the top.
2. Jebel Hafit
The most stunning, spiral drive up to the mountain peak offering impressive views of the Hajar mountain range in Al Ain. The drive is actually voted as one of the best in the world and Top Gear did a section about Jebel Hafit. Definitely worth the day trip from Dubai to check it out. At the foot of the mountain is the green mubazzarah which is as green as the name suggests, a rarity in the UAE. A perfect place for a picnic, to kick the ball about and enjoy nature.
Practicals: Around a 2 hour drive from Dubai to Al Ain, with the final 20minutes being the spectacular drive up the mountain. Stop at the various view points to take in the scenery.
1. Khorfakkan
Khorfakkan was named best Arab city in 2023. It is the perfect day trip from Dubai as there is so much to do here. Stop off in Al Rafisah dam on the way or way back there is a lovely cafe with views, go for a short hike in Wadi Sheesh nature trail, drive over to the corniche and check out the amphitheatre and old souk. If you’re looking for more adventurous hikes check out Al Rabi or Wadi Abadilah. With so much to do it makes for an ideal easy day trip from Dubai. More information here.
Practicals: 1.5 hour drive from Dubai, fill up petrol and use the toilet before the last 45minutes as there’s not many places to stop! Combine a few activities in one trip.
Hope you enjoyed this round up of easy day trips from Dubai. Do let us know which is your favourite or if you think we missed any. Check out our favourite family hikes in Dubai or 50 Activities in the UAE for some other ideas. If you are looking to go a bit further check out 7 Stunning places to visit in Oman.
For all our other information check out Everything you need to know about Dubai. Or if you are looking for other family travel inspiration check out our Destinations Page.
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