The 6 Best Day Trips From Dubai in Dubai (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 6 picks

The best day trips from Dubai in 2026 are Abu Dhabi for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre, Sharjah for museums and the old town, Hatta for the mountains and kayaking, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah for the zipline, Al Ain for its oases and zoo, and Fujairah for the east coast.

The UAE is compact, so you can see several emirates from a single base in Dubai. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are the easiest, Hatta and Jebel Jais are the best for scenery, and Fujairah and Al Ain are longer drives. Roads are good, but traffic out of Dubai at rush hour is heavy; leave early. For overnight options see our best hotels in Abu Dhabi.

1. Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi — Abu Dhabi

The capital's two big sights, about 90 minutes from Dubai.

$$ Mid-range

Abu Dhabi is about 90 minutes from Dubai by road. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island are the two main sights for a day trip.

Add Qasr Al Watan or the Corniche if you have time.

Good to know: Visit the mosque in the late afternoon and book Louvre tickets online.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

2. Sharjah: Heart of Sharjah and the museums — Sharjah

The UAE's cultural capital, with museums, art and a restored old town, 30 minutes away.

$ Budget

Sharjah is next to Dubai and is known for its museums, restored old town and the Sharjah Art Foundation. It is more conservative than Dubai and does not allow alcohol.

The Heart of Sharjah district has traditional houses, souks and small museums.

Good to know: Friday is a quiet day in Sharjah, with some museums closed in the morning; check before you go.

Sharjah Art Foundation, Al Mureijah Square, Heart of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE

Google Maps Website

3. Hatta — Hatta

A mountain enclave with a dam, kayaking, mountain biking and a heritage village.

$$ Mid-range

Hatta is a mountain town in the Dubai emirate about 90 minutes from the city, with a turquoise dam, a heritage village and outdoor activities such as kayaking and mountain biking.

It is cooler than the city in winter and popular for weekend breaks.

Good to know: Go early on a weekday in winter; the roads and the dam get busy at weekends.

Hatta Dam, Hatta, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps

4. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah — Ras Al Khaimah

The UAE's highest mountain, with the world's longest zipline.

$$$ Upmarket

Jebel Jais is the UAE's highest mountain, about 1,900 meters, in Ras Al Khaimah. It has viewing platforms, a mountain road and Jebel Jais Flight, billed as the world's longest zipline.

It is about two hours from Dubai and noticeably cooler than the coast.

Good to know: Book the zipline in advance and check weather conditions before you go.

Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Google Maps Website

5. Al Ain — Al Ain

A green oasis city with UNESCO sites, a zoo and the Jebel Hafeet road.

$$ Mid-range

Al Ain is about 90 minutes from Dubai and is known for its date-palm oases, its forts and the UNESCO-listed cultural sites of Al Ain. Al Ain Zoo and the winding road up Jebel Hafeet are the other draws.

It is quieter and greener than the coastal cities.

Good to know: Go in winter; summers are hot even by UAE standards.

Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

6. Fujairah and the east coast — Fujairah

A coast of rocky beaches, mountain roads and the UAE's oldest mosque.

$$ Mid-range

Fujairah sits on the Gulf of Oman, with a different landscape from the rest of the UAE: mountains meeting the sea. The Al Bidyah Mosque, one of the oldest in the country, is a stop on the east coast road.

The drive takes about two hours from Dubai.

Good to know: Plan to stay for sunset and the drive back after dark.

Fujairah, UAE

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is the best day trip from Dubai?

Abu Dhabi, for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, is the most popular. Jebel Jais is the best for scenery and adventure.

How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai?

About 90 minutes by road, depending on traffic. Buses run from Dubai's bus stations and taxis are available.

Do I need a car for day trips from Dubai?

A car is the easiest, especially for Hatta, Jebel Jais and Fujairah. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah can be done by bus or taxi.

What is the best time of year for day trips from Dubai?

From November to March, when mountain and desert temperatures are comfortable. In summer, stick to indoor attractions in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

1. Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi — Abu Dhabi

2. Sharjah: Heart of Sharjah and the museums — Sharjah

3. Hatta — Hatta

4. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah — Ras Al Khaimah

5. Al Ain — Al Ain

6. Fujairah and the east coast — Fujairah

Frequently asked questions

Related lists

The 8 Best Theme Parks & Water Parks in Dubai (2026)

The 5 Best Japanese Restaurants in Dubai (2026)

The 5 Best Restaurants With a View in Dubai (2026)

The 7 Best Museums in Dubai (2026)

The 7 Best Souks & Markets in Dubai (2026)