Did you know you can reach Africa in 4 hours from Dubai? Well, there are numerous getaways from Dubai that you would not have even thought of.
Dubai — and the plethora of cities surrounding it— are the perfect combination to escape the mundane lifestyle. Dubai is a magical emirate. Its world-class attractions keep the tourist glued for a long. But the list of beautiful destinations nearby makes it even more fun. From the rugged Hatta Mountains for campers to the untouched ruins of Amman, find yourself lost in the world of wanders.
A. 7 Most Popular Weekend Getaways from Dubai
1. Musandam, Oman
An oasis of tranquility, Musandam is a governorate of Oman that juts into the Arabian Gulf. This exclave has a dramatic landscape. On one side, you will discover craggy, arid, and untouched Al Hajar Mountains, and on the other, you will sink your feet into the soft sand of beaches in the company of turtles. Spend your day in the warmth of scenic fjords in Oman. With the palm-flanked desert, dolphin-filled waters, verdant wadi, and ancient ruins, Musandam gives you much-needed respite. The most popular way to witness the landscape is to take the famous Musandam Dibba tour. This 9 hr long cruise from Dibba port takes you to unseen areas, so prepare for thrills and spills. You can go scuba diving and snorkeling among the colorful school of fish and coral reefs.
Dubai to Musandam Duration: 3.5hr (By road)
Top Attractions: Khasab Castle, Jebel Harim, Paragliding in Zighy Bay, Musandam Dhow Tours
2. Hatta
On a trip to Oman, plan a stopover in Hatta, one of the best weekend getaways from Dubai by road. A slice of paradise tucked away in another world, Hatta is perfect for weekenders. Nestled amidst the rugged mountains and natural pools, this place transports you to a movie scene. Tame the mountains on the bike, hike the winding trails, or go on kayaking. Even if adventures are not your thing, you can gaze at the incredible sights or duck into a museum that has restored huts and houses from hundreds of years ago. Visit during November or early December when the weather is pleasant, and the crowd is thin. You can take the caravan to the campsite for a picnic or barbecue or head towards one of the luxurious resorts.
Dubai to Hatta Duration: 1 hr 20 mins (By road)
Top-Attractions: Hatta Dam, Hatta Heritage Village, Hatta Wadi Hub, Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre
3. Abu Dhabi
Another destination that has made a splash in the UAE is its capital, Abu Dhabi. Situated on the Persian Gulf, this is the most ideal destination for those last-minute holidays. It has grand shopping venues, eye-catching architecture, and extravagant hotels. A sibling to Dubai, Abu Dhabi has a beautifully carved cityscape with an inclination toward culture. Stop yourself from fainting when you marvel at one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It has an imposing architecture with intricate design and a lush garden. Chase the speed at Formula Car racing, immerse in the grandeur of the Emirates Palace, or indulge in skydiving — the city has it all. No visit to the UAE is complete without taking the dhow cruise in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Duration: 1 hr 30 mins (By road)
Top Attractions: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World (Yas Island), Observation Deck at 300
4. Amman
One of the best weekend getaways from Dubai is the largest city in Jordan. Known as the City of Seven Hills, Amman’s dramatic wadis and restored heritage will give you a peek into history. From the ruins dating back hundreds of years ago to 70 classic cars in a museum, Amman is a unique place for all history buffs and amateur archaeologists. Admire the sunset from the peak of Citadel Hill. You will get goosebumps watching the whopping three bent fingers made of smooth stone. The most famous Roman theatre built during Antoninus Pius’s reign had an accommodation space of 6,000 people. You can watch an exciting medley of past and present.
Dubai to Amman Duration: 3 hr (By flight)
Top Attractions: Roman Theatre, Amman Citadel, The Royal Automobile Museum, Grand Husseini Mosque
5. Ras Al Khaimah
Boasting the longest zipline in the world, located in the northernmost UAE, Ras Al Khaimah or RAK, is one of the cheap getaways from Dubai. Engulfed by the undulating Hajar mountains, RAK brings you closer to nature. Whether you want to lie by the beach in the warmth of sunlight or go on wild roads for epic adventures, RAK has got you covered. The city has the best of both worlds, from sun-baked deserts to shimmering beaches and lush palm oases. Tap into the Arabian past at the museum, watch the world from the highest peak in the country, or hike up the 16th-century fort. Keep your camera ready because you will find some of the best scenic views and attractions in RAK.
Dubai to RAK Duration: 1 hr 30 mins (By road)
Top Attractions: Jazirat Al Hamra, Jebel Jais, Dhayah Fort, Mangrove Forest, Khatt Springs, Iceland Water Park
6. Cairo
The capital of Egypt, home to the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the city of thousand minarets, Cairo has been an enormous part of history for a long. Lying by the Nile River, the city is narrow in the South and wide in the North. It has restored and revived its culture and art even today. You would be mesmerized watching the lofty statue of the Sphinx and the painting-like landscapes — it’s unreal. The mosques and mausoleums date back to 130CE. In the city, there are verdant areas that create a striking contrast to the modern edifices. You can shop in Khan al-Khalili bazaar, explore Old Cairo, and cruise on the Nile. Well, with no official spring and autumn, you will have to plan your trip around four months of winter and eight months of summer.
Dubai to Cairo Duration: 3-4 hours (By flight)
Top Attractions: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Al-Azhar Park, Cairo Tower, Giza Necropolis
7. Manama
One of the best places to visit from Dubai without a visa is Bahrain. Famous for pearl fisheries in the present time, Bahrain was once the flourishing trading center and also remained a part of the Persian Empire. Today its capital city Manama has transformed into a flourishing business and economic center in the Middle East. Manama surprises its tourists with a blend of eclectic nightlife and buzzing souks. The highlight of the city is the twin towers measuring 240 meters in the Bahrain World Trade Center. If you are a seafood connoisseur, get ready to hog the most delicious dishes.
Dubai to Manama Duration: 1 hr 15 mins (By flight)
Top Attractions: Bahrain National Museum, Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, National Theatre, The Avenues
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on these beautiful destinations the next time you are in Dubai. These weekend getaways from Dubai are ideal places for your short holidays with friends and families.