It’s the time of the year when Dubai is frequented by tourists from all the over world. And whilst, the tourists are exploring the beautiful attractions in the city, long-time residents and frequent visitors are heading towards the countryside. Whether it’s your first time in the UAE or a frequent visitor, be sure to experience an out-of-town trip. Here are the top day trips that you should consider from Dubai!
Visit the coastal town of Musandam, Oman
This sleepy, fishing town is one of the most coveted and highly regarded day trip destinations. One of the reasons is that it’s just near the border of Ras Al Khaimah. And driving from Dubai is fairly easy and straightforward. Head to Khasab in Musandam and you will be amazed by its scenic seascape and stunning fjords.
Here are the top things you can do for a memorable day trip from Dubai. First, go for a swim. There are many pristine beaches with white sand, and crystal clear, and azure waters in Khasab. Khasab is a quaint town where the rugged mountains meet the sea. It’s so picturesque that when you reach there, you’ll feel you’re in a tropical country! So, don’t skip swimming when you’re there. You can go to Bassa or Al Jerry Beach. Bring your umbrella and a picnic basket. Us, we stopped by Al Jerry public beach on the way back to Dubai and we had a blast! The water was cold but not freezing. But what we loved most was the scenery as the beach is surrounded by the Hajjar Mountains. Secondly, stop at one of the viewpoints in Khasab! There are picnic tables and a small playground that are perfect if you want to have snacks and enjoy the scenery. Thirdly, you can also check out Khasab Castle, a 17th-century castle built by the Portuguese, but it has now been converted into a museum where you can learn more about Oman’s cultural heritage and history! Lastly, have fun wildlife spotting! Take photographs and cherish every moment.
But the most exciting thing you can do there with your family is to experience cruising in the Indian Ocean and watch the stunning fjords of Oman. There are a variety of options that you could do if you chose to take a boat. I highly recommend booking thru Headout and making sure to do it in advance. If you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, you will fall in love with it. You can snorkel, kayak, and spot a pod of dolphins too!
The good news is Oman is offering visa-on-arrival for UAE residents with a valid residence visa and for passport-holders who don’t need to apply for a visa in advance, traveling to Musandam is a breeze. The coastal town is perfect for nature lovers, and it truly is an experience that you’ll never forget!
Have a family-friendly and fun day trip to Fujairah
A day trip from Dubai is as exciting as touring the city itself. It can lead you to hidden gems and unknown destinations around the emirate. One of them is the picturesque emirate of Fujairah.
If you and your family are looking for some good outdoor family activities, then the East Coast of the UAE should be at the top of your “to-do” list. The weather is generally pleasant on the East Coast, there’s plenty of greenery and fresh air, and the beaches are amazing. Even if you don’t go for a hike to the Al Hajjar mountains, visiting Fujairah will give you a memorable experience and bring back memories for years to come.
If you chose not to travel to Oman, you can also go on a cruise from Dibba to Fujairah! Cruising in Dibba is a fun and enjoyable weekend activity that you can do with your kids. Children ages 3 and above can enjoy a typical cruise and have a chance to spot a pod of playful dolphins. The cruise will take you around the Oman Coast and you’ll get a glimpse of the beautiful fjords. This cruise is one of the best ways to relax in the water and enjoy a scrumptious lunch on board a classic Arabic Dhow. Lunch normally includes salads, fresh grilled fish, and other Arabic dishes. The other thing that you can try is water sports. You’ll get the chance to do snorkeling or ride a banana boat in the middle of the Fjords. This is the most convenient way to explore the fjords without the hassle of visa stamping. And it’s ideal if you don’t have a valid UAE residence visa or you’re not a passport holder of countries that can acquire a visa in Oman on arrival.
The other fun activity to do with your family is just to be on the beach. There are many public beaches in Fujairah, and you can laze around, build some sandcastles, and spot fish and crabs. Clear blue skies, cool breeze, and fine soft sand are just a few things you’ll see in Fujairah. My kids loved swimming there because the crystal-clear water is cold! But what they enjoyed most was running after the little crabs on the beach! It was clearly something they want to play with and something that you can’t easily spot on Dubai beaches. Fujairah is a great day trip from Dubai because it’s not so far and there are many interesting attractions that you can check out around the emirate.
Discover the unparalleled hidden gem called Hatta
Are you an adventure seeker who doesn’t want to skip hidden gems in a country? If you fall into this category, then your next plan should never be less than an all-out road trip to a place called Hatta! Sounds good to you? Sniffing up from where I am sitting, the atmosphere screams adventurous, thrilling, and stunning wanderlust. It is time for you to ditch the touristy places and set off on an unforgettable road trip to discover different places around Dubai. And doing so will lead you straight to a picturesque town that borders the city of Dubai and Oman.
With its proximity to the city, this place is ideal to spend the long weekend. The town is teeming with history, gorgeous nature, and family-friendly activities. Visiting Hatta is like being transported back in time with its charming stone houses, narrow roads, and date farms. Furthermore, there are many places such as wadis, parks, and nature reserves that you can visit.
Your first stop should be the Hatta Dam.
It’s free to explore this tourist place. Originally a water reservoir, this crystal-clear, turquoise dam became a bustling sports hub. You can hike or explore the place by boat. Hatta Kayak offers rental services of kayaks, donut boats, and pedal boats starting at 60 AED. You can really take in the scenic view from the water. So, don’t miss it. But if you’re not keen to go for it, then just have a photo-op with your family. Furthermore, you can also go to the tourist information center there and they can guide you about the other places that you can visit around the town.
There are many fun activities to do in Hatta. You kayak in the Hatta Dam, explore and have a picnic at the Hatta hill park! And you can spend an hour or two at the Heritage Village and have a short hike to the watchtower.
Hatta is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. When you’ve had your fill of Dubai, stop in Hatta and see what it has to offer. You won’t regret it.
