Anastasia Smith
Broaden your itinerary and explore the wondrous sites beyond Abu Dhabi with this curated list of day-trip destinations, from deserts to oases, wetlands to bird life, and mosques to museums, and entice your Arabian adventure!
2 hours - the ‘Garden City’ so named for its palm groves and natural springs, is home to more than 30 gardens and parks. Take in the magnificent views of the city below, witnessed atop the 4000-foot summit of Jebel Hafit mountain, and visit the Mezyad Graves at the foothills down below that date back 5,000 years. Picnic under the shade of nearly 150,000 date palms in the 32,000-acre Al Ain Oasis, one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites here. For a delightful cultural experience and authentic local cuisine, visit the quaint cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of Mubazzarah Park and Souk Al Zafarana. Al Ain Zoo and Al Ain Palace Museum are also landmarks worthy of a visit.
30 minutes - To experience the true sense of Arabian culture and heritage, take a trip to Al Wathba. Cheer on racing camels at the specially-made camel racetrack. Purchase trinkets and souvenirs at the small souk nearby, or drive around the many camel farms and catch a glimpse of camel caravans on the commute to and from the track. Once a coastal salt flat, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is home to more than 250 species of birds, including the greater flamingos, 37 plant species, and a wide range of aquatic life. Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Protected Area comprises more than 1,700 fossil dunes spread over 7 square kilometres, where geologists estimate the age of fossil formations to be over four million years.
2 hours - Visit one of the world’s largest sand deserts! The mesmerizing, ever-changing landscape makes this a beautiful journey on its own. Tel Moreeb, the world's tallest dune with a 50-degree incline and 300-meter height, is an adrenaline junkie haven! Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, considered the Emirates’ most luxurious resort, with its well-appointed villas with private plunge pools, four restaurants, and a luxurious spa, is situated in a scenic location in the Empty Quarter. Reminiscent of a Desert Fortress, this stunning resort is open to day visitors stopping by for lunch and coffee and also offers a range of Desert Adventures and activities, including camel rides, sandboarding, falcon and Saluki shows, sunset dune walks, and more.
2.5 hours - A mountain-lovers's paradise, this is the northernmost emirate. It is home to Jebel Jais the country’s tallest mountain, where adventure-seekers can launch themselves onto the world’s longest zipline at Jais Flight over the jagged mountain range. Ras Al Khaimah’s popular 6345-foot summit peak and its 12-mile drive up the snaking road are well worth a drive! There are a series of viewing platforms for a quick stopover to take in the views. Other traditional sites, such as Al Jazira Al Hamra village, with its coral-stone architecture, and 18th-century Dhayah Fort, offer stunning 360-degree views of the city.
Home to the oldest active mosque in the UAE, Al Bidiyah, it is sometimes referred to as the Ottoman Mosque with its unusual multi-domed structure that dates back to the 15th century. Visitors are welcome inside but must wear appropriate clothing, such as abayas, which are provided, and there are several watchtowers and stone ruins to explore. At 5 pm every Friday, head down to the city's corniche and catch a Fujairah Bull Butting display show, a sport introduced by the Portuguese centuries ago. Fujairah Heritage Village, Fujairah Museum and Fort, and the emirate’s Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque are also interesting landmarks that deserve to be explored.
2 hours - The capital of Islamic culture, Sharjah, is home to some of the best museums rich in Islamic heritage. Visit the Mleiha Archaeological Site to learn about the region’s ancient Bedouin culture and norms. The world-class Sharjah Museum and the Sharjah Light Festival are events not to be missed if you are visiting in February. Be mesmerized by Al Noor Mosque, considered one of the UAE's most beautiful mosques, inspired by the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Head down to the Al Mamzar Beach Park, with its beaches, pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Enjoy an elegant Mediterranean-Lebanese lunch overlooking the water at Shababeek along the Al Qasba Canal.
