Planning the Best Day Trips from Dubai
We already know that Dubai is one of the best cities in the world for a holiday. But if you want to explore beyond the city, you’ll also find a lot of great spots that you can visit on a day trip from Dubai.
The good news is: we already did the legwork for you with this list of the best day trips from Dubai and everything you need to know about them.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Website: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en
Contact details: ++71 2 444 0444
| Costing: | |
| Transportation | Bus: AED 50 for a two-way tripTaxi: AED 500 for a two-way trip |
| Observation Deck at 300 Entry Fee | AED 95 per person |
| Qasr Al Watan Entry Fee | AED 60 per person |
| Ferrari World Entry Fee | Adult: AED 345Junior: AED 265 |
| Average Cost per Meal | AED 40 |
If you can only choose one place for a day trip from Dubai, go to the country’s capital Abu Dhabi. And yes, some may be surprised to know that Dubai isn’t the UAE’s capital.
Abu Dhabi is quite different from Dubai because it’s more conservative, less busy and cheaper to visit. But don’t be fooled by its laidback vibe because this city packs a punch when it comes to attractions!
Whether you’re into adventure, food, culture or just strolling around, a day trip to Abu Dhabi will surely be filled with great memories and a lot of good photos for your feed.
Getting to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Abu Dhabi is located about 160 kilometers from Dubai, so the trip would last for about 1 hour and 15 minutes if you’re taking public transport.
You have four options for transportation from Dubai to Abu Dhabi depending on your budget and preferences.
Taking a taxi is the most convenient and fastest option for reaching Abu Dhabi, but you can also ride a bus or rent a car if you want to drive to the capital.
If you have a lot of luggage but you don’t want to rent a private car, you can opt for a private transfer instead.
| Type of Transport | Details and Cost |
| Taxi(Trip can last up to 50 minutes without traffic) | RTA Airport Taxis are available in Dubai International Airport Terminals 1-3 with a base fare of AED 25 and AED 2.19 for every kilometer Standard taxi rates from Downtown Dubai to Abu Dhabi cost between AED 250 to AED 300. Day trips start at AED 5 and AED 2.19 per kilometer while trips after 10:00 PM start at AED 5.50. |
| Private Transfer(Sample rates cover three passengers and three suitcases) | The average cost for a private transfer is between AED 258 to AED 1,300 depending on the number of guests and luggage Economy: AED 257, Comfort: AED 301, Business: AED 320 You can book on your own time and request for car seats and other add-ons based on your needs |
| Bus(Travel time takes 2 hours and 20 minutes) | E100 departs from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station E101 departs from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station A one-way trip costs AED 25 and can be paid using the Nol Card |
| Rent a Car | An economy car can cost between AED 110 to AED 180 per day A mid-range car can cost between AED 180 to 360 per day A luxury car can cost between AED 360 to AED 1,830 per day |
| Uber | Green and Comfort: AED 507 Family: Starts at AED 417 Black: AED 733 |
| Hala Taxi from Careem | Costs between AED 100 to AED 300 one way depending on your starting point in Dubai and drop off point in Abu Dhabi |
Must Visit Places in Abu Dhabi
Ready to go around Abu Dhabi for a day? We rounded up some of the top places that you should include in your itinerary.
- Observation Deck at 300
First stop should be the Conrad Etihad Towers Luxury Hotel where you’ll find the Observation Deck at 300 located 74 floors high. Here, you can admire the entire city and take mandatory photos with the skyline as your background.
- Qasr Al Watan
The city’s presidential palace is a marvelous structure that used to be the seat of government for the UAE.
In 2019, it was opened for the public to see the beautiful interiors and decor including a giant chandelier made with 350,000 pieces of crystal.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-visit when you’re in Abu Dhabi being the biggest mosque in the country and its most important landmark.
Here, you can admire the beautiful Mameluke, Fatimin and Ottoman architectural styles and the buildings’ stunning Macedonian marble that showcases the UAE’s grandeur.
The best part? Entry to the mosque is free, but you have to wear appropriate clothing as this is a place of worship.
- Wahat Al Karama
From the grand mosque, don’t forget to make a stop at beautiful Wahat Al Karama, one of the city’s most popular photo spots with its reflecting pool and the mosque in the background.
- Ferrari World
Of course, you can’t be in Abu Dhabi and not visit the world’s largest indoor theme park and home to the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster.
Ferrari World has so many different rides including the famous Formula Rossa and a massive collection of Ferrari cars dating back as far as 1947.
We tell you, a day trip isn’t enough to explore everything that Abu Dhabi has to offer. But if you can only spare a day here, you should be able to cover these places until sunset.
Best Places to Eat in Abu Dhabi
When in Abu Dhabi, you can’t miss eating at some of these best spots in the city to enjoy local food and the signature Emirati hospitality:
| Al Mrzab Traditional Restaurant | Website: https://guide.michelin.com/en/abu-dhabi-emirate/abu-dhabi/restaurant/al-mrzab Address: Airport Road behind the National Theater – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 666 2333 Operating hours:7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily |
| Meylas Emirati Restaurant | Website: https://meylas.com/en/ Address: Al Rahah – Al Muneera – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 444 8884 Operating hours:8:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily |
| Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe | Website: https://www.alfanarrestaurant.com/ Address: The Fountains – Yas Mall – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 877 2272 Operating hours:9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily |
| Freej Swaileh Restaurant | Address: Villa No. 101 – 16th Street Sector 13 Opposite Spar Supermarket – Khalifa City A – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 555 8837 Operating hours:7:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily |
| Saudi Kitchen | Address: Opposite Mushrif Mall – Al Mushrif – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 665 5355 Operating hours:12:00 PM to 1:00 AM daily |
Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi
We know there’s a good chance that you’d extend for more than a day in Abu Dhabi. So, we rounded up some of the best hotels for you to spend the night in the city:
| The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal | Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/auhrz-the-ritz-carlton-abu-dhabi-grand-canal/overview/ Address: Al Rawdah – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 818 8888 |
| Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi | Website: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace Address: West Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 690 9000 |
| Southern Sun Abu Dhabi | Website: https://www.southernsun.com/southern-sun-abu-dhabi Address: Al Mina Street – Al Zahiya Tourist Club Area – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 818 4888 |
| Bab Al Qasr Hotel | Website: https://www.babalqasr.com/ Address: West Corniche Road – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 205 3000 |
| Al Raha Beach Hotel | Website: https://www.danathotels.com/abudhabi/alrahabeachhotel Address: Channel Street Near Al Raha Mall – Al Raha Creek – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 2 508 0555 |
Pro tip:
If you’re coming from the airport, Etihad and Emirates offer complimentary airport bus shuttles from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Ask about this offer when booking your ticket to make sure that you have a seat in the shuttle.
Abu Dhabi is more conservative with rules than Dubai. So, make sure that you learn these rules before taking the day trip, so you won’t get in any trouble while you’re there.
Dubai to Al Ain
Website: https://visitalain.ae/
| Costing: | |
| Transportation | Bus: AED 25Taxi: AED 220 to AED 280 |
| Al Ain Zoo Entry Fee | Adult: AED 31.50Children: AED 10.50 |
| Average Cost Per Meal | AED 30 |
Al Ain is a beautiful garden city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest permanently inhabited settlements in the world, making it a great destination for a day trip from Dubai.
A one hour and thirty-minute drive from Dubai will take you to this oasis city where you can fully immerse in the country’s rich history.
It’s even the hometown and birthplace of two of the country’s most important figures, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, its second ruler.
So, if you’re a fan of history, you’ll surely have a grand time exploring Al Ain.
Getting to Al Ain from Dubai
Although Al Ain is located inland from Downtown Abu Dhabi, you’ll have no problems traveling to this part of the country from Dubai.
Again, your choice of transport will depend on your budget or preference. If you have the budget, you can rent a car, book private transfers or take a taxi.
But if you’re on a budget, you can always take the bus and it’ll still be a comfortable ride to Al Ain.
| Type of Transport | Details and Cost |
| Taxi(Trip can last up to 1 hour and 15 minutes without traffic) | A one-way trip costs between AED 220 to AED 280 |
| Mini Bus(Trip can last up to 2 hours without traffic) | Mini bus departs from the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Ain AED 25 for a one-way trip |
| Bus(Trip can last up to 2 hours and 15 minutes without traffic) | Bus Line 104 departs from Global Village 1 Dubai to Al Madina Petrol Station 1 Bus Line 103 departs from Global Village 1 Dubai to Al Jubail Bus Station and Al Ain Central Bus Station A one-way trip costs AED 25 and can be paid using the Nol Card |
| Rent a Car(All car rentals come with a AED 1,500 deposit) | Electric Car: AED 900 per dayEconomy Car: AED 79 per dayMid-size Car: AED 80 per dayStandard Size Car: AED 170 per daySUV: AED 250 per day |
Must Visit Places in Al Ain
Al Ain is all about culture, history, nature and everything in between. But don’t worry because we got you covered with this fully packed itinerary of the best places to visit in the area:
- Al Ain Oasis
If you’re looking for some greenery, you’ll feel right at home at the Al Ain Oasis, a 1,200 hectare lush oasis with more than 150,000 date palm trees and other regional fruit trees.
Here, you’ll get to learn about 100 varieties of date palms and even sample the UAE’s most famous product, the dates.
You can also see the country’s ancient irrigation system known as falaj that has been used for thousands of years to sustain the vegetation in this massive farm.
The best part is you can visit the oasis for free.
- Al Ain Zoo
The Al Ain Zoo is a great stop if you’re traveling with kids since you can see a wide variety of animals including the famous Arabian oryx, Arabian antelopes and African gazelles.
- Al Jahili Fort
Al Jahili Fort is one of the country’s biggest forts that used to be a symbol of power for the country and served as the royal summer residence of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First.
Today, this massive fort is one of the best places to immerse yourself in the country’s history and admire traditional Arabian architecture.
- Al Ain Camel Market
Yes, you heard that right. Camel souks have been a big part of the UAE’s history and the camel souk in Al Ain is the only remaining traditional market in the country.
Here, you can see different types of camels being sold by local traders. But be prepared to pay some fee if you want to pet or take photos with these gentle animals.
- Al Ain Museum
The Al Ain National Museum is the oldest in the UAE and the best place to go if you want to learn about the history of the country.
You can also see the Sultan Fort within its grounds and the Al Ain Oasis is just nearby.
Best Places to Eat in Al Ain
When it comes to good food, Al Ain has a handful of gems that you must try during your day trip from Dubai.
| Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe | Website: https://www.alfanarrestaurant.com/al-ain Address: Souq Al Zafarana – Al Jimi – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 3 766 5200 Operating hours:3:30 PM to 12:00 AM daily |
| Love Restaurant | Website: https://alainmall.net/shop-listing/love-restaurant/ Address: Al Ain Mall – Othman Bin Affan Street – Al Murabaa – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 50 805 3398 Operating hours:12:00 PM to 10:30 PM daily |
| Pickl Al Ain | Website: https://eatpickl.com/ Address: Plot 10 – Zakhir – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 3 734 4639 Operating hours:6:00 PM to 4:00 AM daily |
| Leisure Center Al Ain | Website: https://leisurecenter.ae/ Address: Town Center Opposite Al Noor Hospital – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 3 766 1116 Operating hours:24 hours daily |
| Eden Rock Restaurant | Website: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/where-to-go/dining-and-restaurants/eden-rock-restaurant Address: Jabel AL Hafeet Street – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +9713 783 8888 Operating hours:10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily |
Where to Stay in Al Ain
In case you want to spend the night in Al Ain, we have some recommendations on the best places you can stay:
| Al Ain Rotana | Website: https://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/alain/alainrotana Address: Al Jahili – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 3 754 5111 |
| Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort Al Ain | Website: https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-al-ain Address: Al Sarouj District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 3 768 6666 |
| Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain Hotel | Website: https://eatpickl.com/ Address: Plot 10 – Zakhir – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 3 734 4639 Operating hours:6:00 PM to 4:00 AM daily |
| Ayla Bawadi Hotel and Mall Al Ain | Website: https://all.accor.com/hotel/3573/index.en.shtml Address: Jabal Hafeet – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 3 704 6888 |
| Aloft Al Ain | Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/aanlo-aloft-al-ain/overview/ Address: Al Ain Square – Al Tiwayya – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 3 713 8888 |
Pro tip:
If you want to find traditional Arabian clothes and handicraft items, make sure to stop by Souq Al Qattara.
If you want to avoid the traffic and make the most of your day trip, it’s best to travel at night when the road is less congested.
Always bring an umbrella with you not only for the sun but also the sudden rains and dust storms in Al Ain.
Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah
Website: https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/
| Costing: | |
| Transportation | Bus: AED 40 for a one way tripTaxi: AED 55 for a one way trip |
| Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Entry Fee | AED 5 |
| National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah Entry Fee | Adult: AED 5Children: AED 2 |
| Average Cost per Meal | |
Ras Al Khaimah is a hidden gem in the UAE for its beautiful scenery, rich history and surprising attractions, making it a great day trip option from Dubai.
Located about 110 kilometers away from Dubai, you’ll only need to travel for one hour and 15 minutes to get to Ras Al Khaimah, but that trip will surely be worth it.
Getting to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai
Travelling to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai is pretty convenient, especially if you choose to ride a taxi or rent a car.
But if you don’t want to spend a lot on transport, an air conditioned bus will take you to your desitnaton quite comfortably.
| Type of Transport | Details and Cost |
| Taxi(Trip can last up to 1 hour and 10 minutes without traffic) | Rates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM: AED 5 and AED 2.19 for every kilometer Rates from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM: AED 5.50 and AED 2.19 for every kilometer |
| Bus(Travel time takes 45 to 50 minutes) | AED 40 for a one way trip First Bus departs from Dubai Union Bus Station at 8:00 AM and departs every two hours until 9:00 PM |
| Uber | Select: AED 347 for a one-way trip Comfort: AED 373 for a one-way trip UberXL: AED 443 for a one-way trip Black: AED 564 for a one-way trip Family: AED 375 for a one-way trip Green: AED 373 for a one-way trip |
| Careem | Hala Taxi: AED 228 for a one-way trip Comfort: AED 346 for a one-way trip Executive: AED 372 for a one-way trip Max: AED 455 for a one-way trip |
Must Visit Places in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah may not be as popular to tourists as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. But a trip here will surely surprise you.
And yes, we already did the legwork and listed down the best places to visit during your day trip here:
- Jebel Jais
If you want to immerse yourself in nature, you have to start your day at the beautiful Jebel Jais Mountains, the highest peak in the country.
At 2,000 meters high, the peak is a great place to go on a hike where you’ll see beautiful barren cliffs, deep canyons and slopes that will surely make you forget that you’re in the UAE.
And if you’re really in for some adrenaline rush, you can ride the longest zipline in the world here.
- The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Located inside one of the oldest forts in town, The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah used to be the residence of the ruling family until 1980.
It was then convetedinto a museum where you can see different artefacts that help tell the story of the UAE.
Here, you can see pottery, handicrafts and even fishing instruments and weapons that date back more than a hundred years.
- Dhayah Fort
Another great historical site to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, the Dhayah Fort is located on a 70-meter high hill near Jebel Jais and a date palm garden.
Here, you’ll not only see the magnificent landscape surrounding the structure but the beautiful architecture that showcases the county’s defense back then.
- Ras Al Khaimah Pearl Museum
The Ras Al Khaimah Pearl Museum is a significant landmark in the area because it’s one of only a few museums that really highlight the history of the UAE as a top pearl supplier in the world before oil was discovered.
Here, you can learn about the story of pearl diving and the techniques used by fishermen before there was any technology available.
The museum also showcases a stunning collection of pearls that you’ll surely love.
- Bassata Desert Village
The Bassata Desert Village is a bedouin village in the middle of the Ras Al Khaimah desert where you get to see and experience the traditional Arab life
Here, you can enjoy different activities while you’re in the desert like dune bashing, quad biking or camel riding.
Best Places to Eat in Ras Al Khaimah
If you ever get hungry while exploring Ras Al Khaimah, you can just choose from one – or more – of these best places to eat around town:
| Qasr Al Bahar | Address: Lobby Level – Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah – Al Hamra – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 7 203 5533 Operating hours:7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily |
| Zaitouna House | Website: https://www.pullmanmarjanisland.com/dining/zaitouna-house/ Address: Boardwalk – Marjan Island Resort and Spa – Al Marjan Island – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 7 203 6666 Operating hours:1:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily |
| Claypot | Website: https://www.citymaxhotels.com/dining/claypot/ Address: Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah – Nakheel – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 5 699 22286 Operating hours:12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily |
| Madfoon Al Sadda | Website: https://www.almadfoon.com/ Address: Near Dubai Islamic Bank – Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Road – Al Dhait North – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 7 23 52922 Operating hours:11:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily |
| Bait Al Mandi | Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Road – Al Dhait South – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 7 235 8868 Operating hours:10:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily |
Where to Stay in Ras Al Khaimah
With everything that Ras Al Khaimah has to offer, we can’t blame you if you’d want to spend the night here. But don’t worry because you can easily book one of these hotels:
| Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah | Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rktwawa-waldorf-astoria-ras-al-khaimah/ Address: Vienna Street – Al Hamra Village – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 7 203 5555 |
| Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island | Website: https://all.accor.com/hotel/A0D2/index.en.shtml Address: Al Marjan island – Marjan Island Boulevard – Jazeerat Al Marjan – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 7 203 6666 |
| Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort | Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/mina-al-arab-ras-al-khaimah Address: Mina Al Arab – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 7 204 2222 |
| Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah | Website: https://www.citymaxhotels.com/uae/ras-al-khaimah/citymax-hotels-ras-al-khaimah/ Address: Bin Daher Street – Al Nakheel – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 7 207 3700 |
| Al Hamra Residence | Website: https://alhamra.ae/hospitality-al-hamra-residence/ Address: Vienna Street – Al Jazeera Al Hamra – Qaryat Al Hamra – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates Contact details: +971 7 206 7222 |
Pro tip:
If you want to make the most from your day trip to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai, it’s best to rent a car that will allow you to easily go around the city’s destinations at the shortest time possible.