Best Day Trips from Dubai 2025 | Top Tours & Experiences

Dubai makes a fabulous base for exploring the rest of the UAE. There are some fantastic day trips from Dubai, from desert landscapes and mountain views to cultural sites and fun on the water, all easy to do in a day and simple to book online while planning your vacation.

In this post, I’ve rounded up some of the best day trips from Dubai, with a focus on tours and experiences you can book in advance. I’ve also added a few DIY ideas in case you’d like a bit more flexibility or are travelling on a budget.

You’ll find everything from city tours and desert safaris to kayaking, mountain ziplining and snorkelling and dhow cruises so there’s something here for just about everyone.

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⏳ Short on time?: My top recommendations for day trips from Dubai include:
🕌 Full-day tour of Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai, including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan
🐝 Hatta Mountains, Kayaking and Honey Bee Centre – visit the turquoise lakes of Hatta and learn about local heritage and bee-keeping
🐪 Platinum Heritage Desert Experience authentic desert trip with Emirati entertainment and food, vintage Land Rover and stargazing
⛴️ Trip to Musandam, Oman with dhow boat trip on fjords, snorkelling and stunning scenery
⛰️ Jebel Jais Zipline with transfer – longest zipline in the world and stunning views!

Best Day Trips out of Dubai

City & Culture Experiences

Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing Tour (Top Day Tours from Dubai to Abu Dhabi)

Collage of Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, featuring its majestic white façade, intricately detailed golden interiors, and symmetrical archways with grand chandeliers. The images showcase the palace’s fusion of Islamic design and modern opulence, with manicured gardens and elaborate marble corridors.

The capital is just a couple of hours away and you shouldn’t miss a visit during your time in Dubai. Most half-day and full-day trips include two of my favourite buildings there – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan, or the Presidential Palace, where important visitors are received.

Most trips also drive past other significant places for photo stops like Emirates Palace and Yas Island. Longer trips may include afternoon tea.

After looking through all the tours, checking ratings and reading reviews. I’ve selected this top-rated half-day tour to Abu Dhabi from Dubai with 5* reviews but when you open the link, you can compare others too.

❇️ Explore two of Abu Dhabi’s highlights, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Qasr Al Watan, on this top-rated half-day tour from Dubai. Check prices and availability here.

Collage of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, showcasing its gleaming white domes, gold-tipped minarets, and intricate floral marble inlays. The images highlight the mosque's stunning prayer hall with lavish chandeliers, column-lined walkways, and the serene reflection pond and gardens outside.

❇️ For a full-day tour of Abu Dhabi from Dubai, check this tour with top ratings. C heck prices and availability here.

Sharjah for Culture: Heart of Sharjah, Arts Area, Al Buhairah Corniche and More

Aerial view of Sharjah's Buhairah Corniche, featuring a lush, tree-covered island with a white-sand shoreline and pedestrian bridge. The city skyline rises behind it with tall, modern buildings and a striking white mosque reflected in the calm waters of the lagoon.

This is a bit of a DIY tour but well worth it to see a different side of the UAE. Sharjah is the cultural hub of the UAE and has won many titles over the years, including Islamic Cultural Capital, Arab Capital of Culture, World Book Capital and Accessible City and Child-Friendly City.

Sharjah hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus takes you to the major attractions in the city of Sharjah, including Al Noor Island and Butterfly House, museums, art galleries, corniches, old souqs, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba canal, Buhairah Lagoon, Sharjah Aquarium.

You can either take a taxi to one of the stopping points like Al Qasba or book a ticket in advance for the RTA ferry from Al Ghubaiba, Dubai to Sharjah Aquarium. There’s also a public bus to Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah if you prefer.

✅ Buy Sharjah hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour ticket here.

See more on Sharjah attractions here.

Adventure & Mountain Escapes

Hatta Mountains, Kayaking & Honey Bee Centre Tour

Scenic view of Hatta Dam in the Emirate of Dubai, with rugged, rocky mountains surrounding a tranquil turquoise reservoir. Colourful pedal boats and kayaks dot the water, adding a lively contrast to the dramatic natural backdrop.

For a fun experience away from the city, this 5*-rated private tour to Hatta includes a visit to the Ajman enclave of Masfoot before stopping at the turquoise waters at Hatta Dam for kayaking surrounded by the Hajar Mountains.

Next you can enjoy a walk at Hatta Hills and then take a tour at Hatta Honey Bee Centre, where you’ll learn about local bees and the honey production and get to sample local mountain honey.

Believe it or not, Hatta is still part of Dubai! And by visiting the museum and watchtower with views over the agricultural town of Masfoot, you’ll have another emirate off your list too!

The journey there and back is all part of the experience too as you pass through desert, plains and mountains so have your camera at the ready.

✅ Book 5*-rated private tour to Masfoot, Hatta Dam and Honey Bee Centre.

Ras Al Khaimah: Jebel Jais Zipline & Mountain Experience

Two people stand on a platform high above a mountainous landscape, preparing a person strapped in a harness for a zipline ride. The person is suspended horizontally, ready to glide across the cables stretching out over the rugged terrain below, under a bright blue sky. The winding roads below accentuate the elevation and thrill of this adventure activity.

One of the best day trips out of Dubai is to Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, home to the world’s longest zipline, the Sky Flight. But are you brave enough to try it?

While many people think of the UAE as just desert, the Hajar Mountain range passes right through the northern emirates. The views from Jebel Jais are stunning and apart from the zipline, you can dine at the highest restaurant in the UAE, hike, relax or try out other exciting outdoor adventures.

Unfortunately, there’s no public transport to Jebel Jais, but with this 4.5* rated tour you can add on the optional transfer from Dubai (or Sharjah and Ajman.)

❇️ See availability and prices for Jebel Jais zipline tours with transfer from Dubai.

Got your own transport? ➡️ Book Jebel Jais Sky Flight only here ⬅️

See more of Jebel Jais.

Musandam Oman

For a complete contrast to the busy city life and the glitz of Dubai, book a trip across the border to Musandam, aka the Norway of the Middle East due to its stunning fjords and surrounding mountains.

You’ll feel like you’ve gone back several decades when you discover the simplicity of this beautifully scenic Omani enclave. When you head out on the traditional dhow, you can stop for swimming and snorkelling. While sailing along you’ll most likely see dolphins leaping out of the water.

After booking this highly popular tour to Musandam, Oman, you’ll be collected from a pick-up point in Dubai, then pass through four emirates before crossing the border. The drive itself is as much part of the trip as the destination with stunning mountains, quiet beaches and villages and traditional Omani homes along the way.

Collage from a Musandam dhow trip from Dubai, featuring a dolphin gliding through clear blue water, a traditional dhow view from cushioned deck seating, and kayakers paddling near rocky cliffs. The scenic images highlight the region’s calm turquoise waters, rugged mountains, and peaceful coastal charm.

❇️ Check availability and prices for this fast-selling tour to Musandam dhow cruise tours from Dubai here.

You can also add this to your DIY road trip. See more of Musandam, Oman and how to plan your visit on this post on the sister website In Scotterati Footsteps. or the East Coast side of Musandam here,

Desert Experience

Authentic Desert Experience in Dubai Desert with Platinum Heritage

Two Arabian oryx with long, slender horns stand gracefully on golden-orange sand dunes under a clear sky at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Their white coats contrast strikingly with the warm hues of the desert landscape.

Platinum Heritage is hands down the best and most authentic safari trip from Dubai. You won’t find belly-dancing on this trip simply because it’s not part of Emirati culture. Instead, you’ll experience traditional Yola dancing to Emirati drums and learn about Bedouin life.

Enjoy a drive over the dunes in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in a vintage Land Rover, a four course traditional dinner and stargazing. With a 5*star rating based on over 2000 reviews, this one sells out fast so book now before it’s too late!

❇️ See and book Platinum Heritage desert safari options here.

If you prefer to book through Viator, book here.

Hot Air Balloon Ride over Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah Desert

A lone hot air balloon floats above endless rolling sand dunes in the Dubai desert at sunrise. The soft golden light casts long shadows across the undulating landscape, creating a peaceful and surreal atmosphere.

If you’re happy to make an early start, this sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Dubai desert is one of the most memorable ways to experience the landscape. After a pre-dawn pickup from your hotel, you’ll head out to the launch site and wake up properly with a coffee or tea before take-off.

Or head further north and experience a hot air balloon ride over Ras Al Khaimah desert and mountains. Pick-up from Dubai available.

Once in the air, you’ll drift across the dunes and low mountain ranges as the sun rises and if you’re in luck, you might spot Arabian oryx, sand gazelles and camels moving across the sands far below. Flights reach altitudes of up to 4,000 feet and usually last between 40 and 70 minutes.

Whichever location you chose, it’s a very peaceful yet exhilarating way to start the day!

✅ Check availability and secure your spot on this best-rated hot air balloon ride in the Dubai desert.

✅ Book this hot air balloon experience over Ras Al Khaimah desert and mountains with 5* reviews. Pick-up from Dubai available.

Dune Buggy Experience & Fossil Discovery at Mleiha National Park, Sharjah

Aerial view of Mleiha National Park in the UAE, showcasing dramatic golden-red sand dunes sweeping up to Fossil Rock, a rugged limestone outcrop. The landscape blends rolling desert with ancient geological formations under a partly cloudy sky.

If you’re looking for a desert experience with a difference, this guided buggy tour through Mleiha’s ancient landscapes might just be the one. You’ll head out in a sturdy two-seater Desert Fox buggy across rolling dunes and desert plains to explore parts of this UNESCO nominated site that most visitors miss.

The route includes a photo stop at the striking rock formation known as Camel Rock and a chance to try sandboarding. You’ll also visit Fossil Rock, where you can spot real marine fossils embedded in the desert stone, and finish with a gentle camel ride and short nature walk.

For a little extra, add on the photo and video option to capture the best moments of you living your best life to share with friends and family and to look back on in years to come.

❇️ Check tours and book your dune buggy and fossil experience at Mleiha National Park.

See more of Mleiha.

Water & Marine Adventures

Snorkelling or Scuba Diving in Fujairah

A woman in full scuba diving gear, including yellow fins and a wetsuit, swims above a vibrant coral reef in clear blue tropical waters. Bubbles rise from her tank as she explores the colourful underwater landscape teeming with marine life.

The East Coast has some of the UAE’s best spots for snorkelling and scuba diving and this half-day tour to Fujairah with pick-up in Dubai makes it easy to experience them, even if you’re a complete beginner.

After an early pick-up from Dubai, you’ll head to Fujairah where all your gear will be provided and you’ll join a small group for a boat trip to one or two coral reef sites.

Beginners will get a short lesson and dive alongside a qualified instructor, while certified divers will be paired with a divemaster and head straight into the water for two guided dives.

Expect colourful reef fish, coral gardens and, if you’re lucky, the chance to spot turtles. After the dive, you can snorkel at the same site before heading back to shore and returning to Dubai by early afternoon.

✅ Check availability and prices for this Fujairah scuba diving and snorkelling tour.

Kayaking in the Mangroves (Ajman, Kalba, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi)

A young girl wearing a life vest kayaking through mangroves on an open top kayak at Al Zorah Ajman

There are lots of places to go kayaking around the UAE, but my favourite spots are in the mangroves. You can do this in Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and, on the East Coast, Khor Kalba.

Unfortunately, i didn’t find any tours for kayaking in the mangroves with transport from Dubai but I’ve had fun on the tour with Quest for Adventure at Al Zorah Nature Reserve in Ajman. The reserve is home to many birds, both permanent and migratory.

Look out for flamingoes, cormorants, curlews and many others and if you’re lucky, you might even see a kingfisher. (It’s the only place I’ve ever seen one!)

If you’re already in Abu Dhabi, check out this option for Kayaking in Abu Dhabi or book this paddle-boarding option with great reviews on TripAdvisor. If you’re heading to Kalba, look up Kalba Kayak and in Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Kayak.

✅ Pre-book kayaking in Abu Dhabi

Thrills & Theme Parks

Abu Dhabi Theme Parks on Yas Island

Yas Island is home to some of the UAE’s top theme parks and a fun day out from Dubai if you’re in the mood for rollercoasters, splash zones or both exciting and gentle indoor rides.

You can choose from Ferrari World, with high-speed rollercoasters including the world’s fastest, or Warner Bros. World, a massive indoor theme park where you’ll find everything from the streets of Gotham to Tom and Jerry-themed rides. Both are great options whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a family.

There are full-day tours from Dubai available to both parks, including return transport and entry and visits to other top attractions in Abu Dhabi before arriving for four hours of fun at the theme park.

✅ Check availability and prices for Warner Bros. World and Abu Dhabi full-day tour from Dubai.
🎢 or Ferrari World full-day tour from Dubai.

➡️ Already in Abu Dhabi or planning to drive? Buy tickets only for Yas Island theme parks, including multi-park passes here.

Ras Al Khaimah: Aerobatic Flight / Aerial Experience

A small aerobatic plane performs a dramatic maneuver, leaving a swirling trail of white smoke against a clear blue sky. The aircraft twists and turns, creating intricate patterns with the smoke, showcasing precision and skill in aerial acrobatics. The scene captures the dynamic motion and excitement of an air show performance.

If you’re after something totally different from the usual sightseeing trip, this one might just top the list. Action Flight in Ras Al Khaimah offers an unforgettable aerobatic experience in one of the UAE’s most powerful stunt planes – the Extra 330, also known as the Ferrari of the skies.

During the 20-minute flight, you’ll loop, roll and soar through the sky with a professional pilot, reaching speeds of up to 400km/h and feeling real G-forces. You can go all in or keep things gentler – either way, you’ll get bird’s eye views of Ras Al Khaimah’s coast, desert, plains, oases and mountains.

This one is definitely the most expensive on the list but it’s an experience you’ll never forget! Are you in?

✅ Check availability and prices for Action Flight aerobatic experience in Ras Al Khaimah.

If that’s just a bit too much thrill for you, check out a chance to fly this microlight aircraft in Ras Al Khaimah instead. Check prices and availability here.

✅ Click to get your free RAK Bucket List to help you plan your trip

Wrap-up on the Best Day Trips from Dubai

As you can see, there’s a huge choice of day trips from Dubai with options to explore another city, get out into the desert, get out on the water or enjoy a mountain adventure.

Many of these trips can be booked as part of a guided tour, which takes all the hassle out of planning and transport. Others can be done DIY if you’d prefer to hire a car or use public transport.

If you’re looking for more ideas, you might also like these posts:

➡️ Book tickets for UAE Attractions, Concerts and Shows at Platinum List

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📍Go to the Glimpses of the UAE Map here to find nearby locations and plan your trip.
🥾 See some of my hiking trails, walks and off-road trips on Wikiloc here.
🇴🇲 To see my Oman trips, visit In Scotterati Footsteps here.