12 Best Things To See & Do In The UAE Beyond Dubai 2026

If you’re visiting Dubai and curious about the wonders, heritage and nature of the UAE beyond the glossy high rise streets, then this is the blog for you.

I’m sharing 12 of the best day trips you can take from Dubai, giving you the chance to wander historic forts, cross golden sand dunes, kayak through mangroves, reach summit peaks, spot elusive oryx and even marvel at the Milky Way.

Plus, all of these spots are under two hours from Dubai and really easy to access with any rental car (no 4×4 needed!). Read on from the top to discover all 12 day trip ideas or use the options below to jump to the ones you’re most interested in. Yalla! (“let’s go” in Arabic)

1. Kayak in Mangrove Marine National Park
2. Marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
3. Hike through the mountains to the Hatta sign
4. Float on Hatta Dam
5. Stargaze at Al Quaa Milky Way viewpoint
6. Climb to the peak of Jebel Jais
7. Take a desert safari through the dunes
8. Explore historic Fujairah Fort
9. Spend a night in a traditional desert tent
10. Spot oryx & relax at Telal Resort
11. Wander lush Al Ain Oasis
12. Learn about desert explorers at Al Jahili Fort

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

UAE at a glance:

• Easiest UAE eSIMs
• Best 5* sunset desert safari
• Most incredible desert camp

1. Kayak in Mangrove Marine National Park

We’re kicking things off with the trip that’s probably the most surprising… When you think of the UAE, you’re most likely thinking about deserts not wetlands, let alone mangroves.

But I’m here to tell you that not only do they exist, but they’re ready to explore. Just off the coast of Abu Dhabi city, you’ll find Mangrove Marine National Park. This is a wildlife haven that’s been developed by the UAE’s environment agency to boost biodiversity in the area and protect against coastal erosion.

The result is a beautifully tranquil and sheltered mangrove forest with crystal clear bright blue waters and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities. When it comes to exploring the park, you have three options: by foot on their stunning boardwalk, by guided kayak tour, or on a paddle board trip. The boardwalk is completely free to wander while kayak and paddle board tours are run by Husaak Adventures Abu Dhabi and cost £33 per adult. You can find all the tour times and book your place here.

We chose a kayak tour and spent a blissful hour floating through the narrow channels. Even spotting a baby sting ray, plenty of fish, crabs and sea birds along the way!

TOP TIP: Check the tide times in advance. If you’re going to explore the park on the water, ideally you want to take a tour at higher tide. This will ensure there’s enough water to float you through the majority of the park. At low tides the water level can be just a few centimetres and you won’t be able to explore the smaller channels.

GOOD TO KNOW: There’s also a restaurant, gift shop and most importantly, showers on site! So if you are kayaking or paddle boarding I’d recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting wet and packing a change for after. I wore sportier shorts and a t-shirt, then hopped into the shower in the toilets to get the salt off, before changing into a dry outfit for the way back to Dubai. After all, no one wants to be sat in super salty wet shorts for hours!

DON’T FORGET: Sun protection – sun cream, a hat ideally and sunglasses. There’s no need to pack water as the tour provider will offer cold bottles from a cool box half way around the tour.

How to get there:

With a rental car or your own, reaching Mangrove Marine National Park is super easy. It’s just a case of following the E11 road from Dubai along the coast until you turn off onto the E10 for Abu Dhabi City and then turning into the park where you’ll find plenty of parking. This will take just under an hour and a half so you could easily arrive for a morning kayak tour while the tide is still high!

2. Marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

To better understand the UAE’s religion and culture, take a trip to one of the most incredibly beautiful buildings – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. With ornate inlaid columns, shimmering marble mosaic floors and towering domes of white set against the bright blue sky, I challenge you to find a more impressive space.

This is the country’s largest mosque and is found in Abu Dhabi city. It was built by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (the founder of the UAE) and was opened in 2007 after taking 10 years to complete. Some of the most mind-blowing features include the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world (which covers the entire interior of the prayer rooms), 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers and more than 1,000 columns.

Anyone can visit the mosque, whether you’re a follower of Islam or not. As you enter you’ll spot the photos of many other famous visitors including Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Francis and even Joe Biden. During a visit, you’ll be able to wander the exterior of the mosque as well as see inside the main prayer rooms. It’s generally open every day from 9am to 10pm except during Ramadan when public visiting hours change (check their website here for the latest updates). All you need to do is book a free entrance pass here. This just helps manage mosque visitor volumes so be ready to show your ticket to staff when you arrive.

GOOD TO KNOW: As this is a place of worship, dressing respectfully is really important. That means wearing clothing that covers down to your ankles and up to your neck. For women it also means covering your head and hair. To avoid being denied entry, make sure you check the full requirements here as they are pretty strict on fabric that’s a little sheer or featuring leg slits. If in doubt, for women a great option is to buy an abaya. This is a common loose fitting dress that you can find in the souks all around the UAE and in the mosque mall. They’re usually pretty affordable and purchasing one can be a fun cultural activity in itself. For men, you could do the same with a kandura – the classic long white robe. My husband and I both wore the traditional dress for our visit.

DON’T FORGET: Being respectful in a mosque also means avoiding PDA, not making gestures or showing symbols (even if that’s just a peace sign in a photo). Not only will the mosque staff pull you to the side, but it would also detract from your visit to this special place.

How to get there:

Like Mangrove Marine National Park, getting here is as simple as following the E11 coast road towards Abu Dhabi and turning off onto the E10 for Abu Dhabi City which takes about one hour and 15 minutes from Dubai. When you arrive, you’ll park in the enormous underground car park and make your way up through the mosque mall before you come to the main entrance. So if you are hungry or thirsty, you can fuel up in the mall before you head inside!

3. Hike through the mountains to the Hatta sign

For an escape into the mountains with a Hollywood twist, head to Hatta. Here you’ll not only find a whole range of outdoor activities but the most famous hike to the giant Hatta sign. Very much taking inspiration from California’s version, you can enjoy a challenging (but totally doable) hike through the rugged hills up to this landmark for sweeping views across the landscape.

The trail is circular starting and ending in Hatta Resort Wadi Hub. It winds up narrow tracks into the hills until you reach the sign at the top. Before winding back down the other side towards a dam in the valley and back along to the start point. Overall, it’s just over 7km and because of the steep uphill in the first half, takes two to three hours depending on how fast you walk. The path is pretty well marked the whole way but you can find the full route map here.

TOP TIP: Turn this trip into an overnight escape by booking one of Hatta Resort’s Vintage Camper Vans. These are iconic VWs that have been turned into mini luxury camping lodges complete with a double bed, seating area around the steering wheel, mini fridge and your own fire pit. We had so much fun staying in these and watching the sun set behind the hills sat around our camp fire – I would 100% recommend! Book a night in your own Hatta Vintage Camper here.

GOOD TO KNOW: If you’re feeling the heat, there are a coupe of shelters on the hike up to the Hatta sign. So you can take a minute to rest and get a break from the sun. Just don’t forget to pack plenty of water, set off earlier in the morning if you can and wear sun protection always!

How to get there:

To get to the start of the hike, you’ll need to drive the E66 towards Al Ain before turning off onto the E77 road towards Hatta and the Oman border. As you can see from the map below, the journey from Dubai takes about one hour and 50 minutes so try to set off first thing to arrive before the midday heat. When you get to Hatta, park up in Hatta Resort to find the start of the trail.

4. Float on Hatta Dam

Another wonder of Hatta is its dam, a reservoir so large and seemingly appearing from nowhere, it will have you literally saying damnnnn (but maybe that’s just me 😂).

But in all seriousness, this is an incredible feat of engineering built in the 1990s to supply the area with water and electricity. Work is also now ongoing to build a 250MW pumped-storage hydroelectric plant using 880 million gallons of water 300 metres above a lower dam. What that means for visitors is an incredible bright blue reservoir nestled in the mountains that’s perfect for canoeing, kayaking or even pedalos (which we chose).

Kayak Hatta run the boat rentals on the dam, all you need to do is turn up and choose your craft of choice. They have so many boats that there’s no need to book in advance. They’re open every day from 7am to 9pm and prices start at around £12 for one hour.

TOP TIP: If you’re hungry for lunch or dinner, or even just needing a caffeine hit after your time on the dam, head to nearby Hatta Heritage Village. There’s not only an excellent restaurant (that we actually ate at twice!) but also a gorgeous coffee shop set by the koi ponds under leafy palms. It’s the ultimate relaxing spot after a paddle on the dam.

DON’T FORGET: Like all outdoor activities in the UAE, don’t forget proper sun protection and to drink enough water. You can get sun burnt in minutes!

How to get there:

Hatta Dam is just a five minute drive further from the Hatta sign trail that I mentioned above. So it makes an excellent second stop for your time in Hatta. Simply continue on the same road and follow the signs to the dam.

Just note that when you arrive, the parking at the top of the dam is quite limited so you may need to park in the car park at the bottom and walk or take the shuttle up.

5. Stargaze at Al Quaa Milky Way viewpoint

For something quite literally out of this world, seize the opportunity to stargaze. Because of the lack of light pollution and clear desert skies, the UAE is an excellent destination for night sky lovers.

In the centre of the country at the end of a long road into the heart of the desert, you’ll find one of the best places to see not only lots of stars, but the Milky Way. This is Al Quaa, a popular spot where the paved road ends and the endless desert begins. It’s an easy (and free minus the petrol) way to have your own stargazing experience.

Just start the journey after sunset, pack a blanket, some snacks and a drink and sit back on the sand to take it all in. You might also get lucky like us and spot a meteor burning up as it falls from space.

TOP TIP: For the best starry views, just avoid visiting this spot on a full moon. The moon will be too bright to see very many stars. You can check the moon phase here.

How to get there:

While Al Quaa might be in the middle of nowhere, you definitely don’t need a fancy 4×4 vehicle to get there. To get there from Dubai, follow the E11 coast road to the outskirts of Abu Dhabi City before turning inland and picking up Razeen Rd right to the very end. Here you’ll find a roundabout and a dirt track straight on where the main road ends. Simply park up at the start of this track and pitch up on the sand to enjoy the show!

6. Climb to the peak of Jebel Jais, the country’s highest mountain

While the Burj Khalifa is undoubtedly tall, you’ll find the true top of the UAE in Jebel Jais. This is the tallest mountain in the country standing at 1,934m high. It’s part of the Hajar Mountain Range in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and runs along the border with Oman.

There’s been a lot of investment into facilities, activities and development here in recent years and you’ll now find a hub of adventure. You can drive the incredible hair-pin bend road up to the mountain viewpoint and hike to the top from there, or choose one of the many hiking trails in the area to get a different perspective. There’s also two different zip lines for adrenaline seekers, as well as a mountain sledder, high ropes course and via ferrata circuit opening soon. You can find all the information you need about each of these options here.

Needless to say, there’s plenty to see and do in just one day!

GOOD TO KNOW: Feeling hungry after a morning of exploring? Or maybe you’re ready to relax by the pool after a tough hike? There’s also a whole range of restaurants, hotels and beach clubs in Ras Al Khaimah that make the perfect pit stop on the way back to Dubai. You can find some of the top rated options here.

How to get there:

You can also easily drive out to this most northern point of the UAE in under two hours from Dubai. Follow the E311 that runs parallel to the coast before turning off onto the Jebel Jais road for the last 50 minutes into the mountains.

7. Take a desert safari through the dunes

For thrill-seekers, a desert safari has to be on your list. Head out into the depths of the burnt orange desert to dune bash, feeling your stomach drop and your mouth fall open as the driver makes gravity defying turns in the sand. It’s the perfect combination of fear and fun that will have you laughing and holding on for dear life in equal measure!

Plus, the best desert safaris also offer the chance to try sandboarding (which is one of the most fun things I’ve ever done) and quad biking, before heading to a desert camp to calm things down with camel rides, henna art, and Arabic coffee and snacks.

The tours generally last around seven hours so it’s really a full day of adventure.

BOOK HERE: Book the best 5* desert safari here. Tours do fill up so make sure you snag your spot in advance using the availability checker below!

How to get there:

Want to know the best thing about a desert safari? They pick you up and drop you off. So there’s no driving, no rental car, just let them know where you’re staying when you book your trip and so long as it’s within their Dubai remit, they’ll collect you. So you can sit back and relax!

8. Explore historic Fujairah Fort

For history lovers, head to Fujairah Fort. Dating back to the 16th century, this is one of the oldest and largest castles still standing in the UAE.

It features four towers and is perched on a small rocky hill in Fujairah Old Town. Rising 20 metres, it played an important role in protecting the area and today, is a beautiful landmark on the skyline. Wander inside and climb the steep stairs to the top for incredible views across the city.

The fort is completely free to enter and open every day from 8am to 5pm.

How to get there:

Fujairah is directly opposite Dubai on the other side of the coast and takes just one hour and 15 minutes to reach. Head out of the city and pick up the E102 and E84 directly into Fujairah.

9. Spend a night in a traditional desert tent

To truly leave the rush of the city behind, spend a night in the desert in a Pura Eco heritage tent. Pura Eco Resort is set at the foot of Jebel Hafit, the UAE’s second tallest mountain at 1,249 metres high.

Here you can marvel at the moonlit rocky face of the mountain as it towers above you by night, and wake to watch the sun rise across the surrounding plains. On a clear night you can also see an incredible amount of stars. Not to mention, the heritage tents themselves (which are more luxury than family camping) are beautifully designed with full double beds, a cushioned seating area and their own fire pits.

BOOK HERE: Reserve your night in a heritage tent at Pura Eco Resort here.

Check in around 3pm to catch the last of the afternoon sun and hunt for fossils in this landscape that was once underwater. Once the sun sets, enjoy a candlelit dinner in the resort restaurant before heading back to your tent to sit by the campfire. Wake early to watch the sun rise and enjoy a traditional breakfast delivered to your door.

This was honestly my favourite place that we stayed during our time in the UAE. It’s such a special spot that’s so peaceful and feels like a true escape.

GOOD TO KNOW: Just a one kilometre walk away from the Pura Eco Resort Hub, you’ll find a collection of original and reconstructed Beehive Tombs. There are thought to be around 500 of the tombs in various states of preservation. They date back 5,000 years to the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE and were only discovered in 1959. So if you do have time, heading over to explore this site is a lovely way to end your stay and learn a little more about the area. Plus, they’re completely free to visit, just walk on over!

How to get there:

To get to Pura Eco Resort, you’ll need to first head towards Al Ain. Pick up the E66 from Dubai that takes you straight there, then cross the city and follow Zayed Bin Sultan Street towards the Oman border. Just before you reach the border, you’ll see signs for the resort. This will lead you onto an unmade road to the resort reception. At this point, you can park your car up, check in and then one of their friendly team will take you in their 4×4 to the heritage tents.

Don’t be alarmed by the road to the reception, while it’s not the smoothest, even a small car will survive the short drive! 😂

TOP TIP: It’s helpful to have some small cash for tipping the drivers. They’ll be the ones picking you up from your tent to take you to dinner or breakfast if you want to enjoy it at the resort restaurant. There’s also a team who drive over to light your campfire and it’s a nice gesture to be able to thank them too.

10. Spot oryx and relax at Telal Resort

If you want to laze by the pool in a desert oasis but also spot some wildlife then I have just the thing – Telal Resort. This is a luxurious boutique resort just outside Al Ain surrounded by desert dunes.

The site was once home to nomadic Bedouin tribes but has since been transformed into the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you’ll find a beautiful swimming pool looking out to the desert, a spa complex, delicious restaurant, 5* accommodation options and a heritage village. But possibly the best part is the wildlife that surrounds the resort. Because Telal is built on an oasis in the middle of the desert, you have the chance to see some of the region’s rarest species of antelopes, like Domani, Reem, and Arabian Oryx in their natural habitat.

For the best experience, book a day pass to give you access to the pool and sauna and take the time to wander the resort and stroll up to the viewpoint for wildlife spotting opportunities.

TOP TIP: When you arrive and park up, a member of the Telal team will then take you in their jeep across the resort to the reception and pool area. But on the way, they often offer to give you a little tour of the other areas of the resort. Always say yes! Along the way, like us you’re likely to be able to see gazelles and the national animal, the oryx. They’re so beautiful against the bright orange sand.

How to get there:

Getting to Telal Resort is as simple as following the E66 from Dubai to Al Ain, heading across the city and then picking up the E22 until you see the sign for the resort. Again, the drive should take you just under two hours and even though it’s further into the desert, is very straightforward!

11. Wander lush Al Ain Oasis

For an escape into nature, head to Al Ain’s most-loved Oasis. With over 1,200 hectares of lush palms trees, 100 different types of vegetation and the cool waters of the ancient irrigation system trickling through, it’s easy to forget you’re in the desert.

Founded over 3,000 years ago, this oasis has provided precious shelter from the heat for centuries. Today, you can wander the paths through the park, learn more about the falaj system built by the Bedouins to water the date palms and generally relax in this lovely place.

As it is so big, you could easily spend a couple of hours here strolling from historic point to historic point. Or for a quicker way to see more of the oasis, rent an electric scooter to zip down the trails.

TOP TIP: If you’re craving a sweet treat after wandering the oasis, head to the date and coffee shop, Nuwa Sweets just next to the entrance. Choose a couple of dates stuffed with fillings like pistachio, apricot, fig, or knafeh (of Dubai chocolae fame), grab a coffee and sit back under a palm tree to relax.

How to get there:

You can drive from Dubai to Al Ain in just 1.5 hours following the E66 almost the entire way until you turn off for the oasis. It’s a really easy drive and you’ll get to see some beautiful views across the desert and spot lots of camels on the way!

12. Learn about desert explorers at Al Jahili Fort

Last but by no means least, to see a beautiful example of wattle and daub architecture and learn about desert explorer and photographer, Sir Wilfred Thesiger head to Al Jahili Fort.

Al Jahili is one of the largest forts in the UAE, built in the 1890s for Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, also known as Zayed the First who unified the emirates into the country we know today. It features a main square, tiered round tower, series of tunnel-like rooms and new modern museum and exhibition spaces.

Spend some time wandering the incredibly well restored fort before heading into the exhibition space to marvel at the stunning photography of Sir Wilfred Thesiger. The exhibition charts his journey crossing the world’s largest sand mass, known as the ‘Empty Quarter’. Thesiger not only completed this once, but twice accompanied by his Emirati and Omani friends.

The fort is completely free to enter and open every day from 9am to 7pm.

TOP TIP: Don’t miss your chance to try a cup of gahwa (Arabic coffee with cardamom). Just inside the visitor centre, there’s a small cushioned seating area (majlis in Arabic) and a table with coffee. If you pause there, a kind member of the museum team will offer you a small taste of the coffee. This is completely free and just a lovely thing to try if like me, you love coffee!

How to get there:

As I mentioned above, getting to Al Ain from Dubai is incredibly easy and so reaching the fort is a breeze too. You could easily combine a trip to Al Ain Oasis with Al Jahili fort as they’re just an eight minute drive from each other.

There we have it! That’s my ultimate list of the best day trips to take from Dubai if you want to get out into nature, better understand the history of the UAE and get a taste of true local life. I hope you love exploring these spots as much as I did and if you have any questions, comments or tips of your own to add – please leave them in the comments box below. Happy travelling!

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