Oct 15, 2026
By Goodnight Staff 
While the city of Dubai may have all the attention, head out of the city and you'll find a whole other side of the country. A few hours later you can find yourself in the red dunes of the desert, passing through an old century fort or walking out over a peaceful mountain valley. It's a short distance, a decent road, and for the most part can be done in one day, without a rush.
Following is a list of 10 cities and towns you should visit outside of the city, in order from the nearest to the furthest.
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Hatta is located in the Hajar Mountains, 1.5 hours from the city and feels far removed from the coast. At the foot of the mountains there's a turquoise reservoir and kayaks to paddle across the tranquil water. Hikes lead through the rocky hills in the vicinity, and the old Hatta Heritage Village offers a picturesque view of traditional mountain life before the encroaching city. The drive is a part of the fun; the path rises steadily along more and more dramatic scenery. Head up early to avoid the heat, and wear layers it can be a lot colder up in the mountains than down on the coast.
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Al Ain is the Garden City, close to the boundary, and a more relaxed, greener alternative to Dubai. There is a winding road to the top of Jebel Hafeet, a tall mountain on the outskirts of town, with panoramic views across the plain. Natural hot springs, at the base, attract both locals and tourists to relax. In addition, there is a large oasis, with shaded palm groves and ancient irrigation channels that demonstrate the area's ability to provide life for centuries until modern development arrived. The drive from Dubai takes about 90 minutes and is relatively slow and quiet, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Dubai.
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Located right across from Dubai, Sharjah has its own unique character, and is rather more heritage and arts oriented. The old buildings, narrow lanes and a few museums, ranging from calligraphy to maritime history, are all part of the Heart of Sharjah district which has been restored. Waterfront walk along the corniche is advantageous for slow walking, particularly in the evening after the heat of the day. If you want to combine it with something nearby, then half a day in Sharjah is ideal as it's very close, less than an hour by car.
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Fujairah has mountains and sea on the east coast, a combination of which you won't find on Dubai's side of the country. The journey is about 90 minutes to two hours long, passing through rocky mountain passes and then down to the coast. Al Bidyah mosque, fast-must-visit mosque near the coast, which is thought to be among the oldest in the nation. Beaches here are less developed and less hectic than those in Dubai, and there are mountains directly behind the beach. This is a great option for a day at the beach that's a bit off the beaten path from the typical beach resort.
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Depending on what you're looking for, Ras Al Khaimah is a perfect place for a day trip as it has mountains, desert and coastline all in one emirate. The highest peak of the country, Jebel Jais, is graced by a long, scenic mountain road to cooler air and broad vistas over the surrounding valleys. Old watchtowers and forts can be seen below the mountains, evidence of the time when it served as a trading post. Dubai is easy to reach and takes approximately one hour.
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Liwa Oasis is one of the best places to experience a desert. The line of villages is located along the boundary of one of the world's largest sand deserts, the Empty Quarter, where dunes tower high over the sea. It will take nearly 2 ½ hours to reach the drive from Dubai, but will be worth the long day because of the scenery on the way and when you get there. At the foot of the dunes palm groves occur, contrasting with the empty sand beyond the dunes. If possible, come when it is less hot in the summer, as it is very hot for the region.
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If you're more into the city vibe without a long desert trek, you'll find that Al Faya is the perfect desert getaway. Another image shows a landscape of red dunes and ridges, with mountains visible in the background on a clear day. Another spot depicts a landscape of red dunes and ridges, with mountains visible in the background on a clear day. This is a well-known place to see the sun's rising and setting, as the light changes the color of the sand to deep orange. This is just a half day trip from Dubai by car, and it takes less than an hour.
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Khor Kalba is located in the South-East corner of the country, close to the border and is home to one of the oldest mangrove forests in Arabia.Kayaking through the narrow waterways here gives you the chance to be right next to herons, crabs and even a few fish scooting about under the water.This is a quiet, slow stop, so if you've been mountain climbing and sandboarding, this will be a nice break.The drive will take about two hours and you can stop in Fujairah in route.
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Al Qudra Lakes is another resort located just outside of Dubai in the desert with a handful of man-made lakes, which is good for those who prefer to stay near to Dubai. The area is a popular bird-watching spot, particularly during the cooler months when flamingos and other migratory birds are in the area. Lakes are encircled by cycle and path routes and it is a popular place to visit for an early morning or late afternoon. It is only an hour or so from the city making it ideal for a short getaway, but not a whole day.
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Situated on the mountain road between Dubai and the east coast, Masafi is one of the most beautiful roads in the country. The road is flanked by rocky peaks, and small villages are scattered in the valleys below. This is not a destination trip; it is more of a scenic trip and plan to stop at various spots along the trip to enjoy the views and small roadside stands that sell local produce. Take the trip along with a visit to Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah as it is seamlessly located on the way to both.
Don't wait to start, as the heat increases rapidly after the sun rises, particularly after late spring and early fall. Most of these places are accessible only by car, as there are limited public transportation options outside of city. If going to more remote locations such as Liwa or mountain roads, pack lots of water, sun protection and fuel, as there may be gas stations that are far apart. Last but not least, look at the forecast before going up into the mountains as the weather can vary significantly from the coast. Regardless of the day trip you select, allow plenty of time for the journey-much of the scenery along the way will be as rewarding as the destination itself.
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