Feeling worn out and trapped in all seasons? Now is the ideal time to take a break from work, go outside, and explore other neighborhoods and sites to receive your daily dosage of vitamin D. You won’t be disappointed if you plan a daylong or even weekend-long excursion in the Emirate of Dubai! Here are some enjoyable weekend gateways on the Dubai city tour.
An enjoyable weekend gateway in Dubai
Ras al-Khaimah
Residents of Dubai frequently take weekend trips to Ras Al-Khaimah. Exciting outdoor activities can be found on Ras Al Khaimah’s beautiful beaches and in its natural surroundings. There are many beaches and archaeological excavation sites nearby, only 102 kilometres away. Take advantage of the opportunity to view Iran from the Straits of Hormuz! If you’re searching for more active pursuits, the Hajar Mountains, which wash down to the shore and are backed by Ras Al-Khaimah, make an excellent base. The beach, however, draws the majority of visitors. The main tourist attraction is Jebel Jais (Jais Mountain), which has recently grown to become a prominent centre of activity.
Ras Al-Khaimah and its resort area may always be in the midst of beach vacation mode, but this place has considerable historical value, as shown by archaeological digs that demonstrate this area has been inhabited since the third millennium BCE. The Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum does a fantastic job of illuminating this long history. For anybody interested in historical trips outside of the city, Al Khams hamlet, the nearby Dhayah Fort, and the very atmospheric Jazirat al-Hamra neighborhood provide additional insights into Emirati life before the mid-20th century oil boom.
Fujairah
On Dubai’s northeastern border, the city of Fujairah is home to historic landmarks and old forts. The setting is ideal for a variety of outdoor pursuits. Drive around over the weekend, visit the tourist attractions like the Fujairah Fort, and unwind at the nearby hotels for a memorable romantic getaway! The majority of the UAE’s (United Arab Emirates) eastern coast and the Hajar Mountain region are both included in the Emirate of Fujairah.
Despite the fact that Fujairah city is a grid of high-rise business buildings, you may not want to spend much time there, as the emirate has a lot to offer. The beaches of Fujairah Emirate in the north draw a regular stream of tourists seeking a less hectic sun and sand getaway than Dubai has to offer. One of the best areas to go scuba diving in the UAE is along this stretch of beach. The Emirate of Fujairah’s sector of the Hajar Mountains offers trekking opportunities within the rough desert mountain highlands as well as options for scenic road trips, despite the fact that the sand is the main point of interest for tourists.
Al Ain
Al Ain is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert when compared to the other cities and their surrounding landscapes on the list close to Dubai. The lush palm trees, lovely swimming pools, Jebel Hafeet, and more mild weather than the rest of Dubai are all features of this garden city. A spectacular backdrop of the jagged Jebel Hafeet Mountain overlooks the oasis city of Al Ain. The best thing to do while visiting is to make the drive to Jebel Hafeet’s summit to enjoy the expansive vistas.
It’s a charming, well-kept town that’s simple to navigate, and it’s a well-liked weekend getaway location because of its family-friendly tourist attractions like the shaded oasis with palm trees, its water park, and its esteemed zoo. It is the only location in the nation to have been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, making it one of the top sites to visit in the UAE for tourists interested in local history and culture.
Abu Dhabi
Not only is Abu Dhabi the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but it is also the emirate that borders Dubai. Enjoy one of the various rides at Ferrari World while spending the day with your kids at Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, or Ferrari World. Spend a full day engaging in interesting pursuits for a memorable family vacation!
Due to the abundance of things to do in Abu Dhabi, it is only reasonable to feel overburdened while choosing which activities to perform first. Due to the abundance of sky-piercing towers, architectural marvels, historical artefacts, and entertainment hotspots, Abu Dhabi is a treasure trove of varied experiences. Thanks to the presence of sizable amusement parks like Wadi Adventure and Yas Waterworld, where you can engage in exhilarating slides, rides, kayaking, rafting, and other activities, there is no shortage of entertaining activities in Abu Dhabi, whether you prefer some peace and quiet or some moments of comfort.
In addition, there are many museums in the city, including the Louvre and the Emirates National Auto Museum, both of which provide instructive tours. If you are more interested in learning about the former incarnation of Abu Dhabi, visits to Al-Ain City, Qasr Al Hosn Fort, and Heritage Village may offer your insight.
Sharjah
In addition to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah is a neighbouring emirate of Dubai. Due to its historical landmarks and a variety of museums, the city is regarded as the cultural centre of the Arab world and is a lovely destination for weekend excursions. Explore and learn, or simply relax at the beach!
Visit the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, ride the Eye of the Emirates Wheel, spend the day at the Al Majaz Waterfront, travel through time by visiting the Sharjah Heritage Area, stop by the Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park, and many other attractions.
There are countless opportunities to enjoy yourself and your loved ones in Sharjah. Sharjah offers something for everyone, whether it’s a trip with the family to the Arabian Wildlife Center or the Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park. The Maraya Art Center and Sharjah Archaeology Museum are among the top things to do in Sharjah and are a museum lover’s paradise. Additionally, a 30-minute journey on the Eye of Emirates Wheel offers an amazing view of the stunning city lights from the tall towers.
With the many water sports activities available in Sharjah, including kayaking, sand skiing, mountain biking, and quad biking, the stunning beaches along the coast offer an exhilarating experience. Shopaholics long to peruse the Iranian Market and the Blue Souk. The market displays everything from gold and silver jewellery to rugs and carpets. You must visit the restaurants in Sharjah if you enjoy eating. As a result, Sharjah is a well-liked destination for travelers from all over the world.
Hatta
A brief trip from Dubai will take you to Al Hatta, a small village in Arabia that is situated in the Hajar Mountains. The historic old town has hiking trails with beautiful scenery and the Hatta Heritage Village, a treasure trove for history buffs. Hatta Heritage Village is a mountain village that has been meticulously restored and rebuilt to provide visitors a glimpse into the appearance of early Emirati settlements. The settlement in Hatta’s Al Hajar Mountains is almost three thousand years old, yet it has been completely renovated. An archaeological cemetery, a group of farms clustered around a freshwater canal, and small stores selling traditional heritage items can all be found in the rural area.
Every building at the Hatta Heritage Community was constructed using elements like mud, fronds, palm tree trunks, stone, and reed, which were actually utilised to construct buildings and structures in the majority of Emirati villages to mimic the authenticity of a mountain village. The Hatta Heritage Village, which contains a reception area popularly referred to as the Majlis, a typical house with a courtyard, and numerous palm-leaf constructions, is situated inside the mediaeval fort. Antiques and artefacts related to local music, weapons, palm-tree products, weaving, traditional apparel, handicrafts, and old village society are shown in the traditional homes, forts, and castles.
