Since the UAE and the Gulf region is known as a very popular transportation hub for most international travelers, most of us only associate Dubai. If you take a closer look, you'll be surprised it's not all camels, sand dunes and tall buildings. The Middle East is not only rich in black gold, but also proud of its rich historical heritage and cultural vibrancy. From desolate deserts and snow-capped mountains to a futuristic city map and Michelin-starred restaurants, this region has plenty to soothe an explorer's soul.
United Arab Emirates is not Europe where you can be in a completely different country and culture in less than an hour's drive, but there is much more to discover than you might imagine. If you're traveling to Dubai, doing something out of the ordinary out of town, or already living in Dubai, you'll likely for short trips from dubai in the coming weekends after reading this.
TOP FIVE WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM DUBAI
1. ABU DHABI
As the largest city and capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi offers many opportunities for tourists to experience the city's Arab heritage as well as its contrasting and futuristic views. All just over an hour's drive from Dubai. Abu Dhabi is one of the best opention for short trips from dubai.
• Yas Island
This man-made island is a premier entertainment and leisure destination in Abu Dhabi. The island has attractions such as the Ferrari World theme park, water park, Yas shopping mall, several restaurants and is best known for its Yas Marina racing circuit, which hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year. On the circuit, one can easily enjoy various driving experiences with sports cars like Ferrari, Ashton Martin and even Formula racing cars to get the real feeling.
• Heritage Village
Learn about the traditional way of life in the desert, this small oasis village offers a fascinating insight into the past of the Emirates United Arabs. Don't miss the little spice shop that sells herbs, spices, and handicrafts. Also observe the traditional craftsmen: men and women at work; Weaving, pottery, spinning and metal products.
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed The mosque is my favorite part of my visit to Abu Dhabi. The peaceful place of worship is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and an architectural work of art. The striking gold and white colors of the mosque literally shine and dazzle even when visited at dusk between 4:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tue and 5:00 p.m.; This is a great photo opportunity.
• Desert Safari
Experience the adrenaline rush of dunes and sand dunes Surf the sand, watch a spectacular desert sunset, visit a camel farm, get henna done, enjoy a BBQ dinner and dance show belly under the desert stars, or just spend the night in the middle of the desert.
2. RAS AL KHAIMAH
Famous for its terracotta desert plains, stunning coastline and surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, this is another emirate in the United Arab Emirates, just 45 minutes from Dubai. A perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.
• RAK Beach
No, it there are plenty of beaches in the UAE that allow crickets. Few beaches in RAK where you can cook, make a campfire and spend the night under the stars by the sea.
• Jabal Jais
The highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates can be reached with a spectacular drive over the hills. Temperatures up there drop to minus 5 degrees Celsius and are surprisingly very pleasant even on days when the temperature on land is around 50 degrees Celsius. Now, if you are lucky enough to be here in the winter, you can experience the snowfall here, which happened again this year after many years. It's a great place for a barbecue or picnic and to watch the playful ibexes effortlessly scale the sharp rocks.
3. Al AIN
Al Ain is known as the Garden City of the United Arab Emirates and is nestled between oases, natural springs and dense plantations. An hour and a half drive from Dubai, tourists also flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site for its museums, forts, zoo and drive to Mount Jebel Hafeet.
• Al Ain Oasis
This is the first visitor experience of a World Heritage Site of UNESCO in the United Arab Emirates. Shaded by palm groves and cooled by water from oases, the hiking trails of this 3,000-acre site transport you to a world far from the noise and heat of the city. And all this in the middle of a dessert.
• Village of One Thousand and One Nights
Using as the essence and soul of the Arab past, this city allows visitors to experience the beauty of the Emirati way of life. In a huge valley of dunes lies this not-so-humble village with watchtowers and elegant accommodation. You can enjoy a range of activities here in the desert including quad biking, sand boarding, morning game drives and soaking up the tranquility of the place.
4. OMAN
From natural beauty to windswept deserts, pristine coastlines and scenic mountains; Oman is the perfect Gulf country to experience authentic Arabia outside the United Arab Emirates.
• Muscat
As the capital of Oman, it is a seaside paradise with a beautiful harbour. There, visit the Grand Mosque, a magnificent piece of contemporary Islamic architecture. Muscat has a number of detailed museums, souks like the famous Mutrah Gold Souk and spectacular forts that visitors love to visit. Don't miss the magnificent blue and gold Al Alam Palace. Muscat is one hour flight and nearly five hours drive which is sutiable for short trips from Dubai.
Many other cities like Nizwa and Sur on the outskirts of Muscat, located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains are home to luxury resorts with breathtaking views and other forts to explore.
• Jebel Shams
The highest mountain in Oman, not known for its peak but for the breathtaking view of the deep Wadi Ghul next to the mountain. Also known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, this rugged beauty is a great place for photography, hiking and picnicking.
5. HATTA
With a very pleasant climate away from the scorching heat of the city, Hatta is nestled in the rugged Hajjar mountains. It is quite a popular day trip location outside of Dubai city. Known for its smooth rock pools, windswept gorges and blue-green waters, the journey there feels like a journey through the sandy deserts of Oman. Hatta has other attractions like its historic village, activities like mountain biking, a dam and its perched park.
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By SSP