Best Day Trips From Dubai

By Dom Bewley
abu dhabi best day trips from dubai

Dubai is all well and good. After all, you did decide to vacation there, and you are, of course, infallible. But what lies beyond Dubai's bright and brilliant walls? Well, explore the lands beyond on one of the best day trips from Dubai! Read on, and discover our top picks.

Including:

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Qasr Al Watan
  • Desert BBQ experience
  • Quad Bike rides
  • Camel-top travels
  • and more!
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Best Day Trips from Dubai - Abu Dhabi

One of the best day trips from Dubai is easily a tour of Abu Dhabi. The UAE's capital city, it's one of the most historic cities in the entire region. Compared to the modern decadence of Dubai, it's certainly a city with less of a focus on experiences. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth experiencing, if you catch our drift.

Kicking off on the coast, you'll pass by famous spots such as the vast Jebel Ali Port, the National Exhibition Centre, Etihad Towers, the Louvre Museum, and Emirates Palace. Snap-worthy landmarks, if ever we saw some! With the perfect mix of culture, history, and modernity, it's the perfect place to hop out and explore. So, take this day trip from Dubai and see all of Abu Dhabi's best bits!

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Best Day Trips from Dubai - Visit Qasr Al Watan

One of the biggest draws of taking a vacation abroad is exploring new cultures and learning about their customs. You might not get much of that in Dubai, as it's a city built for industry and tourism. So, if you want to explore Arabic culture, as well as the region's historical significance, with a trip to Qasr Al Watan?

On the outside, you'll be treated to a magnificent white palace housed in the Presidential Palace compound. On the inside, you'll learn all about Arab heritage and culture and how it evolved over millennia. For centuries, the region was at the forefront of science and medicine, all while the rest of Europe was deep in the Dark Ages.

Then, explore the Qasr Al Watan Library, which culture vultures will love to dive into. All in all, Qasr Al Watan makes for one of the most fascinating day trips from Dubai.

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Best Day Trips from Dubai - Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner

You don't even need to venture too far from Dubai's city limits to experience one of the city's best day trips. Thanks to this delightful desert tour of the dunes, you can get a beautiful barbeque at your backdoor. Well, not literally.

From the very start, you'll be treated like a VIP. Festivities begin as soon as you leave your hotel, when a deluxe 4x4 will pick you up. You'll travel in style and comfort into the desert surrounding Dubai, where you can take photos and admire the beauty of the setting sun. Then, you'll reach your basecamp, where you'll find the grill piping hot. Then, indulge in a whole host of BBQ treats, from grilled meats and veg to other local delights.

When you've eaten your fill, prepare for an evening of entertainment! With belly dancing, a traditional Egyptian dance show, some smoky shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and more on offer, you're in for a great night! Then, when the festivities wind down, you'll hop back in the 4x4 and get a lift back to your hotel. The perfectly pampered end to a perfectly pampered evening!

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Best Day Trips from Dubai - Bug out in Dubai's desert!

Switching gears now to something a bit more adrenaline-pumping. If you've never ridden over the dunes outside Dubai in a dune buggy, you've never truly lived. Change all that, and get behind the wheel on this amazing day trip out of Dubai.

Like the BBQ evening, you'll get a ride in a 4x4 from your hotel to basecamp.

Then, you'll board your metal hog and take the beast for a spin.

For 30 glorious minutes, you'll do donuts, skids, and other buggy-related moves. And your guide will be on hand to ensure you don't blow up - or anything less explosive.

If you've never boarded a dune buggy and, let's face it, you probably haven't, then give it a go on one of the best day trips from Dubai!

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Best Day Trips from Dubai - burn rubber atop a Quad Bike!

If dune buggies don't quite do it for you, why not try a quad bike instead? These four-wheeled wonders can make quick work of Dubai's dunes, so consider hopping aboard and tearing up the desert like nobody's business.

After your ride drops you at camp, you'll kick off your desert escapades by boarding a four-legged camel to take a more methodical tour of the surroundings. After your camel is sick of the sight of you, you'll reach a specially designed track nestled deep in the beautiful dunes. And then, well, it's time to ride, baby.

You'll have plenty of time to ride around, squealing with glee. No one can hear your squealing out here, so let it all out. Then, when you've ridden your wheels down to the bone, hop back in your 4x4 and head right back to your hotel room. Excellent.

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Best Day Trips from Dubai - camel action!

And finally, if the thought of riding a camel seems a lot more exotic than anything with an engine, don your best headwrap and live out your Laurence of Arabia dreams on this fauna tour of the dunes.

Like the above, you'll be escorted in comfort - and air conditioning - to a camp deep in the dunes. From there, you'll saddle up and ride your two-humped friend for 30 gloriously bizarre minutes. Try and take some pics aboard a camel that cares not for your social media following. Good luck with that.

Then, when you're done, you'll be taken back to camp, where you can refuel, relax, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, dates, and more before heading back to the city. Very nice.

And those were our picks for the best day trips from Dubai! If you're looking for more fun within the city, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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When is the best time to visit Dubai?

When is the best time to visit Dubai? And when should you not visit Dubai? Which are the best months for those with half an eye on budget, and what are the factors you should be looking out for when planning your trip to this Middle Eastern playground? If you’re asking any of these questions, you’re just a couple of minutes from learning the answers to them. You’re very welcome! Weather in Dubai The biggest factor worth considering when planning your Dubai vacation is the emirate’s weather. If you’re looking for a climate that can be relied upon to deliver, Dubai is the destination for you. The desert environment means monthly average temperatures in Dubai don’t drop below a very pleasant 24°C. But winter sports lovers shouldn’t despair, it’s still possible to hit the slopes at Ski Dubai. The lowest temperatures, of 24-28°C, are found between December and March, with January the coolest month. However, lower temperatures bring cloud and some rain – 16 mm in December and 28 mm in February. So if you’re heading to Dubai for the beaches, you might want to pick another time of year. Overall, the best time to visit Dubai for weather is the months of April and October/November. Although temperatures rise to the low thirties Celsius, clear skies show off the state at its very best and make for the perfect time of year to take in the views from the top of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building. May through August sees temperatures rocket. They quickly hit 38-40°C, emptying beaches and filling the air-conditioned malls. The desert outside of the city is an absolute no-no at this time of year and streets are all but deserted during the hottest parts of the day. What’s the best time to visit Dubai for events? Generally speaking, events are few and far between during the summer months, as no one seeks to do anything much very fast and even residents struggle with the heat. It is one of the best times to visit Dubai for shopping though, with Dubai Summer Surprises extending across July, August and September to lure shoppers to its multitude of stores with the promise of great discounts, live performances and raffles with top prizes including gold bars and luxury cars. Don’t forget that The Dubai Mall is also home to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. By comparison, the first months of the year are packed with events. It all kicks off with the New Year fireworks, which radiate out from the Burj Khalifa as well as erupting in the skies above Palm Jumeirah and Festival City Mall among many other locations in the city. They give way to the rather more sedate Desert Classic, bringing the world’s top golfers to the emirate in search of tournament glory. February welcomes the likes of Roger Federer and Ashleigh Barty to the hardcourts of the Dubai Tennis Championship, with music aficionados also well catered for with the Dubai Jazz Festival. As much a society event as a horse race, the rich and famous are sure to make time in their diary for the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, alongside World Art Dubai, the region’s largest contemporary art fair. There’s another chance to enjoy spectacular fireworks, as well as military flypasts and temporary cultural villages to remind everyone of their heritage on December 2, the National Day of the United Arab Emirates of which Dubai forms a part. Best time to visit for budget travelers The cheapest months to visit Dubai when it comes to flight and accommodation rates can be found during the city’s low season. This corresponds exactly with the summer, lasting from May through September. Unless a 4x4 quad bike ride in the desert is an absolute must, it’s worth considering these months if money is at the forefront of your mind. Alternatively, think about heading to Dubai in March or September instead. Temperatures are more amenable for exploring the ancient souks but high season prices aren’t yet kicking in. With schools in session right around the world, crowds are also minimal, making a trip to MOTIONGATE or Ferrari World all the more enjoyable. Visiting Dubai during Ramadan The holy month of fasting, Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al Fitr: families often buy their children gifts or new clothes and there are plentiful sweet treats to be had - keep an eye out for gars, a crumble sweetened with dates and cardamom, porridge-like harees and syrup-soaked lugaimat. This three-day no holds barred festival sees Dubai at its busiest. While it can definitely be an enriching cultural experience to visit at this time, be aware that it will mean some changes to your typical sightseeing. It is forbidden to eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in public, with many cafés and restaurants outside of hotels remaining shut during the day. Fines can be issued if you are found to be disrespecting these rules. In addition, some religious sites may shut their doors to non-Muslim visitors and taxis can be difficult to find in the early evenings, when drivers usually break their fast. Similarly smaller attractions may have shorter opening hours, whilst many stores choose to stay closed during the day and instead open for much of the night. Just a few things to consider if you're contemplating a trip during this period. Visiting Dubai with Go City Try it for yourself and we think you’ll soon agree that the best time to visit Dubai is the time you visit with Go City. We provide visitors to the world’s top destinations with discounted admission on a whole range of popular attractions. There’s no need to change your vacation plans or ditch your dream things to do. So whether it’s thrill seeking in Dubai’s amusement parks, absorbing the region’s culture at a culinary experience or taking a tour by traditional dhow or modern kayak, substantial savings can be made.
Ian Packham
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Best Restaurants in Dubai

Sometimes, going on vacation can be daunting - especially when it comes to food. Local cuisine can make or break a holiday, so it's good to know your options. Thankfully, Dubai has a large number of amazing restaurants that cater to every cuisine imaginable, so you'll never feel like you're missing out. These are our picks for the very best restaurants you absolutely must visit in Dubai! Including: Coya BB Social Dining Long Teng 21 Grams Bagatelle and more! Coya If you're looking for some delightful bites influenced by Latin American cuisine, go check out Goya. This Peruvian restaurant, which also borrows generously from Spanish and far Eastern cuisine, is well known around Dubai as one of the best in town. Visitors can expect great food and great service, all wrapped up in a lively atmosphere that peaks in the evening. Just bear in mind that all that good comes at a cost, so make sure you're flush and check their menu prices before striding in all confident. If you've got the dough, and the menu's for you, Coya is easily one of the best restaurants in Dubai. BB Social Dining BB Social Dining feels like a joint teleported in from New York, thanks to its narrow-yet-tall three-floor structure. Step inside, glide up the staircase to your table, and sit down for some amazing fusion of Eastern and Middle-Eastern cuisine. You'll find crispy sprouts sitting right by truffle egg and kung fu wings on the menu, and you can pair all these weird yet wonderful combinations with a selection of delightful drinks, should you be parched. Long Teng Hidden in plain sight among the Business Bay office towers, you'll find this wonderfully aquatic Chinese restaurant. Step inside Long Teng, and you'll feel like you've journeyed beneath the waves, thanks to its large aquarium of sea-living legends. Approach the aquarium, pick your dish, and then sit down to your delicious treat. The menu is packed full of authentic Chinese dishes, so if seafood isn't your jam, or picking your meal seems a little morbid, you can select one of the already deceased options and enjoy that instead. They have vegetarian options too, if you want to give the murder a miss. 21 Grams Balkan cuisine doesn't get a lot of love across the globe, which is a shame. A fusion of many different cuisines from nearby, its mix of meats, seafood, and baked delights doesn't get its due. But that's not the case in Dubai, thanks to 21 Grams. Enter the generous dining area and chow down on some delightful family recipes like zucchini fritters, wagyu beef stuffed patties, and a daily rotation of fresh fish. Grand. Bagatelle Look for late-night French delights? Look no further than Bagatelle, which many consider one of Dubai's best evening hangouts. Though you can book earlier, head there when the sun goes down to make the most of your Bagatelle experience. With a menu teeming with authentic French cuisine, including uniquely French oddities like snails and frogs legs, as well as a burgeoning drinks menu and live music throughout the night, it could easily be your one-stop shop for a perfect night out. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Dubai if you're looking for a lively time. Masti If you're in the market for a little Indian, head to Masti, which does the best South Asian dishes anywhere in Dubai. With meals designed by award-winning chef Prashant Chipkar, expect nothing but the best Indian cuisine, with small plates sure to tickle your spicy side. But this isn't your traditional affair, with each Indian mainstay given a very modern twist. Just when you thought you knew what to expect from a curry, Masti offers a delicious rug pull that will have you questioning reality itself. Or, well, maybe not reality. But your expectations of an Indian menu? Sure. Even the decor is delightful, thanks to the blue upholstery and giant hanging light bulbs. Dine like royalty while feeling like royalty. That's the name of the game at Masti. Armani/Ristorante For Italian cuisine lovers, look no further than the classy, upmarket vibes on offer at Armani/Ristorante. Don't let the minimalist decor fool you - the menu is far from basic. With wonderful Dubai twists on classic Italian dishes, and each selection paired with a recommended wine, you'll have your pick from the likes of braised lamb ravioli, foie gras, blue lobster, and many more. If your bank account can handle it, we'd recommend the Tajima wagyu strip loin with black truffle mashed potato. Divine. Al Beiruti Al Beiruti caters to all your Middle-Eastern culinary desires, so if you want some authentic local food, you know where to go. Thanks to the all-day menu featuring breakfasts, mezze, grilled meats, and even a kids menu, you can enjoy Al Beiruti's delights from sun up to sun down. And, with the kitchen visible from your table, you can see the master chefs in action as they wrangle up your tasty treats. Expect plenty of hummus, shawarma, sausages, and Middle-Eastern takes on burgers, to name but a few. Bubbalicious And finally, no list of the best restaurants in Dubai would be complete without a shout-out to everyone's favorite between-meal; brunch. Does Dubai do brunch? Too right it does. So why not check out the city's best brunch spot at Bubbalicious? Located in the Marriott's Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, you'll find this delightful all-you-can-eat brunch fest. And their offerings are startling, to say the least. Lobster, curry, steak, Asian dishes, roasted meats, and much more fill the aisles, and you can have as much as you want. Not a bad way to start your day, ay? Those are our picks for the best restaurants in Dubai! With all that fuel in you, you'll be ready for all the amazing experiences Dubai has to offer. Looking for ideas? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley
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Dubai in July

Interested in visiting Dubai this summer? July might be the right month for you. Check out our guide to Dubai in July below, and see what's on offer! Including: Dubai weather in July Dubai's beaches Dubai's best water park Cool nighttime tours Chilled out skiing and more! Dubai in July: What to Expect Dubai is notoriously warm all year round, and July is the hottest year you can visit. And when we say hot, we mean hot. On average, you can expect highs of 105°F or more and lows of around 91°F. As such, you really need to be prepared for your summer vacation if you decide to go in peak summer. If you're of the paler sensibility, perhaps pick another month, or plan to spend most of your time inside during the hotter hours. If you're brave and insist on July, then pack the lightest clothes you own, your largest hats, and enough sunscreen to cover yourself tenfold. Due to the high temperatures, we'll discuss some inside and outside experiences below. That way, you'll always have an escape from the intense heat and sun, should you need it. Dubai in July: What to Do Dubai's beautiful beaches Let's kick things off with some of the braver forays you can make into Dubai's heat. Dubai is known for many things, and its stunning beaches might just be the jewel in her crown. With endless white sand, crystal clear waters, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax, Dubai's beaches are magnificent. However, rather than heading there during the day, we'd recommend avoiding the sizzling sun and instead heading there after dark. You'll still get all the goodness of the beach, just minus the third-degree burns. Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR, is one of the city's biggest and best beaches. And while you can't swim there after dark, you can certainly lounge on its pristine beachfront through the night. Umm Suqeim Beach, on the other hand, does allow you to swim in its calm seas until the clock strikes midnight. Thanks to its Smart Power lighting system, the sea stays safe after the sun goes down. And, like JBR, you are free to lounge there after dark for as long as you like. Both are brilliant during the day, but on a sweltering July in Dubai, maybe settle for some post-sun fun instead. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm If you insist on the sun, at least compliment it with a healthy splash of cold water. At Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm, you'll get just that and a spoonful of fun while you're at it! With rides such as the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by exotic aquatic life, even adrenaline junkies are catered to! Or, if heights aren't your things, test your mettle at The Rapids, which puts you on a raft battling choppy waters for a mile. Even kids will get their fix thanks to the Splasher's Children's Play Area, which features tons of mini slides, climbing frames, and even tipping buckets, so they won't miss out on all the fun. Just make sure you bring your supplies of sunscreen with you and reapply it fastidiously. Waterslides can easily wipe the sunscreen off your back and leave you exposed to the intense sun. We speak from experience - reapply regularly! And if you need a break, they even have their own beach if you need to relax under a parasol. See the sights at night If you want to see all of Dubai's highlights but fear the sun's merciless rays, why not do so at night instead? On a Dubai Magical Night Tour, you'll get just that. With the cool Dubai breeze running through your hair, you'll join your guide on an open-top trip around the city. See the most recognizable Dubai landmarks, and do it all under the relative coolness of Dubai's July night sky. But will you see? Well, be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, and more. You might not be in Dubai to see the sights specifically, but that doesn't mean you can't dedicate a cool night to learn more about them. Skiing. Yes, really If it all gets too much and the heat has you beat, you may debate whether Dubai in July was a mistake. Should you have booked a winter holiday instead, full of snow, skis, and other chilly goodness? Well, wipe those hideous thoughts from your mind. You needn't settle for one or the other, thanks to Ski Dubai. It's the world's largest indoor ski center, and it is mind-bogglingly awesome. Inside, you'll discover lovingly-recreated ski slopes where you can strut your stuff. There's even a ski lift up to the top of the slopes! And every few hours, the festivities are stopped to welcome a family of penguins across the slopes. There's no need to pack all your ski equipment either, as everything is provided on arrival. Never skied before? Never fear; they'll teach you on-site. An evening stroll in the desert And finally, we'll end things on another evening escapade. Because, if it wasn't evident enough, we'd recommend avoiding the sun as much as you can if you visit Dubai in July. So why not try a desert safari and BBQ dinner? You'll receive 5-star treatment from the get-go, with a plush 4x4 picking you up from your hotel and taking you deep into Dubai's dunes. Once you reach camp, you'll be treated to a delicious BBQ featuring grilled meats, veg, and other delights. But that's not all; there are also activities and entertainment for you to enjoy long into the night. Watch a belly dancing show, smoke some authentic shisha, ride a camel, and even get some henna painted on you! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. Nice. And that's our guide to Dubai in July! If you're looking for more fun experiences on your Dubai vacation, try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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