abu dhabi best day trips from dubai

Best Day Trips From Dubai

By Dom Bewley

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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Dubai in August

Planning your vacation in Dubai this year? August could be the perfect month for you. There's always an answer to the intense heat, so check out our guide to Dubai in August and see if it floats your boat! Including: Dubai weather in August Ski Dubai JBR Beach Aquaventure Waterpark BBQ in the desert and more! Dubai in August: What to Expect Dubai is notoriously sweltering all year round, and August is one of the hottest years you can visit the desert oasis. So hot, in fact, that on average, you can expect highs of 105°F or more and lows of around 87°F. That means you need to be prepared for some intense sun, and be prepared to escape to the comfort of air-conditioning at a moment's notice. Those that are none too fond of 105° weather may look to go at the beginning or end of the year when temperatures are much more manageable. However, if you snort at the thought of cowering away during peak summer, bear these things in mind. Keep bottles of drinking water on you at all times. Even on the beach, you'll find refilling stations to top yourself up. Staying hydrated in the heat is a must. Secondly, pack extra light clothing and a metric ton of sunscreen to protect your skin. Reapply that bad boy every hour or two if you're in direct sunlight in the afternoon; that's when the sun's fiercest. Either way, we'll cover attractions both inside and out, should you want to break up your sweltering vacation with some cooler action. Dubai in August: What to Do Get your skis on If all that summer heat gets too much for you, why not cool off on the slopes? No, we're not talking about packing your bags and heading somewhere cooler. Thanks to Ski Dubai, you can have the perfect slope experience right in the city. Ski Dubai is the world's largest indoor ski center. Really, you need to see it for yourself to understand just how big it is. Featuring multiple ski slopes where you can ski, board, or sled, it even has a ski lift to take you up to the very top. Fun for the whole family; even newbies can get to grips with the fine art of snow travel, thanks to the trainers on-site. All the gear's provided for you, including skis, boards, jackets, and everything else you need to pretend you're in the Alps for a few hours. And hey, they even have penguins too. Don't believe us? Go and see for yourself. You might not see yourself skiing in Dubai in August, but trust us, it's the perfect way to escape the blistering heat. Beachlife While heading to the beach when temperatures exceed 100 degrees might not seem like a good idea, you do have options. After all, beaches stick around after the sun goes down. So, why not venture out after dark and get lounging on Dubai's stunning sandy spaces? 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, lifeguards can keep an eye on swimmers when the sun goes down. But you can't expect them to work through the night. Hence, you'll need to vacate the cooling waters at 12AM. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Just because it's super hot doesn't mean you want to miss out on all the UV all the time. And as they say, water isn't just for drinking. So, go out with a splash - outside, we mean - and head to the exciting slides and rides at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm! You'll be beckoned by rides like the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by sharks and rays. That one's only for the brave out there. 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. If you go in peak afternoon summer hours, apply and reapply sunscreen after a few slides. Slides do a good job of wiping off your carefully-applied protection, and the last thing you want is a blistery back after a blisteringly good time! Desert Adventure Heading back to the warm hands and cool embrace of the night, another one of Dubai's draws is the magnificent sandy dunes surrounding the city. Dubai was built from nothing within them, so why not explore them for yourself with a brilliant desert safari and BBQ dinner? You'll be chaperoned from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 and head into the desert proper. Make sure you snap pictures of the beautiful surrounding as the sun goes down. Then, you'll reach the BBQ camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meat, grilled veg, and other local delicacies. Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Watch authentic belly dancing, smoke up a shisha storm, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad, and all of that without one drop of harmful UV in sight. If you need a break from the sun, try this tour when you visit Dubai in August. Landmarks and neon lights And finally, you wouldn't want to leave Dubai without seeing some of its most recognizable landmarks, would you? Of course not, which is why you should take a Dubai Magical Night Tour and see them all in one fell swoop. 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. Then you can leave guilt-free, knowing you saw these amazing creations and didn't spend all your time inside! And that's our guide to Dubai in August! Looking for a wide variety of attractions to make your trip to Dubai the best ever? 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
dubai in october
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Dubai in October

Dubai is pretty warm all year round, but you may be surprised just how warm it can be during months you usually find colder. Take October, for example. Heading there then can feel like a summer holiday all on its own, so check out our guide to Dubai in October and see if it's the month for you! Including: Dubai weather in October Cool off at Dubai's water parks Dubai's brilliant beaches Relax at Dubai's beach clubs and more! Dubai in October: What to Expect While for many of us, October is the final nail in the summer coffin as we prep for the cold and wet of the coming winter, that's not the case in Dubai. You can expect highs of around 97°F and lows of around 75°F. That's...peak summer weather in many parts of the world. As such, dress and prep for a summer holiday! Light clothes, giant hats, and liters of sunscreen should do the trick. Dubai in October: What to Do Water parks With temperatures that high, you'll want to make the most of the sun while staying as cool as possible. And what's the best way to do all that? Well, at a water park, of course! Lather up with your factor 1000, put on your best beachwear, and get sliding. Unsurprisingly, Dubai has some great water parks, such as Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. There, you'll find plenty of rides that cater to both the young and old. Aquaconda - nice wordplay - throws you down a head-spinning snake of a ride, with twists and turns around every scaly corner. There's Poisiden's Revenge, which drops you down at 60mph into a massive pool. And to cool off, they even have their own beach where you can relax or hop in a kayak! For little ones, there's LEGOLAND® Water Park, where the wonderful world of colorful building blocks comes to life. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. The Joker Soaker pits you against Batman's worst enemy as you splash around his playground. And at LEGO® Slide Racers, you'll board your mat and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you. Perfect for kids and big kids alike. Beaches The brave among you may wish to forgo the pleasures of the splash and instead embrace the heat in all its glory. Well, where better to do that than at the beach? With enough sun, sand, and sea to make your head spin, just be sure to pack the aforementioned sunscreen and hat! Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR, is one of the city's biggest and best beaches, if relaxation is your aim. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. You can't swim after sundown due to the lack of light in the water, but you can certainly pitch your tent on its shores all night long. Or, if you want to make a day of it, check out La Mer. There, you'll find stunning seaside views, watersports, shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities you won't find anywhere else. There's a cinema on-site, if you like the talkies, and you can even rent your own private beach house for the day. Nice. Beach clubs If you're looking for beach vibes but need a little shade on a warm October day, then hit up a beach club instead. Part beach, part pool club, part restaurant, they pack a relaxing punch you won't find anywhere else in Dubai. For ultimate relaxation, hit up the Mediterranean stylings at Twiggy by La Cantine. Named after the famous model that embodied the spirit of the swinging sixties, you'll find this beach club laden with white silk, white lounge chairs, and white, well, everything else. Alongside the massive infinity pool, you'll enjoy a welcoming menu of European bites. Alternatively, a livelier option is Surf Club, which features resident DJs, dancing through the day, and a stacked bar. A cool night's travel Fancy seeing all of Dubai's sights, sounds, and highlights in one chilled night? Then you'll fancy the hell out of a Dubai Magical Night Tour. Joined by a knowledgeable yet humorous guide, you'll be transported around the city, see the most recognizable Dubai landmarks, and do it all under the comforting coolness of Dubai's October night sky. You'll cruise by the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbor and more. Make sure you have space on your phone camera to capture the stunning sights of the city's night lights. An evening stroll in the desert If you're less about sightseeing and more about sight visiting, then how does a desert safari that culminates in a relaxing BBQ dinner sound? Pretty great, right? From your hotel, a 4x4 will whisk you away to the amazing dunes in Dubai's surrounding desert. And yes, you'll still have plenty of time to snap pics of the mesmerizing scenery before you reach the desert camp. Then, you'll be treated to a traditional BBQ meal of 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, when the night is over, you'll be taken right back to your hotel. Night boat And finally, we'll end our guide to Dubai in October with another cool night activity. Take to the waters around Dubai Marina and tour the shoreline, the highlight being the towering Ain Dubai. Your one-hour tour will take you past Jumeriah Beach and Bluewaters Island, before you set eyes on Ain Dubai- the tallest observation wheel on the planet! You can set off at 6:30PM to see the sunset, or at 9PM to see Dubai's lights shimmering off the water. Either is beautiful, so choose whichever suits you and get sailing! And that's our guide to Dubai in October! Looking for other suggestions? 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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Best Beach Clubs in Dubai

Dubai is known for many things; great weather, awe-inspiring architecture, and a litany of entertainment opportunities you won't find anywhere else. But perhaps its best-known feature is its beaches. With winters that feel like summers in many other parts of the world, beaches are a mainstay for tourists and locals all year round. But on the beach, you have to fend for yourself. Who wants to get their own drinks and cook their own food when there's relaxing to be done? Thankfully, you can look to the curated experiences at beach clubs to scratch that itch. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of the rest. Dubai has a host of beach clubs dotted about its coastline, but which is the best? Let's find out. These are our picks for the best beach clubs in Dubai! Including: SAN Beach Club Eva Beach Club DRIFT Beach February 30 Twiggy by La Cantine and more! SAN Beach Club Relaxing is the name of the game on Dubai's beach scene, and not many offer pure relaxation like SAN Beach Club. With fantastic views of the Dubai skyline, you'll find plenty of shaded seating to kick back on in this sandy paradise. If the heat gets too much, or you fancy a dip, the delightful pool is on hand to wash away the day. You may well never leave with a menu full of light bites that are perfect for the summer weather, refreshing drinks, and friendly staff on hand whenever you need anything. Well, you'll have to leave at some point. Don't be a weirdo. Eva Beach Club Swap exterior vibes for interior intricacy at Eva Beach Club. From its floor-to-ceiling wood carvings to its decorative features like hanging lights and floral pieces, it exudes class and calm all at once. Even though you're inside, you'll be bathed in light thanks to the giant windows that line the building. But enough about look and feel, what about the experience? Well, thankfully, you'll find a menu full of delicious treats like pizza, pasta, salads, and an assortment of seafood bites. And when you're inevitably thirsty, you can order an ice-cold drink to wash it all down. Delightful. Surf Club If you're looking for a little more excitement from your beach club, look no further than Surf Club. One of the busier spots on this list, it combines the relaxation of other clubs on this list with a thumping soundtrack that can go long into the night. Of course, if the music takes you there, you're free to bust some fresh moves. Thankfully, you won't be alone in your dancefloor endeavors as the whole place lights up around sunset. But after all that grooving and shape throwing, you might need to refuel. Well, you're in luck, because the surf brought in one of the best seafood menus in Dubai just for you! Divine lobster, delicious prawns, and many lighter fish dishes are on offer around the clock. And, if sea critters aren't your jam, they have plenty of other beach bites to tickle your taste buds. Nikki Beach Keeping things pumping is Nikki Beach, one of the younger clubs on this list. Resident DJs and live music are the real draw here, bringing party seekers from far and wide to sample its beach club delights. They even have a resident saxophonist. Nice. With views of the beautiful Pearl Jumeira coastline, and an enviable menu of delicious beach bites and refreshing drinks, Nikki Beach nearly demands a visit to sample its ambiance. DRIFT Beach How do views of Palm Island Bay and Dubai sound to someone seeking relaxation? Pretty freaking great, right? Well, DRIFT Beach has you covered and then some. But it doesn't end at the views; the entire DRIFT Beach experience is designed to drain your stress and rejuvenate your soul. With heaps of sun-soaked beds and cabanas that line the marvelous infinity pool, to its very own private beach, there's a reason it's one of the best beach clubs in Dubai! Couple all that lounging and swimming with a menu of light and delicious snacks, and you've got yourself a primo summer hangout spot. February 30 A beach club named after a day that doesn't exist, February 30 is a place out of time where the worries of everyday life fade away. Stacked with branded umbrellas and loungers, this Beirut mainstay has everything you'd want in a beach bar - a comprehensive beach bar, lighthearted lounging, and a menu featuring a fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. Uniquely delicious if you're a fan of either area's food offerings. Ula Beach Club It makes sense that the perfect day-to-night beach club would be located a stone's throw from Dubai's Marina. And so it is, thanks to Ula Beach Club, which overlooks the reflective wonder of the Gulf. During the day, it's become a haven for laid-back business meetings and family lunches. When the sun goes down, expect a more adult, party-going crowd enjoying the kitchen delights and music on offer. Twiggy by La Cantine Twiggy by La Cantine needs no introduction. Its all-white decor has been the inspiration for beach clubs around the world. A little slice of Central European style in the heart of Dubai, it's easily one of the best beach clubs in Dubai. But why? Well, let's start with the 328ft infinity pool, which seemingly spills over into the bright blue sky Dubai is so known for. Then there's the art, which is inspired by the Swinging Sixties the club's namesake embodied. And finally, there's the menu, which offers delicious Mediterranean bites that will hit just right. Koko Bay What do you get if you combine Far East sensibilities with Dubai style? You get Koko Bay, and it's awesome. Overlooking Palm West Beach and the stunning Gulf, Koko Bay doesn't take itself too seriously. There's no need to feel underdressed here, just enjoy the Asian bites on offer, groove the music, and refresh at the bar. And there you have it, the very best beach clubs in Dubai! Once you're done relaxing, you might be looking for some more active things to do in this desert oasis. Well, look no further than 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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