abu dhabi day trip

Dubai Day Trips - Tours From Dubai

By Dom Bewley

Dubai is great - you've decided to vacation there, after all. But there's a whole wide world out there to explore, and it isn't going to explore itself. Instead, grab the travel bull by the travel horns, ignore that terrible turn of phrase, and plan some day trips and tours out of Dubai! Whether you're in the market for some culture, fancy getting your heart pumping, or simply want to ride an exotic animal, there's something for everyone. So, let's talk about the best day trips and tours from Dubai, which you should not miss!

Including:

  • Qasr Al Watan
  • Thrill Buggy Rides in Dubai's desert
  • Abu Dhabi's Highlights Day Trip from Dubai
  • 4x4 Quad Bike Ride in Desert (Sahara Adventure)
  • Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi
  • and more!
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Visit Qasr Al Watan

Learning might not be top of your list when it comes to fun. But learning about another culture is one of the coolest things about a vacation. So, why not gain a deeper understanding of Arabic culture and how the area contributed to the arts and science on a day trip to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi?

On the outside, you'll be treated to a magnificent white palace housed in the Presidential Palace compound. On the inside, you'll discover buckets of information about Arab heritage and culture that shaped the history of the United Arab Emirates. By studying artifacts from the UAE's history, you'll learn how local traditions have evolved over the centuries.

Then, there's 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.

Enjoy a Thrill Buggy Ride 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.

After you're escorted from your hotel in a 4x4, your journey to the dunes will be full of photo ops. Cameras at the ready, boys and girls. Then, you'll arrive at base camp, board your metal hog, and take the beast for a spin.

For 30 glorious minutes, you'll be free to carve some sick sand or something. And your guide will be on hand to make sure you don't hurt yourself, or them, or their buggy.

Ever felt 800ccs of pure, unadulterated dune buggy chugging beneath you? Nothing quite compares to it.

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Dubai Day Trips to Abu Dhabi

For those who don't know, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It may not be as well known or as beloved as its younger brother Dubai, but it's still well worth a visit. So, why not visit and experience one of the best day trips out of Dubai?

The capital is a mix of culture and modernity, offering a decidedly different atmosphere than its neighbors. 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. All of them are worthy of more than a few pictures, so keep your phones charged and your memory free.

The perfect answer to Dubai's extravagance, go see what all the fuss is about.

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Enjoy a 4x4 Quad Bike Tour in the desert

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 doing some sweet dune jumps on this tour of the desert.

After your ride drops you at camp, you'll hop on a freaking camel to tour the surroundings. After you've fulfilled your dream of embodying Indiana Jones, you'll reach a specially designed track nestled deep in the beautiful dunes. And then, well, it's game on.

Race to your heart's content. Race like nobody's watching. Race like your life depends on it. And then, when you're done, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel. Nice.

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Take the Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner

If you'd rather do the desert safari sans the thrillseeking, then you're in luck. Thanks to this desert safari and BBQ dinner, you can have your cake and eat it too. Well, not cake, mainly grilled meats and veg, but you see what we're saying.

You'll still get your 4x4 tour of the dunes, from hotel to sandy sea. And yes, you'll still have plenty of time to snap pics of the mesmerizing scenery. But when you reach the desert camp, you'll be treated to a traditional BBQ meal and feast on grilled meats and other Arabian specialties. Doesn't that sound just delightful?

But wait, there's more! Because on top of the grilled goodness and laid-back vibes, you'll be able to enjoy belly dancing, a traditional Egyptian dance show, some smoky shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and more. But if you just want to lounge the night away, go right ahead. You make the rules. You are the golden god.

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Enjoy camel trekking in Abu Dhabi

And finally, if dune buggies don't cut it, you're not interested in quad bikes, and you prefer living matter to machine, why not trek across the beautiful dunes on camelback?

Do your best 'Laurence of Arabia' impression on this fantastic natural tour of the dunes. Like before, you'll be escorted in comfort (and air conditioning) to a camp deep in the dunes. From there, you'll saddle up, and ride these curious creatures for a half-hour track into the distant sands. 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 and tours out of Dubai! If this has inspired you to make more plans during your vacation, do yourself a favor and 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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beaches in dubai
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Best Beaches in Dubai - Itinerary

Dubai is known around the world for its mesmerizing modern architectural marvels, its opinion on income tax, and most importantly, its brilliant beaches. Yes, this jewel in the UAE's crown is absolutely full of them, and they're ripe for the picking. Of course, the best beaches in Dubai should absolutely be on top of your travel itinerary, thanks to the region's amazing warm weather and rain-free skies. So, which are worth a visit? Well, read on and we'll tell you! These are the best beaches in Dubai that should be top of your itinerary! Including: JBR Open Beach La Mer Kite Beach Al Mamzar Beach Park Umm Suqeim Beach and more! JBR Open Beach One of the biggest and arguably best beaches in Dubai, and well worth adding to your travel itinerary, is the Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. 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. While much of the beach is dedicated to ocean-side hotels, there's more than enough for you and yours. And, alongside all that brilliant white sand and warm water, you'll find snack bars, toilets, lifeguards, and more. The water itself is shallow until pretty far out, standing at 4 feet tall, so you can happily wade, float, or swim through it without worrying about being swept away. However, this does mean it's not ideal for sea-based activities like watersports. It's also open 24 hours, though swimming is not permitted after the sun goes down due to the risks involved. Umm Suqeim Beach If you want to undertake watersports like surfing, you will be better served by a trip to Umm Suqeim Beach. You'll find more than a few people riding the waves here, and while they're hardly magnificent, they're about as good as you'll get in the Persian Gulf. Another 24-hour beach, but this time you can go for a dip when the sun sets, thanks to the Smart Power lights that stay on until midnight. You'll have to get out then, though, because swimming in the dark is a big no-no. Alongside the sea activity, you'll find plenty of beach to call your own, a handful of facilities like lifeguards and restrooms, as well as some more unusual bonuses like a beachside library and a playground perfect for kids. You'll also be right next to the Buraj Al Arab, a luxurious 7-star hotel, if you want to take some photos and pretend you're important enough to be staying there. La Mer One of the newest beaches on this list, but more than worth adding to your itinerary, La Mer is one of the best beaches in Dubai. A jack of all beach trades, it offers stunning seaside views, watersports, shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities you won't find anywhere else. Done sunning yourself on the daily-cleaned sand? Why not catch a movie at the nearby cinema? Had enough of the clear, blue water? Go for a walk along pathways lined with palm trees. And, if you've got the cash to splash, you can even rent a private beach house from the Sea Level beach club. Kite Beach While not a beach in itself, Kite Beach is well worth a visit. Named after the windy conditions that make it an ample playground for kite-flyers, Kite Beach is actually a part of Umm Suqeim Beach. The wind also makes it a great place to take part in some wind and kite surfing, should that be up your alley. If you're hungry, the large number of food trucks that are set up on the bay will be sure to tickle your fancy. Featuring cuisine from across the globe, you can pick up anything from bbq chicken to pizza. Or, if you're looking for more of a sit-down experience, you'll find proper restaurants and cafes just a stone's throw away on Jumeriah Beach Road. Of course, all of that coexists with the usual beach affair you can expect from Dubai, with plenty of white sand, blue sea, and clear skies. Al Mamzar Beach Park If you're looking for the perfect beach to take your little ones, Al Mamzar prides itself on being one of the most family-friendly beaches in the city. Not only do you get one of the best beaches in Dubai, but you'll also find picnic areas, playgrounds, and swimming pools that are free for every visitor! If you're bringing kids, put Al Mamzar on your travel itinerary! They even ladies-only days on Monday and Wednesday, meaning only women, girls, and boys younger than 4 can enter. Ideal if you're more comfortable with that environment! You'll find showers, bathrooms, and changing rooms on-site, and if the sun's a bit much, you can rent a parasol and stay shaded while you lounge. And that's our list of the best beaches in Dubai you absolutely must add to your itinerary! Looking for more fun things to do during your vacation in Dubai? 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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Shopping Malls in Dubai

If Paris is the city of love and New York is the city that never sleeps...could Dubai be the city of...shopping? Maybe you’ve always wondered how many shopping malls are in Dubai? Already over 70, but it’s almost too hard to count since new and yet more breath-taking ones are being added all the time. From unique souvenirs to high-end fashion, Dubai offers visitors some of the best shopping in the world. Yet that’s not all the Dubai malls are about. As summer temperatures in the UAE soar as high as 49 degrees, everyone prefers to be indoors, so the huge climate-controlled malls provide communal spaces where people gather to meet, stroll or socialise. Plus, as the fourth most-visited city in the world Dubai is keen to offer reasons to travel! The world’s tallest building, cinemas, ski slopes, light shows and a giant aquarium...you’ll find it all in the mega-malls that are more like mini cities than merely shopping centres. Too much to take in? Let us help. Whether you’re after luxury goods, bargains or pretty much any kind of entertainment, join us on a quick tour of what’s on offer in the best shopping malls in Dubai. What to buy in Dubai Credit cards at the ready! But, before we plunge in, let’s take a look at some of the best buys. Pick up perfume, pashminas and Persian carpets and rugs. Get your hands on glittering gold and jewellery and unique house-wares like Asian lanterns and coffee pots. Stock up on spices, dates and chocolate made from camels’ (not cows’) milk!And of course you’ll find fashion for every taste and budget - from H&M, Zara and GAP to Chanel, Dior or Louis Vuitton. For the best discounts check out the outlet malls or hit the annual shopping festivals which have become attractions in themselves. Dubai Summer Surprises, a nine week long summer shopping extravaganza starts in July. Twice a year, in spring and autumn, the Gulf Information Technology (GITEX) festival delivers huge discounts on phones, laptops, TVs and home appliances. But best known is the Dubai Shopping Festival in January, accompanied by a carnival with outdoor entertainment. The shops are open until midnight and offer not only huge discounts but some incredible giveaways - we’re talking cash, gold, Bentley cars and apartments! Mind-blown? Let’s not delay any longer - it’s time to hit the shops at... Dubai Mall Renowned as the world’s biggest shopping mall, Dubai Mall covers 12 million square feet - that’s more than 200 soccer pitches! So you can easily spend a day amongst its 1,200 shops, stalls and boutiques offering everything from off-the-catwalk fashion to traditional Arabic art and crafts. At its heart, a fabulous four-story waterfall gives a fresh feel so you won’t get hot and sweaty chasing down bargains at flagship stores including Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Valentino, Chanel and Ralph Lauren. Look out for luxury footwear from Louboutin, Fendi and Dior. Alongside high street names including Zara and H&M and department stores Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdales, connoisseurs of couture will find luxury labels at Fashion Avenue just one of the mall’s ‘neighbourhoods’. And if shopping is still not enough, the mall boasts over 200 international dining options and amazing leisure attractions for the whole family. Glide on the ice at the Olympic-sized ice rink or meet underwater friends at the Dubai Aquarium. When the sun goes down, Dubai Mall lights up. Be sure to stick around for the famous fountain display that takes place each night, accompanied by music. And of course, since it’s right next door, you can also catch the light show displays at the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa. Mall of the Emirates Located near the Sheikh Zayed Road in the Al Barsha district, this retail paradise delivers another 630 stores, alongside 100 restaurants and cafes and even an indoor ski slope! Stay cool skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or meeting the penguins at the world-famous Ski Dubai, then explore luxury brands in the even cooler Fashion Dome. Dig Kate Spade, DKNY - and don’t forget the high-tech Apple boutique. Browse high street names like Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Forever 21, as well as quirky independent boutiques and high-end department stores including Harvey Nichols.Once you’ve shopped fit to drop, the experiences are still only just beginning. Catch some culture at art galleries and VOX cinemas, discover the Dreamscape VR experience and let the kids loose in the Magic Planet play and entertainment centre. Ibn Battuta Mall Time for another ‘largest’ - this time the world’s largest ‘themed’ mall, which takes you on a 270-shop journey around the globe, in dedication to its namesake, medieval explorer Ibn Battuta. The six themed areas are based on Battuta’s travels to Egypt, India, China, Persia, Tunisia and Andalucia, with decor inspired by the art and culture of those regions. Look out for elaborate tiling, an enormous golden elephant and high ceilings designed to feel like blue skies. Needless to say, the shopping is equally impressive, majoring on fashion, lifestyle and sports stores, many with regular in-store promotions. Mercato Mall Mamma mia! Step inside the Mercato Mall and you might feel you’re in Italy rather than the MENA regions. Mercato is, of course, Italian for ‘market’ and this soaring metropolis of shops is designed in the style of a Renaissance-era Italian village, complete with cobbled streets and welcoming piazzas where people gather. The shops are right up to date however, with a wide selection of internationally recognisable mid-market names such as Gap, Mango, Bershka, H&M, Laura Ashley and Hallmark. There’s even a pet store - and a wide selection of places to eat and drink. For the true taste of the Emirates, drop into the Arabian tea house for tasty local bites and a cup of strong karak chai. Meanwhile, kids can let off steam at indoor play area, Fun City. Wafi Mall Your jaw is on the floor before you’ve even stepped inside at Wafi Mall, with a facade of obelisks, towering Egyptian statues and a central pyramid giving more than a clue to the decorative inspiration. 300 stores from a host of international labels are set amongst more statues, ancient scripts and colourful mosaics - as well as more contemporary art. Wafi is home to several galleries offering varied exhibitions of East and Western art, from old masters to modern painting, sculpture, photography and installations.Back at the sharp end, popular stores include Matalan and Marks & Spencer but you’ll also find local brands and Middle Eastern fashion boutiques selling beautifully decorated kandoras and abayas (Arabic dress for men and women).Wafi Mall is known for its light and sound shows in the evening and its mammoth Christmas tree decorations in December, so prepare to be dazzled! Festival City Mall This temple of fashion and fun sits on the banks of Dubai Creek, with views across the water to downtown Dubai. 250 stores include the Robinson’s department store, packed with luxury brands. Other popular outlets include Beverley Hills Polo Club, DKNY, Mango, Zara, Toys R Us - and Dubai’s first (enormous) IKEA furniture store. There are plenty of places to eat too; hop aboard an abra (traditional small ferry) to reach one of the waterfront restaurants or drop by the Cheesecake Factory or the Sugar Factory for deliciously Instagrammable desserts. In the cooler months or in the evening, stroll along the 6.4km waterfront Dubai Water Canal - and take in the view of the city’s shimmering skyline from one of 5 pedestrian bridges. Whatever you do, don’t miss the spectacular IMAGINE laser, light and fountain show in Festival Bay. City Centre Mirdif The sky’s the limit (well nearly) at City Centre Mirdif - with indoor skydiving venue i-Fly just one of the entertainment options available. Known for its eco-credentials, this retail paradise is located in the family-friendly neighbourhood of Mirdif so has lots of fun on offer. Little Explorers is a play centre combining education and entertainment, whilst there’s also a 12-lane bowling alley for competitive families. Oh and did we mention almost 500 stores?Browse beautiful styles from contemporary Arab fashion designers at United Designers and Yoshii Boutique or check out popular stores including Hamleys, Decathlon, Pottery Barn and Debenhams. Dubai Marina Mall Beside the sparkling marina, this is a mall that’s a little less ‘extra’. Whilst it still has its share of luxury brands, the emphasis is on more affordable high-street fashion and beauty brands in a relaxed environment. Billabong, Monsoon, River Island and H&M are just some of the popular names. There are plenty of dining options too. Families enjoy the jungle vibes at the Rainforest Cafe, while Pier 7 features seven exciting foodie concepts, all with waterfront seating. Dubai Outlet Mall We’re almost shopped out but not before we mention the behemoth of bargains that is the Dubai Outlet Mall, well worth the 40-minute drive from downtown. Year long sales and generous discounts tempt those looking for electronics, perfumes and designer names like Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Adidas, Coach and Fred Perry. Visit on a Monday for further discounts of up to 50% at selected stores. We hope that’s given you more than a glimpse of the good deals to be had in the marvellous malls of Dubai. And you’ll always be sure of a good deal more adventure for less, with Go City. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for all the info and top tips, wherever your adventures take you.
Jo Cooke
A tourist takes a photo of the Dubai skyline
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10+ Things to Do in Dubai for Adults

Dubai is a glittering playground for grown up vacations - from sophisticated dinner cruises to adventurous speedboat sightseeing and days spent relaxing at the beach.
Katie Sagal

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