Day Trips from Dubai: Sharjah, Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and More

Dubai is only one of the seven emirates of the UAE, and some of the country's best experiences lie a short drive away: the museums and lagoons of Sharjah, the mountains and turquoise dam of Hatta, the world's longest zipline at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, and the beaches and coral of Fujairah on the east coast.

Here are the best day trips from Dubai, with travel times, highlights and tips. Your UAE visa covers all the emirates, so there are no border formalities, except for Oman's Musandam peninsula.

The capital, about 1.5 hours away, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre, the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Yas Island's theme parks. It is included in our Dubai packages; read our Abu Dhabi day trip guide.

Distance: 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Time needed: half a day to a full day.

Sharjah, Dubai's neighbour, is the UAE's cultural capital, with more than 20 museums, restored heritage areas and a relaxed atmosphere. Highlights include the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Heart of Sharjah heritage district, Al Noor Island's art and butterfly house, the Al Qasba canal, the Sharjah Aquarium and the blue-tiled Central Souk. Sharjah is more conservative than Dubai: dress modestly, and note that alcohol is not served anywhere in the emirate.

Distance: about 1.5 to 2 hours. Time needed: a full day.

In the Hajar Mountains, Hatta is Dubai's mountain escape. Kayak or paddleboard on the turquoise Hatta Dam, explore the restored Hatta Heritage Village, try mountain biking, ziplining or rock climbing at Hatta Wadi Hub, and stop at the honey bee garden. The cooler months from October to April are best. The drive itself, through rugged mountains, is part of the experience.

Distance: about 1 to 1.5 hours. Time needed: a full day or an overnight stay.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) combines beaches, mountains and history. Drive up Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest mountain, where temperatures are often 10°C cooler than Dubai, and try the Jais Flight, one of the world's longest ziplines, or the Jais Sledder mountain coaster. Lower down, visit Dhayah Fort, the old town and the beach resorts on Al Marjan Island. RAK makes a relaxing beach-and-mountain add-on to a Dubai holiday.

Distance: about 2 hours. Time needed: a full day.

Fujairah, on the Gulf of Oman, offers mountains meeting the sea, calmer beaches and excellent snorkelling and diving around Snoopy Island. Stop at the Al Bidyah Mosque, believed to be the oldest in the UAE, Fujairah Fort, and the Friday Market on the drive through the mountains. Khor Fakkan, on the same coast, has a beautiful beach and waterfront.

The Musandam peninsula, an exclave of Oman north of Ras Al Khaimah, is famous for its fjord-like inlets, best explored on a dhow cruise with swimming, snorkelling and dolphin spotting. Tours from Dubai leave very early and cross the Oman border, so you need your passport and must meet Oman's visa rules; check the current requirements for Indian passport holders and tell us in advance so we can arrange the right tour.

The garden city of Al Ain, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Dubai, has oases, forts, a zoo and the mountain road up Jebel Hafeet, the UAE's second-highest peak, with hot springs at its foot.

• Start early to avoid traffic and heat, especially for Hatta and Fujairah.
• Use a private car for families and seniors; public transport is limited outside the cities.
• Carry your passport on all day trips, and for Musandam check Oman visa rules.
• Dress modestly in Sharjah and at religious sites.
• Check seasonality: mountain activities are best from October to April.

• Culture: Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
• Mountains and adventure: Hatta and Jebel Jais.
• Beaches and snorkelling: Fujairah, Khor Fakkan and Musandam.
• Families: Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, Sharjah's aquarium and Al Noor Island.

Our Dubai Delight package includes Abu Dhabi and two free days that can be used for a private day trip to Sharjah, Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah. We can also add a night in Ras Al Khaimah for a beach-and-mountain break. See our Dubai itinerary and all Dubai tour packages.