Drive Time: 2 hours approximately
Fujairah is one of the best weekend getaways in the UAE. It has clean beaches, old forts, and easy access to snorkeling locations. It's a great place to go away from the city and unwind by the coast, especially for couples or families. Add mountain views and local seafood, and you’ve got a fantastic 2-day escape.
Things to Do in Fujairah:
Snorkeling and kayaking,
Seafood dining at a local beach restaurant,
Beachfront resort stay
Top Attractions in Fujairah: Snoopy Island, Fujairah Fort, Al Bidya Mosque, Wadi Wurayah National Park
Travel Tip: If you're going to Snoopy Island to snorkel, bring reef shoes. The coral is sharp yet gorgeous.
2. Hatta, UAE
Drive Time: 1.5 to 2 hours approximately
Hatta is a nature-filled paradise in the Hajar Mountains. For couples or adventure seekers, it's one of the greatest short weekend trips from Dubai. You can climb, kayak, bike, or just relax in a fancy mountain resort. It's a breath of fresh air, in a way.
Things to Do in Hatta:
Go hiking on the trails and visit the Hatta Hill Park
At Wadi Hub, you may try axe-throwing or ride mountain bikes.
Explore Hatta Heritage Village
Top Attractions in Hatta: Hatta Dam, Hatta Wadi Hub, Heritage Village, Hatta Honeybee Garden
Travel Tip: Go to Hatta Dam early in the morning to kayak. The weather and light are great.
3. Musandam, Oman
Drive Time: 3 hours approximately
Musandam is called the "Norway of Arabia" because it has beautiful fjords, blue waters, and tranquil dhow cruises. It's one of the most beautiful destinations from Dubai under 4 hours, making it great for nature lovers and photographers. You can get there by car, so you don't have to worry about the airport.
Things to Do in Musandam:
Dhow cruise in Khor Sham
Snorkeling & dolphin watching
Mountain drive up Jebel Harim
Top Attractions: Khor Sham fjords, Telegraph Island, Seebi Island, Jebel Harim
Travel Tip: Book a dhow cruise that includes lunch and snorkeling gear. It's a best value deal.
4. Abu Dhabi, UAE
Drive Time: 1.5 hours approximately
Yes, the capital city can be part of weekend trips from Dubai. Abu Dhabi is a great place to get your culture fix, go on a romantic getaway, or spend time with your family. It has beach clubs, modern luxury, and beautiful buildings. A quick drive, but a very different vibe.
Things to Do in Abu Dhabi:
Visit museums and mosque
Go beach hopping at Saadiyat or Corniche
Try watersports or a desert safari adventure
Top Attractions: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Mangrove National Park and more.
Travel Tip: Go on a mangrove kayaking excursion around sunset. It's tranquil and great for Instagram photos.
5. Salalah, Oman
Flight Time: 2 hours approximately
Salalah is the best place to go during Khareef (June to September) if you want to see lush plants, waterfalls, and cool air. It's a great place to go for long weekends from Dubai, and it feels like you've journeyed to another world. Think of misty cliffs, green valleys, and tropical Arabian emotions.
Things to Do:
Go to Wadi Darbat and see the waterfalls
Take a walk across banana farms
Visit Mughsail beach caves
Top Attractions: Al Mughsail Beach, Wadi Darbat, Ayn Athum Waterfalls, Frankincense Land Museum
Travel Tip: Rent a car because most of the waterfalls and beaches are far apart.
6. Khor Fakkan, UAE
Drive Time: 1.5 to 2 hours approximately
Khor Fakkan is a secret paradise for hikers and beach lovers. It's calm, clean, and excellent for nature lovers or couples who want to get away from Dubai for a short weekend. It's between mountains and the sea. It has a peaceful coastline appeal that other UAE cities don't have.
Things to Do in Khor Fakkan:
Relax at the beach
Picnic at Shees Park
Hike Al Rabi trail
Top Attractions: Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre, Al Rabi Trail, Shees Park
Travel Tip: Get up early to see the sunrise on your Al Rabi hike. It's a short but enjoyable walk.
7. Yerevan, Armenia
Flight Time: 3.5 hours approximately
Yerevan is a nice place to live, which is cheap and surrounded by mountains. If you like history, architecture, and Armenian food, this is a great place to go for a long weekend trip from Dubai. It's not too touristy, which makes it even better.
Things to Do:
Visit Republic Square and the Cascade
Go to monasteries that are not too far from the town
Try traditional dishes like khorovats
Top Attractions: Cascade Complex, Republic Square, Lake Sevan, Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery
Travel Tip: Buy dried fruit and handmade wine at Vernissage Market. They're great gifts.
8. Tbilisi, Georgia
Flight Time: 3.5 hours approximately
One of the most stunning short flights from Dubai to Europe is to Tbilisi. It's perfect for couples or companions who want culture with wine and friendly service, from snug cafés to old cathedrals and beautiful treks.
Things to Do in Tbilisi:
Go for a ride on the cable car to Narikala
Visit the sulfur baths
Try some local wine and khachapuri.
Top Attractions: Narikala Fortress, Peace Bridge, Abanotubani sulfur baths, Mtatsminda Park
Travel Tip: Stay in a guesthouse in Old Town for charm and easy walking.
9. Sri Lanka ( Bentota)
Flight Time: 4.5 hours approximately
Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest countries to visit from Dubai. It has beaches, animals, temples, and tropical beauty all in one place. It's great for couples or families that want to get away to an island quickly.
Things to Do in Sri Lanka:
Relax on Bentota Beach
Visit turtle hatcheries
Take a Madu River boat ride
Top Attractions: Gangaramaya Temple, Bentota Beach, Galle Fort, Madu River safari
Travel Tip: Plan a day trip to Galle or a river safari while you're at the beach.
Plan your Sri Lanka Getaway today.
10. Baku, Azerbaijan
Flight Time: 3 hours approximately
Baku has a mix of history and modern style, with vast boulevards, medieval fortifications, and vistas of the Caspian Sea. It's one of the most gorgeous destinations from Dubai under 4 hours, and it's great for couples.
Things to Do in Baku:
Take a walk through the Old City
Visit the Flame Towers at night,
Eat and shop on Nizami Street
Top Attractions: Flame Towers, Old City (Icherisheher), Baku Boulevard, Gobustan National Park
Travel Tip: Instead of using a taxi, use the Bolt app. It's safer and cheaper.
Planning a trip to Baku from Dubai? Check out this guide.
Start Planning Your Weekend Trip Today
These carefully chosen weekend trips from Dubai are great for your next getaway, no matter if you want to go to the mountains, the beach, see some culture, or do something completely different. Your next trip is closer than you think, since all of the places you may go are less than five hours away.
Best Value Tourism Dubai will take care of everything, from flights and hotels to exclusive tours and hidden gems.
Contact us today and let's turn your weekend into a mini vacation.