The 10 Best Day Trips from Dubai

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 10 good day trips from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, led by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain City. The closest is Dubai Marina, about 25 min by car, and 5 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 10 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Dubai

  1. 1

    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 50 min by car115 km south-west of Dubai

    Known for Observation Deck at 300.

  2. 2

    Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Half-day trip
    About 35 min by car30 km north of Dubai

    Known for Pens Gallery.

  3. 3

    Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 40 min by car109 km south-east of Dubai

    Known for حديقة العين للحيوانات.

  4. 4

    Ajman, United Arab Emirates

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car40 km north-east of Dubai
  5. 5

    Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 35 min by car102 km north-east of Dubai
  6. 6

    Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates

    Half-day trip
    About 35 min by car22 km west of Dubai
  7. 7

    Dubai Investments Park, United Arab Emirates

    Half-day trip
    About 25 min by car17 km south-west of Dubai
  8. 8

    Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates

    Half-day trip
    About 25 min by car16 km west of Dubai
  9. 9

    Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 40 min by car104 km east of Dubai
  10. 10

    Khalifah A City, United Arab Emirates

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 35 min by car102 km south-west of Dubai

A sample day: Dubai to Abu Dhabi

  1. 07:30Leave Dubai
  2. 09:20Arrive in Abu Dhabi (1 hr 50 min drive)
  3. 09:35Observation Deck at 300
  4. 11:35Lunch
  5. 12:50Explore the old town, markets and cafes of Abu Dhabi
  6. 15:20Head back to Dubai
  7. 17:10Home in Dubai

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Dubai?
The best day trips from Dubai are Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain City, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah. The closest is Dubai Marina, about 25 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Dubai?
Dubai Marina is the closest, 16 km west of Dubai, roughly 25 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of Dubai?
5 places are within about an hour's drive of Dubai: Dubai Marina (25 min), Dubai Investments Park (25 min), Jebel Ali (35 min), Sharjah (35 min), Ajman (45 min).
What is the biggest city near Dubai for a day out?
Abu Dhabi is the largest city in day-trip range, 115 km south-west of Dubai and about 1 hr 50 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
Where can I go for a weekend from Dubai?
For a weekend away from Dubai, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Abu Dhabi (115 km, 1 hr 50 min), Al Ain City (109 km, 1 hr 40 min), Fujairah (104 km, 1 hr 40 min), Khalifah A City (102 km, 1 hr 35 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from Dubai?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Abu Dhabi at 115 km, around 1 hr 50 min by car.

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