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09
Beyond Dubai
One extra day can change your trip
Mosques, museums, mountains and oasis towns. Times are estimates, each way from central Dubai.
Day trips
1½ hr · car or intercity bus
Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan make one full, memorable day.
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1½ hr · car
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Jean Nouvel’s museum under a lace-like dome on Saadiyat, with world art told as one story.
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1½ hr · car
Qasr Al Watan
A working presidential palace open to visitors, with a library and a nightly light show.
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30–60 min · taxi
Sharjah
The Museum of Islamic Civilization and the restored Heart of Sharjah; quieter and more traditional.
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30–60 min · taxi
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Science, faith and craft across Islamic history, under a golden mosaic dome by the corniche.
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1½ hr · car or RTA bus
Hatta
Kayak the turquoise dam and walk the heritage village in the Hajar Mountains.
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45 min · car or tour
Al Marmoom & a desert morning
Dunes, gazelles and the Al Qudra lakes in a conservation reserve; choose a licensed safari operator.
Book licensed operators only
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1½–2 hr · car
Al Ain
A UNESCO-listed oasis of date palms and falaj channels, with Jebel Hafeet above the town.
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1½–2 hr · car
Ras Al Khaimah · Jebel Jais
The UAE’s highest peak, with cool air, viewpoints and a long zipline.
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Good to know
Dress for mosques
Long sleeves and trousers or a long skirt; women need a headscarf. Robes are available at the Grand Mosque.
Start early
Morning roads are clearer and the light is softer; leave the drive home before rush hour.
Mountain evenings
Jebel Jais and Hatta can be much colder after dark in December; take a warm layer.
Plan ahead
Book the Grand Mosque slot and any desert trip in advance, and confirm return transport.
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