Best day trips from Abu Dhabi | The ADR Guide
There’s plenty to see beyond Abu Dhabi when you fancy getting out for the day. From historic forts and mountain trails to kayaking, beaches, and wildlife, here are a few of our favourite picks.
AL AIN | HATTA | SHARJAH | DELMA ISLAND | FUJAIRAH | SIR BANI YAS ISLAND
Al Ain
Al Qattara Arts Centre
Start your day in Al Ain at Al Qattara Arts Centre. Have a look around the gallery, which showcases work by Emirati and UAE-based artists, then explore the centre’s studios for everything from pottery and painting to calligraphy, music and handicrafts.
The centre was developed from the former Bin Ati Al Darmaki House, a traditional mud-brick tower and residence. Don’t miss the archaeological basement either, where finds from the area dating back around 3,000 years are on display.
Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Oasis
Next, head to Al Jahili Fort, one of Al Ain’s best-known historic sites. Walk around the fort and check out its exhibitions, including photographs by British explorer Wilfred Thesiger, before making your way to Al Ain Oasis.
Take a stroll through the oasis, with shaded paths running beneath thousands of palm trees. You’ll also spot the traditional falaj irrigation system, with parts of it dating back around 3,000 years and still helping to keep the oasis green today.
If you prefer not to walk, you can rent a bike or take an electric buggy around the oasis. There’s also a free Eco-Centre with interactive exhibits.
Jebel Hafeet
Finish the day at Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi’s highest mountain, rising 1,249 metres above Al Ain. Drive up to the top and settle at one of the tables with views across the city. You’ll often find a karak chai seller up there too, so grab a cup, bring some snacks and chill with your crew for a while. Don’t be surprised if a few of the resident cats come over to say hello.
Hatta
Hatta Heritage Village
Start your Hatta day at Hatta Heritage Village, a reconstructed village that gives you a look at what rural life in the area was like centuries ago. Walk through the traditional huts and buildings, with more than 30 structures to explore, then have a look inside Bait Al Wali, one of the village’s largest houses. You’ll also find traditional crafts and displays around the village.
Hatta Dam
Next, head to Hatta Dam for a picnic by the water or get out on the water with Hatta Kayak. You can rent kayaks, canoes and pedal boats, with prices starting from AED 60. If you’d rather stay on dry land, drive along the edge of the dam and stop at a few of the viewpoints along the way.
Hatta hiking trails
Lace up your walking shoes and head out on one of Hatta’s mountain trails. The routes take you through the Hajar Mountains, with plenty of spots to stop for photos along the way. Bring plenty of water and give yourself a few hours to explore at your own pace.
More info here
Sharjah
Al Suhub Rest Area
Head up to Al Suhub Rest Area, 580 metres above Khor Fakkan, and spend some time taking in the views from its viewing platforms. You can walk around the clifftop, grab a coffee at the Cloud Lounge or settle in for sunset as the city lights come on below.
Entry to the outdoor areas is free, while parking inside costs AED 20 per car per hour. The AED 10 per person Cloud Lounge cover charge is redeemable against your food order.
Al Rafisah Dam
Make a stop at Al Rafisah Dam for a bit of kayaking or a pedal boat ride around the lake. You can also walk the 730m path around the water, stop by the 55-metre waterfall and keep an eye out for migratory birds that might pass through the area. There’s also a restaurant, play areas, and a mini mart if you need a bite or some water.
Al Rabi Hiking Trail
Take a hike up to Al Rabi Tower, a watchtower built in 1915 as part of Khorfakkan’s defence network. The 4-5km round trip is well marked and takes around two to three hours, with views of Khorfakkan and the Gulf of Oman along the way. Bring plenty of water, snacks and sunblock, and make sure you have sturdy shoes.
Delma Island
Take the ferry from Jebel Dhanna to Delma Island, one of the UAE’s oldest inhabited places and once an important pearl-diving hub. Spend the day exploring its historic sites, including the Delma Museum, old mosques, and traditional date syrup factories, then head to the island’s beaches for some time by the water.
You can also see archaeological finds dating back thousands of years, including pottery and tools, and learn about the island’s long history of pearl diving. The ferry takes around 90 minutes, so check the latest sailing times before you go.
Book your ferry here
Fujairah
Snoopy Island
Swim, kayak, or paddleboard out to Snoopy Island in Al Aqah, a small rocky island just off the beach. Gear is available to rent from the shore, so you don’t need to book a boat tour.
While you’re there, keep an eye out for reef fish, coral, sea turtles, and blacktip reef sharks. Mornings usually have calmer water and better visibility. You can access the spot through Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, where day passes include beach access and facilities.
Book your passes here
Wadi Wurayah Biosphere Reserve
Head to Wadi Wurayah in the Hajar Mountains, where freshwater springs, streams, pools and waterfalls run through the rocky landscape. The reserve is home to more than 1,000 recorded species, including the UAE’s only native orchid, as well as Arabian tahr, caracal, and Blanford’s fox.
You’ll find hiking trails, traditional farms and freshwater habitats, as well as the UAE’s only permanent natural waterfall. The 13-metre waterfall is fed by more than 60 springs.
Visits are by organised tour, with the Explore Wadi Wurayah experience listed from AED 300 per person. Spaces are limited, and the tour includes a guide, water, snacks and breakfast.
Book your spot here
Al Bithnah Fort
Make a stop at Al Bithnah Fort, set in Wadi Ham between Fujairah and the Hajar Mountains. The 18th-century fort once helped protect the route through the wadi and played a role in Fujairah’s history.
Walk around the fort, explore the old rooms, and climb up the towers for views across the valley and mountains. You can also take a look at the old date storage room uncovered during the fort’s restoration.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, where more than 17,000 animals roam freely. Look out for Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, and even cheetahs on a guided 4x4 safari through the island.
If wildlife isn’t your only plan, you can also go kayaking, snorkelling, cycling, or even hiking around the island. You can explore the island’s salt dome landscape along the way, or head to the beach for some time by the water.
There’s a bit of history to explore too, including the remains of a Christian monastery dating back to around 600 AD.
Book your spot here
