Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Take a road trip! Here’s our pick of the best days out – all within a three-hour drive from Abu Dhabi.
You know what they say: a change is as good as a holiday. And if you can’t afford a holiday, then a day out is the next best thing.
But where to go? If you’ve already combed downtown, Yas and Saadiyat, then it’s time to explore further afield. That’s why we’ve come up with some original day trips that are all within three hours’ drive from the capital. All you have to do is hop in your car and go.
Go wild
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, to the south of Dubai Creek, is a protected eco-tourism site covering 620 hectares. The wetland is made up of lagoons, salt marshes, mudflats and mangroves, and is home to 450 species of fauna and 47 species of flora. Over 20,000 birds pass through during winter, but birdspotters can fancy their chances all year round as there are two hides in which to pass the time. You can also stroll along two walking trails. Free. Sat-Thu. Hides between E44 (Ras Al Khor Road) and E66 (Oud Metha Road), www.wildlife.ae (04 606 6822).
Estimated journey time (drive times approximate from Abu Dhabi Mall): 1 hour 25 minutes
Birdwatchers, grab your binoculars because at any given time Khor al Beidah, to the east of Umm Al-Quwain Breakwater, is home to 12,000 birds. The sheltered bay is the site of mangroves, so there’s a good chance you’ll also spot turtles and fish. But the birdlife is the main draw. It’s best to visit two hours before high tide. As well as flamingoes and herons, you’ll see cormorants, eagles, gulls and larks. You’ll find a handy map on how to get there at www.uaebirding.com. Free.
Estimated journey time: 2 hours 10 minutes
State of the art
A dry state, Sharjah has a bad rap for being boring. Not so. The heritage area off Corniche Road is home to Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, which is lined with beautiful script dating from the 17th century to modern day. Sharjah Art Museum nearby has a permanent collection of fine art by Oriental artists in the 18th and 19th centuries, and lively temporary exhibitions of contemporary art – on our visit, our favourite pieces were illuminated abstract metal sculptures, which cast a shadow on the wall in the form of a quote. Next door you’ll find Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, which is housed in a former covered market with a gold dome. It has a collection of 5,000 artefacts from the Islamic world – jewellery, costumes, swords and more. Join a free guided tour before discussing the works over Arabic coffee sitting on traditional majlis seating on May 24 and June 7 at 5.30pm, or embroider textiles on May 28 at 10am. All free, all Sat-Thu 8am-8pm, Fri 4pm-8pm. Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, www.sharjahmuseums.ae (06 569 4561). Sharjah Art Museum, www.sharjahmuseums.ae (06 568 8222). Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, www.islamicmuseum.ae (06 565 5455).
Estimated journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Love getting off the beaten track? Then explore Al Quoz, an industrial area peppered with independent galleries between First Gulf Bank and Noor Islamic Bank metro stations in Dubai. Alserkal Avenue off 8th Street is lined with 19 galleries – handy if you’re on foot. The Green Art Gallery will be showing the paintings of Kamrooz Aram, a New York-based Iranian artist, until May 5, and an exhibition of art students’ photography depicting the Syrian crisis from May 10 to June 26. Most galleries are free and open Sat-Thu 10am-7pm. ww.alserkalavenue.ae
Estimated journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Family favourites
If you’re not a resident of Sharjah, the creekside area Al Qasba is a well-kept secret. For city views, hop on Eye of the Emirates, a 60m-high ferris wheel, or let your kids loose in the fountain, which dances to music eight times a day from 5pm (free). Children will also enjoy the play area, hiring ByKy bikes or pedalos, and playing on the illuminated football pitch, Soccer 5. Swing by Maraya Art Centre too: from now until May 12 it has an exhibition exploring everyday rituals, while on May 3 from 2pm till 5pm, under-10s can take part in a free shadow-puppet workshop (register first). Over-16s can create comics by using cut-out characters on May 17, 2pm-6pm. Eye of the Emirates Dhs30 adults, Dhs15 kids. Sat-Wed 4pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 3pm-1am. Kids Fun Zone Dhs15. Daily 4pm-midnight. ByKy, Dhs20 single bike, Dhs30 double bike, Dhs40 family bike. Sat-Wed 4pm-11.30pm, Thu-Fri 4pm-midnight. Soccer 5, from Dhs250 an hour. Daily 9am-midnight. (052 801 6052). Fun World pedalo, Dhs50 for 15 minutes. Daily 4pm-1am. (055 384 5945). Maraya Art Centre, Al Taawun Road. Free. Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 4pm-10pm. www.maraya.ae (06 556 6555). www.alqasba.ae
Estimated journey time: 1 hour 40 minutes
With 45 million flowers, it’s little surprise Miracle Garden has a world record for the longest flower wall. Despite being on the outskirts of the desert, the garden is a riot of colour, with a flower clock and house-high peacock-shaped flower sculpture, vintage cars stuffed with petals and shady arches of blossoms. The Farm, a restaurant and café serving light dishes, is nearby. The outdoor terrace is surrounded by botanical gardens, with a trail leading you past a pond and fountains. A shaded lawn is perfect for kids to burn off excess energy while you nap in nearby hammocks. Miracle Garden, off E3111 (exit 30), opposite Arabian Ranches. Dhs30, under-threes free. Sun-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm. www.dubaimiraclegarden.com (04 422 8902). The Farm, Al Barari, opposite Falcon City. www.thefarmdubai.com (04 392 5660).
Estimated journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes
You can spend all day at Dreamland Aqua Park in Umm Al-Quwain, working your way round its raft rides, lazy river and waterslides. As well as a wave pool, swimming pool and whirlpool, you can play water volleyball or float in a replica Dead Sea. If you want a thrill, plunge into darkness down the black hole slide. Little ones will enjoy the kids’ pool; water cascading from giant buckets never gets old. The park has tents and cabanas if you want to make a night of it. Off E111, after Umm Al Quwain Airport. Dhs135 over 1.2m, Dhs85 under. Fri 10am-7pm families only, Sat-Thu 10am-6pm. www.dreamlanduae.com (06 768 1888).
Estimated journey time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Nature lovers
If you’re not a fan of action-packed days out, then relax on the charming Dalma Island, 42km from Jebel Dhanna. With its sleepy villages, traditional houses and plantations, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time stepping on to this 9km x 6km patch of land. Like any self-respecting desert island, it carries a legend of buried treasure – pirates hid sacks of pearls here – so you could while away the hours hunting for them. Otherwise, relax on its beaches or meet fishermen unloading their daily catch at the dock and selling their wares at Dalma souk. Yameela ferry runs from Jebel Dhanna port to the island at 9am, 1pm and 6pm. Dh20 per person, Dh100 per car. www.dalmaisland.com
Estimated journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes (ferry extra)
What’s more relaxing than wallowing in crystal clear, warm water? The natural hot springs and waterfalls near Hatta are the perfect temperature for bathing. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when haze settles over the surrounding peaks of the Hajar mountain range, casting shadows between the crevices of the wadis (dry riverbeds). Avoid weekends though, as rubbish blights the rock pools. Driving a 4×4 is advisable. While you’re in the area, pop by Hatta Heritage Village, which is in the Dubai emirate but close to the Oman border. The Hatta settlement dates back to the 16th century, when two fort towers were built on the nearby mountains to protect the village. In 2001, the area was restored as a tourist attraction. Spend an hour exploring its mud and stone houses, weaponry tower and a replica of the Governor’s majlis, which is decorated with folklore scenes. Hatta Heritage Village, turn right at the fort roundabout. Free. Sat-Thu 8am-8.30pm; Fri 2.30pm-8.30pm. (04 852 1384). Hatta rock pools, take Mahdah 64 from the Dubai-Hatta highway, turn left on to a gravel track at the Sumaini signpost.
Estimated journey time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Romance
Al Ain oasis is a 1,200-hectare area of palm plantations, many of which are still working farms. You can spend a few hours exploring the cool, shady walkways that wind underneath the date palms, and chances are you’ll have the place to yourself. In the late afternoon, drive up Jebel Hafeet, a 1,240m peak that rises from the desert. Go at sunset and watch the sun’s rays turn the rock orange, then stay to count the stars. Green Mubazzarah, a naturally verdant area, is at the foot of the mountain. Pack a picnic and sit on the banks of the stream that runs through the park. The warm water is rich in minerals and the perfect temperature for paddling. There’s also a hammam (Dhs5) at the north end of the park. Helpful directions can be found at www.alainenthusiast.com. Oasis, near Al Ain Palace Museum. Free. www.visitabudhabi.ae (03 712 8429; 03 712 8523). Green Mubazzarah. Al Ain south. Free.
Estimated journey time: 2 hours
Quite possibly the most romantic destination in the country, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is a Bedouin-style resort in the Empty Quarter. Call ahead and you can join activities intended for guests, such as a two-hour guided desert walk at sunset, monthly full moon treks or sunset yoga. On the way you’ll pass Liwa Oasis, a collection of 50 villages and farms surrounded by date palms and ghaf trees. Guided walk Dhs125, full moon trek Dhs299, sunset yoga Dhs150 per hour. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, www.qasralsarab.ae (02 886 2088).
Estimated journey time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Sport-mad
Al Gharbia Water Sports Festival on Al Mirfa beach is huge. From now until May 3 you’ll have the opportunity to try kite surfing, kayaking and wakeboarding, watch dhow races – which have big cash prizes – and take part in swimming competitions. If you’re not worn out, join in a football match or volleyball game on land. A DJ, fire dancers, circus acts and drummers performing in water will provide entertainment, and kids will enjoy the funfair. You’ll be able to see sand sculptors at work, too. If the cookery competitions whet your appetite, browse the food souk on the beach. Free. Al Mirfa beach, www.algharbia.ae
Estimated journey time: 1 hour 40 minutes
