Amazing things to do in the UAE this Eid

Abu Dhabi
Don’t want to leave the capital for your Eid Al Adha in the UAE plans? Don’t worry, there are plenty of cool things to do for Eid without a long road trip. If you’re looking for more great things to do in Abu Dhabi click here.

Go glamping in Bab Al Nojoum
Bab Al Nojoum on Al Hudayriyat Island has become one of the top glamping destinations in the UAE for a number of reasons. This star attraction has quirky accommodation in the form of retired and converted camper vans and 4x4s, repurposed so you can spend a night under the stars. It’s perfect for sleeping under the stars without the usual struggles of camping. It’s just a 17-minute drive from the Corniche, making it a getaway sans road trip for Abu Dhabi residents.
Al Hudayriyat Island, babalnojoum.com/en

Snap a pic at Salt Lake
This beauty spot with distinctive rock formations is a real hotspot for Insta fiends, but it’s definitely worth the attention in our opinion. Found alongside the Al Ain highway, close to Al Bihouth, the Al Wathba Long Salt Lake has salt pillars that look like mushrooms. The pillars are strong enough to stand on, and perfect for taking your Eid Al Adha in the UAE photos. Pure magic.

Ajman
Looking to make the trip to Ajman this Eid Al Adha? We’ve got a pro tip for you…

Explore Masfout
Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, Masfout is a small village that’s popular among nature lovers who love to have a low-key adventure. There are lots of hiking and mountain biking routes in the area if you’re willing to brave the heat, and it’s not far from Hatta so you can combine days out.

Al Ain
The garden city of Abu Dhabi is well known for its greenery and natural beauty. If you’re looking for a staycation destination, it’s the perfect place to take the family this Eid Al Adha in the UAE.

Drive to the top of Jebel Hafeet
While hiking up Jebel Hafeet is a favourite activity in the winter, we think driving might be a better option this Eid Al Adha. Abu Dhabi’s highest mountain features a beautiful winding road with spectacular views of the area from the top. Jebel Hafeet Desert Park lies at the bottom, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to Neolithic tombs. Bring a picnic and eat while you take in the stunning views.
Al Ain.

Visit the giraffes and penguins at Al Ain Zoo
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination to enjoy in the UAE, you definitely don’t want to miss out on meeting some extremely tall customers or stopping in at Penguin Beach at Al Ain Zoo. The latter is the first outdoor exhibition in the Middle East for penguins includes, and a pool, beach and walkways for visitors.
Dhs31.50 (adults), Dhs 10.50 (kids) Al Ain Zoo, alainzoo.ae/penguin-beach

Dubai
Looking for unusual things to do in Dubai this Eid Al Adha in the UAE? If you’re looking to get away from the city, you should definitely check out these beautiful spots in Dubai. Looking for more great things to do in Dubai? Click here.

Check out the out-of-this-world Moon Lake
Moon Lake is a crescent-shaped man-made lake that was discovered earlier this year. Carved out just around the corner from Love Lake in Al Qudra, it is frequented by Arabian oryx. Jump in a 4×4 and drive up to this spot for a beautiful Eid Al Adha in the UAE moment.
Al Qudra.

Fujairah
Looking to have an aqua-adventure in the UAE? Fujairah is a top pick. Especially known for its stunning marine life, Fujairah is a great place to beat the heat by going “under the sea” – where life is the bubbles.
For our full list of things to do in Fujairah click here.

Go glamping at The Retreat
If you love the great outdoors, but aren’t prepared to camp out in the summer heat, we have the perfect place. Get back in touch with nature at The Retreat, featuring an eco-friendly venue, organic menu, en-suite tents, family-sized options and, most importantly, AC. On-site activities include kayaking, hiking, guided walks and yoga. The Retreat is wall-to-wall natural, built with locally sourced materials, to preserve Fujairah’s beauty for generations to come. We love this blend of luxury and wildlife, and you will too.
From Dhs1,140, Al Bidya, theretreat.ae.

Have a snorkeling adventure at Snoopy Island
Parrot fish, sea turtles and live coral. There is so much to “sea” at Snoopy Island, one of the most famous snorkelling spots in the UAE. Take a short swim from the shores of Sandy Beach to the massive rock formation that looks like a favourite childhood cartoon character. The shallows of the 20m tall rock provide a welcome retreat for all kinds of sea life, including blacktip reef sharks. The scenes are wicked cool, so be sure to bring your GoPro.
Open all day every day. Sandy Beach, Al Aqah.

Scuba dive at Dibba Rock
Are you more at home on the ocean’s bed? Dibba Rock is a stunning location for anyone who looking to go diving this Eid Al Adha in the UAE. Dives go as deep as 30m, with 10m visibility on a good day. Explore the corals and wave hello to sting rays, green turtles and tonnes of shimmering fish. You’ll also spot a small shipwreck and artificial reef. Sounds like an unmissable view of ocean life fit for any diving enthusiast.
nemodivingcenter.com.

Hatta
If you’re looking for a special spot to enjoy Eid Al Adha in the UAE, Hatta is a clear choice. With beautiful mountain scenery, cool cultural destinations and totally ‘grammable shots from Hatta Dam, it’s easy to see why so many people flock here for a staycation getaway. While it might be too hot to go camping or have an intense hike around Hatta in July, there are still plenty of awesome things to do.
Click here for the full list of things to do in Hatta.

Explore Hatta Heritage Village
If you’re looking for a cool cultural activity to do this Eid Al Adha in the UAE, you should check out Hatta Heritage Village. Mud, reed and stone buildings populate this reconstructed mountain settlement, where you can visit the folklore house that displays examples of Nabatoi folk poetry. Explore the old market with six shops and a restaurant for a chance to see what life was like in the Hajar Mountains before the economical oil boom of the 1960s.
Free. Sat-Fri 7.30am-8.30pm. Hatta.

Relax and unwind at JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Leave the camping gear at home, you can still spend a night in one of the UAE’s favourite beauty spots. Kick off your shoes at JA Hatta Fort Hotel in the heart of Hatta. Spread over more than 80 acres of garden space, enjoy swimming, archery, mini-golf and tennis. There’s even a petting zoo. Sounds like the perfect place to have a getaway and enjoy Eid with the family.
Prices vary. JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Dubai-Hatta Road, jaresortshotels.com (04 809 9333).

Take a picture with the iconic Hatta sign
Just like Hollywood, Hatta has a sign that your feed shouldn’t be without. Take a picture with the iconic letters, which you can hike to via the red, blue or green hiking routes, or spare your legs and take a picture from the air-conditioned safety of your car. We’ll probably be opting for the second option this summer. Say cheese.
Hatta.

Sharjah
Whether you’re travelling to Sharjah for a staycation or you’re a long-time resident, you should definitely check out these attractions over Eid Al Adha in the UAE.

Discover Fossil Rock
Have you ever wanted to find a real fossil? If you’re a fan of hiking (or driving around the desert) you should definitely check out Fossil Rock. It gained its name for the fossils, which date back 70 million years, embedded in the rock formations. Take in the burning orange sands and rock formations this Eid Al Adha in the UAE.
Mleiha, Sharjah.

Visit the Khor Fakkan Waterfalls
There is something so soothing about the sound of rushing water. Did you know the UAE has its own waterfall in Khor Fakkan? Built next to the Khor Fakkan Ampitheatre, the 45m tall attraction is carved into the natural rock, and features viewing windows at the top. Enjoy the view this Eid Al Adha in the UAE.
Khor Fakkan, Sharjah.

Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAE’s ultimate adventure destinations for rock climbers and hiking enthusiasts. The run might prevent you from wanting to exercise outside, but there are still lots of cool things to do in RAK this Eid Al Adha in the UAE.
For our full list of Ras Al Khaimah to-dos, click here.

Explore a deserted village
The abandoned pearling village of Al Jazirat Al Hamra in Ras Al Khaimah has remained almost unchanged since its inhabitants left in 1968, making it a “ghost village” and a permanent monument to a bygone era. It’s completely empty now, but gets its fair share of intrigued visitors. The village was even featured in a 2017 Brad Pitt film: War Machine. This could be the ultimate place to get some peace and quiet this Eid Al Adha in the UAE; just don’t get spooked.
Between Al Hamra Village and Al Jazeera Port, Ras Al Khaimah.

Have a rainforest experience in the desert
If you’re looking for relaxation, the spa at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert boasts an impressive setting. The rainforest experience combines European hydrothermal culture with Middle Eastern bathing rituals to create a sanctuary in the desert. This unusual spa experience includes 16 stations including affusion showers, a brine cavern, bucket drench shower, aroma steam grotto steam, herbal sauna, hammam, igloo, rain walk, vitality pool and more. It’s just Dhs150 per hour, which sounds like some top-value “me time” to us.
Dhs150 (60-minute experience), Dhs250 (two-hour experience), Dhs350 (2.5-hour experience). Daily 10am-7pm. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert (07 206 7777).

Soar across the world’s longest zipline
Calling all adrenhaline-junkies. Jebel Jais is the UAE’s highest mountain, with plenty to offer including a spectacular view from the top. It’s also home to the world’s longest zipline, which has become one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most famous attractions. Fly through the sky at speeds of up to 150 kph, travelling 2.8km across the mountain terrain. It’s a huge flex on the ‘gram, plus there’s lots to do around Jebel Jais afterwards, including an aerial obstacle course.
From Dhs225. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, visitjebeljais.com (050 423 1542).

Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain knows how to combine the best of both worlds. Here’s what you should put on your Eid Al Adha in the UAE to-do list.

Camp on the beach at Ollie Daze
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Umm Al Quwain, Ollie Daze is a beach hotel you don’t want to miss. Camping, live music, beach games, barbecue and watersports, they’ll not in short supply here. Grab your backpack, GoPro and sunscreen for an unforgettable Eid Al Adha in the UAE vacation.
www.olliedaze.com.