Still unsure of what to do to make the most of your long weekend?
With the public holiday dates now confirmed, it’s time to make a plan.
There’s lots of ideas for things to do in Dubai right here, but sometimes, it’s good to get a change of scene. A bit of perspective, as they say.
Philosophers like to say that the journey is more important than the destination.
Anybody who has ever driven a philosopher around for hours only to discover they have pinched all the best sandwiches from the picnic and there isn’t a toilet for at least 50km knows not to trust them with something as important as a road trip.
Yes, the drive is part of it. Yes, travel is a joy unto itself (never more so than this year). Yes, a little exploration and discovery uncover new answers to questions you didn’t know had been asked.
But also, sometimes it is good to plan ahead.
Here is a road trip adventure to try in every emirate.
Sleep in a mountain dome: Mountain town Hatta is said to be equidistant from all the emirates, which it’s the ideal choice for the upcoming 50th UAE National Day celebrations. Usually though, it’s a quiet location ideal for a remote road trip escape. While we’re huge fans of the luxury resorts and ultra-modern hotels of Dubai, Hatta’s stunning lodges are all about adventure and natural splendour. Camping, custom-built mountain lodges on stilts and caravans are all waiting at the end of your drive up towards the mountains. Best of all, though, are the glamping domes. Equipped with barbecues and TVs they have just the right side of luxury, while still being quirky enough to pretend you are sleeping on a moon camp. Hatta Wadi Hub, Hatta, www.visithatta.ae, (04 852 2200).
GPS it: 24.812611213647532, 56.15490492626157
You might also like: The best budget staycations in the UAE this winter
Kayak in Ajman’s mangroves: Is there a more adventurous mode of transport than a kayak? We rather think not. After the drive to Ajman takes you through barren desert landscape it can be a surprise to climb out of your car and be in natural mangroves home to more than 100 species of migratory birds, fish and flora at the impressive Al Zorah development. Tours are offered by Quest For Adventure and take paddlers into more than 1 million square metres, the thick, natural mangroves making it one of the best places to see flamingoes in the country.
Al Zorah, The Pavilion, Ajman, www.alzorah.ae, (800 259 6274).
GPS it: 25.426543351963378, 55.49911123976751
Glamping on the beach in RAK: Ras Al Khaimah holds a place in our heart as the adventure emirate. Having the country’s highest mountain, world’s longest zipline and the Bear Grylls Adventure survival camps helps, of course. It is the ideal road trip destination and after adventure on the mountain-side be sure to head down to sea level for some apres-zip. The 300m of private beach at the Longbeach Compound are ideal for lovers of the great outdoors who want a little glamp in their camp. Domes, tents, lodges and safari camps are a fun way to end a day of adventure. Especially if you remember to bring marshmallows for the campfire.
BM Beach Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah, www.bmhotelsresorts.com, (07 203 4000).
GPS it: 25.672824746804213, 55.758946827580054
Surf in Umm Al Quwain: More interesting people than you on Instagram in places like California are always going for surfing road trips. Emulate their style by taking the trip to this oft-forgotten emirate. On a stretch of private beach this surf school has decent waves that are excellent for beginners and warmly-welcomed by experienced surfers. There is kitesurfing for times you can’t rely on swell. Look out for the muscle gym and funky beach huts, too.
Kite Beach Centre, Umm Al Quwain, www.kitebeachcenter.ae, (055 507 3060).
GPS it: 25.547538200770706, 55.53695932627634
Deep sea fishing in Fujairah: Heading to the East Coast and the Indian Ocean feels like going to another country, even though you won’t leave the UAE. Extend the trip even further by climbing aboard a boat and heading out beyond the land. Deep sea fishing in Fujairah could see you landing giant yellowfin tuna, king baracuda, dorado and more enormous sporting catch. Charter a yacht and captains will show you the best places to cast off. Fujairah Rotana, Al Aqah, Fujairah, www.adventuresports.ae (050 464 3015).
GPS it: 25.50909244620751, 56.36314789744008
Stargazing in Sharjah: Drive over under the baking sun, but spend your night stargazing in a luxury resort. Among the dunes of central Sharjah the Al Badayer Resort comprises glamping tents and traditional Emirati accommodation. Best of all, however, the limited light pollution means incredible night skies can be viewed (plus the resort offers movie under the stars experiences). Or select the new Mysk Moon Retreat, with 10 domes and six tents, from where you can explore Mleiha Fossil Rock by day and the starry sky by night. Experienced guides can point out Mars, Jupiter and constellations as well as, just as impressive, handing out warm drinks.
Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, Madam Road, www.myskhotels.com, (06 801 2020).
GPS it: 24.951138117808732, 55.72465341092264
Conquer dunes in Abu Dhabi: Out on the fringes of Abu Dhabi and facing out into the vast Empty Quarter is the world’s largest sand dune. If that’s not an ideal target for a road trip destination then there’s no pleasing you. For many a year it was a remote spot without much to enjoy (other than stunning natural beauty, jaw-dropping vistas and a sense of eternal wonder), but now there is the stunning Qasr Al Sarab Hotel.That means you can find activities such as camel-treks, dune hikes, fatbiking, sand boarding and dune driving.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Al Sarab Road, www.anantara.com, (02 886 2088).
GPS it: 22.900569723117655, 54.33604943971902
Book your Christmas brunch
The big day is getting closer
Read more here.
The best country pavilions at Expo 2020
Use the long weekend to explore Expo
Read more here.
33 awesome outdoor activities with the kids
Keep them active over the long weekend
Read more here.
