Weekend Getaways from Dubai: Desert, Mountains & More
  • cldMay 21, 2025

 

Dubai Weekend Trips: Desert Adventures, Mountain Retreats & More

You may have visited many places when you want to put your mind at ease. Every destination has its speciality and uniqueness. But what are the good destinations to visit from Dubai to spend your perfect weekend? If you want to be away from Dubai for a great weekend getaway, many nearby places exist in the UAE. Additionally, various locations around Dubai are becoming increasingly famous because of their proximity and accessibility from Dubai. Moreover, the areas near Dubai never disappoint their travellers, whether nature lovers, thrill seekers, shopaholics, history buffs, photophiles, foodie, or art aficionados. With the help of the following guide, you will explore the various ways to cater to your needs and thus assist in making an enjoyable trip for your mini vacations.

 

Activities and Destinations to Explore from Dubai for a Weekend Getaway

 

Desert Getaways

The desert covers most of the UAE. You can have a fantastic experience in the country's sparkling sand and enticing skyscrapers. While visiting the deserts, you can easily delve into the country's traditional and cultural heritage. In addition, the desert also forms a different landscape, which is unlikely to be experienced in any other topography, including dunes, badlands, playa lakes, and yardands. Moreover, the UAE hosts various famous festivals in its deserts, including the week-long Liwa festival, where you can indulge in the location's charm and beauty.

  • Various Deserts in the UAE: the Al Maha Desert, the Liwa Desert, the Rub'al Khali, Al Khatim Desert, Al Awir Desert, Lahbab Desert, and Mlekiha Desert. 
  • Activities to do in the deserts of the UAE: Desert Safari, Dune bashing, Sandboarding, and Quad Biking.

 

Mountain Getaways

Though the UAE is typically renowned for its vast desert area and skyscrapers, it also has some mountains. Every nature enthusiast and thrill-seeker should visit it, where you can delve into various activities. Moreover, the terrain of the hills is also rough and rugged, where your adventure would be more exciting. It's best to visit the mountains between October and March, when the weather is pleasant, and you can explore the various flora there. 

  • Various mountains in Dubai: the Hatta Mountains, Jebel Jais, Jabal Bil Ays, Jebel Hafeet, Jabal Dad, Jabal Qitab, and Jabal Buta
  • Activities to do in the hills of Dubai: sightseeing, hiking, camping, zip lining, exploring the flora and fauna of the mountains, taking breathtaking pictures for social media, and respite from the hectic work life.  

 

Yas Island 

Yas Island is located in Abu Dhabi, the UAE. It is among Abu Dhabi's most significant tourism projects and is renowned as a leisure island worldwide. It is the best location for families or groups of friends to visit. Irrespective of your age, you would enjoy all the areas of the island. Moreover, it is a paradise for thrill seekers, where they can enjoy an array of attractions, including the world-renowned theme parks. Whereas, if you want to have a relaxing weekend, you can explore the pristine and luxurious beaches of Yas Island. 

  • Places to explore in Yas Island: Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Disney theme park resort. 
  • Activities to explore in Yas Island: Play golf on its golf course, chase your adventure in its theme parks, relax at its beaches, and enjoy the rides.

 

Conclusion

Have a great weekend at those getaway locations that you can visit from Dubai. You can also buy a souvenir and delicious cuisine to make your trip more memorable and enjoyable. However, these are just a few destinations you can visit during your mini-vacations in Dubai. Apart from that, you can also explore various other destinations if these don't come under your desired places to visit.