Today’s post comes to you from Neha Singh, a Dubai expert and travel blogger at DubaiWika.com!
Tourists from all over the world visit Dubai for its glitz and glamour. But for the residents, this constant hustle-bustle can be very overwhelming. While almost always on weekends you want to rest and relax, sometimes an escape to a new place is a great way to rejuvenate.
Regular routine lifestyle, constant stress makes the wait for weekends all the more exhausting for the locals. Thankfully, for the residents of Dubai, there are many less known places to visit in Dubai that can offer much-needed respite from their daily routine.
Here are some of the best attractions near the city of Dubai to spend your weekend.
1. Hatta Mountains
One of the closest hidden destinations in Dubai is the Hatta Mountains. A favorite place of the residents to escape the heat of Dubai, Hatta Mountains is hardly an hour and a half drive from Dubai and offers indisputable views of its natural beauty.
Must Visit Attractions:
- Hatta Dam
- Hatta Heritage Village
- Hatta Hill Park
- Hatta Rock Pools
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2. Ajman
The smallest of the seven emirates of UAE, Ajman has an exceptional getaway with its palm-lined sandy coastline stretching for 16 km. Home to some of the few remaining Dhow building yards in the region, Ajman is your quiet getaway for a relaxed weekend at the beach and value for money hotels.
Must-Visit Attractions:
- Ajman Beach
- Ajman Museum
- Ajman Ladies Park
- Nour Al Kawthar Mall
3. Fujairah
Fujairah is a modern industrial city with many restored historic monuments. Although the city consists of high rise office buildings and all the modern amenities, Fujairah is perfect for weekend getaways, thanks to its magnificent beaches. Separated by the Hajar Mountains, Fujairah is 127 km away from Dubai; its coastline is famous for sunbathing and scuba diving. For people who want to escape to Offbeat Destinations near Dubai, Fujairah is a great choice.
Must Visit Attractions:
- Fujairah Museum
- Al Bidya Mosque
- Al Hayle Castle
- Al Bithnah Fort
4. Dibba
Dibba is one of the largest towns in the Northern part of Emirates. Around 140 km from Dubai, Dibba is visited by the tourists in both summer and winter seasons; in winter people visit Dibba to camp in the mountains, and in summer people from all parts of UAE come to enjoy water sports and soak themselves in sandy beaches. The beaches of Dibba are considered among the best beaches in the UAE and are a major tourist attraction.
Must-Visit Attractions:
- Dadna Beach
- Blue Planet Diving
- Blue Whale Tour
- Palm Dive Centre
5. KhorFakkan
KhorFakkan is a major attraction for tourists because of its beautiful natural scenery and gorgeous beaches. Situated 145 km from Dubai, KhorFakkan is one of the best of Dubai’s hidden attractions and is also famous for its awe-inspiring and massive mountains. You can even use a car rental to explore off the beaten path!
KhorFakkan is a must-visit for tourist who wants to get the surreal feel of nature. Surrounded by the Fujairah Emirates, KhorFakkan’s backdrop has a bay, making it a very beautiful place to visit.
Must-Visit Attractions:
- KhorFakkan Beach
- Deep Blue Sea Diving Centre
- Al Wurrayah Falls
6. Jebel Ali
Jebel Ali is a port town situated 40 km from Dubai. Famous for its beaches and serene view, Jebel Ali has one of the most lavish hotels in the Emirates to spoil you with their unparalleled luxuries. You can also opt for shooting clubs and visit the golf course if you can shell out time from its amazing beaches, and seaports.
Must-Visit Attractions:
- Go Fishing Tour
- MX-Academy Motocross Enduro Desert ride and Dune Bashing
- Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple
7. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Dubai has always been famous for its marvelous deserts, and Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve acts as a major tourist attraction for people who want to explore deserts. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve serves as a home for hundreds of species of birds, wildlife, gazelles, and if you’re lucky you can also spot the extremely rare Gordon wildcat. Explore the UAE’s first national park, which stretches up to 225 km with the desert supervisor and soak the serenity of the desert and its creatures.
Must-Visit Attractions:
- Camel Treks
- Wildlife Drives
- Sand Boarding
- Archery
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Dubai Off the Beaten Path
Places like Hatta Mountains, Dibba and KhorFakkan serves as an adventure destination for the travelers, with facilities like trekking, camping etc. Ajman and Fujairah are famous for its beautiful beaches, whether you like water sports, snorkeling, sunbathing or even visiting historical monuments; these places have something for everyone. Jebel Ali stands tall as the 9th world’s busiest port (acc. To 2011 survey) and is a trade free zone, you can see the state of the art machinery at the ports and can also spot US Navy ships as they frequent visit Jebel Ali for work.
You can also check out Jebel Ali Desalination Plant (Phase 2) regarded as the world’s largest desalination plant. The Dubai Conservation Reserve provides an escape from the busy life of the city to know the desert lifestyle, you can also enjoy Horse riding, Archery, and Wildlife drives Sand boarding and desert dinner to quench your thirst for an amazing weekend getaway.
Neha Singh is a postgraduate in Mass Communications. An avid trekker & explorer, who often takes off some time from her busy life for mountaineering, she loves meeting new people & gets attached to their culture very easily. Her ambition is to explore as many places as she can. She strongly believes in Gandhian principle – “simple living high thinking”. Currently working as a travel blogger for DubaiWika.com
