10 Day Trips From Abu Dhabi: Best of UAE

Sun-kissed beaches, historic monuments and spectacular architecture, swanky shopping malls and an array of exciting water sports is what makes Abu Dhabi the perfect holiday destination which is now upcoming as a favourite amongst travellers of all kinds. Perched on the Persian Gulf, this city has lots of attractions to offer and is often visited as a day trip from Dubai. What are the day trip choices you can take from Abu Dhabi? Here’s a list of the top 10 day trips from Abu Dhabi to add to your UAE experience:

Top 10 Day Trips From Abu Dhabi

Here is the list of places you can visit during your Abu Dhabi vacation to add to the fun of exploring the United Arab Emirates:

1. Zaya Nurai Island for a perfect getaway

While vacationing in Abu Dhabi, if you want to spend a relaxing day with family, take a quick boat ride from Yas Island to reach Zaya Nurai Island, one of the most famous day tours from Abu Dhabi. Zaya Nurai Island is a luxurious and elegant private resort that offers a day pass to visitors so that they can spend the entire day resting and using all their facilities. Sunbathe and unwind on their private beaches, spend some time in the pool swimming and enjoy delicious food in their classy restaurants. A must do is to pamper yourself with aromatherapy massages in the Nurai Spa.

2. Masdar City for picturesque scenery

Masdar is a planned city and counted as one of the world’s most sustainable urban communities. People visit this beautiful city as one of the popular day excursions from Abu Dhabi and spend the entire day, enjoying the array of recreational and entertainment facilities. Take leisure walks, ride bicycles to explore the city, check out the stylish cafes and bars.

Distance: 29 km from Abu Dhabi

Key attractions: Outdoor basketball and gym, Experience Masdar Park which contains solar-powered benches and the Tree of Light., a tree-like model, created from recycled elements and changes colour when touched.

3. Beat the heat in SkiDubai

If you are bothered about how to tolerate the heat and humidity of the city, straight away head to Ski Dubai and plan for a cool day there. Ski Dubai is one of the best choices of day trips from Abu Dhabi as it comprises of indoor skiing area and facilities to enjoy winter sports all year around.It has an indoor cafe too when you want to take a break from skiing.

Distance: 127 km from Abu Dhabi

Key attractions: Skiing, snowboarding, snow bullet, indoor ziplining, zorbing, and tobogganing.

4. Dubai for shopping and beaches

It is not a poor idea to visit Dubai as a day trip from Abu Dhabi. Being one of the most stunning cities in the United Arab Emirates; Dubai is globally renowned for extravagant shopping malls, modern monuments and architecture, numerous beaches and most vibrant nightlife. Shop at the malls and conventional souks, Enjoy the sun at the beaches and spend a whole day in this modern city. A day trip to Dubai from Abu Dhabi will surely leave you with an extraordinary vacation!

Distance: 139 km from Abu Dhabi

Key attractions: Gold souk, spice souk, Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Mall, Dubai aquarium and Palm Jumeirah

4. Wild Wadi Waterpark for fun rides

If you are shortlisting fun day trips from Abu Dhabi, have Wild Wadi Waterpark on the list for sure. Drive down to this exciting and fun park in Dubai and spend a fun day here especially if you’re going with kids. Enjoy insane times in their splash pools, breathtaking rides, and water slides. To top it off, enjoy the remarkable view of the famous landmark; Burj Al Arab, which looks marvellous from the Wild Wadi Waterpark. Once you are satisfied and fatigued, check out their in-house cafes and eateries like Smoke House, Riptide Pizza and Leila’s Fruits and Snacks and unwind in the cabanas beside Juha’s Journey Lazy River and the Wavepool.

Distance: 140 km from Abu Dhabi

Key attractions: Master Blaster, Burj surf, tantrums alley, wipeout flow rider, and Juha’s dhow and lagoon.

6. IMG Worlds Of Adventure for much-required excitement

How about doing a day trip from Abu Dhabi to the world’s biggest indoor theme park? Sounds fun? Another excellent attraction in Dubai is the IMG Worlds Of Adventure which is a captivating amusement park where you can enjoy with family and kids. Divided into 5 themed zones particularly Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley, Novo Cinemas and IMG Boulevard; this entertainment park leaves no stone unturned to keep you occupied during the day. Enjoy the spins, view 3D animation movies and feast in their themed eateries like Tony’s Skydeck, Chang’s Golden Dragon, Mama Scano’s Of Yancy Street.

Distance: 141 km from Abu Dhabi

Key attractions: The Haunted Hotel, Spider-Man Dok Oaks Revenge, Thor Thunder Spin, and Lazy Town.

7. Sharjah for a heritage experience

Sat on the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah is another wonderful city of UAE with rebuilt homes and architecture representing Emirati culture. Decorated with mosques, beaches, aquarium, and museums, Sharjah is absolutely one of the most desired-after day trips from Abu Dhabi. Make sure to include it in your list of day trips from Abu Dhabi for a different experience altogether.

Distance: 165 km from Abu Dhabi

Key attractions: Sharjah Fort, King Faisal Mosque, Sharjah Aquarium, Al Mamzar Beach and Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation.

8. Jabel Hafeet to experience nature

Sat at the border of UAE and Oman, Jabel Hafeet holds as the highest mountains in UAE. Counting the scenic beauty, thrilling drive, and surrounding landscape, Jabel Hafeet is one of the distinct day trips from Abu Dhabi, especially for those you want to enjoy hiking and day picnics. It is only an hours journey from Abu Dhabi so all the more reason to visit!

Distance: 175 km from Abu Dhabi

Key attractions: Trekking and mountain biking

9.Ras Al Khaimah for a traditional retreat

A century-old fort, sandy beaches, and islands welcome everyone at Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of UAE. Highlighting museums, mosques, marine parks, water parks, and heritage forts, Ras Al Khaimah attracts tourists of all kinds. Organize a day trip from Abu Dhabi, which takes around 3 hours to arrive and savour the extraordinary beauty of this heritage city. This place is easily one of the must-visit day tours from Abu Dhabi that should not miss!

Distance: 248 km from Abu Dhabi

Key attractions: Saqr Park, National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, Jazirat Al Hamra- the ghost town, Dhayah Fort, Ice Land Water park and Marjan island.

10. Fujairah to escape by the sea

Just 3 hours drive from Abu Dhabi will take you to one of the most picturesque beaches in UAE, Fujairah. Positioned in the east coast, the beach of Fujairah is presented with sky-blue water, white sandy beaches and bright aquatic organisms. Rest, sunbathe, take leisure seaside strolls and relish water sports to make this day trip from Abu Dhabi satisfying and engaging.

Distance: 300 km from Abu Dhabi

Key attractions: Snorkelling and scuba diving, snoopy island, Wadi wurayah and Al Badiyah mosque.

Excited to discover Abu Dhabi? Being the perfect destination for families and couples alike, there is no stone unturned with the endless options of fun with the numerous day trips you can take easily. Book your Abu Dhabi package with Pickyourtrail soon or simply combine it with your Dubai tour package for the ultimate UAE experience.

Also Read: Free Things to do in Abu Dhabi