10 Day Trips From Abu Dhabi For A Complete UAE Experience In 2024

23 Nov 2021

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Perched on the Persian Gulf; Abu Dhabi is a fabulous holiday destination. Sun-kissed beaches, monuments and marvelous architecture, shopping malls and an array of thrilling water sports adorn the place, making it a favorite amongst travelers of all kinds. Spend a few days in this dreamlike place and plan for these amazing day trips from Abu Dhabi, to make the vacation all the more enticing and fulfilling.

10 Popular Day Trips From Abu Dhabi

There are some interesting places which make up for fascinating day trips from Abu Dhabi. Let’s explore them all right here and you can choose which ones you would pick for your holiday.

Zaya Nurai Island – A Perfect Getaway
Masdar City – The Picturesque City
Ski Dubai – Beat The Heat
Dubai – For Classy Malls, Souks, And Beaches
Wild Wadi Waterpark – Enjoy Thrilling Rides
IMG Worlds Of Adventure – For Fun And Excitement
Sharjah – A Heritage City
Jabel Hafeet – A Nirvana Amid Nature
Ras Al Khaimah – A Heritage Retreat
Fujairah – Escapade By The Sea

1. Zaya Nurai Island – A Perfect Getaway

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While holidaying in Abu Dhabi, if you wish to spend a relaxing day with family, take a short boat ride from Yas Island to reach Zaya Nurai Island, one of the most popular day trips from Abu Dhabi. This luxury and posh private resort offer day pass to visitors so that they can spend the entire day, unwind and avail all their facilities. Sunbathe and chill out on their private beaches, spend some crazy time in the swimming pool and enjoy sumptuous food in their classy restaurants. Don’t miss to pamper yourself with aromatherapy massages in the Nurai Spa.

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 26 km
Key attractions in Zaya Nurai Island: Couple massage, sunset yoga on the beach, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and kayaking.

Must Read: Abu Dhabi In March Travel Guide: Things To Do And Places To Visit

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2. Masdar City – The Picturesque City

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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 amusement facilities. Take leisure strolls, rent bicycles to explore the city, check out the trendy cafes and bars.

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 29 km
Key attractions in Masdar City: Outdoor basketball and gym, explore Masdar Park which comprises of solar-powered benches and the Tree of Light. This is a tree-like structure, built from recycled materials and changes color when touched.

3. Ski Dubai – Beat The Heat

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If you are perturbed to tolerate the heat and humidity of the place, straight away head to Ski Dubai and plan for a chilled-out day there. Ski Dubai is one of the best options of day trips from Abu Dhabi, which comprises of indoor skiing area, facilities to enjoy winter sports and indoor cafeteria.

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 127 km
Key attractions in Ski Dubai: Skiing, snowboarding, snow bullet, indoor ziplining, zorbing, and tobogganing.

4. Dubai – For Classy Malls, Souks, And Beaches

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It is not a bad idea visiting Dubai on a day trip from Abu Dhabi. As one of the most stunning cities of United Arab Emirates; Dubai is globally known for luxurious shopping malls, monuments and architecture, beaches and most happening nightlife. Check out the malls and traditional souks, sunbathe at the beaches and spend an entire day in this awe-inspiring city. A day trip to Dubai from Abu Dhabi will surely leave you with an unforgettable vacation!

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 139 km
Key attractions in Dubai: Gold Souk, spice souk, Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Mall, Dubai aquarium and Palm Jumeirah

5. Wild Wadi Waterpark – Enjoy Thrilling Rides

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If you are shortlisting fascinating day trips from Abu Dhabi, keep Wild Wadi Waterpark in the list. Drive down to this fun and frolic zone in Dubai and spend a dedicated day here with your family and kids. Enjoy crazy moments in their splash pools, thrilling rides, and water slides. To top it up, enjoy the stunning view of the famous landmark; Burj Al Arab, which looks mind-blowing from the Wild Wadi Waterpark. Once you are done and exhausted, check out their in-house cafes and restaurants like Smoke House, Riptide Pizza and Leila’s Fruits and Snacks and relax in the cabanas beside Juha’s Journey Lazy River and the Wavepool.

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 140 km
Key attractions in Wild Wadi Waterpark: Master Blaster, Burj surj, tantrums alley, wipeout flow rider, and Juha’s dhow and lagoon.

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6. IMG Worlds Of Adventure – For Fun And Excitement

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How about making a day trip from Abu Dhabi to the world’s largest indoor theme park? Sounds unbelievable? Another prime attraction in Dubai; IMG Worlds of Adventure is a fascinating amusement park where you can enjoy with family and kids. Divided into 5 themed zones namely Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley, Novo Cinemas and IMG Boulevard; this amusement zone leaves no stone unturned to keep you engaged throughout the day. Enjoy the rides, watch 3D animation movies and dine in their themed restaurants like Tony’s Skydeck, Chang’s Golden Dragon, Mama Scano’s Of Yancy Street.

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 141 km
Key attractions in IMG Worlds of Adventure: The Haunted Hotel, Spider-Man Dok Oaks Revenge, Thor Thunder Spin, and Lazy Town.

7. Sharjah – A Heritage City

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Perched on the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah is another beautiful city of UAE with restored homes and architecture depicting Emirati traditions. Adorned with mosques, beaches, aquarium, and museums; Sharjah is certainly one of the most sought-after day trips from Abu Dhabi. Do include it in your list of day trips from Abu Dhabi. This is surely amongst the best day trips from Abu Dhabi!

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 165 km
Key attractions in Sharjah: Sharjah Fort, King Faisal Mosque, Sharjah Aquarium, Al Mamzar Beach and Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation.

8. Jabel Hafeet – A Nirvana Amid Nature

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Perched at the border of UAE and Oman; Jabel Hafeet stands as the tallest mountains in UAE. Considering the scenic charm, exciting drive, and surrounding view, Jabel Hafeet is one of the perfect day trips from Abu Dhabi, particularly for hiking and day picnics. This place can be reached from Abu Dhabi in an hour’s time.

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 175 km
Key attractions in Jabel Hafeet: Trekking and mountain biking

9. Ras Al Khaimah – A Heritage Retreat

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A century-old fort, sun-kissed beaches, and islands welcome all at Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of UAE. Featuring museums, mosques, marine parks, water parks, and heritage forts, Ras Al Khaimah fascinates tourists of all kinds. Plan a day trip from Abu Dhabi, which takes about 3 hours to reach and relish the surreal beauty of this heritage city. This place is one of the must try day tours from Abu Dhabi that you cannot miss!

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 248 km
Key attractions in Ras Al Khaimah: 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 – Escapade By The Sea

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A mere 3 hours drive from Abu Dhabi will take you to one of the most scenic beaches of UAE; Fujairah. Located in the east coast, the beach of Fujairah is bestowed with azure water, white sand shores and colorful marine organisms. Relax, sunbathe, take leisure beach strolls and enjoy water sports to make this day trip from Abu Dhabi fulfilling and fascinating.

Distance from Abu Dhabi: 300 km
Key attractions in Fujairah: Snorkelling and scuba diving, snoopy island, Wadi wurayah and Al Badiyah mosque.

Further Read: Have You Visited The Two Of The ‘World’s Greatest Places 2018’ In Abu Dhabi Yet?

Already started planning? Abu Dhabi is an amazing tourist destination in itself but this list of enticing day trips from Abu Dhabi will help you choose which places to add to your personalized itinerary. Book a holiday with Travel Triangle, and have an exciting and memorable time with your family and friends!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Day trips from Abu Dhabi

How do you get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

You can either opt for a bus or a taxi. By bus, it takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, costing about $8.6. Via cab, it will take around 1 hour 50 minutes charging around $89.

How populous is Abu Dhabi?

The current population of Abu Dhabi is around 3 million.