10 short-haul destinations from the UAE that are a tad different from the usual ones
(Approx. 1.5-hour flight)
While much of the Arabian Peninsula is known for its arid desert, Salalah is a surprising oasis of greenery, waterfalls, and misty mountains. Salalah also boasts pristine beaches, ancient frankincense trade routes, and stunning limestone cliffs. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Wadi Darbat, strolling along the coconut palm-lined Al Haffa Beach, or exploring the region’s rich maritime history, this tropical side of Oman feels like a world apart from the rest of the Gulf.
Must-see & do:
Visit the Mughsail Blowholes, where seawater erupts dramatically through limestone formations.
Discover the ancient ruins of Sumhuram, a UNESCO-listed site linked to the frankincense trade.
Local cuisine to try: Mashuai – grilled kingfish with rice and lemon sauce.
Lesser-known fact: Salalah’s frankincense trees are some of the oldest in the world. Once upon a time, their resin was more valuable than gold.
(Approx. 3.5-hour flight)
Often described as the “most alien-looking place on Earth,” Socotra is a dream destination for adventure travelers and nature lovers. Isolated in the Indian Ocean, this UNESCO-listed island is home to surreal landscapes, including the iconic dragon’s blood trees, bottle trees, and white-sand dunes that stretch into turquoise waters. Whether you’re trekking through rugged canyons, spotting rare birds, or camping under the stars on secluded beaches, Socotra is a truly once-in-a-lifetime escape.
Must-see & do:
Trek across the Diksam Plateau, home to thousands of dragon’s blood trees.
Swim in the emerald Detwah Lagoon, a stunning coastal haven.
Camp under the stars on the white sands of Arher Beach.
Local cuisine to try: Saltah – a rich stew of meat, vegetables, and fenugreek foam.
Lesser-known fact: 37% of Socotra’s plant species, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
(Approx. 3-hour flight)
A city where ancient history meets futuristic ambition, Baku is the beating heart of Azerbaijan. Set on the Caspian Sea, it boasts a striking contrast between its medieval walled Old City, Soviet-era remnants, and ultra-modern skyscrapers like the Flame Towers. Known as the “Paris of the Caucasus,” Baku offers a blend of European and Asian influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and vibrant arts scene.
Must-see & do:
Walk the old city (Icherisheher), home to the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah’s Palace.
Witness the burning hill of Yanar Dag, where flames erupt from the earth.
Ride the funicular to Highland Park for stunning views of the city and Flame Towers.
Local cuisine to try: Plov – saffron-infused rice with slow-cooked lamb and dried fruits.
Lesser-known fact: Azerbaijan is one of the world’s oldest oil-producing regions, and Baku’s oil boom in the 19th century shaped its modern skyline.
(Approx. 3-hour flight)
One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan is a delightful mix of history, Soviet-era architecture, and contemporary cool. The city’s signature pink-hued buildings, crafted from volcanic tuff stone, give it a unique glow, especially at sunset. As Armenia’s cultural and creative hub, Yerevan is alive with music, art, and a thriving café culture reminiscent of old Europe.
Must-see & do:
Visit the Cascades, a giant stairway offering panoramic views of the city.
Explore the ancient Garni Temple, a pre-Christian pagan temple.
Wander through the Vernissage Market, a haven for handmade crafts and carpets.
Local cuisine to try: Khorovats – Armenian-style grilled meat, often served with lavash bread.
Lesser-known fact: Yerevan is older than Rome, founded in 782 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest capitals.
(Approx. 2.5-hour flight)
Shiraz is known for its exquisite mosques, gardens, and deep literary traditions. Explore a world of delicate tilework, bustling bazaars, and a rich cultural soul, not to mention a history that goes back thousands of years. Walk in the footsteps of ancient emperors, sit in the serene tomb gardens of poet Hafez, and sip on fragrant saffron tea in traditional teahouses.
Must-see & do:
Wander through the stunning Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, known as the Pink Mosque.
Visit Persepolis, the grand ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
Stroll through the Eram Garden, a UNESCO-listed paradise.
Local cuisine to try: Kalam Polo – a fragrant rice dish with cabbage and saffron.
Lesser-known fact: Maharloo Lake, or Pink Lake, some 20 km southeast of Shiraz, is a unique pink hue due to the high concentration of salt and certain types of algae.
(Approx. 3-hour flight)
AlUla is Saudi Arabia’s crown jewel. A vast desert landscape dotted with ancient rock formations, dramatic canyons, and hidden tombs, it is often compared to Petra. This region is home to Hegra, a UNESCO-listed site that was once part of the Nabataean Kingdom. But AlUla is more than just history; it’s a place where adventure, culture, and nature intertwine.
Must-see & do:
Explore Hegra (Madain Salih), the Nabataean tombs akin to Petra.
Hike through the Elephant Rock, a massive natural sandstone formation.
Experience the Maraya Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building.
Local cuisine to try: Jareesh – a cracked wheat dish cooked with meat and spices.
Lesser-known fact: AlUla was a major trade hub on the Incense Route, linking Arabia with the Mediterranean.
(Approx. 4-hour flight)
Sri Lanka is an island of contrasts, and Colombo and Galle capture its essence perfectly. Colombo, the dynamic capital, blends colonial heritage with a thriving contemporary arts and dining scene, while Galle, a few hours south, is a beautifully preserved Dutch fortress town by the sea. The UNESCO-listed Galle Fort is a living museum of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, filled with charming cafés, boutiques, and stunning coastal views.
Must-see & do:
Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, a unique blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, and Chinese Buddhist influences.
Relax at Unawatuna Beach, famous for its golden sands and turquoise waters.
Local cuisine to try: Hoppers (Appam) – crispy bowl-shaped pancakes often served with egg or chicken curry.
Lesser-known fact: Galle Fort withstood the 2004 tsunami, showcasing its 17th-century Dutch engineering.
(Approx. 3-hour flight)
Known as “Nesf-e Jahan” (Half the World), Isfahan’s grandeur is legendary, with its turquoise-domed mosques, Safavid-era bridges, and stunning gardens. At the heart of the city is Imam Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, framed by architectural wonders like the Shah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace.
Must-see & do:
Admire the Si-o-Se-Pol Bridge, an architectural wonder spanning the Zayanderud River.
Browse the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, filled with Persian carpets and handicrafts.
Local cuisine to try: Biryani Isfahani – a spiced minced lamb dish served with flatbread.
Lesser-known fact: Isfahan’s architecture influenced Mughal design, inspiring parts of the Taj Mahal.
(Approx. 2.5-hour flight)
Often overlooked, Jizan is a hidden gem of Saudi Arabia, offering a stunning mix of volcanic landscapes, tropical highlands, and serene coastal beauty. Unlike the typical desert landscapes of the Kingdom, Jizan surprises with the lush Fayfa Mountains, often blanketed in mist. Off its coast lie the Farasan Islands, a breathtaking marine sanctuary with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and rich biodiversity. The region’s history is just as fascinating, with Ottoman-era villages and ancient trade routes that once connected Arabia to Africa.
Must-see & do:
Take a boat trip to the Farasan Islands, an unspoiled marine paradise.
Explore the Ottoman-era Al-Qassar Village with its coral-stone houses.
Local cuisine to try: Mandi – fragrant rice with slow-cooked spiced lamb or chicken.
Lesser-known fact: The Farasan Islands were once home to pearl divers, making them a major trading hub centuries ago.
(Approx. 3.5-hour flight)
A fusion of Silk Road heritage and Soviet modernism, Tashkent is one of Central Asia’s most intriguing capitals. Often overshadowed by Samarkand and Bukhara, Tashkent has a charm of its own, with wide leafy avenues, grand Soviet-style buildings, and a wealth of historical treasures. The city’s underground metro is an attraction in itself, with each station designed like an ornate palace.
Must-see & do:
Explore Chorsu Bazaar, a colorful market overflowing with spices, dried fruits, and textiles.
Visit the Khast Imam Complex.
Magic City, Uzbekistan’s answer to Disneyland, offers a world of entertainment across 21 hectares.
Local cuisine to try: Plov – Uzbekistan’s national dish, a hearty mix of rice, lamb, carrots, and spices.
Little-known fact: Chorsu Bazaar has existed in different forms since at least the days of Genghis Khan
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