UAE National day : From Jebel Hafeet, Khorfakkan to Jebel Jais, day trips to take over the long weekend

The UAE has a diverse landscape with mountains beaches and mangroves. Here are few choices for pleasant day trips during the long weekend.

Hatta: You get a wash of blue that you can actually take a boat ride in. You see mountains stretch against a bright blue sky. There are plenty of photo-perfect opportunities but also just as many things to do for the whole family – think pony rides, deer meets and even – for those so inclined – hikes.

It’s one of the UAE’s top hidden gems. A 90-minute drive from Dubai, the Hatta Dam features stunning turquoise waters surrounded by rugged mountainscapes. It sits on the border with Oman and is perfect for a day trip over the weekend. Once there, you can rent a kayak or a boat, or even book a tour along the shimmering waters. Experience nature at its finest as you wade by some spectacular species of birds as well as fishes that inhabit the area.

You can also explore the popular Hatta Wadi Hub and try out all the different activities it has to offer, ranging from glamping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking to exploring the heritage of Hatta and indulging in authentic Emirati culture.

If you have a car, then the route is easy to navigate and has beautiful scenic views of the Sharjah desert and the Hatta mountains as you cruise the winding roads. Hatta Wadi Hub is located 3km from the main Hatta Fort roundabout.

For a relaxed beach day: Khor Fakkan, Sharjah: As the winter season unwinds bringing with it cooler days, it’s a perfect time to head to Khor Fakkan with its 3km sandy beach lined with palm trees and spotted with shops and eateries. Relax and see the warm waters of the Gulf of Oman as you ride by, or if you are feeling particularly adventurous, take note – there are plenty of adventures to be had here. You can play beach football as the sun sets or try one of the seaside swings for that perfect Insta-worthy, breezy shot. If you’re feeling adventurous, try parasailing off the back of a speedboat.

Snoopy Island is one of the best-kept secrets of the UAE and is located in the beautiful emirate of Fujairah, which is just a two-hour drive from the bustling city of Dubai. The island is named Snoopy Island because it resembles the popular cartoon character on top of his dog house. Exploring the abundant marine life below the surface, kayaking and water sports are very popular here. You can see a beautiful coral reef, shipwrecks, turtles and a wide range of colourful fishes in the water.

Kayaking in the sunset in Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves is a must outdoor activity for the whole family. Depending on where you are driving from in Dubai, the journey could take between 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the park. The large mangrove forest has spectacular views and is a popular spot for water sports such as mangrove kayaking, giving you the chance to explore the local flora and fauna in a serene atmosphere.

Al Zorah Nature Reserve in Ajman, which is home to a vibrant ecosystem, is a perfect destination for adventure. The reserve’s beautiful waters make it an ideal spot for environmentally-friendly water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking, while less adventurous visitors can enjoy the wild from the comfort of the café.

Showka Dam Hike, Ras Al Khaimah: The Showka Dam loop in Ras Al Khaimah, which is in the area called Wadi Shawka, will make you forget about any desert landscape. When you see the craggy mountains lining the glassy lake and the wild flowers, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a Switzerland-style spot.

Interested in visiting the latest family-friendly destination in the UAE during the long weekend? It’s time for a day-trip to Al Suhub Rest Area Khorfakkan. The highest point in Khorfakkan offers a scenic view of the city, the latest UAE tourist destination. The built mountain-side rest stop that lies 600 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views across Khorfakkan. This incredible new hotspot in the mountains of Khor Fakkan has fascinating architecture. The building’s design resembles a flying saucer. How to get there: Once you reach Khorfakkan, as you drive down S104 (Rugaylat Road) along the city’s coastline, you will see the route leading to the Al Suhub rest house between the Beach Park and the Khorfakkan Waterfalls. There is also a hiking trail, which leads to the area, extending from Al Rufaisah Dam over a distance of 3km.

Head to Khor Fakkan and ride to the rest stop off the Sharjah-Khor Fakkan highway and you’ll come across a lake perfect for a picnic. The lake itself was made in the 1980s but has been developed since then with an eatery, mosque, play area and supermarket. The lake allows for paddle boating as well - so get ready to row. In Khor Fakkan, you can also head to the Al Rabi Tower for a hiking trail that starts at the tower and zigzags up the mountain.

The Wadi Kub to Al Ghail Village road is a 29km trail located near Al Usayli, Ras Al Khaimah that offers photo opportunities with wildlife native to the UAE. Plus you can go off roading here. What’s not to love?

Disconnect, relax and enjoy the scenic mountain views on the drive up to Jebel Jais. The average temperature is 10 degrees cooler in the mountains which makes this time of year an opportune time to enjoy the journey. There's a Viewing Deck Park complete with observation points and food trucks overlooking the stunning coastline.

Once on top, you may opt for the "Jebel Jais Flight", officially the world’s longest zipline at 2.83km.

Head to the Green City of Al Ain: Are you a history buff? Then you need to head to Al Ain, where you’ll see three characteristic landscapes: the desert, the oasis and the mountains. There are spots to discover that date back to the Neolithic period and are rich in water wells, residential buildings, tombs, palaces and towers. The Al Ain Oasis – which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is home to the water system falaj, which dates back to 500AD. Finally, before you leave, head up the 1,240 metre high Jebel Hafeet, which offers some stunning views.

Al Ain is usually 10-15 degrees cooler than other emirates and has a tolerable level of humidity. The city is known as an oasis in the UAE. A calm hour-and-a-half drive for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents, Al Ain’s Jebel Hafeet makes for a perfect summer escape. You can drive the zig-zag road up the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Abu Dhabi’s newest cultural and outdoor adventure attraction, located at the foot of Jebel Hafeet Mountain, Al Ain’s Jebel Hafeet Desert Park reopened for visitors on November 1, 2020. It offers guests a mix of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes.

The park also offers beautiful natural surroundings for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, stretching through 9km of captivating terrain around the base of Jebel Hafeet, one of the highest mountains in the UAE. Three shelters within the grounds are perfect spots for a picnic, while numerous shaded benches give hikers and cyclists places to sit back and enjoy the views.

The park’s cultural and natural features are one of the cultural sites of Al Ain that make up the UAE’s first designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.