Tired of the same weekend spots? So is everyone else in the UAE. That’s why in 2025, locals and residents are skipping the usual and heading for new adventures close to home but away from the usual crowd. We’ve curated 6 underrated day trip destinations from Dubai and Abu Dhabi that are gaining real traction among UAE travelers right now.
1.Wadi Shawka, Ras Al Khaimah
Location: Shawka Dam, Ras Al Khaimah (via E611 or E88)
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes from Dubai
Why You’ll Love It:
A natural hiking and picnic spot surrounded by rocky hills, Wadi Shawka offers free entry and relaxing scenery perfect for solo trekkers, couples, or families.
What to Try:
- Hike the easy-to-moderate Shawka Dam Loop.
- Set up a picnic with sunrise or sunset views.
- Post-rain rock pools become mini natural bathtubs.
Spotlight Shot: The curved mountain pass viewed from the top trail.
2. Al Rafisah Dam, Khor Fakkan
Location: Along Sharjah-Khor Fakkan Road (E102), near Al Suhub Rest Area
Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes from Dubai
Why You’ll Love It:
A peaceful lake backed by mountains with a proper parking area, kids’ play zone, and paddle boats perfect for a calm family day.
What to Try:
- Rent a paddle boat (from AED 30).
- Grab karak at the Rafisah Café with full lake views.
- Take the walkway to the restored ruins of Al Rafisah Fort.
Spotlight Shot: The wooden bridge over calm water—great for drone shots.
3. Camel Rock & Fossil Rock, Mleiha – Sharjah Desert
Location: Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Sharjah (off E55 and Mleiha Road)
Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes from Dubai
Why You’ll Love It:
A perfect spot for dune bashing, rock climbing, or desert stargazing not overly commercial, yet easy to reach.
What to Try:
- Book a desert safari from Mleiha Centre.
- Trek to the top of Fossil Rock or snap a shot of Camel Rock.
- Visit nearby caves or go stargazing.
Spotlight Shot: Golden hour silhouette against Camel Rock’s curved back.
4. Kalba Mangrove Reserve, Sharjah – East Coast
Location: Kalba Eco-Tourism Reserve, Eastern Region, Sharjah
Travel Time: 2 hours from Dubai
Why You’ll Love It:
Kayak into peaceful mangroves and enjoy rare birdwatching near the Oman border it’s untouched, quiet, and beautifully green.
What to Try:
- Book a kayak through Kalba Mangrove Centre.
- Watch white-collared kingfishers nesting in trees.
- Pair the trip with a visit to Kalba Fort.
Spotlight Shot: Mangrove reflections during early morning kayak rides.
5. Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, Abu Dhabi
Location: Near Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi (off E30 and Route 65)
Travel Time: 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi City, 1 hour 20 mins from Dubai
Why You’ll Love It:
A surreal open-air gallery of wind-sculpted rock formations that look straight out of sci-fi.
What to Try:
- Walk the 1.5 km trail through the dunes.
- Visit the nearby Al Wathba Wetland Reserve.
- Bring a thermos and camp chair enjoy the view.
Spotlight Shot: Side-lit formations at sunset for dramatic shadow play.
6. Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Between Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Location: Exit 399 on Sheikh Zayed Road, near the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border
Travel Time: 45 minutes from Dubai Marina
Why You’ll Love It:
Private-beach vibes without crowds, great for water sports, couples, or chill brunches with a marina view.
What to Try:
- Rent jet skis or kayaks at the Golden Tulip Resort.
- Take a yacht ride or go wakeboarding.
- Grab seafood at the Marina café post-swim.
Spotlight Shot: Yachts gliding under pink-orange skies.
Bonus Tips for a Smoother Day Trip:
- Check timings (some eco reserves close by 6 PM).
- Pack light but carry reusable bottles and sunscreen.
- Avoid Fridays for crowd-free mornings.
- Fuel up before driving to Kalba or Wadi Shawka stations are rare mid-way.
Discover What’s Next
These spots aren’t overdone but they’re getting discovered fast thanks to Google searches and weekend reels. If you’re planning a quick getaway from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, skip the mainstream and try these rising stars of UAE travel.
