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8 Places Worth Visiting Beyond Dubai
From mountain hotels and beach resorts to museums, art installations and hidden gems across the UAE.
Looking for a change of scenery? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite places outside Dubai, including museums, art installations, beach resorts, mountain hotels and a few underrated stops along the way. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a full weekend away, these spots are well worth adding to your list.
Al Ain Adventure
Ain Al Faydah, Green Mubazzarah 2, Abu Dhabi
Located at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Adventure is the largest man-made white-water rafting and surfing facility in the Middle East. The complex includes pools, water slides, rafting channels, kayaking and an artificial surf wave surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Pool access starts from around 65 AED, while surfing experiences can reach 325 AED. It’s one of the most active summer escapes in the UAE and a refreshing alternative to traditional beach destinations.
Pool access starts from around 65 AED, while surfing experiences can reach 325 AED. It’s one of the most active summer escapes in the UAE and a refreshing alternative to traditional beach destinations.
Al Ain Adventure. Photo credit: Instagram @aiainadventure.
Sandy Beach Resort
Al ʻIqqah, Fujairah
Fujairah becomes especially attractive during summer, when hotel rates drop while the emirate’s beaches remain among the best in the UAE. Sandy Beach Resort is a long-time favourite thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, lush gardens and direct access to the coastline.
Rooms typically start from around 550 AED per night during the low season. While the resort is not the newest, visitors come for its laid-back vibe, sea views and easy access to some of Fujairah’s best snorkelling spots.
Rooms typically start from around 550 AED per night during the low season. While the resort is not the newest, visitors come for its laid-back vibe, sea views and easy access to some of Fujairah’s best snorkelling spots.
Sandy Beach Resort. Photo credit: Instagram @sandybeachresort.
Oryx Grand Hotel
Jabal Hafeet 1, Abu Dhabi
Perched on top of Jebel Hafeet, the Oryx Grand Hotel offers some of the most impressive views in the UAE. The winding mountain road leading to the property is an attraction on its own, while the elevated location provides noticeably cooler temperatures in the evening.
Rooms often start from around 250 AED during summer. The hotel features a pool, mini golf, cafés and outdoor terraces overlooking Al Ain, making it a convenient base for a mountain getaway.
Rooms often start from around 250 AED during summer. The hotel features a pool, mini golf, cafés and outdoor terraces overlooking Al Ain, making it a convenient base for a mountain getaway.
Oryx Grand Hotel. Photo credit: Google.
Dreamland Aquapark
Al Shebeakah, Emirate of Umm Al Quwain
One of the UAE’s oldest waterparks remains one of its most underrated. Dreamland Aquapark is known for its spacious layout, mature greenery and relaxed atmosphere that feels very different from Dubai’s larger attractions.
Tickets start from 135 AED for adults and 95 AED for children. Arriving in the morning helps avoid both the heat and queues, making it a budget-friendly option for families looking for a full day of water activities.
Tickets start from 135 AED for adults and 95 AED for children. Arriving in the morning helps avoid both the heat and queues, making it a budget-friendly option for families looking for a full day of water activities.
Dreamland Aquapark. Photo credit: Instagram @dreamlandaquaparkuae.
Thunder Road & Kitesurf Beach Club
15 Mina Al Arab Rd, Al Riffa - Ras Al Khaimah
A surprisingly cosy Italian restaurant hidden inside a converted container-style space. Despite its casual appearance, the menu has developed a loyal following, with the Seafood 87 pasta being one of the most recommended dishes.
The next day, head to Kitesurf Beach Club, where day passes start from around 100 AED. With palm trees, swings, beachfront seating and a laid-back atmosphere, it feels more like a tropical beach club than a typical UAE weekend spot.
The next day, head to Kitesurf Beach Club, where day passes start from around 100 AED. With palm trees, swings, beachfront seating and a laid-back atmosphere, it feels more like a tropical beach club than a typical UAE weekend spot.
Kitesurf Beach Club. Photo credit: Instagram @kitesurfbeachcenter.
Sharjah Science Museum
Halwan Suburb, Sharjah
One of the UAE’s most interactive museums, designed for visitors of all ages. Instead of traditional displays, the museum focuses on hands-on experiments covering physics, engineering, space, technology and the human body. Most exhibits can be touched, tested and explored at your own pace.
Entry costs just 10 AED for adults and 5 AED for children, making it one of the most affordable indoor attractions in the country. A great option for families or anyone looking to escape the heat while learning something new.
Entry costs just 10 AED for adults and 5 AED for children, making it one of the most affordable indoor attractions in the country. A great option for families or anyone looking to escape the heat while learning something new.
Sharjah Science Museum. Photo credit: Google.
Rain Room
26 St, Al Majarra, Sharjah
Rain Room combines technology, art and architecture in a space that reacts to every movement. Visitors move through a carefully controlled downpour while sensors track their position, creating an experience that feels both surreal and surprisingly calming.
The installation has become one of Sharjah’s most recognisable cultural attractions and remains one of the UAE’s most photographed experiences. Tickets start from 25 AED, and timed entry helps keep visitor numbers low.
The installation has become one of Sharjah’s most recognisable cultural attractions and remains one of the UAE’s most photographed experiences. Tickets start from 25 AED, and timed entry helps keep visitor numbers low.
Rain Room. Photo credit: Google.
House of Wisdom
Al Juraina 1, Sharjah
Part library, part cultural hub, House of Wisdom combines contemporary architecture with reading spaces, exhibitions, cafes and landscaped gardens. The building itself is worth the visit, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and minimalist interiors designed for work, study and relaxation.
Visitors can browse thousands of books, attend workshops and exhibitions, or simply spend a quiet afternoon away from the city. Entry is free, making it one of the easiest cultural stops to add to a Sharjah day trip.
Visitors can browse thousands of books, attend workshops and exhibitions, or simply spend a quiet afternoon away from the city. Entry is free, making it one of the easiest cultural stops to add to a Sharjah day trip.
House of Wisdom. Photo credit: Google.
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Date of the article's release: spring 2026