Who doesn’t love a long weekend? It’s the only time you get a cheeky paid leave to either bed rot or explore the outdoors without any limitations. Public and private sector employees will enjoy paid holidays on Monday, 1st and Tuesday, 2nd December. When combined with the weekend, employees get a four-day break from Saturday through Tuesday. This National Day long weekend is basically the UAE’s annual permission slip to escape the routine. If you’re not planning to be a log on the couch to rejuvenate (no judgements if you are!), then these quick getaways will help you make the most of the extra days off. Bags ready? Let’s go.
Also Read: UAE Announces 4-Day Long Weekend For National Day Holiday For Public & Private Sector Employees
1. Hatta: Mountain Bike Trail Centre
Hatta is every cyclist’s haven in the UAE. The Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre features over 50km of diverse routes set in stunning rocky terrain. Free to access year-round, this spot is open 24/7. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, the colour-coded trails cater to all skill levels, from beginner-friendly green to challenging blacks. Just don’t forget to pick up a trail map to navigate the routes effectively. Bike rentals are available on-site, but it’s advisable to lug your own for the best experience. Planning to stay the night? Hatta Trail Camp offers a cosy, unique overnight stay, a short walk from the biking trails.
- Location: Hatta Wadi Hub
- Travel Time from Dubai: 1 hour 27 minutes by car
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Cost: Trail access is free | Bike rental begins from AED 65
- For more information, visit the Visit Hatta website
2. Hatta Dam: Paddle And Hike
Switch the city life for a scenic retreat. At Hatta Dam, you can glide across the turquoise waters while kayaking or paddle-boarding, all set against a backdrop of the rocky peaks.
Prefer to stay on land? Then head to Hatta Wadi Hub, where you can enjoy thrilling activities like ziplining and mountain biking.
- Location: Hatta Wadi Hub
- Travel Time from Dubai: 1 hour 24 minutes by car
- Timings: Open October to May, 9 AM to 5 PM
- Cost: Experiences start from AED 99
- For more information, visit the Visit Hatta website
3. Dubai: Lahbab Desert Safari
Want a quick adventure without dealing with pesky travel logistics? Then this desert safari is the ideal quick escape. At the Lahbab Desert, you get to experience the natural flora and spot local wildlife. The highlight of this experience is getting a small taste of Bedouin culture while participating in desert sports and activities such as dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding, and camel rides.
- Location: Dubai Desert, UAE
- Travel Time from Dubai: 37 minutes by car
- Timings: Based on the activities and experiences
- Cost: Experiences start from AED 150
- For more information, visit the Desert Safari website
4. Fujairah: Snoopy Island
Want to ditch the city atmosphere for corals, crystal clear waters, and a zero-stress beach day? Then Snoopy Island Fujairah is the place to be. From beginner-friendly kayaking, to camping sites and stunning sunrises at the Hajar mountains, this little gems haped like the famous cartoon dog, is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Dubai.
Entry is free and access to the beach is free. However, gear is available to rent on the beach, making this a hassle-free escape for a day of adventure.
- Location: Fujairah, UAE
- Travel time: 1 hour 44 minutes by car
- Cost: Free entry | Prices wary for activities and facilities
- For more information, visit the Dubai City Tourism website.
5. Ras Al Khaimah: Jebel Jais
Anyone craving an adrenaline-fuelled escape? Then Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest peak, is your holy grail! From the Jais Flight zipline, where you tackle six ziplines on the Jais Sky Tour, to speeding down the Jais Sledder toboggan track. If you’re still hungry for more, test your survival skills at the world’s first Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, where you can experience activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, high ropes course, archery, and more. And don’t worry if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, take a scenic hiking trail or spend time on the viewing deck.
- Location: Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
- Travel Time from Dubai: 1 hour 52 minutes by car
- Timing: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
- Cost: Experiences start from AED 50
- For more information, visit the Jebel Jais website
6. Umm Al Quwain: Kite Surf Beach Centre
For the pet lovers who can’t bear to leave their fur babies behind, this beach destination is your unmissable weekend getaway! Picture a natural and rustic ambience that reminds you of Indonesian coastlines. Decked with mismatched sun loungers crafted from solid wood under charming thatched beach umbrellas and unique up-cycled doors that create the picture-perfect Instagram backdrop. The best part? Your pets are more than welcome for a fee of Dhs75 per pet. From kayaking, various watersport lessons, to their latest addition, the outdoor ‘Tarzan Gym,’ this is the perfect spot for a fun pet-friendly getaway.
- Location: Kite Beach Centre, Umm Al Quwain,
- Travel Time from Dubai: 1 hour 2 minutes by car
- Timing: Daily, 6 AM to 9 PM
- Cost: Entry prices start from AED 45
- For more information, visit the Kite Surf Beach Centre website
7. Abu Dhabi: Jebel Hafit Desert Park
For those who like a bit of history to their adventure, Jebel Hafit Desert Park offers a stunning nine-kilometre landscape at the base of Jebel Hafit, the highest peak in Abu Dhabi. This natural haven is perfect for adventure seekers, offering activities such as biking, horseback riding, and camel treks. For a taste of history, visitors can also explore ancient tombs, enjoy guided buggy rides, or camp in unique settings at the Pura Eco Retreat. To capture your moments at this impressive destination, don’t miss out on the chance to snap sunrise and sunset photos at the top of Jebel Hafit mountain. You can reach the summit of this rocky mountain by car, motorbike, or, if you have the stamina, by bicycle.
- Location: Abu Dhabi’s garden city Al Ain
- Travel Time from Dubai: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Timing: Accessible 24/7 by car.
- Cost: Free to access the mountain | AED 10 to visit the Jebel Hafit Desert Park.
- For more information, visit the Visit Abu Dhabi website
