Nature-filled 11-Day Itinerary in the United Arab Emirates

  • Day 1: Hajar Mountains
    2 hours 45 minutes (208km) from Dubai

    Begin your trip with a visit to the Hajar Mountains, known for their stunning panoramic views and rugged landscapes. Hike through the rocky terrain, take in the natural beauty of the region, and learn about the area's culture and history from local guides.

  • Day 2: Fujairah Beach
    1 hour 30 minutes (116km) from the Hajar Mountains

    Take a break from hiking and enjoy the pristine Fujairah Beach, with crystal clear waters and powdery white sand. Relax under the sun, swim, and even go snorkelling to see the colourful marine life below.

  • Day 3: Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs
    2 hours 30 minutes (215km) from Fujairah Beach

    Soak in the natural hot springs of Green Mubazzarah and admire the lush greenery that surrounds it in the otherwise barren desert landscape. You can also go for a hike in the nearby Jebel Hafeet Mountain or have a picnic at the park.

  • Day 4: Dubai Miracle Garden
    2 hours 15 minutes (180km) from Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs

    Visit the world's largest flower garden and be awed by the colourful blooming flowers and creative topiary art displays. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden or ride the flower-decked trains that take you through the picturesque landscapes.

  • Day 5: Sir Bani Yas Island
    2 hour 30 minutes (265km) from Dubai Miracle Garden

    Take a wildlife safari tour at Sir Bani Yas Island and see exotic animals such as cheetahs, giraffes, and hyenas in their natural habitats. Relax at the luxury resorts or go kayaking in the turquoise waters surrounding the island.

  • Day 6: Wadi Wurayah National Park
    4 hours (326km) from Sir Bani Yas Island

    Explore the biodiversity rich Wadi Wurayah National Park and trek through the tranquil mountain terrain, where the waterfalls, freshwater pools and streams create a serene atmosphere. This is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, with over 100 species of birds living in the area.

  • Day 7: Al Qudra Lakes
    3 hours 15 minutes (268km) from Wadi Wurayah National Park

    Surrounded by desert landscape, Al Qudra Lakes is an unexpected oasis in the heart of Dubai. Walk or cycle around these man-made lakes and spot birds, such as the pink flamingos, which have made it their home.

  • Day 8: Hatta Dam
    1 hour 30 minutes (164km) from Al Qudra Lakes

    Hatta Dam is an ideal spot for a picnic with a family. Go on a kayaking trip along the blue-green lake or enjoy a relaxing swim. Take a moment to snap a photo of the iconic mountains, with their rugged stony terrain looming in the background.

  • Day 9: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
    1 hour 15 minutes (81km) from Hatta Dam

    Explore the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and go on a camel ride or dune bashing ride for an adventure in this iconic desert setting. Learn about the conservation efforts to protect the stunning desert wildlife or enjoy a starry night under the Arabian sky.

  • Day 10: Jebel Jais Zipline
    1 hour (74km) from Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

    Experience a thrilling adventure across the world's longest zip-line in the stunning Jebel Jais mountain range that is over 1600 meters high from the sea level. Take in the elevated panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape while zipping from mountain to mountain.

  • Day 11: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
    1 hour 10 minutes (50km) from Jebel Jais Zipline

    The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular bird sanctuary that hosts over 20,000 migratory birds per year. This makes it a bird watcher's paradise and an excellent place to experience nature up close before you depart from your trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hajar Mountains (Free)
  • Fujairah Beach (Free)
  • Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs (Free)
  • Dubai Miracle Garden (AED 55, $15, 1-2 hours)
  • Sir Bani Yas Island (Wildlife safari tour: AED 300-500, $81-135, 2 hours)
  • Wadi Wurayah National Park (Free)
  • Al Qudra Lakes (Free)
  • Hatta Dam (Free)
  • Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (Camel ride: AED 450, $122, 2 hours)
  • Jebel Jais Zipline (AED 350, $95, 2-3 hours)
  • Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (Free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: AED 1,155-1,355, $314-368

Transportation

Dubai International Airport would be the best point of entry for travellers wishing to visit the UAE. A hired car or taxis will be ideal for travelling across most of the locations above due to the long distances, be sure to book early to avoid any disruptions during peak travel periods. Public transport such as the Dubai Metro interconnects the city with most tourist attractions, and it's also an affordable option for travelling around while in the city.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring Dubai's cityscape and modern architecture as well. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski slope in the middle of the desert, and its worth the visit. Alternatively, for a more relaxed trip, remove one or two stops from the itinerary to get an easy-going pace.

Airports

There are three commercial airports in the UAE, with the major one being Dubai International Airport (DXB) that is 4.6km from the city center. Furthermore, the other international airports include Sharjah International Airport, and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

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