Northern Emirates Day Trips: Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain

Most visitors and new residents spend their first months inside Dubai and Abu Dhabi, then discover that a few hours north or east of the big cities the UAE changes completely. The mountains rise to nearly 2,000 metres, the east coast faces the Gulf of Oman instead of the Gulf, and some of the quietest lagoons and old villages in the country are within an easy morning's drive.

This guide covers the best day trips and weekend stops across Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and the east coast of Sharjah, with realistic drive times from Dubai, rough costs and the best time of year. Times are for light traffic; add 30 to 45 minutes on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the easiest mountain escape from Dubai, about 60 to 90 minutes by car depending on where you start. See our Ras Al Khaimah emirate page for more.

Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE, at roughly 1,900 metres. The drive from Dubai takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to the viewing area, and the road itself is the first reason to go: a wide, well-lit mountain road with lay-bys for photographs. In winter the summit can be 10 degrees or more cooler than the coast, so bring a jacket.

Things to do on the mountain:

• The zipline. Jais Flight is one of the longest ziplines in the world, at about 2.8 km, with riders flying at speeds that can reach 150 km/h. Expect to pay several hundred dirhams, and book ahead for weekends. There are age, weight and height limits.
• Jais Sledder and the sky tour. A mountain toboggan ride and a series of shorter ziplines for those who want something gentler.
• Hiking and the viewing park. Free to enter, with cafes and short walks. Wear proper shoes; the wind can be strong.

Go between October and April. In summer the summit is still cooler than the coast but the haze reduces views.

Jazirat Al Hamra

Jazirat Al Hamra is a former pearling and fishing village on the RAK coast, about 1 hour 15 minutes from Dubai. It was abandoned and left largely untouched, so you can wander empty coral-stone houses, a mosque and a souq. It is atmospheric and free to walk around, though the buildings are fragile and some areas are fenced. Visit in the cooler months and late afternoon for the best light.

Al Marjan Island

Al Marjan Island is a group of man-made islands on the RAK coast with beach resorts, restaurants and watersports. It makes a good base for a relaxed weekend rather than a rushed day trip. A large new resort development is under construction on the island, so expect building activity in some areas. Hotel prices are often lower than comparable beach hotels in Dubai.

Khatt Springs and Dhayah Fort

Khatt Springs are natural hot springs on the RAK side of the Hajar Mountains, with a spa hotel and mineral-water pools. It is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Dubai. Combine it with a stop at Dhayah Fort, a hilltop fort associated with the siege of 1819, which you can reach by a stone staircase with views over date palms and the coast.

Fujairah and the east coast

Fujairah is the only emirate entirely on the Gulf of Oman. The drive from Dubai is about 1 hour 45 minutes via the Sharjah to Khor Fakkan road or through the mountains. Our Fujairah emirate page has more.

Snoopy Island

Snoopy Island sits just off the beach near Al Aqah and is named for its shape, which resembles the cartoon dog lying on its back. It is one of the best snorkelling spots in the UAE, with clear water, small reef fish and turtles on a good day. Rental of snorkel gear and kayaks is available from the neighbouring beach club for a modest fee. Go between October and May; in summer the water is warm but the air is very hot.

Al Bidyah Mosque

Al Bidyah Mosque is a small stone and mud-brick mosque on the hillside near Al Bidyah village. It is believed to date to the 15th century and is often described as the oldest mosque in the UAE. It is free to visit, but dress modestly and be quiet because it is still used for prayer. Check opening times locally, as the mosque is closed at times.

Fujairah Fort

Fujairah Fort is one of the oldest forts in the country, several hundred years old, and has been restored. It stands in the old part of the city beside a small heritage museum and the old village. It is inexpensive to enter and takes under an hour.

Wadi Wurayah National Park

Wadi Wurayah was the first mountain protected area in the UAE, with seasonal waterfalls, rare Arabian tahr and freshwater pools. Access is regulated and swimming is not allowed, so you must follow the rules on the signage and, where required, join a guided hike or arrange a permit. It is best after winter rain, between January and March.

Dibba

Dibba is a town on the coast that is shared between three authorities: Fujairah, Sharjah and Oman. It is the base for boat trips to dive and snorkel sites, a good fish market and the coast road. Because of the border arrangements, carry your passport or Emirates ID in the car.

Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is the quietest of the emirates, about 50 minutes from Dubai.

• Al Sinniyah Island. A protected island with mangroves, sand flats and nesting birds, reachable by boat tours from the lagoon. It is an important site for birdwatching and archaeology. Take binoculars, sun protection and water.
• Dreamland Aqua Park. One of the larger water parks in the UAE, popular with families. Tickets are generally in the range of AED 100 to AED 200 as of 2026, depending on age and season, so check the park before you go.
• The lagoons and kite beach. The UAQ lagoon has calm water for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and kitesurfing, with several schools.
• Old town. The Old Fort, the traditional shoreline and the fish market give a sense of how the emirates used to feel.

UAQ works best as a short day trip. The best months are October to April.

Ajman

Ajman is the smallest emirate and is only about 40 minutes from Dubai, so it is the easiest first step. Highlights:

• Al Zorah. A nature reserve with mangroves, flamingos and a golf course, and one of the best places in the north for kayaking in the mangroves.
• The corniche. A long, clean seafront with cafes, a fish market and the old Ajman Fort and museum.
• Masfout. An inland exclave of Ajman about 1 hour 15 minutes from Dubai, in the Hajar foothills, with cooler air, a fort and quiet mountain roads.

Read more on the Ajman emirate page.

Sharjah's east coast

Sharjah owns three towns on the east coast: Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Dibba Al Hisn (covered under Dibba above). See the Sharjah page for more.

• Khor Fakkan. About 1 hour 30 minutes from Dubai. A harbour town with a long corniche, a small amphitheatre, parks and a good beach. It is calmer than the Dubai coast.
• Kalba. About 1 hour 45 minutes. Its mangrove forest is a rare habitat on the coast and one of the only places to see the white-collared kingfisher. A small kayaking operation runs at certain times.

Costs, planning and safety

• Fuel. A day trip of 250 to 350 km round trip will normally cost roughly AED 100 or less in petrol for an average car, depending on the monthly pump price.
• Tolls. There are no tolls on the roads north of Dubai except Salik if you pass a Dubai gate.
• Mountain driving. Use low gears downhill, watch for sudden fog and keep a minimum of half a tank. Mobile coverage is patchy in the wadis.
• Wadis and flash floods. Never park or camp in a dry riverbed during rain. See our driving and transport guide.
• Cash and cards. Cards work almost everywhere, but carry some cash for small kiosks and parking.
• Swimming and respect. Use beaches that have lifeguards when possible and dress modestly in villages and near mosques.

Best time to go

October to April is the sweet spot: clear skies, mild temperatures and the best wadi conditions. The mountains and east coast are good all through the winter. From June to September, plan early starts and indoor stops. Read our weather and when to visit guide for month-by-month conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Jebel Jais from Dubai?

About 1 hour 30 minutes by car to the viewing area, depending on where in Dubai you start and the traffic.

Can you visit Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah in one day?

It is possible but tiring, because the two are on opposite coasts and each has a lot to see. For a relaxed trip, choose one emirate for the day or make it a weekend.

Do I need a 4x4 for the Northern Emirates?

No. All the main sights in this guide are reachable by normal car on paved roads. A 4x4 is only needed for off-road wadi tracks.

Is swimming allowed at Wadi Wurayah?

No. Swimming is not allowed in the protected pools. Respect the signs, and follow any guided hike or permit rules.

What is the best season for a Northern Emirates trip?

October to April, when it is mild and the mountains are clear. Summer is possible with early starts, but the heat limits outdoor activities.