EXCURSIONS AND TOURS
1. Wonder Bus Tour
04 359 5656 • www.wonderbusdubai.net
This one-hour tour starts with a drive down to Shindagha in Bur Dubai, at which point the vehicle plunges into the creek for a cruise through the old city before returning to land.
2. Liwa
300 km (186 miles) from Abu Dhabi
Liwa’s high golden dunes are almost devoid of vegetation. Yet, date-producing farms flourish close by, creating an awesome spectacle.
Liwa’s sandswept roads
3. Hatta
105 km (65 miles) from Dubai • Heritage Village: open 8am–7:30pm Sat–Thu, 3–9pm Fri
Visit the Heritage Village at this serene oasis town. A drive into the mountains from here leads to the clear Hatta Rock Pools, a fantastically beautiful spot for swimming.
4. Al Ain
160 km (99 miles) from Dubai • Al Ain Palace Museum: 03 751 7755 • Jahili Fort: next to Al Ain Rotana Hotel • Al Ain Camel Souk: Al Ain-Buraimi border
Known as Garden City, this green emirate is home to the Al Ain Palace Museum. Also here are the Al Ain Livestock Souk and the Jahili Fort.
5. Sharjah
10 km (6 miles) from Dubai • Sharjah Art Museum: 06 568 8222 • Heritage Museum: 06 568 0006 • Archaeological Museum: 06 566 5466
The Heritage Museum, the Sharjah Art Museum and the Archaeological Museum are must-see sights. The souks here are also very good for shopping.
Pot, Heritage Museum, Sharjah
6. Musandam Peninsula
193 km (120 miles) from Dubai • Khasab Travel & Tours: www.khasabtours.com • Visa available at Oman entry point
With amazing mountain cliffs and a coastline of inlets and fjords, this northerly enclave is part of Oman. Enjoy dhow day-trips into the fjords.
Rugged mountain scenery on the Musandam Peninsula
7. Fujairah
130 km (81 miles) from Dubai
Fujairah has a coastline of coral reefs and hillsides with forts and watchtowers. The Fujairah Fort is the oldest in the UAE, dating to 1670.
8. The Yellow Boats
For the best views of the modern city, head out on the water with the Yellow Boats. Tours run up and down the coast starting from Dubai Marina, offering superlative views of the Marina skyscrapers, Atlantis and the Palm, and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
9. Bidiya
38 km (24 miles) north of Fujairah • Visit outside of prayer times, accompanied by a mosque guide
This tiny fishing village is home to the oldest mosque in the UAE, dating back to 1446. Made from mud brick, stone and gypsum, it is now restored, with its four small domes held up by a massive central pillar.
Bidiya’s 15th-century mosque
10. Al Fahidi Walking Tour
Tours: Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun
Explore Dubai’s historic and atmospheric Al Fahidi (Bastakiya) district with an expert guide from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. The 90-minute morning tours also include a rare chance to see inside the neighbouring Diwan Mosque and are followed by a Q & A session.
