A long weekend in Dubai does not have to mean staying in Dubai. The National Day break, with holidays expected on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026, subject to official announcement, is one of the best chances of the year to explore the wider Emirates, in cool weather and a celebratory mood.
Within a couple of hours you can be in mountain wadis, a centuries-old oasis, a beautiful mosque, or on an east coast beach. Thousands of residents have the same idea, so a little planning helps. Here are five trips that work well.
Hatta: Mountains, Dam and Heritage Village
Hatta is Dubai’s own mountain escape, around 90 minutes away in normal conditions. The turquoise water of Hatta Dam is the headline sight, with kayaks usually available to hire, and the hills offer walks for most fitness levels. Allow time for Hatta Heritage Village, where restored houses explain mountain life long before the highway. Food options are limited, so a picnic is wise, and an early start beats the crowds.
Abu Dhabi: The Grand Mosque and the Corniche
Abu Dhabi is around 90 minutes to two hours away, depending on traffic, and easily fills a day. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the essential stop, welcoming visitors outside prayer times, with tours explaining its craft and meaning. Pre-booking a slot is usually required through the official system, so arrange it in advance. Women must cover hair, arms and legs, and men should wear long trousers. Afterwards, walk the Corniche or visit Qasr Al Watan nearby.
Sharjah: Heritage, Museums and a Slower Pace
Sharjah is the closest trip, often under an hour outside peak traffic, though holiday congestion can stretch that considerably. The Heart of Sharjah restores the old town’s coral stone houses, souks and museums into a walkable district. The Museum of Islamic Civilization is a highlight, and Al Noor Island suits families. Sharjah is a dry emirate, and modest dress is appreciated in heritage areas. Return before the evening peak.
Al Ain: Oasis Palms and Jebel Hafeet
Al Ain, the garden city, is around two hours away and feels greener and calmer than anywhere else here. Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO-listed landscape of date palms watered by ancient falaj channels, is made for a shaded morning walk, and Al Jahili Fort and the Palace Museum are nearby. In the afternoon, drive up Jebel Hafeet for views over city and desert, ideally at sunset. Use parking areas for photographs, not the roadside.
Fujairah and the East Coast: A Different Sea
The east coast gives you the Gulf of Oman, a different sea from Dubai’s. Fujairah and the beaches around Al Aqah are typically around two hours away, through scenic mountain roads. Come for swimming and snorkelling around Snoopy Island, and look out for Fujairah Fort and Al Bidyah Mosque, among the oldest in the UAE, on the way. Beach clubs may offer day access, usually bookable in advance. Follow local flags before swimming.
Making the Weekend Work: Traffic, Fuel and Bookings
Holiday traffic is predictable: busiest out of Dubai on the first morning, busiest back on the last evening. Leaving at dawn can save an hour and gives you the best of each place before it fills.
- Fill up with fuel the day before, and plan rest stops.
- Book mosque visits, activities and beach access ahead where possible.
- Carry water, sun protection and a phone charger, even in December.
- Check your Salik balance before you set off.
Build in slack, too. A trip with a long lunch is a holiday; one run to a timetable is just commuting with better scenery.
See More of the Country You Live In
Eid Al Etihad celebrates the union of seven emirates, and there is no better way to honour it than by visiting a few of them. Choose one trip, start early, book the essentials, and enjoy a side of the UAE that a weekend in the city cannot show you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which day trip is best for families with young children?
Hatta and Sharjah both work well. Hatta offers the dam, open space and heritage village within around 90 minutes, while Sharjah is closer, with museums and heritage in easy walking distance. An early start and mid-afternoon return keep the day manageable.
Do I need to book the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in advance?
Visitors are usually required to book a visiting time through the mosque’s official system, especially important over a holiday weekend. Book ahead, arrive on time, and follow the dress code, with women covering hair, arms and legs.
How bad is National Day traffic and how can I avoid it?
Highways are typically busiest on the first morning and final evening of the holiday. Leaving at dawn and returning before the last evening rush usually helps. All journey times here are rough approximations and can stretch at peak periods.
