Dubai’s advantageous position and extensive flight connections make it a common practice for its residents to embark on long weekend getaways. Here are 10 destinations we love that are within a four-hour flight from Dubai. These places range from bustling urban centers to mesmerizing desert landscapes and tranquil seaside retreats.
Weekend Trips From Dubai:
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1. Doha, Qatar
- For an enriching art-focused getaway, consider taking a short one-hour flight to Doha.
- The capital of Qatar is renowned for its museums, which host exhibitions by prominent international artists. However, what’s equally captivating is the city’s public art displayed outdoors.
- You can rent a car and venture into the desert to discover two captivating pieces: Richard Serra’s monumental East-West/West-East installation, comprised of towering 14-meter steel plates, promises a mesmerizing experience. Additionally, you can seek out Olafur Eliasson’s captivating mirrored rings, known as Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day.
2. Bahrain
- Bahrain is often not talked about as much as its nearby Gulf friends, but it’s a great place to visit for a long weekend. There’s a lot to do here. It has a really interesting history, with old houses from merchants, strong forts, ancient Dilmun burial mounds, and a special place called the Bahrain Pearling Path that’s recognized by UNESCO. This path is 3.5 kilometers long and takes you from the seashore to the center of Muharraq.
- And if you want a comfortable family trip, there are fancy hotels like Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Jumeirah. They make it easy to have a relaxed and enjoyable time.
3. Cairo, Egypt
- After a long period of renovation and being closed, The Grand Egyptian Museum, which has been eagerly anticipated, could finally open its doors this year, though it has faced numerous delays.
- Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital, offers countless other reasons to visit. If you’ve already marveled at the iconic Pyramids of Giza, nearby awaits the incredible step pyramid at Saqqara and the distinctively shaped Bent Pyramid at Dahshur.
- Many who visit Cairo simply gaze at the Nile River, but did you know you can actually board a water taxi and experience it firsthand?
4. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Jeddah stands out from the rest. That’s what the city’s motto says, and it’s true. Jeddah has always been the welcoming entry point to Makkah for pilgrims who arrive by sea.
- The city is home to a diverse population with different cultural backgrounds, and this is beautifully reflected in the amazing variety of food waiting to be explored here. From dishes like ma’soub to murtabak and foul, the food scene is a treat.
- Jeddah is actively working on restoring its historic district, Al Balad, which has earned UNESCO World Heritage recognition. This area is filled with charming centuries-old homes that are being brought back to life. It’s a lovely place to stroll around.
5. Amman, Jordan
- The capital of Jordan, Amman, serves as the entrance to both Petra and the Dead Sea, making them accessible on day trips from the city, even though they are quite far away. Yet, Amman itself possesses a certain charm that can easily occupy a long weekend.
- The city’s archaeological sites in the center, like the Citadel and the Roman Theatre, are within easy reach. And if you’re up for a short drive, you can reach the well-preserved Roman ruins of Jerash in less than an hour by car.
- Amman is also a place where you should make time to enjoy the food. You can grab a delicious falafel from street vendors, or you can opt for more upscale dining in elegant restaurants and cozy cafés.
- If you’re interested in trying some Levantine flavors, visit Fakhreldin, located in the former Prime Minister’s house, or head to Sufra on Rainbow Street for hearty traditional Jordanian dishes.
6. AlUla, Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia’s AlUla is a place filled with wonders. It has ancient tombs carved from stone, landscapes that seem out of this world, and a vast oasis with over two million date palms.
- It’s a bit quieter than Petra, and the Nabataean tombs here, like Lihyan Son of Kuza’s tomb, are incredibly picturesque. These tombs are carved from a single massive rock, creating a breathtaking sight.
- But AlUla has even more to offer. The Ashar Valley is home to the stunning Maraya, which is the world’s biggest mirrored building. It reflects the surrounding red rock scenery in a mesmerizing way.
- Then there’s Jabal Ikmah, a mountain covered in thousands of inscriptions and drawings. This place is so special that it’s been added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World register.
- Visiting in winter is a great idea. You’ll find pop-up restaurants around, and the area comes alive with concerts, hot air balloon rides, and many other activities.
7. Beirut, Lebanon
- Despite its challenges, Beirut remains a captivating escape from Dubai, and its allure is easy to understand.
- Offering fantastic dining, vibrant nightlife, and a range of accommodations, including traditional and boutique hotels, Beirut is a constant favorite. The Sursock Museum, which was significantly damaged in the 2020 port explosion, has reopened its doors.
- The neighborhoods of Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael are still lively and full of energy.
- Make sure not to overlook Beit Kanz, a charming cultural center and restaurant set in a beautifully restored historical building, filled with flowers. It celebrates Lebanon’s creative community, traditional craftsmanship, and culinary excellence.
8. Istanbul
- Just a 5-hour flight away from Dubai, Istanbul serves as a remarkable bridge between the East and West. Boasting stunning architecture, a fascinating history, vibrant culture, and incredible cuisine, Istanbul holds a special place among cities in the region.
- A visit here is an exploration of contrasts, from the iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to the lively Balat neighborhood, the bustling bazaars, and the delectable Turkish dishes.
- Spending 4 days in Istanbul provides the ideal opportunity to deeply engage with the city’s cultural legacy and heritage.
9. Oman
- Oman is swiftly becoming a top travel choice.
- With a treasure trove of captivating history and culture waiting to be explored, Oman offers something for everyone seeking a fantastic weekend escape.
- From untouched beaches and majestic mountains to well-preserved Omani architecture and lush valleys, Oman’s diversity is remarkable.
- From the awe-inspiring Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat to the heights of Jebel Akhdar and the stunning Ad Dimaniyat islands, Oman boasts a wealth of remarkable places and activities.
- Both Muscat and Jabal Al Akhdar are conveniently close to Dubai and can be explored on a weekend getaway without requiring extra time off.
10. Maldives
- A non-stop flight from Dubai to Male takes just over four hours, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway.
- When time is limited, it’s best to choose Maldives resorts that are a short speedboat ride away from the airport. This way, you can maximize your time on the islands.
- Kurumba, located just ten minutes from the airport, holds a special place in Maldivian tourism as one of the pioneers when it opened in 1972. It still remains a popular choice today. Kurumba is an affordable and family-friendly resort that emphasizes connecting guests with local communities through music, entertainment, and traditional experiences.
