The United Arab Emirates is much more than luxurious shopping malls and towering skyscrapers. From long weekends for locals to brief escapes for visitors, the UAE has a wide range of weekend activities to cater to both locals and visitors of all interests and budgets.
Whether it’s soaking up the sun on unspoiled beaches, visiting historical sites or desert adventures, mountains, each Emirate presents a different experience. With family, friends or on your own, there’s always something new to be seen.
This guide showcases some of the best weekend activities in the UAE to help you plan the best weekend.
Explore Dubai Attractions
Dubai is still one of the most interesting destinations for a weekend getaway. From visiting world-famous landmarks to exploring modern attractions to outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to spend the day.
Popular activities include:
- Go to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa.
- See the Dubai Fountain, a show.
- Explore Al Fahidi Historical District.
- Hike around Dubai Marina.
- Come to Kite Beach or JBR Beach and unwind.
- Go to Global Village (seasonal).
- Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal) – spend a day there!
Dubai offers the perfect experience for couples, families and solo travellers looking to experience entertainment, dining and culture all in one city.
| Emirate | Popular Weekend Activities | Best For |
| Dubai | Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Kite Beach, Global Village | Families, couples, tourists |
| Abu Dhabi | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island | Culture, luxury, families |
| Sharjah | Museums, Al Noor Island, Al Majaz Waterfront | History and art lovers |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Jebel Jais, ziplining, hiking | Adventure seekers |
| Fujairah | Beaches, snorkeling, mountain drives | Nature lovers |
| Ajman | Beaches, waterfront walks, cafés | Relaxing weekends |
| Umm Al Quwain | Beaches, kayaking, water activities | Quiet family trips |
Discover Abu Dhabi Culture
Abu Dhabi is a blend of modernity and rich Emirati heritage.
The highlights of the weekend are visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, exploring Louvre Abu Dhabi, relaxing along the Corniche, enjoying the attractions at Yas Island, visiting Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and spending time at Saadiyat beach. The capital is a perfect blend of history, luxury and family fun.
Visit Sharjah Museums
Sharjah is the cultural hub of the UAE and ideal for the culture enthusiast and history buff.
Weekend ideas include:
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- Sharjah Art Museum
- Al Noor Island
- Al Majaz Waterfront
- Sharjah Aquarium
- Rain Room Sharjah
There are numerous family-friendly attractions and they tend to be cheaper than other urban areas.
Enjoy Mountain Adventures
The eastern and northern emirates are the places for nature lovers.
Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta Dam, Hatta Wadi Hub, Fujairah Mountains, Wadi Shawka and Al Rafisah Dam are popular places for outdoor recreation. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, cycling, camping and ziplining in this area while viewing the amazing natural beauty of the region. The best time to enjoy outdoor activities is during the winter months (October to April).
Experience Desert Safaris
A desert safari continues to be one of the most iconic of the UAE experiences.
Typical weekend safaris have dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, falcon photography, a BBQ, traditional entertainment and stargazing. Morning safaris are best in the warmer months and evening safaris are cooler and set against a spectacular backdrop of sunset.
Relax On Beaches
UAE coastline is extended along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman which offers great beach locations.
Popular beaches include:
- Kite Beach
- JBR Beach
- Saadiyat Beach
- Al Khan Beach
- Umm Al Quwain Beach
- Fujairah Beach
Paddleboarding, kayaking and jet skiing are available at many beaches, as are beachfront cafés.
Visit Family Attractions
There are many activities to keep the entire family busy throughout UAE.
Recommended places include:
- Dubai Aquarium
- IMG Worlds of Adventure
- Motiongate Dubai
- Yas Waterworld
- Legoland Dubai
- Emirates Park Zoo
- Green Planet Dubai
For the summer months, most attractions have indoor activities as well.
Enjoy Weekend Staycations
One of the most common weekend hobbies in UAE is a staycation. There are many resorts that have packages that include swimming pools and private beaches, fine dining, water sports, family entertainment and spa treatments for weekends. Popular staycation destinations are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Ajman. It’s best to make your reservation a few weeks ahead to get the best rates and specials.
Explore Local Markets
The traditional markets offer a glimpse of the country’s heritage.
Must-visit markets include:
- Gold Souk
- Spice Souk
- Textile Souk
- Dates Market
- Fish Markets
- Friday Market in Masafi
The markets offer a great place to purchase souvenirs, spices, perfumes, textiles, and handmade crafts.
Try Adventure Sports
The UAE has much to offer for adrenaline junkies. Famous adventure sports are scuba diving, flyboarding, mountain biking, indoor skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and skydiving. Adventure tourism has continued to boom in all seven Emirates, and there are numerous opportunities available for visitors and residents alike to experience the thrill of the outdoors.
Taste Local Cuisine
A weekend is a great time to explore Emirati and International cuisine. Try some local specialities like Machboos, Harees, Luqaimat, Balaleet, Madrooba and Chebab. There are also plenty of food lovers who can sample the country’s wide variety of cuisine served by local restaurants, especially those that offer traditional dishes from other parts of the world.
Attend Weekend Events
The UAE also holds events all year round such as food festival, cultural festival, sporting events, concerts, outdoor markets, fireworks and seasonal celebrations. It’s good to check local event calendars beforehand to find out what kind of activities are available and to make the best of your time.
Visit Hidden Gems
There are numerous lesser known locations outside of the city that are worth exploring. You can visit Al Qudra Lakes, Love Lake, Snoopy Island, Khor Fakkan, Jazifat Al Hamra and Mangrove National Park. The places are ideal for photography, picnics, kayaking, wildlife spotting and enjoying the UAE’s natural beauty.
Budget-Friendly Ideas
It’s not necessary to break the bank to celebrate your weekend in the UAE. Low cost things to do are sitting at public beaches, visiting parks, hiking, biking on special trails, free days at the museums, waterfront walks, sunset photos and community events. Most of these activities are either free or inexpensive!
Weekend Activity Guide
| Activity | Best Season | Suitable For |
| Desert Safari | October – April | Families, couples, tourists |
| Beach Day | October – May | Everyone |
| Mountain Hiking | October – March | Adventure lovers |
| Museum Visits | All Year | Solo travellers, families |
| Theme Parks | All Year | Families and children |
| Staycation | All Year | Couples and families |
| Shopping | All Year | Everyone |
| Outdoor Markets | October – April | Tourists and locals |
Best Time To Visit
While the UAE is great to visit at any time of year, the outdoor season is best from October to April, when the climate is cooler and more pleasant. In the summer, it is best to opt for indoor attractions, venture to the beaches early in the morning or late in the evening, drink plenty of water, wear light-coloured clothing and remember to apply a sun tan lotion. Planning ahead for the season will contribute to a more pleasant and enjoyable weekend.
Final Thoughts
The UAE has plenty to offer for weekend entertainment, whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach getaway, a hike in the mountains, a cultural trip or an exciting adventure. Each emirate has its own distinct attractions and it’s simple to get a different adventure every weekend.
The UAE is a great place to explore throughout the year, with so many unique and incredible things to discover outside of the tourist hotspots, and by combining the iconic attractions with the lesser-known highlights, you can experience the UAE’s incredible diversity!
FAQs
What is the best thing to do over the weekend in UAE?
Some of the most popular activities are desert safaris, beach vacations, hiking in the mountains, cultural attractions, theme parks, shopping, and “staycationing.
Which emirate would be best to visit on a weekend?
Dubai is perfect for fun, Abu Dhabi for culture, Ras Al Khaimah for adventurous, Fujairah for beaches and Sharjah for museums and heritage.
What is there for free at weekends in UAE?
Yes. The public beaches, parks, hiking trails, waterfront promenades, cultural districts and community events are all great places for free entertainment.
Does the UAE make for family weekends?
Absolutely. The UAE is one of the most family-friendly places in the region, with its theme parks, aquariums, zoos, beaches, museums, and interactive attractions.
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