Are you struggling to find your rhythm at work? Do you feel the pressures of everyday life gnawing at the corners of your mind? Perhaps the time has come for you to decompress, let go of all the stress, and find a way to relax.
We understand how stressful working life can be in Dubai, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best weekend getaways from Dubai to the coolest places around the globe.
Where to Travel from Dubai?
Now since we’re talking about a long weekend at best here, we’re taking time and cost into account. So don’t worry, we’re not going to be sending you halfway across the Earth for two nights. Instead, we’re presenting you with the top holiday destinations near Dubai.
1. Salalah, Oman
Salalah is Oman’s second largest city, and it offers a landscape of beautiful natural sights. Trade the deserts of Dubai for the lush green mountains and stunning lakes of Oman, and the panoramic views of the Arabian sea. It is one of the closest, and one of the best holiday destinations from Dubai.
Getting from Dubai to Salalah, Oman:
- Average Flight Duration: 2 Hours
- Average Ticket Price: 865 AED
Best Time to Visit Salalah, Oman:
- June-September
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Salalah, Oman:
- Wadi Shuwaymiyah
- Wadi Derbat
- Khor Rori
- Al Hosn Palace
- Ayn Razat
- Ain Garziz
- Mountain Climbing
- Scuba Diving
- Turtle Watching
2. Zanzibar, Tanzania
This stunning Island in the Indian Ocean is just off the coast of Tanzania, and affords one of the hottest exotic short getaways from Dubai. Zanzibar is influenced by Omani culture, which as well as European and Indian influence. But aside from history, the country has many beautiful exotic beaches.
Getting from Dubai to Zanzibar, Tanzania:
- Average Flight Duration: 5 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1600 AED
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar, Tanzania:
- Cool weather between June-October
- Hot weather between December-February
- Avoid rainy times between March-May and in November
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Zanzibar, Tanzania:
- Stone Town
- Old Fort
- Nungwi Beach
- Cheetah’s Stone
- Mnemba Island
- Changuu
- Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
- Chumbe Island
- Forodhani Gardens
3. Amman, Jordan
Not to be confused with Oman, the country, Amman is the capital of Jordan, the large Arab country in the North West of Dubai. Amman features tons of historical monuments and stunning landscapes making it a perfect destination for weekend breaks from Dubai.
Getting from Dubai to Amman, Jordan:
- Average Flight Duration: 3 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1650 AED
Best Time to Visit Amman, Jordan:
- June-August months are dry but quite hot, with highs of 40°C
- January and February are the coldest months (5-10°C) with the possibility of snow
- September-Early November months are warmer and perfect for diving in Aqaba
- Spring, starting in March, offers better temperature
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Amman, Jordan:
- Petra
- Mount Nebo
- Amman Citadel
- Roman Theatre
- Madapa Map
- Floating in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea
- Staying in Bedouin Campsites
4. New Delhi, India
This country is jubilant with the colors of life, thanks to its rich culture, beautiful historical sites, and vast wildlife. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations close to Dubai and is surely worth the visit.
Getting from Dubai to New Delhi, India:
- Average Flight Duration: 3.5 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1100 AED
Best Time to Visit New Delhi, India:
- October-March is generally the best time to visit India due to the weather, as their summers can get very hot.
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in New Delhi, India:
- Taj Mahal
- Amber Palace
- Red Fort
- Ranthambore National Park
- Binsar
- Mcleodganj
- Srinagar
- Andaman
- Leh-Ladakh
5. Baku, Azerbaijan
If you visit Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, you’ll quickly notice that they say Salam for Hello much like the Arab world. Other than that, you can enjoy the mosques and historic buildings of the city, now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or visit places such as the mud volcanoes, take in the modern architecture, or simply enjoy a day by the beach.
Getting from Dubai to Baku, Azerbaijan:
- Average Flight Duration: 3 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1500 AED
Best Time to Visit Baku, Azerbaijan:
- Warm summers from June to September
- Rainfall between October to December and snowfall in January
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Baku, Azerbaijan:
- Martyrs Lane
- Maiden Tower or Giz Galasi
- Baku’s Museum of Contemporary Art
- Baku Boulevard
- Sculpture of Super Spy
- Palace of the Shirvanshahs
- Flame Towers
- Museum of Vagif Mustafa-Zadeh
- Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre
6. Istanbul, Turkey
Experience the beautiful culture of a city over 2500 years old, with several cultures leaving their clear and stunning mark on the Turkish city. This vast culture makes it an excellent option for long weekend getaways from Dubai, and you’ll surely enjoy your visit there.
Getting from Dubai to Istanbul, Turkey:
- Average Flight Duration: 5 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1000 AED
Best Time to Visit Istanbul, Turkey:
- Spring from April to May
- Autumn from September to Mid October
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey:
- Aya Sofya
- Basilica Cistern
- Blue Mosque
- Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi)
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Galata Tower
- Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)
- Spice Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi)
- Topkapi Palace
- Üsküdar
- Yedikule Fortress (Yedikule Hisari)
7. Yerevan, Armenia
Mountain ranges, extinct volcanoes, historical monuments, and ancient villages; what more can you want in a weekend away from Dubai. While Yerevan stands out as the coolest city to visit, you may want to set foot in Dilijan and Gyumri if you have the time.
Getting from Dubai to Yerevan, Armenia:
- Average Flight Duration: 3 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1600 AED
Best Time to Visit Yerevan, Armenia:
- Cold winters from December through February with the possibility of snowfall
- Hot summer days (22-36 Celsius) from June to September with cool evenings
- Late May to Early June and Late September to Early October are the best months
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia:
- Armenian Genocide Museum
- Cafesjian Center for the Arts
- The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts
- Republic Square
- Geghard Monastery
- Vernissage Market
8. Tbilisi, Georgia
Nestled within the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia makes for quite a stunning country. The breathtaking views along the coast stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea is a joy to behold. Make sure you put it in your shortlist of short vacations from Dubai.
Getting from Dubai to Tbilisi, Georgia:
- Average Flight Duration: 3.5 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1100 AED
Best Time to Visit Tbilisi, Georgia:
- Spring season between March and May offer pleasant weather with the possibility of rainfall
- Summer season between June and August is popular among tourists
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia:
- The old town of Mtskheta
- The natural caves of Uplistsikhe
- The port city of Batumi
- Hiking the Caucasus Mountains
- Hike up to the Gergeti Trinity Church
9. Cyprus
A beautiful island in the Mediterranean, with differing styles of architecture due to its invasion by different countries, and a contrasting landscape of snowy mountains and sandy beaches.
Getting from Dubai to Tbilisi, Georgia:
- Average Flight Duration: 5 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 2000 AED
Best Time to Visit Tbilisi, Georgia:
- February-April for the most pleasant weather
- Summertime between May and October is popular if you don’t mind the heat
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia:
- Stavrovouni Monastery
- Cyprus Museum
- Tombs of the Kings
- Millomeris Waterfalls
- Paphos Mosaics
- Cape Greco
- Medieval Castle of Paphos
- Adonis Baths
- Petra tou Romiou
10. Athens, Greece
Head over to the Mediterranean haven of Greece and enjoy the beautiful colors of the sea and the architecture. Their history is shown from every corner of its streets, going back to 3000-1200 BC, and the majesty of the 1,400 islands comprising this country makes it one of the most perfect weekend escapes from Dubai.
Getting from Dubai to Athens, Greece:
- Average Flight Duration: 5 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1600 AED
Best Time to Visit Athens, Greece:
- Spring and Early summer season between April and June
- Autumn season from September through October
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Athens, Greece:
- Acropolis of Athens
- Parthenon
- Meteora
- Acropolis Museum
- Plaka
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Samariá Gorge
- Elafonisi
11. Sri Lanka
This stunning island is one of the best weekend trips from Dubai in anyone’s book. It features amazing beaches, historical temples, and lively city life. Go back to over 3000 years of history, explore the mountain ranges, or relax by the tropical beaches.
Getting from Dubai to Colombo, Sri Lanka:
- Average Flight Duration: 4.5 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1300 AED
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka:
- December to March for the west and south coasts of Sri Lanka
- Mid-April to September for the east coast of Sri Lanka
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Sri Lanka:
- Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)
- Yala National Park
- Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
- Sigiriya
- Horton Plains National Park
- Galle Dutch Fort
- Tea Plantations in Nuwara Eliya
- Hiking Diyaluma Falls
- Surfing at Hikkaduwa
12. Beirut, Lebanon
When it comes to travel destinations near Dubai, Beirut is certainly one of the closest. Contrary to the vast sandy deserts of the Emirates, Lebanon is filled with green mountains, affording beautiful views and excellent hiking spots, giving it the nickname, the Paris of the East.
Getting from Dubai to Beirut, Lebanon:
- Average Flight Duration: 3.5 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 860 AED
Best Time to Visit Beirut, Lebanon:
- Summer season between June and September is the most popular in Lebanon
- Spring between April and May is a great option for those who can’t handle the summer heat
- Winter lovers can go between December and March to enjoy winter sports in a relatively low season for tourists
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Beirut, Lebanon:
- National Museum of Beirut
- Sursock Museum
- Martyr’s Square
- Zaitunay Bay
- Souk El Tayeb
- Raouche Rocks
13. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
If you’re looking for weekend destinations from Dubai in Africa, then you’ll certainly be on the lookout for what Ethiopia offers. This stunning country in Central East Africa boasts natural sites, vibrant wildlife, and rich history.
Getting from Dubai to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:
- Average Flight Duration: 4.5 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1300 AED
Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:
- After the rainfall season between late October and June
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Lake Tana
- Blue Nile Falls
- Erta Ale Volcano
- Danakil Depression
- Awash National Park
14. Seychelles
Change everything you know about Africa and wonder at this beautiful tropical country made up of 115 islands. Relax by the beaches and enjoy the sea life and flora of this country, especially islands such as Praslin, La Digue, and Mahe.
Getting from Dubai to Seychelles:
- Average Flight Duration: 6 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 2600 AED
Best Time to Visit Seychelles:
- Seychelles is great year-round, but April-May and October-November are the best seasons
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Seychelles:
- Morne Seychellois National Park
- Natural History Museum of Seychelles
- Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
- Bird Island
- Curieuse Island
15. Nepal
Famous for being home to the Himalayas and Mt. Everest, Nepal boasts much more than just snowy mountains. In Nepal, you can go for all sorts of adventurous activities, or simply tour the ancient temples of the country, and stroll through the old streets and markets.
Getting from Dubai to Kathmandu, Nepal:
- Average Flight Duration: 4 hours
- Average Ticket Prices: 1300 AED
Best Time to Visit Nepal:
- Spring between March and May is the most popular time with trekking and wildlife sighting at an all-time high, in addition to festivals such as Holi in March, Ghode Jatra between March and April, and Buddha Jayanti in May
- Summer between June and August is the best time for experiencing the greenery of mountains in a less crowded setting. Trekking trails are closed though.
Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Nepal:
- Trekking the Mountain Peaks
- Temples of Kathmandu
- International Mountain Museum
- Mountain Yoga
- Bungee Jumping
- Skydiving
- Paragliding in Pokhara
- Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park
We hope you find your next destination here when thinking about where to go near Dubai, you can also check out our different articles on the coolest places to visit in Dubai if you’re looking for a staycation instead.
