Dubai, the glamourous emirate of the United Arab Emirates, is filled with expats from different countries in the world. People come to Dubai for better job opportunities and better lifestyle. Moreover, the city is brimming with attractions, entertainment avenues, and adventurous activities that you can easily spend your holiday and free time exploring Dubai. However, once in a while, you will want to take a break from your routine and the city. The best part is that being a resident of Dubai or UAE gives you the chance to explore new cities and countries easily. The Dubai airport has frequent flights to almost every prominent city in the world. Even if you do not want to travel far, there are many destinations from Dubai under 5 hours.
Best Holiday Destinations from Dubai Under 5 Hours
Cairo, Egypt
Fascinating history and culture are what you will encounter in the capital city of Egypt. Cairo is one of the best places to know about the Egyptian culture and marvel at the huge pyramids. Then there is River Nile, the largest river in the world. Cairo is also a vibrant city known for its delicious food, colorful markets, historical sites, and more, which you can explore with Cairo tour packages.
Flight Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Attractions: Pyramids of Giza, The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Great Sphinx, Cairo Citadel, Cairo Tower, Abdeen Palace Museum, The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and more.
Best Time to Visit: November to February is winter in Cairo and one of the best times to visit the city. The shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) are also great times visit the Egyptian capital.
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Located in the southern region of Oman, Salalah is a coastal town on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Named as the “City of Frankincense,” Salalah is known for its lush greenery, especially during the monsoon season, which is known as Khareed. During this time, the place turns into a green oasis complete with glorious waterfalls and verdant greenery everywhere. Salalah is also known for its beaches and museums. Salalah tour packages would take you to all the important landmarks and attractions.
Flight Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Attractions: Mughsail Beach, Wadi Darbat, Ain Razat, Marneef Cave, Fazayah Beach, Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Taqah Castle, Sumhuram Old City, Ain Razat, and Haffa Souq
Best Time to Visit: The Khareef or monsoon season between June and September is the best time to visit Salalah.
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The beach capital of India, Goa is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. Home to some of the most incredible beaches of the country, Goa is where you go for a relaxing holiday. However, beaches are not the only thing to see in this tiny state. The Indo-Portuguese architecture, culture, churches, and food are some of the amazing things to experience in Goa. Apart from this, Goa has a happening nightlife too.
Flight Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Attractions: Calangute Beach, Dudhsagar Falls, Candolim Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chaopra Fort, Shree Shantadurga Temple, Baga Beach, Agonda, Morjim Beach Road, etc.
Best Time to Visit: November to February is when you should visit Goa as the weather is pleasant and best to enjoy the beaches.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal’s capital Kathmandu is a place known for its spirituality, culture, and beautiful landscapes. The city is replete with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient Hindu temples, and bustling markets. One of the most exciting things to do here is take a mountain flight that will give you the chance to enjoy an aerial view of Mount Everest. Moreover, the Nepali cuisine, including everything from momos to thalis, is worth tasting.
Flight Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Attractions: Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhu Mahachaitya, Buddha Stupa, Patan Darbar Square, Kopan Monastery, Thamel, National Museum of Nepal, Bktapur Durbar Square, Taleju Bhavani Temple, and more.
Best Time to Visit: September to December is perfect for trekking and sightseeing in Kathmandu
Doha, Qatar
Qatar is the nearest country to visit from Dubai, and Doha is one of the best places to visit in Qatar. The capital of Qatar, Doha is a good blend of ancient culture, modern architecture, beautiful beaches, and a wide variety of experiences. Aside from admiring the stunning skyline of the city, you can explore its cultural heritage through its museums, souks, and more. Lounging on the beaches, indulging in some luxurious shopping, enjoying delicious meals, and attending festivals and cultural events are things to do in Doha.
Flight Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Attractions: National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl Monument, MIA Park, Villaggio Mall, and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Best Time to Visit: November to April is when the climate of Doha is pleasant enough to explore the outdoor attractions and activities.
Amman, Jordan
Amman is a city where ancient ruins, historical sites, and religious places blend together with modern constructions and lifestyle. Sprawling across seven mighty hills, Amman is home to interesting attractions that will take you to the ancient times. The bustling cafes, the vibrant markets, and an amazing nightlife are what await you in Amman. With one of the numerous Amman tour packages, you can check out all the prime attractions of the city.
Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Attractions: Roman Theatre, Amman Citadel, Jordan Museum, Rainbow Street, Souk Jara, Al Balad, Royal Automobile Museum, Roman Theater, and Jordan Archeological Museum
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Amman, as the weather is quite pleasant during these seasons.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
If you are interested in weekend trips from Dubai, Riyadh would be a good choice. Riyadh is another Arab city that you can go for a quick visit from Dubai. The capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is all about the blend of tradition and culture with the new and the modern. From stunning desert landscapes and unique traditions to cultural sites and modern attractions, there is plenty to see and do in Riyadh. Sightseeing in Riyadh ranges from visiting mud structures to futuristic buildings made of steel and glass.
Flight Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Attractions: National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Masmak Fortress, Kingdom Centre Tower, Al Masmak Souq & Deira Souq, Kingdom Centre Tower, Al Faisaliah Tower, and Diriyah
Best Time to Visit: Summer season, i.e., November to March is the best time to visit Riyadh, thanks to the enjoyable weather.
Baku, Azerbaijan
The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku blends ancient and modern effortlessly and magically. The city is filled with historical structures and buildings, giving us a glimpse into the ancient past of the city. The Old City of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is worth visiting. Moreover, the Baku tour packages will also show you the modern side of the city, which includes some unique, futuristic buildings, amazing nightlife, and an array of outdoor activities. The seaside promenades and cuisine of Baku also make it worth visiting.
Flight Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Attractions: Icherisheher (Old City), Baku Boulevard, Flame Towers, Ateshgah Fire Temple, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, Museum of Miniature Books, Heydar Aliyev Center, and Baku Boulevard
Best Time to Visit: Baku enjoys a moderate climate between April and October, making these the best months to visit the city.
Tips for Planning a Short Trip from Dubai
- Choose the destination as per your interests as well as the proximity of the place. If you do not want to spend too much time traveling, select a place closest to Dubai.
- Book your flight tickets and hotel reservation in advance, especially during peak tourist season in the country you are visiting.
- Check out the visa requirements of the place you are visiting and apply for one in advance if a visa is required for entry.
- Choose tour packages to save time and money, especially for short holidays where you want to cover in a small period of time.
- Know about the local customs, rules, and laws and abide by them as a respect to the country you are visiting and its people as well.
Conclusion
The cities mentioned here great places for short trips from Dubai. The best part is that several countries ease out their visa requirements for UAE residents, irrespective of your nationality. So, if you are living and working in Dubai, take advantage of your resident visa status and enjoy memorable holidays in the places mentioned above.
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