Are you looking for the perfect Dubai long weekend getaway? The good news is, there are plenty of amazing destinations just a short flight away from Dubai! In this blog post, I am sharing six places that you can visit for a quick getaway, all of them under five hours of flight time (except the last one!). From stunning beaches to historic cities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a short trip from Dubai. Even better news if you are a Dubai resident… combined with public holidays, there are quite a few opportunities for long weekends in 2023.
Here is a full recap of 2023 next public holidays in Dubai and the best places to visit according to the season:
- Eid al Fitr: April 20th to 23rd, 2023
Best destinations: Oman, Sri Lanka, Istanbul, Maldives, Jordan or the Seychelles - Arafat Day: June 27th, 2023
Best destinations: Istanbul, Seychelles, Zanzibar - Eid al Adha: June 28th to 30th, 2023
Best destinations: Istanbul, Seychelles, Zanzibar - Islamic New Year: July 19th, 2023
Best destination: Seychelles, Zanzibar - The Prophet Muhammad’s birthday: September 27th, 2023
Best destinations: Istanbul, Maldives, Jordan, Zanzibar - Commemoration Day & National Day: December 1st to 3rd, 2023
Best destinations: Oman, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles
There are so many great options for long weekend getaways from Dubai this year! So start packing your bags, book your flight, and get ready for some stunning trips. The below destinations are arranged from the shortest to the longest flight time! Your welcome :-P!
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OMAN – A COUNTRY FULL OF NATURAL BEAUTY
Dubai to Muscat: 1h flight / 6h drive
Oman is quickly becoming a hotspot travel destination. With a plethora of fascinating history and culture to explore, Oman offers something for everyone looking to carve out an amazing weekend getaway. You can find everything from pristine beaches and stunning mountains to well-preserved Omani architecture and lush wadis. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there are so many must-see places to add to your Oman itinerary. From the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat to the mountains of Jebel Akhdar and the incredible Daymaniyat islands, Oman is packed with incredible places and activities that are sure to give you the experience of a lifetime! Both Muscat and Jabal Al Akhdar are very short trips from Dubai and can be visited on a weekend getaway without having to take any extra days off.
Where to stay in Oman: The Chedi in Muscat, The Anantara in Jabal Al Akhdar.
How to go around Oman: There is virtually no public transport, so unless you drove from Dubai, renting a car is your best option.
PETRA – A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY
Dubai to Amman: 3.5h flight – Amman to Petra: 3h drive
For a long weekend filled with culture and history, head to Petra in Jordan. This ancient city is home to the famous Treasury and other incredible architectural wonders, all carved into the red sandstone cliffs. Explore the narrow canyons and winding paths, and marvel at the engineering ingenuity of the Nabateans. Dedicate at least 2 days to hike in Petra, to see the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, and the Treasury from above. With a flight time of just 3.5 hours, Petra is quite a short trip from Dubai and an amazing destination for a long weekend getaway.
How to go from Amman Airport to Petra: The most convenient way to reach Petra is by renting a car as it gives you the flexibility to organize your weekend as you wish. You can compare prices and book your car here.
MALDIVES – THE LUXURY BEACH DESTINATION
Dubai to Male: 4h flight
Looking for the ultimate luxury beach getaway from Dubai? The Maldives is just a four-hour flight from Dubai and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and an abundance of marine life, the Maldives is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. One of the best resorts for that is Kuramathi Island Resort, a stunning hotel with over-water villas, delicious restaurants, and of course stunning beaches. Spend your days lounging on the beach, snorkeling or diving in the clear waters, and enjoying delicious local cuisine. Isn’t it amazing to have the Maldives such a short trip away from Dubai!! A long weekend there is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai.
Where to stay in the Maldives: Kuramathi Island Resort, for an incredible all-inclusive luxury experience
GALLE – A RELAXING GETAWAY IN SRI LANKA
Dubai to Colombo: 4.5 hours flight – Drive from Colombo to Galle: 2h
For a culturally rich and relaxing weekend getaway, head to Galle in Sri Lanka. This historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to stunning Dutch colonial architecture, and a charming old town filled with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visit the famous Galle Fort, the historic lighthouse, and spend an afternoon shopping for some local souvenirs ( I always bring back some tea from the shop Withered Leaves, in the Old Dutch Hospital).
Galle is also an amazing beach getaway from Dubai, with the famous Unawatuna beach only 15 min away. Galle is just a 4.5-hour flight from Dubai, making it a perfect escape when there is a long weekend in Dubai
Where to stay in Galle: Arabella on Boossa (10 min from Galle). The Mer.Chant or Yara Galle Fort are both inside Galle Fort.
MAHE SEYCHELLES – THE TROPICAL PARADISE
Dubai to Mahe: 4h30 flight
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is a stunning archipelago of islands just a 4h30 flight from Dubai. You will land in Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters. Visit Victoria, the smallest capital city of Africa, go snorkeling, take a hike, or simply visit all the amazing beaches on the island, there is so much you can do over a long weekend! To be honest, I wish all my beach getaways from Dubai could be in the Seychelles!
Where to stay in Mahe: Bliss Boutique Hotel, is a really cute boutique hotel with a boho vibe and an amazing sunset view.
How to go around: The best way to explore the island is to rent a car, It is quite cheap and gives you tons of flexibility. You can compare prices and book your car here.
ISTANBUL – A CULTURAL FEAST
Dubai to Istanbul: 5h flight
Just a 5h flight from Dubai, Istanbul is a city that truly bridges the gap between East and West. With stunning architecture, rich history, a vibrant culture, and amazing food, Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in the region. Explore the famous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, visit the colorful neighborhood of Balat, wander through the vibrant bazaars, and indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine. 3 days in Istanbul is the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Where to stay in Istanbul: Soho House Istanbul, for a super stylish hotel, amazing spa, and great location!
ZANZIBAR – THE DREAM ISLAND
Dubai to Zanzibar: 5h30 flight
Although a bit further than the rest, I can’t help but include Zanzibar in this list of the best Dubai long weekend getaways. This beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania boasts crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. Take some time to explore the historic Stone Town, sail to some incredible sand banks, relax on the beach, or embark on a snorkeling or diving excursion to see the stunning coral reefs and marine life. With direct flights from Dubai, Zanzibar is easily accessible and a very affordable beach destination for a long weekend getaway!
Where to stay in Zanzibar: Sharazad Boutique Hotel for a cute eco-friendly boutique hotel, Upendo Beach for stylish private pool villas, or Zuri Zanzibar*****: for a luxury stay!
As you can see, there are many exciting destinations to explore on a short trip from Dubai (and this is just a small selection!). Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach escape, a cultural adventure or a blend of both, all these destinations are perfect long weekend getaways to escape from Dubai city life! So book that flight, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on some unforgettable long weekends!
USEFUL RESOURCES TO ORGANISE YOUR GETAWAY FROM DUBAI
From booking a flight to finding some beautiful cultural tours, or getting an e-sim ahead of your trip to stay connected, I have gathered here all the super useful websites I always use to organize my travels!
★ Find the cheapest flights:
with Skyscanner
★ Book trains, buses, and ferries
with Omio or Trainline
★ Get the best deal on car rental
with Rentalcars
★ Secure fantastic tours
with GetYourGuide or Viator
★ Buy an international e-sim card
with Airolo
★ Discover the best hotels
with Booking
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