Top Trips from Dubai in Under 6 Hours

You know what I love the most about living in Dubai? It completely fulfills my lust for immediate travel!

Whether you live in Dubai or just passing through, there are plenty of destinations that you can travel to in 6 hours or less – some by car, others by plane. Here are my favorites (sorted by travel time):

Abu Dhabi, UAE

The capital of the United Arab Emirates and home to the beautiful Grand Mosque! Make a full day/weekend out of it and spend time along the Corniche, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi and venture off to Zaya Nurai Island!

Travel Time: 1-1.5 hrs by car

Sharjah, UAE

1 of the 7 Emirates that tends to go unnoticed. If you’re looking for an awesome weekend of “glamping”, check out the Kingfisher Lodge in Sharjah.

Travel Time: 1.5 hrs by car

Hatta, UAE

Just outside of Dubai you’ll find the region’s first trailer hotel. Sedr Trailers is home to 12 luxury style trailer homes that overlooks the beautiful Hatta Damn. This is experiential camping at its finest.

Travel Time: 1.5 hrs by car

Muscat, Oman

Seeing is really believing when it comes to the wild spectrum of colors throughout Oman’s beautiful wadis. Characterized by diversity and natural attractions, Oman’s landscape offers pure serenity in its sandstone cliffs and sprawling valleys. The wadis are not to be missed!

Travel Time: 40 minutes flight

Salalah, Oman

Salalah, the capital city of Oman’s Dhofar province, is famous for its history, culture and breathtaking scenery , boasting incredible mountainous landscapes, beautiful beaches and coastlines.

Travel Time: 1 hr and 15 minutes flight

Tbilisi, Georgia

Wine, mountains, spa retreats and paragliding… you can have it all in Georgia!

Travel Time: 3 hrs and 30 minutes flight

Jordan

The views within the boulders of Petra makes a visit to Jordan well worth it!

Travel Time: 3 hrs and 30 minutes flight

India

New Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Jaipur, Kerala, Goa, Lucknow… the list goes on. I LOVE India! However, Kerala has completely stolen my heart!

Travel Time: 3 hrs and 30 minutes flight

Sri Lanka

Possibly one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations, Sri Lanka is a varied and scenic country, offering what most travelers would consider the best of both worlds – exploration of its culture and endless stretches of tropical beaches. However, what makes Sri Lanka a truly unique destination is its spectacular scenery – filled with intricate paddy fields, rising mountains, and pounding waterfalls!

Travel Time: 4 hrs flight

Maldives

The epitome of relaxation, indulgence and luxury. “A little slice of heaven,” as I call it, the Maldives is a combination of natural beauty and tropical comfort. White sands, turquoise water and amazing sunsets will surely make the Maldives one of your best holidays yet.

Travel Time: 4 hrs flight

Nepal

Deepak Chopra was on to something when he said, “Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich. Nothing is more real.” The journey to peace will not always be blissful. Instead, you must find a starting point that allows you to tap into a blissful state of mind amidst the chaos of life. That starting point is here at the Dwarika’s Resort in Nepal!

Travel Time: 4 hrs flight

Seychelles

Remote islands, private chateaus and complete isolation. The Seychelles, what an unexpected surprise!

Travel Time: 4 hrs flight

Lebanon

Lunching at a seaside restaurant, Mediterranean in the backdrop and a bottle of Almaza in hand, I suddenly realized I was having the time of my life in a place once plagued with violence. There’s that famous saying that goes, “Don’t listen to what they say. Go see for yourself.” This rings true for many places, one in particular, Lebanon.

Travel Time: 4 hrs flight

Cairo, Egypt

I vividly remember my first time arriving in Cairo. Sailing along the Nile River on a felucca (traditional sailboat) and seeing the pyramids up close and personal…holy sh*t!

Travel Time: 4 hrs flight

Uganda

Be brave, take risks. Nothing can substitute experience…

Spare me, I almost drowned… 5 times! I don’t know how many times I must remind myself, “Nate, you’re not a swimmer. In fact, you can’t swim at all! Floating, perhaps. But actually swimming, no!” Luckily, I’m alive and well and able to share my story. White water rafting in Uganda… I had the time of my life!

Travel Time: 5 hrs flight 

Istanbul, Turkey

Do you fancy a glass of wine in Europe with views of Asia? Cheers to date night in the buzzing city of Istanbul!

Travel Time: 5 hrs flight

Nairobi, Kenya

Safaris, beaches, amazing cuisine and of course, kissing giraffes, makes for a memorable trip to Nairobi, Kenya.

Travel Time: 5 hrs flight

Israel

The land of creation. The energy in Jerusalem, the sunrise in Masada and a leisurely swim in Ein Gedi… my journey through Israel is one that I’ll never forget!

Travel Time: 5 hrs flight (plus connection)

Zanzibar

The best kept secrets are the ones we keep to ourselves and Zanzibar is no different. Located off the coast of mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar Island is where white sandy beaches and protected coral reefs are indistinguishable, pleasant “Karibu’s” (welcome in Swahili) and gentle smiles are interchangeable, and the delicious local spices are undeniable. It’s relatively easy to fall in love with Zanzibar at first sight.

Travel Time: 5 hrs and 30 minutes flight

Rwanda

Literally one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to! I rang in the New Year, in a remote but luxurious forest, at the One & Only Nyungwe House in Rwanda. Despite the horrid past, Rwanda is safe and I’ll mention it once again, so beautiful!

Travel Time: 6 hrs flight 

Bangkok, Thailand

Let me quickly debunk the myth that Bangkok should only serve as the “place to rest after a flight then leave the following morning.” If you have 48 hours to spare, before heading to Phuket, Koi Samui, and the additional beautiful destinations within Thailand, take time to enjoy the floating markets, take a cooking class and experience the Midnight Tuk Tuk Food Tour in Bangkok!

Travel Time: 6 hrs flight 

There you have it – Happy Travels!