Private Tour: UAE East Coast Day Trip with Lunch

Start your day with a hotel pickup from central Dubai, and then travel out of the city to the sunny UAE East Coast. Some 81 miles (130km) east of Dubai, the region draws out-of-towners and locals alike who come to visit its unspoiled beaches and secluded seaside towns.

Your first stop is Dibba, a sleepy fishing village near Oman. Stretch your legs on a stroll around the harbor, watching local fisherman sort their hauls, and then continue along the coastal roads. Pass some of the region’s top beaches, and then stop to sunbathe either at a public beach or at Sandy Beach Hotel and Resort; just let your guide know your preference on the day. An entrance fee is charged for Sandy Beach Hotel and Resort, but its pool and beach facilities — plus a complimentary buffet — make the expense worthwhile.

Meet back up with your guide and travel onward to Badiyah, a town known for its beautiful mosque. One of the UAE’s oldest places of worship, Badiyah Mosque traces its roots to around the 15th century. Stop outside for photos outside the unassuming mud-brick mosque, and learn about its watchtower that overlooks the pounding ocean waves.

A short distance from Badiyah lies the busy port town of Khor Fakkan, so head there next for a waterfront stroll. Leafy palm trees and lush gardens are prominent in Khor Fakkan, cutting a pleasant contrast with the dry, sweeping landscape that borders the coastline. Travel through Murbah village, and then stop in Fujairah: the largest of the east coast’s towns.

The town’s claim to fame is Fujairah Fort, and you’ll walk around the landmark with your guide to take photos and get acquainted with its history. The impressive 17th-century fort was badly damaged by a British bombardment in the early 20th century, but has now been restored to its former glory.

After your photo stop at Fujairah Fort, hop back inside your minivan, and then head back to Dubai. Stop to browse the wares at the Friday Market in Masafi, and shop for souvenir Emirati pottery or rugs, if you wish. Your day trip then finishes with a drop-off at your Dubai hotel in the early evening.