Blacktower FM - Issue 18 - 2026 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 32
DEUGBAACI YE D
L
ED
I TI ITOI O
NN
LIFESTYLE
TRAVEL:
EXPLORING THE UAE AND
BEYOND
By Lucy Driscoll, Marke琀椀ng & Rela琀椀onship Manager at Blacktower Financial Management
Dubai’s posi琀椀on as a global travel hub makes it an ideal star琀椀ng point for exploring both the UAE and the surrounding
Middle East. Whether you’re craving a mountain retreat, beach relaxa琀椀on, or a journey through ancient history, there’s a
wealth of des琀椀na琀椀ons right on Dubai’s doorstep. Here’s a guide to some of the best weekend escapes and interna琀椀onal
getaways, o昀昀ering experiences that range from serene nature to world-renowned landmarks.
HATTA: A MOUNTAIN ESCAPE CLOSE TO HOME
If you’re looking to trade the city skyline for rugged
mountains and fresh air, Ha琀琀a is just a short drive from
Dubai. Known for its picturesque landscapes, Ha琀琀a o昀昀ers
a peaceful escape with plenty of outdoor adventures.
Start your day at Ha琀琀a Dam, where you can kayak on
clear turquoise waters surrounded by mountains, or hike
one of the many trails that wind through scenic valleys.
The Ha琀琀a Heritage Village is a must-visit for those
interested in local history, featuring restored structures
and exhibits that give a glimpse into tradi琀椀onal Emira琀椀
life. A昀琀er a day of exploring, relax at one of the charming
eco-resorts or try glamping for a night under the stars.
Adventure Tip: For thrill-seekers, the Ha琀琀a Wadi Hub
o昀昀ers ac琀椀vi琀椀es like mountain biking, zorbing, and a
1,200-metre zipline for an adrenaline-昀椀lled day.
FUJAIRAH: PRISTINE BEACHES AND UNDERWATER
TREASURES
For beach lovers and divers, Fujairah is the perfect
weekend getaway. Located along the Gulf of Oman,
this Emirate is famous for its clear waters, making it a
haven for snorkelling and diving. Head to Snoopy Island
for incredible underwater sights, where colourful coral
reefs and schools of 昀椀sh are wai琀椀ng to be discovered just
o昀昀shore.
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Beyond the beach, Fujairah’s landscapes are do琀琀ed with
historical sites, like the Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest in the
UAE, and the Fujairah Fort, a 17th-century for琀椀昀椀ca琀椀on
that o昀昀ers panoramic views of the coast. With its blend
of history, nature, and watersports, Fujairah is a great
choice for a weekend of relaxa琀椀on and explora琀椀on.
Beach Tip: The Radisson Blu Resort and the Fairmont
Fujairah Beach Resort both o昀昀er day passes to enjoy
their private beaches, pools, and spa facili琀椀es.
MUSANDAM, OMAN: DRAMATIC FJORDS AND
OCEAN VIEWS
Just a short drive or boat ride from Dubai, Musandam in
Oman is o昀琀en called the "Norway of Arabia" for its drama琀椀c
昀樀ords and rugged coastlines. Known for its crystal-clear
waters and marine biodiversity, Musandam is a top spot
for dhow cruises, where you can enjoy tradi琀椀onal Omani
hospitality while soaking up breathtaking views of the
昀樀ords.
For a closer look at Musandam’s underwater life, go
snorkelling or scuba diving—you might spot dolphins,
turtles, and colourful coral. The coastal village of Khasab
also o昀昀ers a rich cultural experience, with a small fort
that tells the story of the region’s mari琀椀me history.
Seaside Tip: Book a tradi琀椀onal dhow cruise to experience
a day of 昀椀shing, snorkelling, and a sunset BBQ dinner on
the water—a quintessen琀椀al Musandam experience.
