With Eid Al Adha coming up, residents are getting ready for a possible five-day weekend! Looking for short trips from Dubai for a quick getaway? Check out these 7 travel hotspots less than 4 hours from DXB…
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
Why you should go: Get lost in the Old Town of Georgia’s capital before checking out the famed Sulphur Baths for some rest and relaxation. For the best views of the city, head to Mtatsminda Park or take a cable car to visit the Kartlis Deda monument, also known as Mother Georgia. Tbilisi in summertime is spectacular — and it’s also ideal for budget travelers.
Flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Where to stay: Art Boutique Hotel | from AED 385/night
insydo tip: All UAE expats who have a valid resident visa will also receive a visa on arrival in Georgia.
2. Salalah, Oman
Why you should go: One of the best hidden gems on the Arabian peninsula, Salalah boasts temperament weather and a gorgeous green landscape – perfect for escaping the summer heat. Relax on Al Mughsail Beach, take a dip in the waterfalls at Wadi Darbat, or pick up Frankincense from the Al Husn Souq — Salalah really does feel like a world away.
Flight time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Where to stay: Beach Resort Salalah | from AED 429/night
insydo tip: Rent a 4×4 to explore the coastline — traveling everywhere by taxi isn’t an efficient way to get around.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
Why you should go: Istanbul is cosmopolitan, chaotic and breathtaking all at once. Explore majestic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace before bargaining your way through the bustling Grand Bazaar — there’s endless history to discover around every corner.
Flight time: 4+ hours
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Istanbul – Old City | from AED 333/night
insydo tip: Consider buying the 5-day Museum Pass Istanbul for queue-jumping privileges and discounts on many museums and attractions.
4. Delhi, India
Why you should go: From larger-than-life temples to a dizzying array of street food delicacies, India’s capital is always pulsating with life. Take a tuk-tuk to Chandni Chowk for street shopping before marveling at the colossal Swaminarayan Akshardham — Delhi is a city that slows down for no one.
Flight time: 3 hours
Where to stay: The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa New Delhi | from AED 303/night
insydo tip: It’s possible to visit the Taj Mahal in a day from Delhi. The fastest morning train from Delhi to Agra is the non-stop 12050 Gatimaan Express.
5. Cairo, Egypt
Why you should go: There’s nothing quite like standing in the shadow of the pyramids of Giza, but Cairo has so much more to offer. Plan a trip to the Egyptian Museum of Cairo to see the iconic Mask of Tutankhamun or experience medieval Islamic Cairo at the Khan el Khalili Bazaar — don’t leave without taking a sunrise cruise on the Nile.
Flight time: 4 hours
Where to stay: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir | from AED 372/night
insydo tip: Beat the notorious street traffic by hopping on the Cairo Metro – it’s surprisingly efficient.
6. Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Why you should go: Uzbekistan has been called ‘the most fascinating country you’ve never been to’. Step back in time with a visit to the walled city of Khiva to explore its labyrinth of streets or marvel at the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand — it’s a perfect budget-friendly destination for anyone adventurous at heart.
Flight time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Where to stay: Ichan Qal’a Hotel | from AED 250/night
insydo tip: For some travel inspo before you go, watch Anthony Bourdain’s episode of No Reservations in Uzbekistan.
7. Kathmandu, Nepal
Why you should go: The Nepalese capital is bursting with warm hospitality from the locals and jaw-dropping natural landscape. Visit the sublime Swayambhunath temple before taking a stroll in Swapna Bagaicha, also known as the Garden of Dreams. Poetically known as “where earth and heaven meet,” there’s no other place like it.
Flight time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Where to stay: Taleju Boutique Hotel | from AED 152/night
insydo tip: If you want to go trekking in any the national parks, you need to organise a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management Systems) card first.
READ MORE: 6 Hotel Deals to Check Out During Eid Al Adha