Surrounded by lush fruit orchards and date plantations, Al Dhaid feels worlds away from the gleaming skyscrapers and luxury malls of Dubai. The oasis town is fed by seasonal wadis and underground aquifers, so it stays wonderfully green year-round.
Things to do in Dhaid
Fossil Rock sits to the south of the city and is surrounded by ochre-coloured sand dunes. Four-wheel drive and quad bike tours are the best way to visit the arid outcrop. In addition to a scenic ride through the dunes, you'll also get to see the prehistoric marine fossils embedded in its slopes.
Just out of town is the Camel Race Track. This off-the-beaten-track attraction is a fantastic place to experience the UAE through a local lens. Races and training sessions usually take place in the morning, so it’s best to arrive early.
For a glimpse at traditional Emirati life, don't miss the Masafi Market. Held daily, hawkers sell everything from hand-loomed Persian carpets to painted ceramics. It's also brimming with exotic local produce, including fresh dates, mangoes, limes and guavas.
Animal lovers shouldn't miss Sharjah Desert Park. Arabia's Wildlife Centre is the park's main attraction, offering you a chance to spot flamingos, wildcats, hyenas, wolves, vipers and elusive Arabian leopards. It also features a natural history museum, botanical museum and children's petting zoo.
Getting around Dhaid
Al Dhaid is serviced by a network of local buses that run throughout the city. Taxis are a fast and affordable way to get around Al Dhaid, but you can also hire a private driver for the day. From Sharjah, the drive to Al Dhaid takes around one hour.