Love Dubai? Check Out These 6 Destinations With A Similar Vibe

Muscat is the next big thing in UAE, especially if you’re someone who prefers peaceful vibes, cultural depth, and nature-driven adventures over the glitzy, fast-paced lifestyle of Dubai. It offers a beautiful blend of traditional Arabian charm and unspoiled natural beauty with a laid-back, serene and much less hectic vibe.  Muscat stands out for its low-rise, whitewashed architecture similar to the ones you find in Old Dubai but far more authentic instead of glass-and-steel skyscrapers. And it's much easier on the wallet than Dubai. 

Muscat has calm natural shores like Qurum Beach and Al Bustan Beach that are perfect for some quiet chill time by the see without the chaos of beach clubs and water scooters zipping past. When it comes to shopping, Muscat leans more traditional than Dubai’s high-end malls filled with global brands (let's be honest, they are cheaper in other parts of the world anyway). But what really makes Muscat stand out is its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains, deserts, and pristine coastlines.  

Top Attractions: Muttrah Souk, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Corniche, Qurum Natural Park and Qurum Beach

Must-Do Things/Activities: Daymaniyat Islands Snorkelling Trip, Oman Desert Tour, explore Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhol and ATV adventure in Wadi Al Rak

Best Time To Visit: October to April

Best Suited For: Travellers seeking more relaxed lifestyle and culturally rich experiences, adventure lovers and families

This city in Qatar may just surprise you with its Dubai-like aesthetics minus the crowd. It’s culturally rich with luxe architecture and is constantly raising the bar as a global destination (FIFA 2022, remember?). Like Dubai, it is futuristic, packed with skyscrapers and world-class hotels. What’s more? It has a thriving nightlife and is slowly evolving its clubbing game. Since Doha’s nightlife is not as wild (for the lack of a better word), it provides a more balanced experience. Think: luxury with heritage, innovation with tradition.

If shopping is your love language, you’ll feel right at home in Doha with places like Villaggio Mall (modelled after Venice, complete with a canal) and Doha Festival City, one of the largest malls in the region. Historic markets like Souq Waqif will give you full old-Dubai vibes. You can haggle here for spices, perfumes, handmade goods, and falcons (yes, falcons!). One of the most beautiful places in Doha is the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) — a UNESCO natural reserve where the desert literally meets the sea.  

Top Attractions: Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, National Museum of Qatar, The Pearl-Qatar, Villaggio Mall and Corniche

Must-Do Things/Activities: Dune bashing at Inland Sea, traditional dhow cruise, attend a performance at Katara Amphitheatre, try local Qatari cuisine, sunset views at the Corniche

Best Time To Visit: November to March 

Best Suited For: Culture-curious travelers, art and architecture lovers, travellers seeking luxury holidays with a slow pace

Once considered a significant trade centre, Ras Al Khaimah (also known as RAK) has over the years become an attractive escape for those seeking a truly authentic UAE experience. It’s over an hour drive from Dubai and gives you everything you love about UAE — beaches, luxury, Arabic hospitality — but with a refreshing twist of nature and adventure. 

Like Dubai, it’s not short on luxuries. The fun part is  you can also find alcohol easily here. It has long been a hidden gem but its natural landscape has been getting travellers attention worldwide. You’ve got the Hajar Mountains, rolling desert dunes and stretches of untouched coastline, so you can expect to spend much of your time outdoors and enjoy the scenic beauty. Mountain lovers can also  visit Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE. You can hike, camp or zipline (btw, the longest zipline in the world!) here. RAK’s biggest appeal lies in how it feels more grounded, relaxed and non-commercial. Think: long coastal walks, laid-back brunches, and mountain views instead of malls, queues, and traffic jams. And you can do all of this at a more budget friendly price than Dubai. 

Top Attractions: Jebel Jais, Dhayah Fort, Al Hamra Marina, Jazirat Al Hamra (ghost village), Suwaidi Pearl Farm, Al Marjan Island

Must-Do Things/Activities: Ziplining at Jebel Jais, mountain hiking, kayaking in mangroves, desert camping, glamping at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, exploring ancient forts

Best Time To Visit: October to March 

Best Suited For: Adventure lovers, couples and families looking for a quieter vacation and nature enthusiasts

Anyone who travels to Dubai, also takes a day or two to take a trip to Abu Dhabi — thanks to Yas Island (home to Ferrari World (with the world’s fastest rollercoaster), Warner Bros., Waterworld and Marina Circuit) and amazing desert safaris. But is it worth visiting independently? Absolutely yes! Think of Abu Dhabi as a calmer, more cultured sibling of Dubai who knows how to turn heads without trying too hard. As the second most populated city in the UAE (and the wealthiest!), it gives you everything you’d expect from a Dubai trip sans the sensory overload. 

You get to see stunning skyscrapers, five-star hotels and beach resorts but you also find heritage villages, art museums and massive mosques here. The beautiful white mosque that you see on your Instagram reels is, in fact, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — one of the largest mosques in the world with gold plated chandeliers and one of the few in the region open to non-muslims. Truly a breathtaking piece of architecture! Then there's Louvre Abu Dhabi, a literal island of art and culture.

Top Attractions: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (Ferrari World, Warner Bros., Yas Marina), Qasr Al Watan, Mangrove National Park, Saadiyat Beach

Must-Do Things/Activities: Desert safari in the Empty Quarter, kayaking in the mangroves, museum-hopping, F1 racing at Yas Marina Circuit, theme parks on Yas Island, beach days at Saadiyat

Best Time To Visit: November to March 

Best Suited For: Culture enthusiasts, luxury travellers, families, art and architecture lovers, couples looking for a slow getaways

As users online deem it, Bali is like a big resort full of luxuries and so much more cheaper than Dubai. It is Dubai with more palm trees, jungle views and spirituality. This Indonesian island offers a little something for every kind of traveller. 

From yoga retreats, rice terraces, and wellness vibes in Ubud to beaches, surfing and crazy parties in Seminyak and Canggu  and a private, more romantic escape in Uluwatu. Bali’s biggest flex is that its charm lies in a balance of  modern luxury and spiritual roots. You’ll see ornate temples and offering baskets on one street, and designer stores and fusion restaurants on the next. Adventure junkies can partake in trekking, rafting, snorkeling, diving, ATV rides, and more here. All this while being super affordable! You can live here lavishly in half the budget of your Dubai trip and bonus: floating breakfast. 

Top Attractions: Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, Mount Batur, Nusa Penida, Seminyak Beach, Bali swing

Must-Do Things/Activities: Yoga and wellness retreats, surfing, hiking Mount Batur at sunrise, visiting temples, café hopping, traditional Balinese spa therapy

Best Time To Visit: May to September

Best Suited For: Couples (a popular honeymoon destination), wellness seekers, surfers, spiritual travellers, party lovers and solo backpackers

Unlikely presence on the list, but Sri Lanka can surprise you in many ways. It’s not a desert-area so it gives you the whole package in comparison to Dubai: beaches, wildlife, history, mountains and food — all on one island. Luxury, here, is defined by slow mornings, misty hills, sunset surf sessions and not shopping sprees. High on natural wealth and nature driven experiences, in just one sight you know the experiences are going to be more authentic here. Start from ancient ruins in Sigiriya, sipping Ceylon tea in the hill country of Nuwara Eliya, or whale-watching in Mirissa.

Colombo, in particular, is gaining traction as the ‘Dubai’ of Sri Lanka. You’ll find it to be as cosmopolitan and forward as Dubai with better weather, of course! In terms of luxury, it has a lot to offer like luxury resorts with infinity pools, boutique hotels surrounded by paddy fields and all these at a price that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. Sri Lanka also has a rich spiritual side, with temples, sacred sites, and wellness retreats for those seeking a more mindful escape. The only drawback? I feel one needs to be a little more culturally careful in Sri Lanka as compared to Dubai.

Top Attractions: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Galle Fort, Yala National Park, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Nine Arches Bridge, Kandy Temple of the Tooth 

Must-Do Things/Activities: Surfing, tea plantation tours, hiking Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak, wildlife safaris, Ayurvedic spa sessions, train ride from Kandy to Ella

Best Time To Visit: December to April (for the west and south coast) and May to September (for the east coast)

Best Suited For: Nature lovers, surfers, backpackers, honeymooners, slow travellers, foodies