A Closer Look is The National's show where we take an in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.
The UAE is within an eight-hour flight from two-thirds of the world's population, which makes it ideally located for those keen on exploring new destinations.
Home to two major UAE airlines - Emirates and Etihad Airways - there's no shortage of flight connections available from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to exciting places around the world, many of which are reachable in just a few short hours.
But where are some of the best places to travel to and where should people go if they are seeking adventure, relaxation or endless sunshine?
Host Sarah Forster speaks to deputy travel editor Hayley Skirka about some of the best places to travel to from the UAE and why.
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10 destinations within five hours of the UAE - in pictures
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1. Kenya is a gem of a destination offering culture, wildlife spotting and beach time. Photo: Tony Karumba / AFP -
2. Saudi Arabia's AlUla isn't a cheap getaway, but it's worth splurging on at least once. Maya Siddiqui / Bloomberg -
3. With its endless ocean views and untouched beaches, the Maldives guarantees a relaxed mid-term getaway. Photo: Baglioni Resorts -
4. Bed down in a cosy yurt during a winter escape to Kyrgyzstan. Olivia Harris / Getty Images -
5. Sri Lanka's Hill Country shines in February with sunshine-filled days and pleasant temperatures. Photo: Unsplash -
6. The Monastery at Petra is one of Jordan's myriad highlights. Menahem Kahan / AFP -
7. Palolem Beach, Goa. The coastal Indian state attracts travellers seeking palm-fringed beach days by the Arabian Sea. Getty Images -
8. Cyprus brims with timeless archaeological sites, glorious coastal cities and pristine beaches filled with winter sun. AP Photo / Petros Karadjias -
9. Winter sunshine and snow-covered vistas await in Istanbul this February. AP Photo / Emrah Gurel -
10. Uganda has nature and wildlife and is reachable on a five-hour, 30-minute flight from the UAE. Photo: Uganda Tourism Board
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