Dubai’s story arcs from a pearl-diving settlement along Dubai Creek to a global city famed for record-breaking towers, creative neighborhoods, and a flourishing dining scene. It’s where Bedouin heritage meets bold urban design, and where desert sands sit a short drive from coral-stone wind towers and cutting-edge museums.

Expect superlatives—tallest, grandest, fastest—balanced by neighborhoods that reward slow wandering: Al Fahidi’s sikkas, Deira’s Gold and Spice Souks, and the fishing harbors near Jumeirah. Beaches curve along the Gulf, while The Palm unfurls a skyline of resorts, waterparks, and views best appreciated from above.

Practical notes: Dubai is safe and visitor-friendly; weekends are Saturday–Sunday, and modest dress is appreciated in historic areas and mosques. The best weather is November–April; Miracle Garden and Global Village are seasonal (typically Oct/Nov–Apr). Tipping 10–15% is appreciated. During Ramadan, dining etiquette and hours adjust—embrace the cultural rhythm.

Getting there: Book flights to Dubai (DXB) via Trip.com or compare options on Kiwi.com. Typical nonstops: London ~7 hours, Frankfurt ~6 hours, New York ~12–14 hours, Singapore ~7 hours.

Dubai

Dubai is a city of contrast: abra boats gliding past spice-laden alleys while, across town, the world’s tallest tower pierces a desert sky. You’ll weave between heritage quarters, beach days, architectural icons, and evenings that glow with fountain shows and rooftop views.

• Top highlights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall & Fountain, Al Fahidi, Gold & Spice Souks, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Marina & JBR, The Palm (Atlantis’ Aquaventure), Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, desert safari.
• Eat & drink: From Emirati flavors (Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, Al Fanar) to beloved institutions (Ravi Restaurant, Al Ustad Special Kebab) and award-winners (3Fils, Orfali Bros Bistro).
• Getting around: Dubai Metro (use a Nol card; most trips ~4–8 AED), plentiful taxis (base fare ~12 AED), and Careem/Uber. For the Creek, take the traditional abra (1–2 AED).

Where to stay (Hotels.com | VRBO):

• Iconic splurge: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (suite-only, private beach, wave-shaped silhouette).
• Family favorite on The Palm: Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure, Lost Chambers, endless dining).
• Smart value Downtown: Rove Downtown Dubai / Rove Downtown (walk to Dubai Mall & Burj).
• Browse apartments and villas: VRBO Dubai or compare hotels on Hotels.com Dubai.

Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Mall and Fountain Night

Morning: Fly into DXB. If you’re arriving early, power up with specialty coffee and a za’atar croissant at % Arabica (Dubai Mall) or flat whites at The Grey in Al Wasl. Check in and freshen up.

Afternoon: Explore Dubai Mall beyond shopping: the Aquarium tunnel, Ice Rink, and the Human Waterfall. For lunch, try Din Tai Fung (handmade xiao long bao) or Time Out Market Dubai for curated stands like Reif Kushiyaki and BASTA!—great for mixed tastes.

Evening: Catch the Dubai Fountain shows (from about 6 pm, every 30 minutes). Book a waterside table at Abd El Wahab (Souk Al Bahar) for Levantine grills with fountain views, or head to 3BK inside Address Downtown for an elevated vantage. Nightcap at Gia’s terrace or a pistachio gelato at Le Deli Robuchon.

Day 2: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Art, and DIFC Dining

Morning: Breakfast at The Sum of Us (house-roasted beans, shakshuka, flaky pastries). Walk the palm-lined Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, noting public art and views of the Burj.

Afternoon: Ascend the world’s tallest tower. The timed-entry “At the Top” experience gives thrilling views across the Gulf and desert. Pair it with the Dubai Mall’s immersive exhibits.

Book: Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access for sunset slots and shorter lines.

Evening: Head to DIFC for dinner: Zuma (modern Japanese; lively robata), LPM Restaurant & Bar (Niçoise classics), or GAIA (Greek seafood and sharable meze). For dessert, try the honey cake at Cipriani Dolci or kunafa at Parkers’ pop-up if running.

Day 3: Old Dubai—Al Fahidi, Creek, Souks, and Tastes

Morning: Begin in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: wind towers, galleries, and the Coffee Museum. Breakfast at Arabian Tea House (try regag bread with cheese and honey, karak chai in the shaded courtyard).

Afternoon: Cross the Creek on an abra to Deira (1–2 AED). Explore the Gold Souk’s intricate craftsmanship, then the Spice Souk’s saffron, za’atar, and dried limes. Stop for lunch at Al Ustad Special Kebab, a 1978 stalwart famed for juicy yogurt-marinated kebabs and saffron rice.

Evening: Delve deeper with a local-led walk through Old Dubai’s markets and tasting stops—the best way to decode history, trade routes, and snacks like luqaimat.

Book: Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings for stories, bites, and hidden courtyards. Dine afterward at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (Emirati machboos, camel sliders, and freshly baked regag).

Day 4: Jumeirah Mosque, Kite Beach, and Madinat Night

Morning: Join a guided visit at Jumeirah Mosque (respectful attire; educational Q&A on Emirati culture). Coffee at Kulture House (boutique concept store + café) or Local House for camel-milk ice cream—yes, really.

Afternoon: Beach time at Kite Beach: rent loungers, stroll the running track, and hit Salt for wagyu sliders or Park House for salads and smoothies. If you prefer a table, walk to Bu Qtair in the old fishing harbour for the city’s cult-favorite fried fish and masala prawns.

Evening: Explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s canals and lantern-lit alleys. Dinner options: folly (modern European with terrace), Pai Thai (boat-access canalside Thai), or Trattoria for family-friendly Italian. Snap classic photos of Burj Al Arab glowing after dark.

Day 5: The Palm—Aquaventure, Views, and Atlantis Dining

Morning: Ride the Palm Monorail for skyline views. Spend the day at Aquaventure Waterpark (record-setting slides, lazy rivers) or explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium’s ethereal tunnels.

Afternoon: For a panoramic vantage, head to The View at The Palm (Nakheel Mall) to understand the palm fronds from above. Coffee at % Arabica Palm Jumeirah or a saffron latte at Seva Table (wellness garden café in Jumeirah).

Evening: Dinner at Atlantis: Ossiano (sea-facing fine dining), Seafire (steakhouse), or Ayamna (Lebanese, live music some nights). Post-dinner, stroll Palm West Beach for sunset bars and a gentle shoreline walk.

Day 6: Design & Galleries by Day, Desert Safari by Night

Morning: Head to Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz—Dubai’s creative district. Pop into Leila Heller, Green Art Gallery, and The Third Line. Refuel at Nightjar Coffee (single-origin pours, brisket buns) or Project Chaiwala (karak, samosas).

Afternoon: Easy lunch at Orfali Bros Bistro (MENA-lauded; must-try corn bomb, umami eclair). Rest at your hotel—your evening is high-energy.

Evening: Venture to the red dunes for 4x4 dune bashing, sandboarding, camel encounters, and a starlit BBQ with oud music and cultural performances.

Book: Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp. Expect hotel pickup mid-afternoon; return by late evening.

Day 7: Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, and Rooftop Views

Morning: Brunch at Bageri Form (Scandi bakes) or Baker’s Kitchen (sourdoughs) at the Marina if you’re nearby. Pre-book the Museum of the Future—its ring-shaped facade and interactive exhibits imagine 2071 through space, ecology, and wellness.

Afternoon: Taxi to Dubai Frame for a striking “then-and-now” vantage between Old and New Dubai via a glass-floored skybridge. Coffee at the nearby Zabeel Park kiosks or at Nightjar’s DIFC outpost.

Evening: Sunset cocktails and dinner with a view: CÉ LA VI (Asian-inspired plates, terrace facing Burj), SUSHISAMBA (Latin-Japanese-Peruvian, top-floor spectacle), or Observatory Bar & Grill (Marina/Palm vistas). Reserve outdoor seating for photos.

Day 8: Abu Dhabi Day Trip—Mosque, Palace, and Skyline

Full-day premium tour south to the UAE capital: marble-clad Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (dress modestly; headscarves available), Qasr Al Watan (presidential palace with intricate Arabesque design), and Etihad Towers’ observation deck. Expect 1.5–2 hours each way by coach; entrances typically included on guided tours.

Book: Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower for a comfortable, guided overview and timed entries. Back in Dubai, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Al Fanar (Emirati classics) or Logma (Khaleeji comfort food).

Day 9: Creek Harbour Sunset or Marina Strolls, Global Village (Seasonal)

Morning: Leisurely start with specialty brews at Seven Fortunes or specialty pistachio lattes at Rx Coffee Apothecary. Shop for local design at Dubai Design District (d3) or wander City Walk’s murals.

Afternoon: Head to Dubai Creek Harbour for sweeping skyline views across the water—quiet promenades perfect for golden-hour photos. Late lunch at The Lighthouse (Mediterranean plates) or Comptoir 102 (healthy bowls in a concept store).

Evening: In cooler months, visit Global Village (cultural pavilions, street food, shows). Alternatively, promenade along Dubai Marina and JBR—grab dinner at 3Fils (seafood-led, MENA-acclaimed) near the fishing harbour or at Bussola (pizza by the sea). For beach vibes, Barasti remains a casual favorite.

Day 10: Souvenirs, Brunch, and Farewell

Morning: Pick up saffron, dates, and oud perfumes near the Spice Souk or at Bateel for premium dates. If you prefer modern malls, peruse Dubai Mall’s Souk zone for traditional gifts.

Afternoon: Settle into a leisurely brunch before your flight: Brunch & Cake (Jumeirah) for photogenic plates, or L’ETO for salads and cakes. If time allows, a spa session at Talise Ottoman (hammam at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray) is a serene finale. Transfer to DXB with extra time for immigration and duty-free.

Evening: Departure day. If staying late, one last karak tea and date pastry will tide you over.

Optional experiences to swap in: Dubai Opera performances; Ski Dubai (indoor snow park) at Mall of the Emirates; Palm West Beach beach clubs; dhow dinner cruise on the Creek or Marina; Bluewaters promenade (Ain Dubai remains closed for rides as of 2025 but the views are excellent).

Local logistics: Nol transit card works on Metro, tram, and buses. Taxis are plentiful (airport to Downtown ~15–25 minutes off-peak). Dress modestly in historic areas and religious sites. Hydrate, especially in summer; book outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.

Flight search: Plan your arrival and departure via Trip.com Flights or compare on Kiwi.com.

Recap: In ten days, you’ll experience Dubai’s full spectrum—sky-high observation decks, historic souks and Creek abra rides, inventive dining, beach days on the Gulf, and a starry desert night. With an Abu Dhabi day trip for palaces and grand mosques, this plan balances headline sights and local favorites you’ll be talking about long after wheels-up.