Dubai rose from a modest Gulf trading port of pearl divers and dhow builders into a global crossroads in just a few decades. Oil discovery in the 1960s accelerated growth, but trade and innovation shaped the city’s skyline into a forest of glass and imagination—home to the world’s tallest tower and an ever-evolving waterfront.

Expect a city of contrasts: labyrinthine souks perfumed with saffron and oud, futuristic museums, camel tracks in amber dunes, and yacht-dotted marinas. Iconic sights include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Mosque, and sandy stretches from La Mer to JBR.

Practical notes: Winter (Nov–Mar) is peak season with mild beach weather; summers are very hot. Dress modestly in historic areas and religious sites (headscarf required for women at mosques). Cards are widely accepted, taxis are plentiful, and the Metro/Nol system is clean and efficient. During Ramadan (dates shift annually), be mindful of fasting hours and cultural etiquette.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with superlatives yet charms with stories—Bedouin hospitality, sea-faring heritage, and flavors from across the Middle East and South Asia. Mornings can be for Arabic coffee and heritage walking lanes; evenings for fountain shows, rooftop views, and shawarma under neon glow.

Top sights span the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Old Dubai around Al Fahidi and the Creek, Palm Jumeirah beaches, and the coppery Lehbab Desert. Food lovers will find everything from Emirati fare (lugaimat, machboos) to Iranian kebabs and Indian coastal classics.

Where to stay (Hotels.com + VRBO):

• Rove Downtown Dubai — Smart, great value across from Dubai Mall; ideal base for first-timers.
• Atlantis, The Palm — Family-friendly resort vibes, private beach, and Aquaventure access.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — The sail-shaped icon with palatial suites and destination dining.
• Browse more Dubai hotels on Hotels.com or find apartments and villas on VRBO.

Getting there and around:

• Flights: Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. From Europe/Middle East: 6–8 hours; North America nonstop: ~12–15 hours; typical economy round-trip can range $650–1,100 depending on season.
• Airport to city: Taxi 15–30 min to Downtown (~AED 50–80). Dubai Metro Red Line connects DXB to Downtown/Marina; Nol fares typically AED 3–10 per ride.
• Within Dubai: Metro + tram for main corridors; taxis and ride-hailing for door-to-door; abras (wooden boats) across the Creek cost about AED 1–2.

Day 1: Arrival, Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa and Fountains

Afternoon: Land at DXB and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle wander through Dubai Mall—see the indoor waterfall and Dubai Aquarium’s massive viewing panel. Coffee options: % Arabica (single-origin pour-overs) or Mirzam kiosk (artisan Emirati chocolate).

Evening: Time your ascent for sunset with Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket—standard 124/125 or premium 148 for the sky lounge. Views sweep from the Creek to the Arabian Gulf.

Night: Catch the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes from evening) by the promenade. Dinner nearby: - Armani/Amal (elegant Indian tasting menus, spice-forward and refined). - Time Out Market Dubai (curated stalls; try 3 Fils’ wagyu burgers and Reif’s ramen). - Bice Mare (seafood with fountain views). For a nightcap, Atmosphere Lounge on Level 122 offers sky-high cocktails.

Day 2: Old Dubai, Creek Abras, and Souk Tastings

Morning: Begin in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood—wind-tower houses, art galleries, and tranquil lanes. Breakfast at Arabian Tea House (semolina khameer bread, labneh, and mint tea) or Local House (try regag with eggs). Cross Dubai Creek on a classic abra from Bur Dubai to Deira.

Afternoon: Dive into Deira’s Spice and Gold Souks. For context, join the excellent Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings to sample street foods and decode bargaining customs.

Night: Explore Al Seef for waterside strolling and heritage-inspired architecture. Dinner picks: - Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; melt-in-the-mouth yogurt-marinated kebabs). - Al Khayma Heritage (Emirati machboos and harees in a courtyard setting). - XVA Café (light, vegetarian-friendly plates under frangipani trees). Finish with saffron ice cream at Saffron Boutique.

Day 3: Beach Morning, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina

Morning: Head to JBR Beach for a swim and soft-sand stroll. Breakfast options: Eggspectation (beachfront bennies), Common Grounds at JBR (house-roasted coffee, healthy bowls), or Baker & Spice (farm-to-table bakes). Rent a lounger or try paddleboarding.

Afternoon: Ride the Palm Monorail to Atlantis for postcard views over Palm Jumeirah. If you want a mellow lunch by the water, Ibn AlBahr at Club Vista Mare serves grilled hamour and Levantine mezze; or Seafire Steakhouse at Atlantis for prime cuts. Non-beach alternative: “The View at The Palm” observation deck for skyline panoramas.

Night: Stroll the Dubai Marina Promenade. Dinner at Pier 7 (multi-restaurant tower—try Asia Asia for pan-Asian with marina views or Atelier M for European classics), or The Scene for British gastropub fare. Post-dinner gelato at Amorino on The Walk.

Day 4: Futurism by Day, Red-Dunes Desert Safari by Night

Morning: Explore the city’s cutting edge: Museum of the Future (time-entry tickets recommended) for immersive tech storytelling. Coffee at Flow (excellent flat whites) or Nightjar (roastery-style brews) in the Design District.

Afternoon: Easy shopping or culture: check Dubai Frame for old-meets-new vistas or browse Dubai Design District concept stores. Lunch ideas: Din Tai Fung (handmade dumplings) at Mall of the Emirates or Al Beiruti (Levantine grills and crisp fattoush).

Evening: Go all-in on dunes with the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp. Expect 4x4 dune bashing, optional sandboarding, camel rides, and a lavish BBQ under desert stars, with traditional performances.

Day 5: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi (Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Etihad Towers)

Make it effortless with the Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower tour. It’s a full-day guided excursion (about 10–11 hours) including transport, so you can focus on the highlights: the luminous white-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (modest dress; women need a headscarf), the ornate Qasr Al Watan presidential palace with its vast Great Hall, and the Etihad Towers Observation Deck for Gulf views. Lunch suggestions in Abu Dhabi if time allows: Al Fanar (heritage Emirati dishes) or Al Ibrahimi (Pakistani/Indian grills). You’ll return to Dubai in the evening with skyline views glowing over the desert highway.

Day 6: Last Looks—Frames, Neighborhood Bites, and Departure

Morning: Early visit to the Dubai Frame to gaze across “Old” and “New” Dubai from its sky bridge. If you prefer nature, stop by Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary to spot flamingos (best in cooler months). Brunch choices before you go: - Brunch & Cake (Mediterranean-leaning, photogenic plates) in Jumeirah. - SMCCU’s nearby cafés for traditional Arabic coffee and dates. - A final shawarma at Operation: Falafel on The Beach for a quick, flavorful send-off.

Afternoon: Transfer to DXB for your flight. If you need last-minute souvenirs, pick up dates (try kholas with caramel notes), baklava, or saffron at the airport or in Deira before you leave.

Optional swaps and add-ons (time permitting):

• Jumeirah Mosque guided tour (excellent cultural orientation; modest dress required).
• Expo City Dubai for architecture, pavilions, and family-friendly green spaces.
• Sunset at Kite Beach with views of Burj Al Arab; pick up karak chai and luqaimat from beach kiosks.

How to book the essentials: Secure flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com, pick a central hotel on Hotels.com or a family apartment on VRBO, and lock in time-sensitive tickets/tours via the Viator links included above.

Summing it up: In six days, you’ll scale the world’s tallest tower, trade stories in spice-scented alleys, carve tracks across red dunes, and stand awestruck beneath Abu Dhabi’s luminous domes. Dubai rewards curiosity—arrive hungry for views and flavors, leave with sand in your shoes and a camera roll full of light.