Dubai is a place where pearl-diving roots and caravan trade routes meet a glass-and-steel skyline. Once a modest Gulf port, it surged in the late 20th century with oil revenues and a bold vision, turning into a global hub for finance, design, and hospitality. Today, you can wander spice-scented alleys in the morning and watch a drone show or fountain spectacle by night.

Expect a tapestry of cultures—over 80% of residents are expatriates—reflected in food, festivals, and fashion. Main attractions include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Museum of the Future, and sprawling malls that feel like indoor theme parks. Don’t miss a desert safari for dune sunsets and Emirati heritage under starry skies.

Practical notes: The sun is serious; plan outdoor time early or late, especially May–September. Dress modestly in historic quarters and religious sites; shoulders and knees covered are appreciated. Ramadan brings quieter days and celebratory iftars after sunset. Taxis and the Metro are safe and efficient, and card payments are widely accepted.

Dubai

Dubai blends heritage and high-rise spectacle like few cities. In Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, coral-stone wind towers shade labyrinthine lanes; across town, observation decks crown supertall towers. Beaches, yacht marinas, desert dunes, and global restaurants make it an easy city to customize for families, food lovers, and design buffs.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Creek and souks, Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Museum of the Future, Alserkal Avenue art district.
• What to eat: Emirati machboos and luqaimat; mezze and grills from the Levant; Pakistani, Indian, Persian, and Filipino staples; and a thriving modern-Middle Eastern scene.
• Neighborhood vibes: Downtown for first-timers, JBR/Marina for the beach, Deira/Bur Dubai for historic flavor, Palm Jumeirah for resort living, Al Quoz for galleries and coffee roasters.

Where to stay (curated picks + search tools):

• Iconic splurge: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (all-suite legend, private beach, overwater dining).
• Resort with waterpark access: Atlantis, The Palm (on-site Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers).
• Great value, superb location: Rove Downtown Dubai (walkable to Dubai Mall/Metro, playful design).
• Browse more stays: VRBO Dubai or Hotels.com Dubai.

How to get there (flights): Compare long-haul options into DXB or DWC on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. From London is ~7 hours (often $350–800 roundtrip in economy off-peak), New York ~12–14 hours ($600–1,100), Singapore ~7 hours ($300–700). Travelers originating in Europe can also check Omio Flights for competitive fares.

On arrival: DXB to Downtown by taxi is ~15–25 minutes (~$12–25) depending on traffic; the Metro (red line) is quick and reliable at peak hours.

Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa at Sunset

Morning: Fly to Dubai. Rest, hydrate, and adjust your watch—UAE uses Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4).

Afternoon: Land at DXB and check in. If you’re at Rove Downtown, you can stroll to Dubai Mall to stretch your legs. Snack stops: Local coffee at The Espresso Lab (sleek, Emirati-founded roastery) or Common Grounds for salads and fresh bakes.

Evening: Time your ascent for golden hour with Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket—Dubai’s twinkling grid is unforgettable.

Post-views, watch the Dubai Fountain show outside, then dine: Al Hallab (Lebanese grills, perfect for families), or Armani/Amal for refined Indian with terrace views over the fountains. Nightcap at The Dubai Mall’s Time Out Market for an easy, curated taste of local chefs.

Day 2: Old Dubai, Al Fahidi, and the Creek Souks

Morning: Breakfast amid bougainvillea at Arabian Tea House (Emirati breads, minty salads) in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Wander narrow lanes, art courtyards, and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding area to get context on Emirati traditions.

Afternoon: Ride a wooden abra across Dubai Creek to Deira (pay the boatman a small cash fare). Explore the Spice Souk (za’atar, saffron, rose buds) and Gold Souk’s brilliant displays. Lunch at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978—juicy kebabs, vintage photos) or Al Bait Al Qadeem for heritage recipes and courtyard seating.

Evening: Return along the waterfront promenades at Al Seef, then dinner at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe (Emirati fare: machboos chicken, shrimps in saffron sauce). For dessert, pistachio-laden kunafa at a Deira sweets shop. If energy allows, stroll the night-lit Creek boardwalks for skyline reflections.

Day 3: Beach Morning, Then Premium Desert Safari

Morning: Grab a flat white and avocado toast at The Sum of Us (artisan bakery and roastery) or beachfront Park House on Kite Beach. Swim or walk the boardwalk with Burj Al Arab views; rent a lounger or try paddleboard hire if seas are calm.

Afternoon: Casual seafood lunch at Bu Qtair near Fishing Harbour 2 (order the catch of the day, fried prawns, and paratha; it began as a fisherman’s shack). Rest and recharge at the hotel—your pickup for the dunes will be late afternoon.

Evening: Head out on a classic red-dunes experience with Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp. Expect 4WD dune-bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and a starlit BBQ with traditional performances; pickup is typically 2:30–3:30 pm, return ~9 pm.

Day 4: Palm Jumeirah and a Day at Atlantis Aquaventure

Morning: Ride the Palm Monorail to Atlantis for sweeping crescent views. Dive into a full day at Aquaventure World: Waterpark Day Pass—record-breaking slides, lazy rivers, and beaches; optionally add The Lost Chambers Aquarium for marine-life galleries.

Afternoon: Refuel at Barracudas food hall (easy, family-friendly) or grab sushi at Nobu by the beach if you want a splurge lunch. Consider “The View at The Palm” in Nakheel Mall later for a different skyline perspective.

Evening: Dinner options on the Palm: Seafire Steakhouse (prime cuts, lively), or Surf Club (Mediterranean seafood and sunset beats). Prefer a quieter night? Return to the mainland for Bussola (Italian by the sea) near Mina Seyahi.

Day 5: Museum of the Future, DIFC Eats, and Dubai Marina Nights

Morning: Visit the Museum of the Future (timed tickets recommended) to explore immersive exhibits on sustainability, health, and space. Coffee at Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue (industrial-cool roastery) and browse galleries and concept stores in the creative district.

Afternoon: Head to DIFC’s Gate Village for a restaurant-lined art stroll. Lunch at BB Social Dining (bao, bowls, and Middle Eastern riffs) or Zuma (sleek robata and sushi). Shop at City Walk or wander Jumeirah backstreets for indie boutiques and patisseries.

Evening: Sunset promenade at JBR’s The Beach or a marina boardwalk loop. Dinner at Pier 7—Asia Asia (pan-Asian tasting journey) or The Scene (British comfort with skyline views). For a view-forward drink, Observatory Bar & Grill has 52nd-floor vistas over the Palm.

Day 6: Abu Dhabi Highlights Day Trip

Morning: Join a guided excursion such as Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower for seamless transport and entry coordination. It’s ~90–120 minutes each way by road.

Afternoon: Marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s white marble and inlaid floral stonework (modest dress required; women cover hair, shoulders, and ankles). Continue to Qasr Al Watan to appreciate Arabian craftsmanship and state rooms, then take in the sea-meets-city view from Etihad Towers’ observation deck.

Evening: Return to Dubai. Dinner ideas on the way back: Reif Japanese Kushiyaki (playful robata skewers) or Orfali Bros Bistro (creative, award-winning Middle Eastern plates) in Jumeirah. Both are worth booking ahead.

Day 7: Gardens, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: If visiting October–April, consider Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal floral sculptures, best early morning). In hotter months, go for The Green Planet (indoor biodome) or a final sea dip.

Afternoon: Brunch or lunch at Logma (Khaleeji comfort—chbaab pancakes, chicken machboos) or 3 Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (seafood-led small plates, harbor views). Pick up souvenirs at Souk Madinat Jumeirah (spices, pashminas, artisan decor) before your transfer to the airport.

Evening: Fly out in the late afternoon or evening with a new appreciation of the city’s contrasts—desert silence, creek commerce, and futuristic architecture.

Optional and family-friendly add-ons if you have extra time: Dubai Frame for sweeping “past vs. present” views; Jumeirah Mosque tour for cultural insight; kite surfing lessons on Kite Beach; an early-morning hot-air balloon over the dunes (seasonal).

Need-to-know tips: Book headline attractions for late afternoon to avoid glare and heat. Taxis are plentiful; Careem/Uber operate widely. Saturday is the most popular “brunch day.” Alcohol is served in licensed venues (hotels, many restaurants). Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory.

Viator experiences featured in this itinerary (quick access):

• Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket
• Premium Red Dunes Safari & BBQ
• Aquaventure World Day Pass
• Abu Dhabi Day Trip

For flights and flexibility on fares and times, search Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com, and for Europe-based departures, Omio Flights. For stays, compare Hotels.com Dubai and VRBO Dubai.

In a week you’ll have traced Dubai’s arc—from wind towers and spice stalls to sky bars and desert camps—while sampling a genuinely global food scene. Whether you come for beaches, architecture, or family fun, the city’s rhythm is easy to slip into—and just as easy to miss when you leave.