The United Arab Emirates pairs ancient Gulf heritage with visionary skylines. In Dubai, wind-tower lanes meet record-breaking towers; in Abu Dhabi, serene mosques and world-class museums sit beside mangroves and soft-sand beaches. This one-week itinerary stitches the two together for a deep dive into architecture, art, desert landscapes, and remarkable dining.

Founded as fishing and pearling settlements, Dubai and Abu Dhabi accelerated after oil discoveries and trade booms in the 20th century. Today, you’ll wander Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi neighborhood, glide across the creek on a wooden abra, then gaze across the city from Burj Khalifa. In Abu Dhabi, you’ll marvel at the light-dappled Louvre dome and the marble grandeur of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Practical notes: The best time to visit is November–March when temperatures are pleasant. The local weekend runs Friday–Sunday. Dress modestly for religious sites (mosque attire is mandatory). The currency is AED; taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful, Dubai Metro is efficient, and intercity buses between Dubai and Abu Dhabi are frequent and inexpensive.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with contrasts: gold and spice souks buzz beside galleries in Alserkal Avenue; surfers chase waves at Kite Beach while diners sample Michelin-lauded bites in Jumeirah. It’s a city for sunrise beach strolls, late-night fountains, and all-day grazing.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Al Shindagha Museum, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, JBR & Dubai Marina, Kite Beach.
• Why visit: Architectural icons, dynamic food scene (from legendary shawarma to inventive bistros), easy coastal escapes, and immersive desert experiences.
• Stay: Browse stays on Hotels.com Dubai or apartments on VRBO Dubai.
• Getting in: Fly to DXB (or AUH) via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights. From DXB to downtown takes ~20–30 minutes by taxi or Metro (Red Line).
• Dining highlights: Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; melt-in-mouth kebabs), Arabian Tea House (heritage courtyard breakfasts), Al Mallah (beloved shawarma), Al Khayma Heritage (Emirati classics), 3 Fils (harborfront modern Asian), Orfali Bros Bistro (playful, award-winning plates), Bu Qtair (no-frills fried fish), Level 43 Sky Lounge (panoramic sundowners).

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi moves to a calmer rhythm, where cultural landmarks rise from the water’s edge and mangroves lace the shoreline. It’s ideal for museum-goers, architecture fans, and travelers who like their city breaks with a side of sea breeze.

• Top sights: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn, Corniche, Saadiyat (Soul Beach), Yas Island.
• Why visit: Masterpiece architecture, thoughtful curation at Louvre Abu Dhabi, pristine beaches, and relaxed dining along the Corniche and Yas Bay.
• Stay: See options on Hotels.com Abu Dhabi or furnished places on VRBO Abu Dhabi.
• Getting there from Dubai: Morning intercity bus E100/E101/E102 is ~1h45–2h, ~AED 25 one way; taxi ~1.5 hours, ~AED 250–350; private transfer ~AED 350–450. Buses depart frequently from Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
• Dining highlights: Al Fanar (Emirati), Lebanese Flower (grills and mezze), Al Mrzab (regional Gulf flavors), Zuma (sleek Japanese at The Galleria), COYA (Peruvian), Aptitude Cafe (coffee with Louvre views), Sanderson’s (bright breakfasts).

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai, Creekside Heritage, and Souks

Afternoon: Arrive in Dubai and check in. If staying near Downtown or Al Seef, drop bags and head to Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood for a gentle first stroll—narrow lanes, art spaces, and restored courtyard homes. For a late lunch/coffee, grab Emirati khameer bread, shakshuka, and mint lemonade at Arabian Tea House (go for the shaded courtyard).

Evening: Take an abra (wooden boat; ~AED 1) across Dubai Creek to the Deira side. Explore the Gold Souk’s glittering shopfronts and the Spice Souk’s cardamom, saffron, and frankincense aromas. Dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab (short taxi from the creek): order the yogurt-marinated kebab khosht and saffron rice. Nightcap at Al Seef promenade or tea at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant if you want Emirati luqaimat (date syrup–drizzled doughnuts).

Day 2: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain Night Views

Morning: Coffee and pastries at The Sum of Us (specialty roaster, central location). Prebook Burj Khalifa “At the Top” (levels 124/125; from ~AED 179). Spend time at Dubai Mall’s Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo or the Human Waterfalls, then browse Time Out Market Dubai at Souk Al Bahar for an early lunch—try Vietnamese Foodies for pho or Bait Maryam’s Levantine home cooking outpost if available.

Afternoon: Walk the air-conditioned bridge back to Dubai Mall; pop into the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk for close-up views. If you’re curious about engineering and future design, the Museum of the Future (timed tickets ~AED 149) is a short taxi/Metro ride away—its torus facade frames striking skyline photos.

Evening: Return to Burj Lake for the Dubai Fountain shows (evening performances every 30 minutes). Dinner nearby at GAIA (elegant Greek in DIFC; book ahead) or Zuma (iconic robata and sushi). For a rooftop, CÉ LA VI at Address Sky View pairs city panoramas with signature cocktails.

Day 3: Beaches, JBR & Dubai Marina, Harbor Dining

Morning: Start with a Kite Beach walk—grab specialty brews at % Arabica or açaí bowls at Common Grounds. Swim or rent a bike along the coastal track. If you prefer culture, swap in Alserkal Avenue for indie galleries and espresso at Nightjar (great cold brews).

Afternoon: Head to JBR (The Beach) and Dubai Marina. Lunch at Bu Qtair (famous no-frills shack turned institution; choose your fresh fish and prawns—fried and served with paratha and curry) or Al Mallah (shawarma, fresh juices). Stroll Marina Walk and the new Dubai Harbour for yacht-spotting and photos.

Evening: Sunset dhow cruise in Dubai Marina (typically 1.5–2 hours with dinner; options abound) or book Observatory Bar & Grill (Marriott Harbour) for 52nd-floor sunset views and a steak or prawn cocktail. For a destination dinner, 3 Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour serves must-try salmon carpaccio, tuna nigiri, and “dragon” rolls—casual, creative, and consistently praised.

Day 4: Old Dubai Museums and Desert Safari

Morning: Breakfast at Al Fahidi’s XVA Cafe (quiet courtyard, Middle Eastern vegetarian plates). Explore Al Shindagha Museum—especially the Perfume House—to trace the city’s scent trade and pearling stories. Swing by the Dubai Frame for contrasting skyline views of “old” and “new” Dubai.

Afternoon: Relax at your hotel pool or cafe-hop at Espresso Lab (excellent single-origin pours). Prepare for a desert safari pickup (most start ~3–3:30 pm). Expect dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, sunset photos, and a BBQ buffet with tanoura and cultural performances.

Evening: Return from the dunes (~9–9:30 pm). If you still have energy, Level 43 Sky Lounge offers late-night cityscapes and a light bite. Otherwise, end with saffron milk cake at Local House in Al Seef or a simple karak chai near your stay.

Day 5: Transfer to Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi

Morning (travel): Depart Dubai for Abu Dhabi. Intercity bus E100/E101/E102 (~AED 25; ~1h45–2h) or taxi (~AED 250–350; ~1.5 hours). Check in near the Corniche, Saadiyat, or Al Maryah Island. Coffee and a quick bite at Sanderson’s (bright, wholesome plates) or % Arabica at The Galleria.

Afternoon: Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free entry; modest attire and registration required). The marble colonnades and reflective pools are especially photogenic before sunset. Continue to Louvre Abu Dhabi (tickets ~AED 63 adult) to see universal artworks under Jean Nouvel’s “rain of light” dome.

Evening: Dine on Saadiyat or Al Maryah Island. Options: Zuma (slick Japanese; book ahead), COYA (lively Peruvian; ceviche and anticuchos), or Al Fanar (heritage Emirati—try machboos and regag). Walk the Corniche for a sea-breeze digestif.

Day 6: Palaces, Forts, and Yas Bay Nightlife

Morning: Breakfast at Cafe 302 (hearty plates, central). Tour Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace; tickets ~AED 65) for mosaics, calligraphy, and the Great Hall. Then visit Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s oldest stone building, to trace Abu Dhabi’s growth from fort to capital.

Afternoon: Beach time on Saadiyat (Soul Beach has perfect sand and calm water). Alternatively, choose theme-park thrills on Yas Island (Ferrari World coasters, Warner Bros. World indoor fun, or the newer SeaWorld Yas Island).

Evening: Head to Yas Bay Waterfront. Casual dinner at Hunter & Barrel (wood-fired steaks) or Asia Asia (pan-Asian with marina views). For a sweet finish, gelato on the promenade and a leisurely walk.

Day 7: Mangrove Kayaking or Last Beach Morning, Depart

Morning: Kayak through Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park (guided tours ~1.5–2 hours; ~AED 160–210) for quiet channels and birdlife. If you prefer to unwind, linger over breakfast at Aptitude Cafe (great Louvre views) and take a last dip at Saadiyat.

Afternoon (departure): Transfer to AUH (or back to DXB) for your flight. Search best fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights. If you’re extending, consider a day trip to Al Ain’s oases and Jebel Hafeet.

Where to Stay (Quick Picks)

• Dubai areas: Downtown (fountain/Burj access), JBR/Marina (beach vibes), Al Seef/Creek (heritage). Compare on Hotels.com Dubai and VRBO Dubai.
• Abu Dhabi areas: Saadiyat (beach + Louvre), Al Maryah (urban, dining), Corniche (classic seaside). Browse Hotels.com Abu Dhabi and VRBO Abu Dhabi.

Getting Around & Booking Notes

• Flights: For best deals into DXB/AUH, check Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Local transport: Dubai Metro + taxis cover most needs; Nol card for Metro/tram. Intercity Dubai–Abu Dhabi buses run often; allow ~2 hours door to door.
• Costs (typical): Abra AED 1; Metro rides AED 3–7; taxi airport–Downtown ~AED 60–90; desert safari ~AED 150–300; Louvre ~AED 63; Qasr Al Watan ~AED 65.
• Culture tips: Modest dress at mosques; alcohol served in licensed venues; Ramadan brings altered hours and a reflective atmosphere—worth experiencing respectfully.

This 7-day UAE itinerary balances headline sights with quiet heritage corners, beach time, and memorable meals. You’ll return with photos from record-breaking towers and peaceful courtyards—and a list of favorite shawarma stands and seaside cafes to revisit.