Two cities, one unforgettable week. The United Arab Emirates marries ancient trade routes and pearl-diving heritage with record-breaking towers and design-forward museums. In just seven days you’ll step from dhow-lined creeks and spice-scented souks to the world’s tallest building, vast dunes, and serene mangroves.

Dubai dazzles with the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and the spiraling Museum of the Future, yet its soul lives in Old Dubai—Al Fahidi’s coral-stone lanes, abra boats crossing Dubai Creek, and the Gold and Spice Souks. Abu Dhabi is stately and cultured: the luminous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the palace-museum of Qasr Al Watan, and Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Jean Nouvel–designed “floating” dome.

Practical notes: The UAE is safe and easy to navigate. Dress modestly for mosques (shoulders and knees covered; women bring a headscarf). Alcohol is served in licensed venues. During Ramadan, eating and music in public may be more restrained in daylight; evenings are festive. Expect sunny weather year-round and plan for air-conditioned interiors.

Dubai

Dubai is a kaleidoscope: wind-tower houses in Al Fahidi, dhow captains shouting across the creek, and elsewhere a skyline that seems to redraw itself each year. Don’t miss the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Frame, and the progressive Museum of the Future—the latter feels like stepping into tomorrow’s laboratory.

The food scene swings from Emirati clay-pot stews to Michelin-star tasting menus and a flourishing wellness cafe culture. For healthy plates with local flair, look to SEVA Table’s plant-based garden, Wild & The Moon’s cold-pressed elixirs, and Comptoir 102’s organic, Paris-meets-Jumeirah bites.

• Where to stay (Dubai): For beach vibes, base in Jumeirah or Dubai Marina; for culture, stay near Al Seef/Al Fahidi; for shopping and skyline views, Downtown Dubai. Browse stays on VRBO Dubai or compare hotels on Hotels.com Dubai.
• How to get there: Fly into Dubai International (DXB) or Al Maktoum (DWC). Check fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrival, Downtown Dubai, and Fountain Night

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Land in Dubai and check into your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a gentle stroll through the leafy Burj Park for first looks at the Burj Khalifa. Coffee at % Arabica (Dubai Mall) offers fountain-facing espresso and Kyoto-style brews.

Evening: Book “At the Top” for sunset (levels 124/125; typical adult tickets from ~AED 179–259, dynamic pricing). Watch the Dubai Fountain’s choreographed shows every 30 minutes after dusk. Dinner options inside or near Dubai Mall: Din Tai Fung (light dumplings and cucumber salad), Somewhere (Levantine with modern, veggie-forward plates), or Social House (global menu with terrace views). Nightcap stroll through Souk Al Bahar’s stone arcades.

Day 2: Old Dubai—Creek, Souks, and Heritage

Morning: Breakfast in Al Fahidi at Arabian Tea House (saffron chai, regag bread, herb-heavy salads) beneath bougainvillea. Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood’s wind towers and art courtyards, then the Al Shindagha Museum: Perfume House to learn about traditional attars (excellent for culture lovers).

Afternoon: Ride a wooden abra across the creek (AED 1 coin fare) to Deira. Wander the Spice Souk (cardamom, saffron, rose buds) and Gold Souk’s intricate window displays. Return for a late lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant: order grilled fish with Emirati rice and a side of chami (yogurt)—comforting yet light.

Evening: Head to Dubai Frame near Zabeel for golden-hour skyline views (tickets ~AED 52). Dinner nearby at Al Ustad Special Kabab (since 1978; yogurt-marinated kebabs) or, for a cleaner-eating fix, SEVA Table (plant-based bowls and tonics in a serene garden; no Wi‑Fi—come to unplug).

Day 3: Icons of the Future—Burj Area and DIFC

Morning: Museum of the Future (tickets ~AED 149) is a narrative journey through wellness tech, climate ideas, and space habitats—go at opening to enjoy immersive floors without crowds. Brunch at The Sum of Us (sourdough bakery, good gluten-free and dairy-light options).

Afternoon: Explore Dubai Mall’s lesser-known corners: the towering Waterfall, Fashion Avenue installations, and the Aquarium tunnel (optional). Coffee flight at Nightjar (Alserkal Avenue) if you’re up for a quick rideshare—roastery-level espresso and seasonal cold brew.

Evening: Dinner in Jumeirah or DIFC. Book Orfali Bros (three chef-brothers; Levantine-inspired small plates, superb veggie options) or 11 Woodfire (Michelin-starred, wood-grilled seafood and market vegetables). For a wellness tilt, Wild & The Moon (DIFC) has nourishing bowls and cold-pressed juices before or after a lighter dinner.

Day 4: Beach Morning and Desert Safari

Morning: Swim or walk the boardwalk at Kite Beach with postcard Burj Al Arab views. Breakfast at Bounty Beets (playful, plant-leaning plates) or Comptoir 102 (organic “power” smoothies, zucchini spaghetti). Optional SUP rental along the calm shoreline.

Afternoon: Desert safari pickup (typical shared tour ~AED 150–300 per person). Expect dune bashing, sandboarding, and a sunset photo stop. If you prefer tranquility, book a conservation-reserve safari instead—gentler drives, wildlife spotting (oryx), and stargazing.

Evening: Many safaris include a Bedouin-style camp dinner (grilled meats, mezze, dates, tea). If not, detour to Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams for an Arabian-night spread with live oud music and folk performances—go for charcoal-grilled seabass, Arabic salads, and fresh-baked tanoor bread.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is cultured and calm, its islands stitched together by causeways and mangroves. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque—pure white domes, floral marble inlay—often becomes travelers’ most treasured memory. Then there’s Louvre Abu Dhabi, its silvery dome casting a “rain of light” over world-class galleries.

Between palaces and museums, life plays out on the Corniche and Saadiyat’s pale sands. Food is thoughtful and often lighter here: Afghan-Californian plates at Nolu’s, wholesome breakfasts at Sanderson’s, and Emirati dishes at Mezlai inside Emirates Palace.

• Where to stay (Abu Dhabi): Saadiyat for beaches and Louvre access; Corniche for skyline views; Yas Island for theme parks. Browse VRBO Abu Dhabi or compare on Hotels.com Abu Dhabi.
• Getting there from Dubai: Morning bus E101/E102 from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (approx. 1.5–2 hours, ~AED 25), or private car/taxi (1.5 hours, ~AED 250–350). Depart early to maximize your day.

Day 5: Transfer to Abu Dhabi, Grand Mosque, and Palaces

Morning: Depart Dubai by bus E101/E102 or private car. Drop bags and head to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Entry is free; dress modestly. Join a guided tour if available to decode design details (the 5,627 m² carpet is hand-knotted).

Afternoon: Lunch at Nolu’s Downtown (Galleria Al Maryah or Al Bandar): quinoa tabbouleh, mantu dumplings, grilled salmon with saffron rice—healthy yet satisfying. Continue to Qasr Al Watan (presidential palace; tickets ~AED 60) for Arabian geometric libraries and the Great Hall’s gilded dome.

Evening: Sunset at Observation Deck at 300 (Etihad Towers) for 360° views over the Corniche. Dinner at Mezlai (Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental): try tobal (stuffed vegetables), muhammara, and grilled hammour; ask for lighter preparations if you’re eating clean. Sip a saffron “gold” cappuccino in the lobby café if you fancy a once-only treat.

Day 6: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Mangroves, and Yas Bay

Morning: Louvre Abu Dhabi (adult tickets ~AED 63). Highlights span Cycladic statues, Bellini portraits, and contemporary Middle Eastern art—set beneath a lacework dome that dapples galleries with shifting light. Coffee or a light lunch at Art Lounge (rooftop) or Aptitude Café nearby with sea views.

Afternoon: Kayak the Jubail Mangrove Park boardwalk channels (guided tours ~AED 80–120). Keep an eye out for herons and crabs; the calm waters make this beginner-friendly and restorative.

Evening: Head to Yas Bay Waterfront for dinner. Options: NIRI Restaurant & Bar (Japanese robata, sashimi; request terrace), Café del Mar (sunset mocktails by the pool), or for Emirati home-style, Meylas (Al Muneera, a short ride away) serving luqaimat and aromatic rice—ask for grilled mains for a lighter meal.

Day 7: Return to Dubai and Departure

Morning: Travel back to Dubai (1.5–2 hours). If time allows, dip into Alserkal Avenue for independent galleries and a final espresso at Nightjar or Encounter Coffee. Alternatively, stroll Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s waterways for gifts with Burj Al Arab views.

Afternoon: Farewell lunch at Comptoir 102 (organic bowls, daily specials) or SEVA Table (vibrant salads, cacao tonics). Transfer to the airport. Check flight options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Handy Extras and Local Gems

• Expo City Dubai: Wander Al Wasl Plaza and the Sustainability Pavilion; great for architecture buffs and families.
• J1 Beach (Jumeirah): A polished beachfront district with restaurants and loungers; consider a morning run on the boardwalk.
• The View at The Palm: An alternative to Burj Khalifa—panoramic Palm Jumeirah vistas, best at golden hour.
• Coffee trail: The Sum of Us (artisan bakes), Nightjar (roastery), Espresso Lab (Dubai Design District), and RAW Coffee (Al Quoz).

Estimated Transport Costs and Times

• DXB to Downtown by taxi: 15–25 minutes, ~AED 50–80 depending on traffic.
• Dubai to Abu Dhabi: 1.5–2 hours by bus (~AED 25) or car (~AED 250–350).
• City rideshares: Most intra-city hops are 10–25 minutes; budget ~AED 20–60 per ride.

This 7-day plan blends headline sights with quieter moments—museum courtyards, mangrove stillness, and creek breezes. You’ll eat beautifully (and healthfully) while moving smoothly between Dubai’s electric energy and Abu Dhabi’s cultured calm. Come curious; leave sun-kissed, well-fed, and full of stories.