Welcome to the Arabian Gulf—where the desert meets the sea, and cities rewrite the skyline. In a single week, you’ll taste Emirati and Qatari hospitality, cruise past futuristic towers, and barter for spices in century-old souks. This 7-day Dubai and Doha itinerary balances showstoppers with local gems, so your days feel full but never rushed.

Dubai rose from creek-side trading outpost to global hub in a generation; you’ll feel that arc from Al Fahidi’s wind towers to the Burj Khalifa’s spire. Doha’s story hums with culture-forward ambition—world-class museums, design districts, and a harbor that still echoes with the rhythm of wooden dhows. Both destinations welcome visitors year-round; plan around peak heat (Jun–Sep) and note shorter museum hours on Fridays.

Practical notes: dress modestly for mosques; alcohol is licensed in hotels/restaurants (not public spaces), and Ramadan brings special etiquette (no eating in public during daylight). Rideshares and spotless metros simplify getting around. For flights, compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives—tallest, largest, first—yet its soul lingers along Dubai Creek where abras (wooden boats) still shuttle locals. Expect a stylish mash-up: Michelin-lauded bistros beside shawarma counters, Bedouin-inspired desert camps after mornings at record-breaking waterparks.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek, Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Museum of the Future.
• Good to know: Dubai Metro is fast, air-conditioned, and wallet-friendly (roughly AED 3–8 per ride). Taxis are plentiful; airport to Downtown is usually 15–25 minutes off-peak.
• Where to book stays: Browse Hotels.com Dubai or VRBO Dubai. Consider Rove Downtown Dubai (smart, central, great value), Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure access), or the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
• Getting here: Compare international flights to DXB/DWC on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Old Dubai to the Top of the World

Morning: In transit—arrive ready for warm sun and cool AC. If you’re early, grab a light bite at your hotel or pop into Al Safadi (multiple branches) for freshly baked manakish and mint tea.

Afternoon: Dive into history at Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (sand-hued wind towers, art courtyards). Cross Dubai Creek by abra (about AED 1–2) to the Spice and Gold Souks. Snack on regag (crispy flatbread) and luqaimat (date syrup–drizzled dumplings) at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant.

Evening: Time your ascent for sunset with Burj Khalifa At The Top tickets—the observation decks are a bucket-list moment with the Dubai Fountain below.

For dinner, choose between Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; Persian-style kebabs, no-frills legend) or 3 Fils in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (raw and grilled seafood, modern Gulf flavors—book ahead). Nightcap with skyline views at Level 43 Sky Lounge.

Day 2: Palm Thrills and Beachy Bites

Morning: Make a splash with Aquaventure World: Waterpark Day Pass—home to gravity-defying slides like Leap of Faith and lazy rivers that meander for miles.

Afternoon: Late lunch at The Shore (Atlantis beachfront; fish tacos, grills) or Bussola Pizzeria (Mina Seyahi; wood-fired pies with sea views). Stroll the Palm’s boardwalk or head to “The View at The Palm” for a palm-frond panorama.

Evening: Casual dinner at Bu Qtair (Jumeirah; choose-the-catch fried fish, curry on the side) or Al Mallah (shawarma, fresh juices). If you’ve still got energy, wander Dubai Marina promenade for people-watching and gelato.

Day 3: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi (Mosque, Palace, and Corniche)

Set aside a full day for the capital with Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower. You’ll tour the jaw-dropping Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (dress modestly; women need to cover hair), see Qasr Al Watan, and rise to the Etihad Towers observation deck, with Corniche vistas.

Lunch suggestions en route include Al Fanar (traditional Emirati—machboos, saloona) or a mall stop if included by your guide. Back in Dubai, reward yourself with a late dinner at Orfali Bros Bistro (playful Middle Eastern plates, pastry wizardry).

Day 4: Tomorrow’s Museum and a Desert Night

Morning: Step 50 years ahead at the Museum of the Future. The calligraphy-clad torus is a marvel; inside are interactive futurescapes on wellness, ecology, and space.

Afternoon: Lunch in DIFC—try BB Social Dining (bao to bowls, pan-Asian flair) or Al Safadi (Lebanese mezze, grills). Browse Dubai Mall’s aquarium facade and the Souk area for gifts.

Evening: Swap the city for dunes with the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp—dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, stargazing, and a lavish BBQ under desert skies.

Doha

Doha blends pearl-diving heritage with cultural ambition—architectural gems like the Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum frame a glittering Corniche. Souq Waqif still feels like a crossroads: falcons, spices, textiles, and the smoky aroma of grilled meats.

• Top sights: Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl–Qatar, Lusail Boulevard, Inland Sea.
• Where to book stays: Browse Hotels.com Doha and VRBO Doha. West Bay has skyline views; Msheireb is walkable and museum-adjacent.
• Getting here from Dubai: Morning flights DXB/DWC to DOH take ~1h15 (Qatar Airways, flydubai, Emirates codeshares). Expect ~$80–$200 one-way; compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. DOH to West Bay is ~20 minutes by taxi/metro.

Day 5: Fly to Doha, MIA Masterpieces, and a Moonlit Dhow

Morning: Fly Dubai → Doha (aim for a 9:00 a.m. departure; you’ll land around 8:15–8:30 a.m. local time thanks to the 1-hour time change). Check in and refresh. Coffee at Espresso Lab (Msheireb) or karak tea at Chapati & Karak (Katara).

Afternoon: Tour the Museum of Islamic Art—I.M. Pei’s masterpiece—then stroll the Corniche for Doha Bay views. Late lunch at IDAM (MIA; refined Mediterranean with Arabian soul) or SMAT (Msheireb; elevated Qatari classics like harees and majboos).

Evening: Sail under the skyline on a traditional wooden boat with Moonlight on The Gulf: A Doha Dhow Cruise Adventure (about 2 hours).

Dinner at Parisa Souq Waqif (Persian, mirrored mosaics) or Shay Al Shamoos for homestyle Qatari plates and saffron tea among the alleys.

Day 6: City Highlights + Inland Sea Adventure

See “two Qatars” in one day with the Doha: Combo City Tour & Desert Safari with Pickup. Start with West Bay, The Pearl–Qatar, and Katara Cultural Village; then head deep into the dunes for sandboarding and the surreal Inland Sea where sand meets the Gulf.

Back in town, celebrate at Jiwan (NMoQ; modern Qatari cuisine with a terrace over desert-rose architecture) or wander back to Souq Waqif for grills and knafeh.

Day 7: Islands, Pearls, and Departure

Morning: Explore The Pearl–Qatar (Marina Porto Arabia yachts, colorful Qanat Quartier bridges) and nearby Lusail. If you prefer a guided, food-forward finale, book the Qatar Island Experience: Boat & Food Tour – 7 Tastings for tastes from kebabs to karak with a breezy boat ride.

Afternoon: Head to Hamad International. If you have extra time, consider relaxing at the Al Maha Lounge before your flight.

Evening: In the air—savor one last karak from the lounge or a pistachio date as a sweet farewell to the Gulf.

Eating & Drinking Cheat Sheet (by neighborhood)

• Old Dubai (Bur Dubai/Deira): Arabian Tea House (garden breakfasts, shakshouka), Al Ustad Special Kebab (Persian), Creekside Cafe (Creek views, Emirati bites).
• Downtown/DIFC: BB Social Dining (playful pan-Asian), Al Safadi (Lebanese), CÉ LA VI (views from Address Sky View).
• Jumeirah/Marina: Bu Qtair (fried fish), 3 Fils (seafood; reserve), Bussola (pizzas by the sea).
• Doha – Souq Waqif: Parisa (Persian), Al Terrace (Lebanese mezze), Shay Al Shamoos (Qatari staples).
• Doha – Museums/Downtown: IDAM (MIA; refined), Jiwan (NMoQ; modern Qatari), SMAT (Msheireb; Gulf cuisine).
• Cafés: Espresso Lab (Msheireb), % Arabica (Lusail/Place Vendôme), Flat White (The Pearl).

Getting Between Cities & Around Town

• Flights: Dubai ↔ Doha is ~1h15; fares often $80–$200 one-way. Compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Dubai transport: Metro Red Line links airport ↔ Downtown ↔ Marina. Taxis are metered and reliable.
• Doha transport: A modern metro connects the airport to Msheireb/West Bay; taxis and rideshares are ubiquitous.

Optional Add-ons if You Have Extra Time

• Old Dubai food & culture walk: Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings for abra rides, street eats, and souk stories.

  

• Qatar West Coast art & geology: Zekreet, Richard Serra’s East–West/West–East, Mushroom Rock formations.

  

Booking recap: Stays via Hotels.com Dubai, Hotels.com Doha, VRBO Dubai, and VRBO Doha. Flights on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Must-do activities are linked above.

In seven days, you’ll trace two narratives: Dubai’s leap from creek to cloud and Doha’s rise as a cultural capital by the sea. You’ll ride abras and dhows, scale the world’s tallest tower, and leave your footprints in red dunes and along the Inland Sea—memories stitched together by fragrant spices, warm tea, and Gulf hospitality.