Dubai rose from a pearl-diving port to a global city in record time. Today, shimmering towers surround a historic creek where wooden abras still ferry locals across to spice-scented souks. The city blends Emirati heritage with a cosmopolitan food scene, world-class malls, and a desert that starts where the skyline ends.

Fun facts to set the mood: Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building; the city’s Metro includes a Gold Class cabin for premium seats; and you can be on the beach, in a museum, and out on dunes in a single day. The modern vibe hasn’t erased the past—Al Fahidi’s coral-stone lanes and Al Shindagha’s interactive museums keep Dubai’s story alive.

Practical notes (2026 planning): Indian travelers generally require a pre-arranged UAE eVisa—check current rules before booking. Winter (Nov–Mar) offers cooler days; summers are hot but indoor attractions abound. Public behavior is modest; alcohol is served in licensed venues; and Ramadan shifts dining hours. Cashless payments are widely accepted; a Nol card (consider Gold Class) makes getting around easy.

Dubai

Dubai is a city of contrasts: spice-laden markets in Deira, wind-tower houses in Al Fahidi, and a futuristic corridor from Museum of the Future to Downtown’s dancing fountains. By night, rooftop lounges glow above the illuminated Sheikh Zayed Road, while the Marina’s boardwalk hums with cafes.

Top highlights you’ll hit this week: Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, Old Dubai souks, a conservation-minded desert experience, the beach at JBR, Bluewaters promenade, Hatta’s mountain dams, and the Museum of the Future. We’ll thread in “first-class on a budget” touches—think Dubai Metro Gold Class seats, business-lunch deals at top restaurants, and day-pass access to resort beaches.

• Stay (great-value picks): For Old Dubai charm: Al Seef Heritage Hotel, XVA Art Hotel (artsy courtyard vibes). Downtown value near attractions: Rove Downtown (clean, designy, steps from Burj Khalifa). Marina/JBR for beach life: Millennium Place Marina, Hilton Dubai The Walk (look for promos). Budget-solid with metro access: Premier Inn Al Jaddaf, Hampton by Hilton Al Barsha.
• Browse and book stays: VRBO Dubai | Hotels.com Dubai
• Getting there from Pune: Nonstop flights PNQ–DXB run ~3h 15m. Economy round-trip can be ~USD 220–450; business class often ~USD 700–1,400. True “First Class” cabins are scarce from Pune—consider routing via Mumbai for Emirates First on A380/777 if you want the full suite and shower-spa experience, often USD 1,500–3,000 one-way (or redeem miles). Search and compare on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com flights.
• First-class feel on a budget: Buy a Nol Gold card for the Metro’s Gold Class cabin (premium seating at a small fare premium), book business-lunch menus at top spots (often AED 120–180 for great kitchens), and consider resort day passes for pool/beach access instead of pricey overnights.

Day 1: Fly Pune to Dubai, Creekside Welcome

Morning (Optional in Pune): If your flight departs mid- to late afternoon, warm up the trip with a short, guided history walk before the airport.

• Why Pune? : A Heritage Walk through Old Pune

  

• Prefer food to history? Food walking tour in Pune to stimulate your taste buds

  

Afternoon: Fly PNQ–DXB (~3h 15m). Compare fares and cabin types on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. On arrival, buy a Nol card (consider Gold), then check in. Old Dubai for heritage vibes, Downtown for proximity to Burj Khalifa, or Marina/JBR for beach.

Evening: Ease in with a Creekside stroll at Al Seef—lantern-lit lanes that echo historic Dubai. Take a 1 AED wooden abra across the Creek to Deira and back at sunset. Dinner at Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi; Emirati salads, regag bread) or Al Fanar (Creekside: machboos, harees). Nightcap mint tea at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant’s courtyard.

Day 2: Downtown Icons—Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Fountain Shows

Morning: Coffee and pastries at The Sum of Us (near Trade Center) or % Arabica at Dubai Mall’s promenade. Prebook timed entry for Burj Khalifa “At the Top” (go early to dodge crowds). After the views, browse Dubai Mall’s highlights (Dubai Aquarium tunnel, Level Shoes, and the Souk area).

Afternoon: Lunch choices: Din Tai Fung (steaming xiao long bao), Logma (Khaleeji comfort), or Al Baik (a cult-favorite Saudi fried chicken that’s budget-friendly). Walk the air-conditioned bridge to Souk Al Bahar for artisan shops. Rest in the Metro’s Gold cabin to experience that small “first class” touch.

Evening: Stake out a spot for the Dubai Fountain shows (after sunset, every 30 minutes). Dine at Time Out Market Dubai—try Reif Kushiyaki’s wagyu sandos, Al Fanar’s Emirati plates, or Pitfire for excellent pizza. Post-dinner drink with a skyline view at Level 43 Sky Lounge on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Day 3: Old Dubai—Al Fahidi, Al Shindagha, Souks by the Creek

Morning: Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: art galleries, the Coffee Museum, and courtyards cooled by traditional wind towers. Breakfast in the courtyard at XVA Café (zesty Middle Eastern plates) or Local House for Emirati breakfasts with karak tea.

Afternoon: Walk to Al Shindagha Museum and the Perfume House to trace Dubai’s maritime and fragrance heritage through interactive exhibits. Abra across to the Deira side and meander the Spice Souk (saffron, dried roses, za’atar) and Gold Souk (window-shop elaborate bridal sets). Lunch at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; melt-in-mouth kebabs and Iranian rice) or Al Khayma Heritage (slow-cooked lamb madfoon).

Evening: Return to Al Seef for gelato and Creek views. If you fancy, book a Creek dinner cruise (glass-enclosed “bateaux” style) for a relaxed night glide past lit-up wind towers. Alternatively, head to Bastakiah Nights-style cafes for gahwa (Arabic coffee) and luqaimat (date syrup-drenched dumplings).

Day 4: Desert Adventure—Dunes, Camels, Stars

Morning: Slow start. Brunch by the Marina at Common Grounds (Aussie-style plates) or Nightjar (Alserkal Avenue; specialty coffee). Pack a light scarf and a layer—desert evenings can be breezy in winter.

Afternoon & Evening (Desert Safari): Join a conservation-minded desert tour in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve if available, or choose a classic red-dune drive. Typical programs include gentle dune riding, a falconry demo, short camel rides, sandboarding, and a barbecue dinner under the stars. Expect around AED 220–650 per person depending on group size and inclusions; private or premium tent setups cost more but feel special. Return to the city by 9–10 pm.

Day 5: Beach Day—JBR, Bluewaters, Marina Nights

Morning: Hit The Beach at JBR for a swim and boardswalk time. Breakfast at Baker & Spice (farm-to-table) or Bounty Beets (healthy, photogenic plates) a short ride away. If you want a plush pool scene, look for day passes at resorts like Westin Mina Seyahi or Fairmont The Palm (often include towel and credit).

Afternoon: Walk the pedestrian bridge to Bluewaters Island. Note: Ain Dubai, the giant wheel, has remained closed for rides; the promenade is still great for photos. Coffee at The London Project (botanical interiors) or Tania’s Teahouse (pastel, playful). Late lunch at Bu Qtair (no-frills, wildly fresh fried fish) near Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour.

Evening: Sunset along Dubai Marina Walk. Dinner idea: Pier 7 (multiple cuisines with terrace views—Asia Asia for pan-Asian, Cargo for casual). If you prefer shawarma, try Operation: Falafel (JBR) and stroll the fairy-lit Walk.

Day 6: Hatta Highlands—Kayaks, Heritage, Mountain Air

Morning: Pick up a rental car (driving is straightforward; keep your license and card; expect Salik tolls in the city). Drive 1.5–2 hours to Hatta amid the Hajar Mountains. Start at Hatta Dam—rent a kayak or pedal boat for emerald-water views ringed by craggy ridges.

Afternoon: Lunch at Hatta Wild Café or Tanor Lahm (hearty grills). Visit Hatta Heritage Village to see reconstructed stone houses and defensive watchtowers. If you’re feeling active, try easy trails at Hatta Wadi Hub (seasonal adventure activities operate mainly in cooler months).

Evening: Drive back to Dubai before dark. Dinner back in town at Logma (Khaleeji bites; try the chicken-luqaimat crunch) or Al Safadi (Levantine mezze feast). For a relaxed finale, sip karak and watch the city lights from Boxpark’s street seating.

Day 7: Museum of the Future, Souk Madinat, Farewell

Morning: Reserve a timed slot for the Museum of the Future—its sci-fi galleries and Arabic-calligraphy façade are a modern Dubai icon. Coffee at The Sum of Us or Nightjar (if you skipped earlier). Browse Emirates Towers Boulevard for a last fashion fix.

Afternoon: Head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah for waterways, Burj Al Arab views, and souvenir stalls that feel more curated than a typical mall. Lunch options include folly by Nick & Scott (terrace views) or Trattoria for a casual pasta. Transfer to DXB for your afternoon departure—Nol in pocket, dates and saffron in the bag.

Evening: Fly back or onwards. If your flight is later, consider an early “business lunch” at a top table (Zuma, LPM, or Il Borro often run weekday deals) to taste Michelin-level kitchens without the evening price tag.

Where to Stay (Search & Compare)

• VRBO Dubai for apartments near the Metro (Downtown, Business Bay, Marina).
• Hotels.com Dubai to filter by neighborhoods and deals; watch for breakfast-included offers.

Flights and Trains (Plan & Book)

• Pune ⇄ Dubai flights: Compare cabin options and times on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Tip: if you want an Emirates First experience, look at a short hop PNQ→BOM and then BOM→DXB in First; or redeem miles to cut costs.
• In-city transport: Dubai Metro Red/Green lines cover most sights; taxis and ride-hailing fill the gaps. Consider a Nol Gold card for cushy, less-crowded rides that still cost far less than private cars.

Dining Shortlist (Use Throughout the Week)

• Breakfast/coffee: Nightjar (roastery-grade coffee), The Sum of Us (artisan bakery), Common Grounds (multiple branches), % Arabica (views by the Fountain), Project Chaiwala (karak done right).
• Lunch: Al Ustad Special Kebab (Iranian grills), Logma (Khaleeji), Operation: Falafel (casual classics), Din Tai Fung (dumplings), Al Fanar (Emirati homestyle dishes).
• Dinner: Bu Qtair (fresh fish, plastic tables, big flavors), Pier 7 (choose a terrace), Time Out Market Dubai (curated best-of-the-city under one roof), Al Khayma Heritage (traditional courtyard).
• Sweet and tea: Luqaimat with date syrup; saffron milk cake at local bakeries; gahwa (Arabic coffee) with dates.

Money-Saving, First-Class Tips

• Book attractions early (Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future) for cheaper time slots.
• Use Metro Gold Class for a premium feel without private-car costs.
• Target weekday business-lunch menus at fine-dining restaurants to access top kitchens for less.
• Consider resort day passes rather than splurging on a full resort stay.
• If chasing true First Class, compare cash vs. miles—many cards transfer to Emirates Skywards; saver awards can net big value on the short BOM–DXB route.

In seven days, you’ll skim glittering skylines, cross the historic Creek by abra, laze by the Gulf, and chase sunset across desert dunes. With savvy choices—Metro Gold seats, business lunches, and day passes—you’ll enjoy a first-class feel on a smart budget. Dubai will feel both thrillingly new and deeply storied—exactly why people keep coming back.