Dubai grew from creekside trading village to futuristic megacity in a single lifetime. Oil wealth jump-started development, but it’s trade, tourism, and audacity that forged a skyline crowned by the Burj Khalifa and stitched with palm-shaped islands. Today, you can breakfast by wind towers in a restored heritage quarter and dine at a rooftop 60 stories above the Arabian Gulf by night.

The city balances spectacle and substance. Ride abras across Dubai Creek to the labyrinthine Gold and Spice Souks, learn about Emirati culture in Al Fahidi, then time sunset at the Burj Khalifa’s “At the Top.” Make space for contemporary art in Alserkal Avenue and a tech-forward glide through the Museum of the Future. When sand calls, the red dunes of Lehbab deliver golden-hour drama and starry skies.

Practical notes: Dubai is safe, well-signed, and cashless-friendly; the Metro is spotless and taxis are plentiful. Dress modestly in Old Dubai and at religious sites; shoulders and knees covered are appreciated, and required at mosques. Cuisine ranges from shawarma stands to Michelin-decorated dining—embrace both. Winter (Nov–Mar) is peak season with mild weather; summers are hot but indoor attractions abound.

Dubai

Where glass-and-steel ambition meets Arabian tradition. Between the Dubai Fountain’s nightly waltz and the creak of wooden abras, the city is a tapestry of contrasts—desert and sea, spice and skyscraper.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek, Gold & Spice Souks, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Dubai Frame.
• Essential experiences: Evening desert safari with dune bashing and stargazing, abra ride across the Creek, a yacht cruise past the skyline, and a day trip to Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque.
• Food to try: Luqaimat (date-syrup dumplings), machboos (spiced rice), chebab (Emirati pancakes), saffron karak chai, and grilled Persian kebabs.
• Getting around: Red/Green Metro lines link the airport, Downtown, and Marina (AED 4–8 per ride; 20–35 minutes across town). Taxis are metered (DXB to Downtown ~AED 50–80; 15–25 minutes).

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – The city’s sail-shaped icon with butler service and private beach. Book via Hotels.com: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
• Atlantis, The Palm – Aquaventure Waterpark access, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, and ocean views—excellent for families. Book via Hotels.com: Atlantis, The Palm.
• Rove Downtown – Stylish, wallet-friendly base steps from Dubai Mall and the Burj. Book via Hotels.com: Rove Downtown.
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com Dubai or apartment-style options on VRBO Dubai.

How to arrive: Fly into DXB (most frequent) or DWC (seasonal). Typical nonstop durations: London ~7 hours; Frankfurt ~6 hours; New York ~12–14 hours; Singapore ~7 hours. Economy roundtrip fares often range $500–$1,200 depending on season. Search flexible options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

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

Afternoon: Land at DXB, taxi or Metro to your hotel (Downtown is 15–25 minutes by taxi). Shake off jet lag with an easy loop through Dubai Mall: peek at Dubai Aquarium’s viewing wall, then grab a light bite—try Al Hallab (Lebanese; hummus, mixed grill, and rose lemonade) or Social House (global comfort dishes with fountain views).

Evening: Time your ascent for golden hour with Burj Khalifa “At the Top” tickets. Skip the onsite queues and prebook here: Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access.

Watch the Dubai Fountain shows after dark (every 30 minutes). For dinner, cross the footbridge to Time Out Market Dubai (souk-meets-food-hall: shawarma at Liban by Allo Beirut, Emirati fare at Al Fanar, sushi at Reif) or book a skyline table at CÉ LA VI for contemporary Asian plates and a sweeping terrace.

Day 2: Museum of the Future, DIFC Lunch, and Red Dunes Desert Safari

Morning: Start at The Sum of Us (specialty coffee, avocado labneh toast, house-baked croissants) near Trade Centre. Then dive 50 years ahead with timed-entry to the Museum of the Future—immersive galleries imagine space stations, regenerative forests, and tomorrow’s wellness. Secure tickets: Museum of the Future Tickets.

It’s a 5–10 minute taxi from Downtown; budget ~2 hours inside.

Afternoon: Stroll DIFC Gate Village for galleries and a polished lunch. Favorites: Zuma (miso-black cod, spicy beef tenderloin), LPM (grilled prawns, burrata with tomatoes), or the more casual BB Social Dining (bao, bowls, and bites with Middle Eastern flair). Coffee at Orijins or Lulu & The Beanstalk nearby if you love third-wave roasts and vinyl vibes.

Evening: Get fetched for a premium evening Red Dunes Safari in the Lehbab Desert—with dune bashing, sandboarding, camel encounters, a 5* BBQ, and folklore shows under the stars. Book: Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma camp.

Pick-up typically 3:00–3:30 pm; return around 9:00–9:30 pm. Wear breathable clothes and closed shoes for the sand.

Day 3: Old Dubai, Al Fahidi, and Creekside Evening

Morning: Step back in time in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Al Bastakiya). Begin at Arabian Tea House (blue-and-white courtyard; regag bread with eggs and honey, karak chai). Wander the wind-tower lanes, duck into the Coffee Museum, and—if timing fits—join a cultural talk at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (advance booking advised).

Afternoon: Take a 1 AED wooden abra across Dubai Creek to Deira. Meander the Spice Souk (saffron, za’atar, frankincense) and the glittering Gold Souk. For lunch, choose Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; juicy chelo kebabs and yogurt-marinated chicken), or Al Bait Al Qadeem (heritage house serving Persian–Emirati classics).

Evening: Return to the Bur Dubai side for a waterside table at Bait Al Wakeel (historic 1934 office-turned-restaurant; mezze and grilled fish) or follow the lantern-lit promenades of Al Seef for café-hopping and ice cream. Nightcap idea: tea and dates at Al Khayma Heritage or, if you prefer views, a taxi to Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar in the Marina.

Day 4: Palm Jumeirah Beaches, Aquaventure, and Chef-Driven Dining

Morning: Head to Palm West Beach for calm seas and a boardwalk stroll. Breakfast options: Jones the Grocer (flat whites, eggs shakshuka), Koko Bay (Bali-inspired beach vibe), or Revo Café at Anantara for lagoon views. Rent loungers or simply enjoy a dip.

Afternoon: Make it a splash day at Atlantis Aquaventure (family-friendly, thrill slides like Leap of Faith) and peek into The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Not a waterpark person? Ride up to The View at The Palm (240m observatory in Nakheel Mall) for a perfect aerial of the palm fronds. Quick, tasty lunch: Señor Pico (tacos) or Shake Shack at The Pointe.

Evening: Dinner at two of Dubai’s most praised kitchens: 3Fils (Jumeirah Fishing Harbour; wagyu sando, dragon maki, sea urchin risotto) or Orfali Bros Bistro (Wasl 51; “OB croquette,” umami éclairs, Aleppo pistachio desserts). Reserve early—these are local favorites. Post-dinner, rooftops like The Penthouse (FIVE Palm) bring breezy DJ sets and skyline silhouettes.

Day 5: Full-Day Abu Dhabi Excursion (Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Etihad Towers)

Take a guided day trip south (approximately 1.5 hours each way) to the UAE capital. This tour efficiently covers the big three: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (flawless white marble and floral inlays), the ornate Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, and views from the Etihad Towers observation deck. Book: Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Towers.

Dress code: shoulders, arms, and legs covered; women should bring a scarf for hair. Expect a full 9–10 hours with hotel pick-up. For lunch, most tours allow a casual stop—look for shawarma, mezze, or a simple biryani near the Corniche.

Day 6: Dubai Frame, Alserkal Avenue, and Marina Night

Morning: Start at the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park to see Old Dubai on one side and New Dubai on the other from its glass-floored sky bridge. Coffee and a hearty breakfast at Tom & Serg (Al Quoz; eggs benedict, brisket sandwiches) or Nightjar Coffee (Alserkal; nitro cold brew, kimchi eggs).

Afternoon: Explore Alserkal Avenue’s converted warehouses—contemporary galleries, concept stores, pop-ups. If you’re with kids, consider Green Planet (biodome rainforest) or snow-time at Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates. For lunch, Din Tai Fung (xiao long bao; Mall of the Emirates) or Common Grounds (healthy bowls, specialty coffee).

Evening: Head to Dubai Marina and JBR for a promenade buzz. Dine at Pier 7 (seven floors, seven cuisines—pan-Asian at Asia Asia or seafood at The Scene) or grab elevated street food at Operation: Falafel. For a nightcap with a view, try Atelier M rooftop or Barasti for a sandy-foot vibe. Optional splurge: join a shared yacht cruise at sunset or dinner to see the skyline from the water.

Day 7: Brunch Culture, Souk Madinat, and Departure

Morning: Dubai’s weekend brunch is an institution (now primarily on Saturdays; check your travel dates). Consider Bubbalicious at The Westin (live stations from oysters to dim sum), Saffron at Atlantis (high-energy, adults-oriented themes), or a calmer à la carte at Brasserie Boulud (Business Bay).

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping and photos at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a modern bazaar of lanterns and waterways with postcard frames of Burj Al Arab. Lunch at folly (modern European, terrace views) or Al Makan (Emirati stews, grills). If time allows, stroll Kite Beach for artisan gelato and kitesurfers before heading to the airport.

Evening: Most flights depart late; aim to reach DXB ~3 hours before. If you’ve a final hour, sip karak chai at Al Mallah (Satwa) or grab a last plate of grilled hammour at Bu Qtair (fisherman’s canteen turned cult favorite).

Optional Add-Ons (swap into any afternoon or evening)

• Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with barbecue or breakfast to meet fellow travelers and tick off coastal landmarks: Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ.

  

Local tips: Friday midday traffic can be heavier around mosques; plan Old Dubai visits for late morning or mid-afternoon. Carry a light shawl for malls and museums (AC runs cool). For families, swap a late-night rooftop for Dubai Garden Glow or an early dhow cruise on the Creek. Metro is ideal at rush hour; otherwise, taxis shave time between dispersed neighborhoods.

Transit & tickets at a glance: Use the Red Line for Airport–Downtown–Marina (~25–35 minutes end-to-end). Prebook headline attractions (Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future) and desert safaris for sunset slots. For flights, compare fares and routings on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Secure stays early for November–March peak on Hotels.com Dubai or VRBO Dubai.

One more can’t-miss, if you have time: An evening dhow or superyacht dinner cruise to see Dubai glitter from the water, or the whimsical Dinner in the Sky for a memorable aerial meal.

In a week you’ll have tasted both sides of Dubai: the perfume of spice alleys and the polished sheen of new wonders, dunes that shift by the hour and restaurants that set Gulf-wide trends. May the city’s boldness follow you home—and nudge you back for another chapter.