Dubai is a city of audacious ambition rooted in pearl-diving and trading traditions along the Arabian Gulf. In a few generations, it expanded from wind-tower courtyards in Al Fahidi to superlatives like the Burj Khalifa, manmade islands, and a metro that hums beneath glass towers. You’ll feel the city’s tempo swing between old-world bargaining in the spice souk and sunset cocktails above a sea of lights.

Across seven days, you’ll dip into Emirati heritage on Dubai Creek, ride an abra past dhows, taste shawarma and saffron-laced desserts, and then dash to red dunes for sandboarding and a starlit BBQ. Between beach mornings on Jumeirah and gallery strolls at Alserkal Avenue, you’ll thread together neighborhoods—each with its own personality and cuisine.

Practical notes: Dubai’s weekend is Saturday–Sunday; dress modestly in historic districts and religious sites; alcohol is served in licensed venues (21+). The Dubai Metro and taxis are reliable (Nol card for transit; taxis and rideshares accept cards). From May–September, plan around heat with indoor attractions midday; during Ramadan, be mindful of fasting hours and cultural etiquette.

Dubai

Dubai’s appeal is contrast: sand and sea, souks and skyscrapers, dune thrills and serene desert camps. Mornings can be beachy and breezy at Kite Beach; afternoons might orbit the Dubai Mall’s aquarium and Burj waterfalls; evenings swell with fountain music and sky-high views.

Highlights include: the Burj Khalifa, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek abras, Gold & Spice Souks, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, JBR Beach, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, and the independent galleries and roasters at Alserkal Avenue.

• Where to stay (handpicked): - Iconic: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (all-suite symbol of the skyline). - Beach resort: Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure Waterpark access and top dining). - Smart value in Downtown: Rove Downtown Dubai (walkable to Dubai Mall). - Browse more options: Hotels.com: Dubai or apartment-style stays via VRBO: Dubai.
• Getting there: Fly into DXB (Dubai International). Search fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. Taxi from DXB to Downtown runs ~20–30 minutes (about AED 50–80); Metro Red Line to Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa ~25 minutes plus a short air-conditioned walkway.
• Getting around: Metro is efficient for Downtown–Marina (25–35 minutes); taxis between Downtown and Marina take ~20–30 minutes (traffic dependent). A traditional abra across Dubai Creek costs ~AED 1 and is a must-do.

Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa’s Sky-High Welcome

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Land, check in, and refresh. Head to Dubai Mall for an easy first wander—see the Dubai Aquarium tunnel and the Human Waterfalls, then coffee at % Arabica (single-origin espresso with a view). If you need a light bite, Time Out Market Dubai (souq-side) lets you sample local favorites in one place—try Reif Kushiyaki for skewers or Al Fanar for Emirati bites.

Evening: Time your ascent for golden hour with Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access. Sunset washes the city in copper, then the lights flicker on—pure magic. Afterward, catch the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes in the evening) and dine nearby at Al Hallab (excellent Lebanese grills and mezze). Nightcap with city vistas at CÉ LA VI (Address Sky View) or Level 43 Sky Lounge; smart-casual attire recommended.

Day 2: Old Dubai—Creek, Al Fahidi, and Souks

Morning: Breakfast in a shaded courtyard at Arabian Tea House (regag bread, balaleet, and minty karak chai). Walk the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: coral-stone houses, wind towers, and museums tell the story of pre-oil Dubai. Stop by the Coffee Museum to trace beans from Yemen to global fame.

Afternoon: Ride a wooden abra across Dubai Creek (AED 1) to Deira’s Gold and Spice Souks. Learn the art of bargaining, inhale saffron and cardamom, and sample dates stuffed with pistachio. Lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant for slow-cooked lamb, luqaimat (date syrup dumplings), and Emirati hospitality.

Evening: Hop to Zabeel Park’s Dubai Frame for sunset—one side frames Old Dubai, the other the future skyline. For dinner, go low-key and beloved at Ravi Restaurant (Pakistani grills and buttery dal) or shawarma at Al Mallah. Sweet finish: knafeh at Feras Sweets or date gelato from Bateel.

Day 3: Beach Morning and Red-Dune Desert Safari

Morning: Ease into the day at Kite Beach—walk the boardwalk, dip your toes in the Gulf, and grab specialty coffee at Single Fin Café (inside Surf House) or The Park House. If you love fresh catch, pencil in a late seafood lunch at Bu Qtair by Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour—marinated fish and prawns, fried till crackly, eaten al fresco.

Afternoon: Rest at your hotel pool; your driver will collect you mid–late afternoon for the dunes (most tours pick up around 2:30–3:30 p.m.).

Evening: Go full Arabian-night with the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp: 4WD dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, henna, and a generous BBQ under a riot of stars. Bring a light layer for desert breezes and a scarf or hat for sand.

Day 4: Dubai Marina, JBR, and Palm Jumeirah by Sea

Morning: Join a photogenic coastal cruise on the Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ. Glide past Bluewaters Island, JBR, and the Palm’s fronds while the skyline rises behind you—great for families and shutterbugs.

Afternoon: Beach time at JBR or head onto the Palm. Lunch at Ibn AlBahr (Club Vista Mare) for Lebanese-style seafood by the water or 3Fils in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour for creative Asian plates and charcoal-grilled octopus. If you’ve got energy to spare, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis is a world-class splash.

Evening: Wander the boardwalk at The Beach, JBR, and browse boutiques. For dinner, book Akira Back at W Dubai – The Palm (Japanese-Korean plates; try the AB tuna pizza). For drinks-with-a-view, The Penthouse (FIVE Palm) stares straight at the Marina skyline; reservations recommended.

Day 5: Futurism, Design District, and Souk Madinat

Morning: Step into tomorrow at the Museum of the Future—a sensory, optimistic look at climate tech, wellness, and space habitats. Coffee at The Espresso Lab in Dubai Design District (d3), then explore d3’s murals and boutique galleries.

Afternoon: Head to Alserkal Avenue (Al Quoz) for contemporary art spaces and indie culture; refuel with cold brew at Nightjar Coffee Roasters or a tasting flight at RAW Coffee Company nearby. Shopping is refreshingly local here: ceramics, fashion, and prints.

Evening: Glide into Souk Madinat Jumeirah via a short taxi (15–20 minutes from Alserkal). Take an abra through the canals with Burj Al Arab looming like a sail, then dinner at Al Nafoorah (elegant Lebanese—mezze, mixed grills, and knafeh) or folly (modern plates and terrace views). Post-dinner stroll the lantern-lit arcade for regional crafts.

Day 6: Full-Day Abu Dhabi Icons (from Dubai)

Cross the desert to the UAE capital on the Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower tour. You’ll visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (marble inlay, reflective pools—dress modestly), Qasr Al Watan (the presidential palace’s ornate halls), and Etihad Towers’ observation deck for skyline and Corniche views. Expect a 10–11 hour day with hotel pickup; carry a scarf or pashmina and your ID. Back in Dubai, keep dinner easy: Al Safadi (mezze, grills, and fresh juices) or pizza-by-the-slice at Pitfire if you’re craving casual comfort.

Day 7: Last Laps—Shopping, Ski Dome, and Skyline Farewell

Morning: Brunch-style start at Seva Table (garden, plant-forward plates) or Common Grounds (excellent sourdough, eggs, and coffee). Shop for take-home spices and dates in Deira or head to Mall of the Emirates—window-shop and, if you like the surreal, watch skiers swoosh at Ski Dubai.

Afternoon: Pick up final gifts at Souk Al Bahar (artisan handicrafts) or City Walk (street-art peppered). Lunch at Orfali Bros Bistro (MENA-acclaimed modern bistro—try the OB cheesecake and shish barak à la Syrian). A last coffee at The Sum of Us or % Arabica keeps you going.

Evening: Save your showstopper for the finale: book a twilight table at a sky-high spot or return to Dubai Marina for a harbor glow. Prefer one last water view? A shared sunset cruise is an easy add-on. If you didn’t ride yet, consider this alternative: Marina Luxury Yacht (shared) sailed at dusk is especially pretty. For dinner, pick Shimmers (toes-in-sand Greek by Burj Al Arab) or 3Fils for a casual, brilliant farewell.

Optional upgrade ideas and time-savers

• Burj Khalifa VIP: If you’re a view collector, upgrade to the Lounge levels 152–154 for a quieter, higher experience (afternoon tea or bubbly service available on select tickets).
• Getting around faster: Downtown ↔ Marina is about 25–35 minutes by Metro (AED ~6–10) or 20–30 minutes by taxi (AED ~50–80). Build in extra time around rush hour.
• Family picks: Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Green Planet biodome, and kid-friendly beaches at JBR.

Book these top 4 experiences in advance

• Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access

  

• Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp

  

• Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ

  

• Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower

  

In a week, you’ll taste Dubai from every angle: creekside history, desert adventure, design-forward districts, and the polished glamour of Marina nights and Palm sunsets. Carry home the scent of cardamom, a camera roll of gold-lit dunes and glass spires, and the confidence that you’ve seen both the city’s roots and its horizon.