Dubai, the UAE’s glittering metropolis on the Persian Gulf, rose from a pearl-diving port to a global city in just a few generations. Oil money lit the fuse, but trade, tourism, and tech built the skyline—crowned by Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on Earth. Yet beneath the glass and steel, you’ll still find wooden abras shuttling across Dubai Creek and spice sacks perfuming the souks.

Across a week, this itinerary blends must-see attractions with local gems: Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi lanes, dhow-whispered history along the Creek, a luxury yacht cruise in Dubai Marina, and a red-dune safari capped by stars and Arabic coffee. Expect world-class dining—from decades-old kebab houses to Michelin-lauded bistros—and soft, swimmable beaches framed by the Palm Jumeirah.

Practical notes: The best time to visit is November–March when evenings are balmy. Weekends are Saturday–Sunday; dress modestly in mosques and traditional neighborhoods. The Metro is clean, safe, and air-conditioned, taxis are plentiful, and tap water is treated (many still prefer bottled). Ramadan 2025 is expected late February–late March; sights remain open with adjustments.

Dubai

Welcome to a city of superlatives and subtlety: record-breaking towers, vast malls with aquarium tunnels, and design districts humming with indie coffee and galleries. Pair dune adventures with museum afternoons, abra rides with rooftop sunsets, and you’ll see why Dubai makes a perfect one-city week.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain; Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and Dubai Creek; Museum of the Future; Jumeirah Mosque; The View at The Palm; Kite Beach; Dubai Frame.
• Why it’s special: A rare blend of futuristic ambition and trading-port heritage you can taste in Emirati slow-cooked harees and smell in frankincense-scented courtyards.
• Getting there: Fly into DXB (Dubai International). Find competitive fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: London ~7h ($450–$900 roundtrip in season), New York ~12–13h ($650–$1,100), Singapore ~7h ($350–$800). From DXB to Downtown: Metro ~35 min (~$2–$3) or taxi 15–25 min ($12–$20).
• Where to stay (Hotels.com + VRBO):
  • Splurge: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (iconic sail-shaped suite hotel; private beach, butler service) — Book on Hotels.com
  • Resort vibe: Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure Waterpark, aquarium, family-friendly dining) — Book on Hotels.com
  • Stylish value: Rove Downtown Dubai (next to Dubai Mall; smart rooms, great pool views) — Book on Hotels.com
  • Apartments & villas: Browse Dubai stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Day 1: Arrival, Downtown Dubai, and Fountain Nights

Afternoon: Land at DXB and taxi or Metro to your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a gentle loop through Dubai Mall’s Aquarium viewing panels and Souk Al Bahar’s stone corridors. Coffee stop: % Arabica (Dubai Mall) for a single-origin flat white and Burj views.

Evening: Time your stroll for the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 min after sunset). Dinner at Time Out Market Dubai (Souk Al Bahar): try Reif Kushiyaki for wagyu sandos, Pickl for fried chicken, or BB Social for bao and bowls. Nightcap with pistachio gelato from Brix’s counter and a final lakefront gaze at Burj Khalifa’s LED show.

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

Morning: Emirati breakfast under bougainvillea at Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)—rigag bread, balaleet (sweet vermicelli with egg), and saffron tea. Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood’s wind towers, then cross Dubai Creek by wooden abra (1 AED coin fare). Explore the Spice Souk (saffron, za’atar) and Gold Souk’s glittering lanes.

Afternoon: Lunch at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978) for melt-in-mouth yogurt-marinated kebabs and rice. Pop into the Dubai Museum outposts around Al Fahidi and the Coffee Museum if open. Grab a cardamom-laced gahwa at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant courtyard.

Evening: Return to modernity in DIFC for dinner: Zuma (contemporary Japanese robata) or Bentley Kitchen (Euro-brasserie) if you want something lighter. Alternatively, Jumeirah Mosque’s sunset exterior photos are beautiful; dress modestly if joining their guided tour earlier in the day.

Day 3: City Icons Tour + Burj Khalifa At The Top

Morning: See the hits efficiently with this guided city experience, which includes Burj Khalifa entry for sweeping skyline views.

Book: Dubai Half Day City Tour with Burj Khalifa At The Top Tickets

Expect photo stops by Jumeirah Beach with the Burj Al Arab backdrop, a Creek glance, and commentary that contextualizes neighborhoods old and new.

Afternoon: Refuel at The Sum of Us (near Trade Centre) for bright salads, artisanal breads, and excellent espresso from their roastery. Browse City Walk’s street art and boutiques, or cool off at The Green Planet biodome’s rainforest.

Evening: Dinner at Orfali Bros Bistro (Wasl 51)—a playful, award-winning menu mixing Levantine flavors and global technique; book ahead. For a casual alternative, Al Mallah (Satwa) rolls out juicy shawarmas and manakeesh under neon glow.

Day 4: Palm Jumeirah Beach Day and Sunset Safari

Morning: Palm West Beach is your soft-sand, calm-water playground. Breakfast at Koko Bay (Bali-inspired; pandan pancakes, coconut cold brew) then a seaside lounge session. Optional: The View at The Palm observation deck for a bird’s-eye look at the frond-shaped island.

Afternoon & Evening (Safari Experience): Trade surf for sand dunes with this premium, highly rated red-dunes safari featuring camel encounters and a lavish BBQ under desert stars.

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

Expect 4x4 dune bashing, sandboarding, short camel rides, henna, Arabic coffee, and grilled specialties. Wear closed shoes; bring a light layer for breezy desert nights.

Day 5: Dubai Marina Yacht Cruise, JBR, and Jumeirah Seafood

Morning: Sail past the city’s coastal icons on a shared luxury yacht—an easy, photogenic way to see the Marina skyline, Bluewaters, and the Palm from the water. Choose a breakfast or BBQ slot depending on your vibe.

Book: Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ

Afternoon: Walk The Beach at JBR for shopping and a dip. Coffee at Common Grounds (JBR) or Nightjar pop-ups if available; otherwise swing to Alserkal Avenue later for Nightjar’s roastery and creative warehouses.

Evening: Seafood feast at Bu Qtair (Jumeirah Fishing Harbour)—pick your fish, get it marinated and fried, and eat at simple tables steps from the boats. For a refined option nearby, 3 Fils plates brilliant, flame-kissed dishes (think wagyu sando, spicy tuna sushi)—reservations recommended.

Day 6: Abu Dhabi Day Trip—Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Etihad Towers

Make a full-day foray to the capital for gleaming white marble, palatial halls, and a Corniche drive. Dress code is strict for the mosque: shoulders and legs covered; women need a headscarf.

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

Expect visits to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (inlaid marble and chandeliers), Qasr Al Watan (presidential palace with ornate domes), and the Etihad Towers Observation Deck. Back in Dubai, keep dinner simple at Ravi Restaurant (Satwa)—legendary Pakistani curries—and a sweet mango lassi before a well-earned rest.

Day 7: Museum of the Future, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Book early slots for the Museum of the Future—an immersive look at sustainability, wellness tech, and space (its torus facade is a calligraphy-wrapped marvel). Coffee right after at The Espresso Lab in Dubai Design District, then a quick hop to the Dubai Frame for citywide vistas that contrast Old Dubai to the north and New Dubai to the south.

Afternoon (Departure): Light lunch at Comptoir 102 (Jumeirah) for wholesome bowls and French-leaning salads, or grab a final plate of hummus and grilled meats at Al Fanar (Emirati classics). Aim to reach DXB 3 hours before your international flight—book airport transfers on Trip.com or compare options on Kiwi.com.

Optional Add-Ons (Seasonal or Swap-Ins)

• Dubai Miracle Garden (Nov–Apr): A riot of floral sculptures—hearts, castles, even airplanes. If you’re visiting in winter, consider adding a couple of hours here. (Seasonal opening only.)
• Aquaventure Waterpark (Atlantis, The Palm): Thrill slides like Poseidon’s Revenge and a lazy river that meanders for miles—great for families or adrenaline chasers.
• Alserkal Avenue: Contemporary galleries, pop-ups, and indie cafes in Al Quoz; perfect for creatives and photographers.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: The Metro (Red/Green lines) hits airports, Downtown, Marina, and Old Dubai; taxis and ride-hailing fill the gaps. Nol cards work on Metro, tram, and buses.
• Dress & etiquette: Beachwear is for beaches/pools; cover shoulders/knees in mosques and traditional areas. Alcohol is served in licensed venues; carry ID.
• Heat strategy: Sightsee outdoors early or late; book indoor hits midday (malls, museums, aquariums).

Booking & Stays (Quick Links)

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah on Hotels.com
• Atlantis, The Palm on Hotels.com
• Rove Downtown Dubai on Hotels.com
• Search all Dubai hotels on Hotels.com
• Search Dubai apartments & villas on VRBO
• Find flights on Trip.com | Compare on Kiwi.com

In seven days, you’ll trace Dubai from wind-tower alleys to starlit dunes, yacht-speckled marinas to the needlepoint summit of Burj Khalifa. The city’s rhythm—sunrise swims, souk meanders, museum afternoons, and long, convivial dinners—will have you plotting a return before you even board your flight.