Dubai’s story arcs from a 19th-century pearl-diving port to a 21st-century showpiece of engineering and ambition. Along the Dubai Creek, traders once haggled over spices and gold; today, a skyline of glass and steel rises over a city still grounded by Bedouin hospitality and Emirati heritage. In one week, you can walk shaded alleys in Al Fahidi, race over red dunes, and toast the Arabian Gulf from a yacht.

Expect record-breakers: the Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s largest malls, and palm-shaped islands visible from space. Yet the city’s real magic is contrast—museums beside mosques, abra boats gliding past dhows, modern art in repurposed warehouses at Alserkal Avenue. Cuisine mirrors the city: Emirati staples and Gulf seafood, with Indian, Levantine, Persian, Japanese, and Peruvian influences woven into the dining fabric.

Practical notes: winter (Nov–Mar) is peak season with mild evenings; summers are very hot. The Dubai Metro is spotless and efficient; taxis and ride-hailing fill the gaps. Dress modestly when visiting mosques and Old Dubai. If traveling during Ramadan, many restaurants open after sunset and the city gleams with night markets. Most places accept cards; tipping is appreciated but not obligatory.

Dubai

From the glitz of Downtown to the breezy promenades of JBR and the coral-stone lanes of Al Fahidi, Dubai is a city of neighborhoods. Spend mornings on the water or in museums, afternoons in galleries or at the beach, and nights where the fountain dances beneath the world’s tallest tower.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall & Aquarium, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek abras, Gold & Spice Souks, Jumeirah Mosque, Museum of the Future, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Dubai Frame, Miracle Garden (seasonal).
• Where to stay: Downtown is central for first-timers; Palm Jumeirah for resort vibes; Marina/JBR for beach and nightlife; Al Seef or Al Fahidi for heritage charm.
• How to get in: Fly into DXB (15–25 minutes to Downtown by taxi). Find flight deals on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: London ~7 hours, New York ~12–14 hours, Singapore ~7 hours; economy roundtrip often $600–$1,200 depending on season.

Where to sleep (book with our partners):

• Iconic splurge: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — over-the-top suites, private beach, and panoramic bars for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
• Family resort: Atlantis, The Palm — Aquaventure Waterpark access, award-winning dining, and dolphin experiences.
• Design-forward value: Rove Downtown Dubai — smart rooms, a pool with Burj views, and a quick walk to Dubai Mall.
• Browse apartments and villas: VRBO Dubai or check rates on Hotels.com Dubai.

Day 1: Arrival, Al Fahidi, and Dubai Creek

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Check in and refresh. Head to Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to wander wind-tower houses, art courtyards, and the Coffee Museum. Pause for a mint lemonade and regag bread at Arabian Tea House (garden seating, Emirati classics). Stroll to Al Seef, a heritage-inspired waterfront with wooden dhows and boutique shops.

Evening: Cross the creek on a wooden abra (1 AED) to Deira. Explore the Spice Souk (saffron, za’atar, rosebuds) and the glittering Gold Souk. Dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; juicy kebabs and yogurt marinades) or Ravi Restaurant in Satwa (Punjabi-style karahi and naan).

Day 2: Downtown Dubai + Burj Khalifa Views

Morning: Coffee at % Arabica (Dubai Mall) or Common Grounds (sleek Aussie-leaning brunch plates). Explore Dubai Mall highlights: the indoor waterfall, Dubai Aquarium viewing tunnel (optional ticket), and Fashion Avenue window-shopping.

Afternoon: Book timed entry for Burj Khalifa to beat crowds. Use this ticket for speed and sky-high perspectives: Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access.

Afterward, check out Souk Al Bahar for handicrafts.

Evening: Time your dinner for the Dubai Fountain shows. Book a table at Abd El Wahab (terrace, Levantine mezze with fountain views) or Tribes (African-inspired grilled meats). Nightcap at a rooftop like CE LA VI for skyline drama. Taxis back to your hotel are plentiful (AED 20–45 inside central zones).

Day 3: Mosques, Museums, and Creative Quarters

Morning: Join a guided visit at the Jumeirah Mosque (one of Dubai’s most photogenic; dress modestly). Coffee after at Stomping Grounds (Jumeirah) for specialty pours and eggs shakshuka. If you’re curious about Emirati culture, look for a cultural meal session at the heritage area (advance booking recommended).

Afternoon: Dive into the future at the Museum of the Future (timed slots; immersive exhibitions on innovation and sustainability). Or, if you prefer contemporary art, head to Alserkal Avenue (Al Quoz) for galleries and indie concept stores; grab a flat white at Nightjar and try their brisket bun.

Evening: Dinner in Wasl 51: Orfali Bros Bistro (regional flavors with a modern twist; often ranked among Dubai’s best) or Reif Kushiyaki (Japanese street-food ethos—try the wagyu sando). For a relaxed post-dinner stroll, swing by City Walk for street art and gelato.

Day 4: Beach Morning + Red-Dune Desert Safari

Morning: Easy start at JBR – The Beach. Rent loungers or walk the promenade with iced coffee from Leen’s. Prefer a local seafood lunch? Try the beloved shack-turned-legend Bu Qtair (simple menu: fresh fried fish, prawns, paratha, curry).

Afternoon: Get picked up for a red-dune safari to the Lahbab Desert—quad biking and sandboarding before sunset. We recommend: Dubai Red Dunes ATV, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ Al Khayma Camp.

Expect dune bashing, falconry photo ops, and a regal desert sunset.

Evening: At camp, tuck into a BBQ buffet with live performances and Arabic coffee; try henna and shisha if you like. Return to the city by late evening. If you’re peckish, a late-night bite at Al Mallah (Shawarma and fresh juices) hits the spot.

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina + Yacht Cruise

Morning: Brunch at Tom&Serg (Al Quoz) for specialty coffee and inventive bowls. Head to Palm Jumeirah for The View at The Palm or an Atlantis wander; families can opt for Aquaventure (thrill slides and a gentle Lazy River).

Afternoon: Make your way to Dubai Marina. Browse Dubai Marina Mall, then fuel up at 3 Fils (harbourfront—creative Asian plates, frequently spotlighted by regional awards) or The Lighthouse (Med-inspired salads and flatbreads).

Evening: Cast off on a luxe yacht cruise to see Ain Dubai, JBR, and the Palm from the water—BBQ and soft drinks included. Book: Dubai Harbor: Luxury Yacht Tour with BBQ Options.

Post-cruise, grab gelato on the Marina Promenade or a mocktail with a view at a waterfront lounge.

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

Let someone else do the driving on a polished day trip to the UAE capital—gleaming boulevards, white marble mosques, and a handsome corniche. This guided tour covers the showstoppers: Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower.

Expect the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (dress code enforced), the Qasr Al Watan palace interiors, and the Etihad Towers observation deck. Lunch suggestions en route: Al Fanar (Emirati), or grab shawarma at a local cafeteria recommended by your guide. You’ll return to Dubai in the evening—ideal for a casual late dinner near your hotel.

Day 7: Miracle Garden, Souvenirs, and Farewell

Morning: If visiting Nov–Apr, see Dubai Miracle Garden, a kaleidoscope of floral sculptures and heart-shaped arches. Coffee at Espresso Lab (DIFC) on the way back for a final specialty brew. Not into flowers? Swap in the Dubai Frame for Old-vs-New skyline views.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping for saffron, dates, and handmade pashminas around Al Seef or the souks. Quick lunch at Al Fanar (try machboos and luqaimat) or Operation: Falafel for speedy mezze before your airport transfer.

Evening: Departure. If your flight is late, enjoy a relaxed tea at your hotel or a beach stroll at JBR; aim to reach DXB 3 hours before international flights.

Getting Around + Practical Tips

• Metro & taxis: The Metro connects the airport, Downtown, and Marina; add a Nol card at stations. Taxis are metered (flagfall from ~AED 12; Downtown–Marina is often AED 40–70, 20–30 minutes off-peak).
• Dress & etiquette: Shoulders and knees covered for mosque visits; remove shoes when required. Public displays of affection are discouraged.
• Seasonality: Desert safaris run year-round; Miracle Garden and Global Village are seasonal (typically Oct/Nov–Apr). Book marquee attractions on weekends well ahead.
• Flights: Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Optional Add-Ons (If You Have Extra Time)

• Another desert style: Heritage-focused safari with vintage Land Rovers and Emirati cultural demos.
• Theme parks: Parks & Resorts (Motiongate, Legoland) for families.
• Food crawl: Start with luqaimat and karak chai in Old Dubai, then graduate to modern bistros in Jumeirah.

Another great tour pick if you want a second desert night out: Dubai Red Dunes Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camels at Al Khayma.

In a week, you’ll trace Dubai’s full arc—from dhow-lined creek to record-setting towers and the hushed dunes beyond the city. This itinerary balances big-ticket attractions with local bites and breezy waterfront walks, leaving just enough unscripted time to let the city surprise you.