Once a modest Gulf port famed for pearl diving and creek-side trading, Dubai reimagined itself in a generation into a global city of superlatives. The world’s tallest tower, artificial archipelagos shaped like palm trees, and a skyline that seems to redraw itself every year speak to its audacity.

But beyond spectacle, Dubai is easy and inviting: spotless beaches, safe late-night strolls, and neighborhoods where Emirati heritage still hums—wind towers in Al Fahidi, spice-laden lanes in Deira, and dhow ferries chugging across the creek. It’s a place where you can savor saffron-laced desserts at lunch and watch falcons wheel above the desert by dusk.

Practical notes: Winter (Nov–Apr) brings prime weather; summers are hot, so plan midday indoors. The Metro is clean and affordable; taxis and ride-hailing are ubiquitous. Dress modestly in historic areas and mosques, and be mindful of local customs during Ramadan. Dubai is extremely safe; tipping 10–15% is appreciated.

Dubai

Dubai is where futuristic engineering meets traditional Gulf culture. Spend mornings in quiet heritage quarters, afternoons under the shade of modern malls and galleries, and evenings beneath a canopy of fountains, fireworks, and city lights.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Old Dubai (Al Fahidi, Creek, Deira Souks), Jumeirah Beach, The Palm, Dubai Marina, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai Frame.
• Why go now: Fresh openings, evolving food scene (from humble kebab houses to award-winning bistros), and near-constant events make every visit feel new.
• Food & drink: Emirati classics (machboos, luqaimat), superb South Asian eats, Japanese and Levantine standouts, and inventive patisseries—often in stylish, daylight-filled cafés.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Iconic indulgence: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — the sail-shaped landmark with palatial suites, private beach, and butler service.
• Resort for families and water lovers: Atlantis, The Palm — direct access to Aquaventure, an excellent aquarium, and plenty of dining.
• Smart value downtown: Rove Downtown Dubai — walkable to Dubai Mall and the Burj, with a café and pool for city breaks.
• Compare more stays: Hotels.com: Dubai stays | VRBO: Dubai vacation rentals

How to get there: Fly into DXB (Dubai International) or DWC (Al Maktoum). From Europe, direct flights often take 6–8 hours (~$400–$900 roundtrip outside peak holidays). From the US East Coast expect 12–14 hours nonstop (often $700–$1,300); from Southeast Asia 7–9 hours. Search options: Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights.

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

Afternoon: Land at DXB and taxi or Metro Red Line to your hotel (Downtown is 20–35 minutes; taxis are inexpensive and metered). Shake off jet lag with coffee and a pastry at The Sum of Us—house-roasted beans and excellent kouign-amann—then wander the Dubai Mall’s indoor waterfall and aquarium viewing panels (free from the mall side).

Evening: Time your Burj Khalifa visit for golden hour into night. Book Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access for sweeping views across Downtown and the desert beyond. Lines move faster with timed entries; allow 90 minutes.

Night: Dinner with fountain views: choose Social House (global comfort dishes) or tuck into soulful Levantine at Al Hallab. If you still have energy, take a short hop to Level 43 Sky Lounge for open-air nightcaps and glittering Sheikh Zayed Road views.

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

Morning: Breakfast in a shaded courtyard at Arabian Tea House—order regag bread, balaleet (sweet saffron vermicelli with egg), and fresh mint tea. Explore Al Fahidi’s wind-tower lanes and the Coffee Museum to learn how the bean became a regional ritual.

Afternoon: Join the excellent, food-forward Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings to decode history, street snacks, and bargaining etiquette. Hop an abra across Dubai Creek to Deira, then weave through the Gold and Spice Souks where saffron and oud perfume the air.

Night: Dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab, a beloved, no-frills Iranian grill since the 1970s—juicy kebabs, saffron rice, and walls covered in vintage photos. Alternatively, try Al Bait Al Qadeem for Emirati stews in a historic house. For dessert, seek out luqaimat (cardamom fritters with date syrup).

Day 3: Marina, Beach Time, and a Yacht Cruise

Morning: Wake up at JBR with breakfast at Bageri Form (Scandi-style bakes) or Eggspectation on the promenade. Swim or stroll along the soft sands of The Beach at JBR; lifeguards and calm waters make it friendly for families.

Afternoon: Lunch at 3Fils in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour—try the spicy tuna roll and wagyu sando—or head to Bu Qtair, the legendary fish shack where you choose your catch and spice level before it’s fried and served with paratha.

Night: Board the Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ for skyline views of Ain Dubai, Bluewaters, and the outer fronds of The Palm. Choose a sunset sailing for fiery colors on the glass towers; expect 2–3 hours on the water.

Post-cruise, dinner at Pier 7—Asia Asia for pan-Asian plates in dramatic interiors or Atelier M for rooftop vibes. For a casual beach-bar scene, Barasti keeps music and sips going late.

Day 4: Alserkal Avenue Art + Premium Desert Safari

Morning: Head to Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s contemporary arts hub in industrial Al Quoz. Start at Nightjar for single-origin coffee and inventive eggs, then browse galleries like Leila Heller and The Third Line for regional and international artists.

Afternoon & Night: Get ready for the dunes. Your driver will collect you mid-afternoon for the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp. Expect dune bashing, sandboarding, optional quad biking, a camel ride, and a generous Emirati barbecue spread beneath the stars (4–7 hours with hotel pickup).

Return to the city glowing and sandy—cap the night with mint lemonade or saffron milk cake near your hotel.

Day 5: The Palm—Aqua, Views, and Sunsets

Morning: Head to The Palm. If you’re staying at Atlantis, hit Aquaventure early for near-empty slides; otherwise ride the Palm Monorail for sweeping views. Breakfast at Jones the Grocer on West Beach pairs specialty coffee with beachfront calm.

Afternoon: Lounge at Club Vista Mare’s public beach; lunch at Ibn AlBahr for just-caught mezze and grilled fish with a view of the Gulf. Alternatively, book a spa slot back at your hotel for a midday cool-down.

Night: Dine at Orfali Bros Bistro (buzzy, chef-driven, MENA lauded)—don’t miss the OB cheeseburger and harissa shrimp. For something theatrical, consider sky-high dining later in the week; seats book up fast.

Day 6: Future, Frames, and DIFC Dining

Morning: Visit the Museum of the Future—an immersive, multi-sensory look at sustainability, space, and health tech within one of the city’s most striking buildings. Tickets time-slot quickly; book in advance. Coffee after at % Arabica or The Espresso Lab nearby.

Afternoon: Taxi to Zabeel Park for the Dubai Frame, which quite literally places Old Dubai on one side and New Dubai on the other. Swing by Karama for murals and a casual lunch at Al Mallah (shawarma and freshly baked manakish).

Night: Dress for DIFC, Dubai’s fine-dining district. Zuma remains a scene for polished Japanese plates, while GAIA serves refined Greek with seafood towers. For a nightcap, try a speakeasy-style bar in the precinct or rooftop views along Sheikh Zayed Road.

Day 7: Slow Morning, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Tom&Serg—Melbourne-style café classics, excellent filter coffee, and airy industrial vibes. If you’ve got kids (or a need for chill), pop into Mall of the Emirates for Ski Dubai penguin-watching or last-minute shopping.

Afternoon: Early lunch at Ravi Restaurant (Karama/Satwa), a beloved Pakistani institution—butter chicken, mutton peshawari, and hot naan. Grab dates and spices to take home. Then head to DXB; allow 2.5–3 hours before your flight. Metro and taxis both run reliably.

Evening: If your flight is later, unwind with a gentle creekside stroll and tea before saying goodbye to the city of steel and sand.

Local transport tips: Get a Nol card for the Metro, tram (handy around Marina/JBR), and buses. Taxis are metered and affordable; ride-hailing is widespread. Friday is the first day of the UAE weekend (Fri–Sun), so expect busier brunches and beaches.

Backup ideas (weather or interests): The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Safari Park (great for families), The Green Planet (indoor biodome), Dubai Opera tours, and a helicopter flightseeing loop over The Palm for unforgettable photos.

Bookable highlights used in this plan:

• Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access
• Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings
• Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ
• Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp

In one week, you’ll trace Dubai’s arc from wind towers and wooden dhows to mirrored towers and moonlit dunes. Expect generous hospitality, radiant sun, and a rhythm that glides from calm mornings to spectacular nights.