Dubai rose from a modest Gulf trading port on Dubai Creek into a global crossroads in just a few decades. Today the city fuses pearl-diving heritage and Bedouin traditions with boundary-pushing architecture—think the 828-meter Burj Khalifa—and a dining scene that spans Emirati staples to Michelin-starred creativity.

Expect world-class shopping in Dubai Mall, beach days on the Arabian Gulf, and evenings lit by the Dubai Fountain. Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi district and Deira souks offer time-travel contrasts to the futuristic Museum of the Future and sleek Dubai Marina. In cooler months (October–April), seasonal favorites like Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village bloom into action.

Practical notes: The UAE is safe and welcoming; the local currency is AED (dirham). Public transport is spotless (NOL card for Metro/trams), and taxis/Careem are plentiful. Dress modestly in historic areas and mosques; during Ramadan (dates vary—around March/April in 2025), be respectful of local customs. Summer heat is intense; plan outdoor time early or late.

Dubai

Dubai is a playground of superlatives: tallest tower, vast malls, indoor ski slopes, and record-setting fountains. But it’s also intimate if you know where to look—wind-tower lanes in Al Fahidi, fishermen’s hauls at Jumeirah Harbor, and family-run spots serving kababs and luqaimat.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Museum of the Future, Al Fahidi Historic District, Dubai Creek abra, Gold & Spice Souks, JBR Beach, Dubai Frame, Palm Jumeirah’s “The View,” Dubai Marina promenade.
• Best neighborhoods to explore: Al Fahidi/Al Seef (heritage), DIFC (art and dining), JBR & Marina (beach and yachts), d3 and Alserkal Avenue (design and galleries).
• Coffee & bites to start: The Espresso Lab (d3) for meticulous brews; Nightjar (Alserkal) for nitro and inventive toasts; Common Grounds (various) for wholesome, traveler-friendly breakfasts.
• Where to eat (reliably great in 2025): Orfali Bros Bistro (inventive Middle Eastern), 3 Fils (harbor-front Asian plates), Al Khayma Heritage (Emirati classics), Bu Qtair (no-frills fried fish), Ravi Restaurant (beloved Pakistani), Zuma (slick Japanese in DIFC), Reif Kushiyaki (casual Japanese grills).

Where to stay (hotel and apartment picks):

• Iconic splurge: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah—the sail-shaped landmark with over-the-top suites and impeccable service.
• Resort with waterpark: Atlantis, The Palm—Aquaventure, Dolphin Bay, and celebrity-chef dining on Palm Jumeirah.
• Smart mid-range downtown: Rove Downtown Dubai—bright, efficient rooms steps from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
• Browse more hotels: Search Dubai stays on Hotels.com
• Apartment-style stays: Find Dubai apartments on VRBO

Getting there: Dubai (DXB) is a major hub with many nonstops. Typical flight times: London ~7h, New York ~12–14h, Singapore ~7h. Round-trip economy fares often range ~$600–$1,200 depending on season (business class from ~$2,000+). Compare options here:

• Search flights on Trip.com
• Search flights on Kiwi.com

Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Marina Stroll, Sunset on the Water

Afternoon: Land at DXB, taxi or Metro to your hotel (taxis are metered; expect ~AED 50–120 depending on distance). Shake off jet lag with a walk along JBR’s The Walk—public beach, street art, and casual snacks. Grab an iced qahwa and pistachio croissant at Common Grounds (JBR) to power up.

Evening: See the skyline from the sea on a shared yacht cruise departing Dubai Marina. You’ll glide past Ain Dubai’s island, the Marina’s forest of towers, and toward the Burj Al Arab with commentary and photo ops. Book here: Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ.

Dinner: For a casual, Dubai-classic seafood feast, head to Bu Qtair near Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour—order the catch of the day, marinated prawns, paratha, and curry sauce. Prefer chic? The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill (JBR) plates New England–meets–Mediterranean seafood with buzzy vibes.

Day 2: Old Dubai, Creek Abra, Souks, and Burj Khalifa

Morning: Immerse in heritage at Al Fahidi Historic District’s wind towers and sikkas. Visit the Coffee Museum and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (if tours align). Breakfast at Arabian Tea House in a leafy courtyard—try regag bread, balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs), and karak chai.

Afternoon: Ride a wooden abra across Dubai Creek (AED ~1) to Deira. Wander the Spice Souk’s saffron and frankincense stalls, then the Gold Souk’s intricate bangles. Late lunch at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978) for juicy yogurt-marinated kebabs with saffron rice.

Evening: Time your summit for golden hour into night at the world’s tallest tower. Book timed admission: Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access. Watch the Dubai Fountain shows (evenings every 30 minutes) from the promenade after.

Dinner: Stroll into Souk Al Bahar or Time Out Market Dubai for variety. Craving Japanese? Zuma in DIFC remains a benchmark—miso black cod, spicy beef tenderloin, and a lively lounge scene.

Day 3: Beach Morning and Red-Dune Desert Safari

Morning: Beach time at Kite Beach—rent a sunbed, try stand-up paddleboarding, or follow the jogging track with Burj Al Arab views. Coffee at The Espresso Lab (short taxi to d3) for single-origin pours and precision pastries.

Afternoon–Night (tour): Venture into the Lehbab red dunes for dune bashing, sandboarding, camel encounters, and a starry-camp dinner with live performances. It’s a signature UAE experience; hotel pickup included. Book: Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp.

Post-tour tip: Bring a light layer (desert evenings can breeze). If you’re back early and want a nightcap, The Penthouse (FIVE Palm) delivers skyline views and a refined soundtrack.

Day 4: Future Forward—Museum of the Future, DIFC & Design

Morning: Step 50 years ahead at the calligraphy-clad icon on Sheikh Zayed Road. Immersive exhibits tackle ecology, wellness, and tech. Book entry: Museum of the Future Tickets.

Afternoon: Explore Gate Avenue and art galleries in DIFC (a polished district mixing finance and culture). Lunch at LPM Restaurant & Bar (Niçoise accents and sunny plates) or try homegrown star Orfali Bros Bistro (creative Middle Eastern, book in advance).

Evening: Head to Alserkal Avenue (Al Quoz) for contemporary galleries, indie cinema, and Nightjar Coffee. If you prefer a show, “La Perle” in Al Habtoor City dazzles with acrobatics over a transforming aqua stage.

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah, Aquaventure Option, and Sundowners

Morning: Ride the Palm Monorail to “The View at The Palm” for a bird’s-eye look at the frond-shaped archipelago. Brunch at Palm West Beach—try Koko Bay for Bali-chic plates or Jones the Grocer for a family-friendly spread.

Afternoon: Water day option: Aquaventure at Atlantis (nearby) offers record slides (Poseidon’s Revenge), lazy rivers, and a kid-perfect splash area. Prefer mellow? Laze at a Palm West Beach club with calm seas and skyline views.

Evening: Dine at Atlantis, The Palm restaurants: Seafire (steaks), Hakkasan (Cantonese), or Ossiano (underwater fine dining with aquarium vistas). For a casual harbor vibe, 3 Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour serves wagyu nigiri, crispy calamari, and chocolate “karak” cake.

Day 6: Downtown Icons, Dubai Frame, and Creekside Night

Morning: Retail therapy at Dubai Mall—beyond brands, see Dubai Aquarium’s massive tank, then pop out to Souk Al Bahar’s Mashrabiya balconies. Coffee at % Arabica (Dubai Mall) with Fountain views.

Afternoon: Visit Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park; walk the glass-floored sky bridge and compare “Old Dubai” to “New Dubai” panoramas. Late lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (Al Fahidi) for harees, machboos, and luqaimat drizzled with date syrup.

Evening: Cruise Dubai Creek on a traditional dhow (dinner boats depart from Deira/Al Seef). Alternatively, graze at Old Dubai’s Al Seef waterfront—modern-heritage architecture, Emirati coffee spots, and lantern-lit lanes perfect for a last-night wander.

Day 7: Design District, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Brunch in Dubai Design District (d3)—The Espresso Lab for pour-overs or The Lighthouse for eggs shakshuka and flaky croissants. Stroll design boutiques and public art for a final creative hit.

Afternoon: Time-permitting, detour to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary to spot greater flamingos (viewing hides are free) before your airport transfer. If it’s winter season, Dubai Miracle Garden’s floral sculptures are a colorful send-off (Oct–Apr).

Evening (departure day): Most flights depart late night—have an early dinner at Reif Kushiyaki (Dar Wasl) for wagyu sando and robata skewers, or hit Ravi Restaurant in Satwa for a pocket-friendly, Dubai-legend curry before you go.

Optional seasonal/interest add-ons: Global Village (Oct–Apr) for pavilions and street foods; Jumeirah Mosque guided visit (check timings, dress modestly); Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates) for indoor snow fun; Bluewaters Island promenade dining.

Getting around locally: The Metro links DXB, Downtown, and Marina; fares usually AED ~3–9 depending on zones. Taxis are abundant (airport surcharge applies); Careem apps are convenient. Traffic can peak 5–7pm—plan inter-neighborhood rides accordingly.

Book-ahead picks included above (4 activities):

• Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ
• Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access
• Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp
• Museum of the Future Tickets

In seven days, you’ll glide past skyscrapers by yacht, barter for saffron by the Creek, scale the Burj Khalifa, and race over red dunes beneath a canopy of desert stars. Dubai’s mash-up of heritage and horizon-chasing ambition leaves a lasting imprint—and a long list of reasons to return.