The United Arab Emirates packs centuries of Gulf heritage and avant‑garde architecture into a compact playground. In a week, you can wander spice-laden alleys, cross creeks in abra boats, stand inside a marble-clad mega mosque, and ride the world’s fastest roller coaster. This itinerary balances Dubai’s dizzying skyline and creative neighborhoods with Abu Dhabi’s cultural institutions and serene coastline.

Expect excellent infrastructure, spotless metros and roads, and international dining alongside soulful Emirati kitchens. Dress modestly at mosques (shoulders and knees covered; women bring a headscarf) and note that Ramadan brings altered hours and a quieter daytime rhythm—beautifully offset by festive iftars at night.

Fly into Dubai or Abu Dhabi—both are major hubs with frequent connections. Book popular tickets in advance (Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, Louvre Abu Dhabi) and plan for heat from May–September. Evenings by the water, strong Arabic coffee, and a starlit desert complete the experience.

Dubai

Dubai moves fast and shines brighter. Beyond its record-breaking towers, the city rewards curiosity: historic wind-tower houses in Al Fahidi, indie roasters in Alserkal Avenue, and fishermen’s boats bobbing beside Michelin-recognized kitchens in Jumeirah’s harbors. Your days will swing between old and new—abra rides and AI museums, camel tracks and marina boardwalks.

• Where to stay: Search stays on Hotels.com (Dubai) or apartments/villas via VRBO (Dubai). Consider Downtown for Burj views, the Marina/JBR for beach and nightlife, or Al Fahidi/XVA-style boutique stays for heritage vibes.
• Getting in: Fly to DXB. Compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From DXB, the Metro Red Line reaches Downtown/Marina (about AED 3–9 depending on zones).

Day 1: Arrival, Creekside History, and Fountain Nights

Morning: Arrival day—rest on the plane. If you land early, drop bags and hydrate. Grab a light bite at Common Grounds (Dubai Mall) for wholesome bowls and good espresso.

Afternoon: Stroll the Al Fahidi Historic District, a restored quarter of wind-tower houses. Pop into Arabian Tea House for a breezy courtyard lunch—try the regag (crispy Emirati bread), machboos chicken, and mint lemonade. Walk to the Textile Souk then cross Dubai Creek by wooden abra (AED 1) to Deira’s lanes.

Evening: Head to Burj Lake for the Dubai Fountain shows (after sunset, every 30 minutes). Dinner nearby at Al Hallab Bab El Bahr (Lebanese seafood; charcoal-grilled fish, hot/cold mezze) or Time Out Market Dubai inside Souk Al Bahar if your group wants variety. Nightcap stroll on the Downtown Boulevard.

Day 2: Icons—Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Souk Madinat Views

Morning: Pre-book Burj Khalifa—At The Top for an early slot to avoid queues (Levels 124/125; premium Level 148 available). Expect AED ~179–399 depending on time/level. Coffee with a view at Grounded pop-ups or head back to Common Grounds for breakfast if you skipped it.

Afternoon: Explore Dubai Mall: the aquarium tunnel, skating rink, and designer halls are part spectacle, part air-conditioned respite. For lunch, Al Safadi (Lebanese; juicy mixed grills, tabbouleh) or Din Tai Fung (if you’re craving xiao long bao).

Evening: Taxi to Souk Madinat Jumeirah for golden-hour canals and Burj Al Arab views. Dine at Pai Thai (long-time favorite reached by abra within the resort; fragrant curries) or folly (modern plates, rooftop terrace). End with a beach walk by Jumeirah public beach if the weather’s gentle.

Day 3: Creative Dubai—Jumeirah Mosque, Alserkal Avenue, and Marina Nights

Morning: Join the Jumeirah Mosque guided tour (usually 10:00 daily except Fridays—verify timing). It’s an excellent primer on local culture and architecture. Coffee break at RAW Coffee Company (roastery-café in Al Quoz) or Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue (try the nitro cold brew).

Afternoon: Explore Alserkal Avenue galleries, concept stores, and pop-up exhibitions. Lunch at Wild & The Moon (plant-forward) or drive to 3 Fils in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour for Asian-leaning small plates (tuna carpaccio, sticky salmon) with bobbing dhows as your backdrop.

Evening: Head to Dubai Marina for a sunset stroll along the promenade. Consider a low-key dhow dinner cruise (bookable on the spot or via hotel concierge) or dine at The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill (JBR; oysters, lobster rolls, lively brasserie feel). Post-dinner gelato at Amorino on JBR Walk.

Day 4: Beach Morning and Desert Safari Evening

Morning: Unwind at Kite Beach (smooth jogging track, food trucks, paddle boarding). Snack from SAFESTA trucks or grab breakfast at tashas (South African café brand loved locally; ricotta hotcakes, perfectly poached eggs).

Afternoon: Rest and recharge—desert pickups usually start 2:30–3:30 pm. Bring a scarf, sunscreen, and a light layer for breezy nights.

Evening: Classic desert safari: dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a camp barbecue under stars (AED ~150–300 per person, upgrades for private cars). Vegetarian options are common; shawarma and grilled meats are staples. Back in the city around 9:00–9:30 pm.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, is stately and soothing: marble colonnades at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a blue-domed Louvre shimmering over Saadiyat’s sea, and mangroves threading the city’s edges. Museums, palaces, and parks anchor the days; long seafront walks and elegant dining carry the nights.

• Where to stay: Browse Hotels.com (Abu Dhabi) or VRBO (Abu Dhabi). Consider Saadiyat for beach + museums, Al Maryah for sleek city stays, or Corniche for classic waterfront access.
• Getting there from Dubai: Morning bus from Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi (about 1.5–2 hours; AED ~25–35). Taxi is ~AED 300–380 and 75–90 minutes. Renting a car is easy (Salik tolls in Dubai are AED 4 per gate; plentiful parking in Abu Dhabi).
• Flying out: Depart AUH or return to DXB. Compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 5: Transfer, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Qasr Al Watan

Morning: Travel to Abu Dhabi and check in. Coffee at Joud Coffee (smooth flat whites, house bakes) or Third Place Café near the Corniche for a relaxed start.

Afternoon: Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Entry is free; modest dress required. Walk the arcades of white marble and floral inlays as sunlight changes the courtyards. Continue to Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace; AED ~60) for opulent halls and a strong exhibit on governance and manuscripts.

Evening: Sunset at the Corniche or a quick photo stop at Emirates Palace (hotel grounds). Dinner at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi (inside Emirates Palace; Cantonese classics, terrace seating) or Lebanese Flower (a beloved local chain for mixed grills, fattoush, and garlic potatoes).

Day 6: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beaches, and Mangrove Kayaking

Morning: Pre-book Louvre Abu Dhabi (AED ~63). Its Jean Nouvel dome filters “rain of light” over a global collection—from Cycladic figurines to modern masters. Brunch at the museum café or drive to Meylas (Al Muneera) for homestyle Emirati plates (chbaab pancakes, chicken machboos, loqaimat for dessert).

Afternoon: Lounge on Saadiyat Public Beach (seasonal lifeguards, turtles nest in protected areas) or unwind at a beach club if you prefer serviced loungers. Later, head to Eastern Mangroves or Jubail Mangrove Park for a guided kayak through calm channels—great at golden hour; watch for herons and tiny crabs.

Evening: Dinner at Finz (Beach Rotana; seafood with overwater deck) or Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (Emirati cuisine in a heritage-themed setting—try fish sayadieh and harees). Night tea at Tea Club on Al Maryah or a gelato along the promenade.

Day 7: Yas Island Thrills and Farewell

Morning: Choose your adventure on Yas Island. Ferrari World (Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest coaster) for adrenaline; Warner Bros. World for family-friendly indoor rides; or SeaWorld Abu Dhabi for next-gen marine habitats and research exhibits. Expect AED ~345–435 for day tickets; bundle deals often available.

Afternoon: Late lunch at Texas de Brazil (Yas Mall) if you want a hearty spread, or keep it local at Al Mrzab (Emirati—try the jareesh and chicken saloona). Pick up last-minute dates and spices at the mall or head back to your hotel to pack.

Evening: If time allows before your flight, a final Corniche stroll and coffee at Blacksmith Coffee Company (Al Zeina) or another branch of Joud Coffee. Depart from AUH; check ride times to the airport and arrive 3 hours early for international flights.

Practical Tips: Getting Around, Tickets, and Etiquette

• Transit: Dubai Metro connects DXB to Downtown and Marina; taxis and ride-hailing (metered) are reliable in both cities. Intercity buses are frequent and inexpensive.
• Climate: Peak outdoor comfort is November–April. In warmer months, plan outdoor time at dawn/dusk and rely on plentiful indoor attractions.
• Tickets: Book Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas parks in advance—weekends get busy.
• Dress & conduct: Beachwear is for beaches/pools. Modest attire for religious sites. Alcohol is served at licensed venues; avoid public intoxication.
• Approximate costs (AED): Abra 1; Metro ride 3–9; Dubai–Abu Dhabi bus 25–35; Taxi Dubai–Abu Dhabi 300–380; Desert safari 150–300; Burj Khalifa 179–399; Louvre 63; Qasr Al Watan 60. Prices vary by season/time.

Suggested Hotels by Vibe (Search and Filter to Fit Your Budget)

• Dubai: Downtown (Address-brand elegance, close to Burj), Marina/JBR (beach + boardwalk energy, family-friendly), Al Fahidi (boutique heritage). Browse Hotels.com or VRBO.
• Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat (beach + Louvre), Al Maryah (upscale urban island), Corniche (classic waterfront, families). Explore Hotels.com or VRBO.

How to Book Your Flights

• Into the UAE: Compare fares to DXB or AUH on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Within the UAE: No tourist intercity trains yet; use bus, taxi, or rental car. For onward international legs, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

In seven days, you’ll trace the UAE’s arc from coral-stone alleys to futuristic domes, tasting date-sweet desserts and sea-fresh grills between monumental sights. The rhythm—city, coast, desert—lingers long after takeoff, along with the sparkle of minarets at dusk and the hush of mangroves at dawn.