The United Arab Emirates blends tradition and futurism like few places on earth. In just one week, you can wander Dubai’s wind‑tower lanes and gold souks, then ride the world’s fastest roller coaster in Abu Dhabi. This plan packs in history, architecture, art, and desert thrills—with time to sip great coffee and watch fountain shows.

Dubai began as a fishing and pearling settlement along Dubai Creek; today it’s a skyline of ambition crowned by the Burj Khalifa. Across the borderless sands, Abu Dhabi evolved around date palms and fortresses, now home to the luminous Louvre Abu Dhabi and the marble‑bright Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The two cities are only 1.5–2 hours apart, making them ideal companions for a 7‑day itinerary.

Practical notes: The best weather runs November–April. Dress modestly in mosques (shoulders/legs covered; women bring a headscarf). The UAE weekend is Saturday–Sunday; Fridays see busier prayer times around midday. Get a Nol card for Dubai Metro/trams and carry cash for small buys in older markets. For flights into the first city, compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with contrasts: abra boats putter past spice‑laden alleyways as the world’s tallest tower glitters miles away. Explore Al Fahidi’s coral‑stone houses, then hop the spotless Metro to mega‑malls, Michelin‑noted kitchens, and beach promenades lined with joggers and sunset strollers.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall & Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek souks, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, Jumeirah & Kite Beach, Miracle Garden (seasonal), Global Village (seasonal).
• Eat & drink: Emirati plates at Al Khayma or Arabian Tea House; legendary grilled fish at Bu Qtair; contemporary hits like 3Fils and Orfali Bros Bistro; coffee at The Sum of Us or Nightjar.
• Stay: Downtown for fountains and easy Metro; Jumeirah/Marina for beach time; Al Seef/Old Dubai for heritage charm.

Accommodation search: Browse stays on VRBO Dubai and Hotels.com Dubai. Consider Rove Downtown (smart mid‑range by Dubai Mall), XVA Art Hotel (boutique in Al Fahidi), or Address Sky View (spectacular pool and skyline views).

Getting in: Fly into DXB. Typical taxi to Downtown: 20–30 minutes, ~60–80 AED. Metro Red Line connects DXB to Downtown/Marina; fares 3–9.5 AED, day pass ~22 AED.

Day 1: Arrival, Al Fahidi, and Creekside Glow

Morning: Fly into Dubai. Book flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; aim to arrive by midday. Grab a Nol card at the Metro or take a taxi to your hotel.

Afternoon: Ease into Old Dubai at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, a maze of restored wind‑towers and art courtyards. Refuel at Arabian Tea House (house‑baked breads, Emirati machboos, mint lemonade) or XVA Café (light vegetarian plates under shady ghaf trees).

Evening: Stroll Al Seef’s creekside promenade as dhows light up. Cross the creek on a traditional abra (about 1 AED) to Deira and wander the Spice and Gold Souks. Dinner at Al Ustad Special Kabab (since 1978—juicy kebabs with saffron rice) or Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (slow‑cooked lamb shank, luqaimat dessert) before turning in.

Day 2: Souks to Skyscrapers

Morning: Coffee at The Sum of Us (in‑house roastery; try the flat white and shakshuka) or Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue (cold brew on tap, inventive toasts). Explore more of Deira’s markets, including the Perfume Souk’s custom blends.

Afternoon: Head to Dubai Frame for a city‑spanning panorama (tickets ~50 AED). Continue to Dubai Mall—beyond shopping, find the Dubai Aquarium tunnel and locally loved lunch spots like Din Tai Fung (xiao long bao) or Wafi Gourmet (Lebanese grills with fountain views).

Evening: Time your visit to Burj Khalifa “At the Top” (levels 124/125 from ~179 AED; book sunset if you can). Watch the Dubai Fountain shows (evenings, every 30 minutes) and dine at Time Out Market Dubai across the water in Souk Al Bahar—sample Reif Kushiyaki’s wagyu sandos or Fulvio’s pizza, then a pistachio gelato nightcap.

Day 3: Museum of the Future, Beaches, and a Dockside Star

Morning: Visit the Museum of the Future (timed tickets ~149 AED) to step into immersive installations exploring AI, sustainability, and space. Coffee after at % Arabica (Dubai Mall or City Walk) for single‑origin espresso.

Afternoon: Beach time on Kite Beach—rent bikes, stroll the boardwalk, or try paddleboarding with views of Burj Al Arab. Grab lunch at Salt (wagyu sliders) or Comptoir 102 (healthy bowls, boho boutique).

Evening: Dinner at 3Fils in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (region‑topping contemporary Asian—don’t miss the crispy salmon or seaweed salad). If you prefer modern Middle Eastern with storytelling plates, book Orfali Bros Bistro (Wasl 51; “umami eclair” and OB croquettes are standouts). Walk the marina piers under the city lights.

Day 4: Flowers, Global Village, and the Desert

Morning: If in season (typically Nov–Apr), wander the Dubai Miracle Garden (tickets around 95 AED) to see 150+ million blooms sculpted into giant arches and airplanes. Otherwise, explore Alserkal Avenue galleries and grab a pastry at Nightjar.

Afternoon: Join a desert safari (pickup ~3:00 p.m.; 4x4 dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides). Most tours run 6–7 hours and include a BBQ dinner; expect ~150–350 AED depending on inclusions. Pack a light jacket from November–March.

Evening: Enjoy dance shows and stargazing at the desert camp before drop‑off ~9:00–9:30 p.m. If you have energy and the season is on (Oct–Apr), swing by Global Village (entry ~25 AED) for cultural pavilions and street bites from across the world.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi favors serenity—breezy corniches, mangroves, and marble‑white domes. Culture anchors the city: the Louvre’s floating “rain of light” and the nation’s presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, invite lingering afternoons and golden sunsets.

• Top sights: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, The Corniche, Saadiyat Beach, Mangrove National Park, Yas Island (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld).
• Eat & drink: Emirati comfort at Meylas; fresh catch at Mina Fish Market (choose and grill); long‑running favorites like Lebanese Flower and modern cafés such as Third Place Café and Joud Café.
• Stay: Saadiyat for beach and Louvre, Corniche for city vibes, Yas for theme parks and families.

Accommodation search: See VRBO Abu Dhabi and Hotels.com Abu Dhabi. Consider The St. Regis Abu Dhabi (Corniche elegance), Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri (value with beach access), or the beach‑blessed Park Hyatt Saadiyat.

Getting there from Dubai: Morning buses E100/E101 (1.5–2 hours, ~25 AED) run frequently; taxis take ~90 minutes (300–400 AED). Driving is straightforward via E11. Plan a morning transfer.

Day 5: Transfer, Grand Mosque, and Palace Light

Morning: Depart Dubai after breakfast. By bus (E101 from Ibn Battuta or E100 from Al Ghubaiba) you’ll reach Abu Dhabi in ~2 hours. Check in and grab coffee at Third Place Café (homey vibe, good eggs, excellent V60).

Afternoon: Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free entry; modest dress required). Walk the reflective pools and gaze up at the 82 domes and Swarovski‑lit chandeliers. Late lunch nearby at Meylas (chebab pancakes, regag bread with eggs and fish sauce, chicken machboos).

Evening: Tour Qasr Al Watan (tickets ~65 AED) for mosaic‑lined halls and an insightful exhibition on governance. On selected nights, stay for the “Palace in Motion” light show. Dinner at Lebanese Flower (grilled mixed meats, fattoush, fresh juices) or Al Mrzab (Kuwaiti stews and rice dishes).

Day 6: Louvre Light, Mangroves or Yas Thrills

Morning: Head to Louvre Abu Dhabi (tickets ~63 AED). Jean Nouvel’s dome filters sun into a “rain of light” over galleries that range from Mesopotamian artifacts to modern masters. Coffee after at the museum café or at Joud Café (exceptional pastries and specialty brews) on the way out.

Afternoon: Choose your track: Mangrove kayaking (2 hours, ~160–200 AED with outfitters; calm water, flamingo and heron sightings) for nature lovers, or Yas Island for theme parks. Ferrari World thrills with Formula Rossa (world’s fastest coaster); Warner Bros. World suits families with immersive lands; day tickets typically ~295–345 AED.

Evening: Sunset along the Corniche. For a local seafood experience, browse the renovated Mina Zayed Fish Market, pick your catch, and have it grilled at one of the on‑site stalls. Alternatively, treat yourself to a 24‑karat gold‑dust cappuccino at Emirates Palace’s Le Café before dinner at Al Fanar (heritage Emirati menu).

Day 7: Saadiyat Calm and Departure

Morning: Unwind on Saadiyat Beach—soft sand, gentle surf, and a conservation focus. Brunch at Art House Café (colorful, creative plates) or return to Joud Café for almond croissants and flat whites.

Afternoon: Depart from AUH (Abu Dhabi International). If you’re flying out of DXB instead, leave 3.5–4 hours before your flight; the drive is ~90 minutes plus time for rental return and security. Compare fares and timings on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If your flight is later, last‑minute shopping at The Galleria or a final Corniche stroll. Pack snacks—dates, pistachios, and local halwa travel well.

Where to Stay and Book

• Dubai areas: Downtown (fountains, easy transport), Jumeirah/Marina (beach and dining), Old Dubai/Al Seef (heritage ambiance). Search VRBO Dubai or Hotels.com Dubai.
• Abu Dhabi areas: Saadiyat (beach + Louvre), Corniche (central), Yas (theme parks). Browse VRBO Abu Dhabi or Hotels.com Abu Dhabi.
• Flights: Compare and book on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

In a week, you’ll trace the UAE’s arc from coral‑stone courtyards to glass spires, from mosque courtyards to dune‑rippled horizons. Expect big‑ticket sights, nuanced museum hours under latticed domes, and plates that range from charcoal‑kissed fish to cardamom‑sweet desserts. It’s a journey best savored at sunrise on the beach and again when the fountains dance at night.