Dubai is a city of dazzling contrasts: a onetime pearl-diving village transformed into a global hub where wind-tower alleys meet record-breaking skyscrapers. In one week, you can ride to the world’s highest observation decks, haggle in spice-scented souks, and skim over red dunes to a starlit Bedouin camp.

Expect stellar infrastructure, spotless beaches, and cuisine from every corner of the globe. Emirati hospitality threads through it all—whether you’re sipping saffron-laced karak, sharing mezze, or drifting across Dubai Creek in a wooden abra.

Practical notes: winter (Nov–Mar) brings perfect outdoor weather; summers are hot but air-conditioned. Dress modestly in historic districts and especially for mosque visits. Weekends are Saturday–Sunday, and during Ramadan, be mindful of prayer times and etiquette.

Dubai

Home to the sky-piercing Burj Khalifa, palm-shaped islands, and a creek where dhows still ferry goods, Dubai rewards both first-timers and seasoned travelers. Spend mornings exploring Al Fahidi’s coral-stone lanes, afternoons beachside on JBR, and nights under fountains and fireworks of light.

Top sights span eras: the Dubai Museum precinct and souks in Deira, the Museum of the Future and DIFC galleries, and the Palm’s beaches and Atlantis attractions. Food-wise, old favorites like Al Ustad Special Kebab share the stage with award-winning kitchens such as Orfali Bros Bistro and 3Fils.

Fun fact: Dubai’s Abra crossings cost little more than a coin, yet they offer million-dirham views of minarets, wind towers, and glittering new skylines.

Where to Stay (Hotels.com & VRBO):

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — The sail-shaped icon with butlered suites and private beach. A splurge that’s pure theater from check-in to sky-high afternoon tea.
• Atlantis, The Palm — Ideal for families and water lovers; direct access to Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers, plus top dining like Ossiano.
• Rove Downtown Dubai — Smart, wallet-friendly rooms steps from Dubai Mall and the fountains; great base for first-time visitors.
• Browse more Dubai hotels on Hotels.com or check apartment-style stays on VRBO (Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown are the most convenient areas).

Getting There & Around:

• Flights: Search great-value fares to DXB or DWC via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: London ~7 hours; New York ~12–14 hours; Singapore ~7 hours.
• Airport to city: Taxi from DXB to Downtown is ~15–25 minutes (approx AED 45–70). The Metro Red Line runs directly from Terminals 1/3 to Downtown/Marina (AED ~5–10 with a Nol card).
• Within Dubai: Metro + tram cover most sights; Careem/Uber and plentiful taxis are affordable. For Palm Jumeirah, use the Palm Monorail from Gateway station.

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

Afternoon: Land and check into your hotel. Stretch your legs at Dubai Mall’s airy galleries—peek at the Dubai Aquarium (from the mall side) and the cascading Waterfall. Coffee break: % Arabica (sleek Japanese roastery) or The Sum of Us for flat whites and kouign-amann.

Evening: Time your ascent for golden hour to nightfall at Burj Khalifa “At The Top.” Book skip-the-line access here:

Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access

Afterward, watch the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes most evenings). Dinner options nearby: Time Out Market Dubai (Souk Al Bahar) for curated local hits, or Din Tai Fung for xiao long bao. For a view-kissed nightcap, try CÉ LA VI (Address Sky View) or mocktails at The Lounge, Burj Khalifa.

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

Morning: Breakfast in a courtyard at Arabian Tea House (try regag bread, balaleet, and minty Arabic tea). Wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood’s wind towers and galleries, then cross Dubai Creek by abra from Bur Dubai to Deira (carry coins for the fare).

Afternoon: Dive into a guided walk that blends snacks, stories, and souk secrets—gold, spices, textiles, and hidden courtyards:

Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings

Snack on dates and pistachio-laced halvah as you learn the city’s pearl-trading past. Pop into the Perfume Souk to blend a custom oud fragrance.

Evening: Dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978) for smoky kebabs and grilled yogurt chicken, or Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant for Emirati dishes like lamb machboos. Wind down with saffron gelato at Al Seef’s creekside promenade.

Day 3: Beach Morning on JBR + Premium Red Dunes Desert Safari

Morning: Coffee at Common Grounds JBR, then beach time at The Beach, JBR. Stroll the pedestrian Walk and, if you’re up for it, cross to Bluewaters Island for Ain Dubai photos.

Afternoon: Light lunch: 3Fils (harborfront modern Asian; order the tuna foiegaki and charcoal) or Bu Qtair (legendary fry-ups of the day’s catch). Rest before your afternoon pickup.

Evening: Head into the Lehbab red dunes for sandboarding, camel time, and a 5-star BBQ under desert skies:

Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp

Expect 4x4 dune bashing, falconry photos, henna art, and a starlit feast. Bring a light jacket in winter months; desert nights can be cool.

Day 4: Future Meets Art—Museum of the Future, DIFC Galleries, Skyline Views

Morning: Start at the Museum of the Future, a calligraphic torus that imagines life 50 years ahead. Tickets often sell out—book early. Coffee at Orijins in DIFC for minimalist vibes and single-origin pours.

Afternoon: Explore DIFC’s art scene (Opera Gallery, Leila Heller) and lunch at Lulu & The Beanstalk (vinyls, natural wines, hearty grains) or Indochine (retro-chic Saigon flavors). If you prefer local, swing to Al Quoz for Nightjar Coffee and Alserkal Avenue’s galleries.

Evening: Sunset at Sky Views Observatory’s glass slide or Level 43 Sky Lounge for a ribbon of Sheikh Zayed Road lights. Dinner at Orfali Bros Bistro (MENA 50 Best; don’t miss the OB cheeseburger and umami eclair) or Reif Japanese Kushiyaki in Jumeirah for inventive skewers.

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah—Beaches, Boardwalks, and Atlantis Adventures

Morning: Grab an açai bowl at Bounty Beets (Le Meridien Mina Seyahi) or a croissant at Bageri Form (Dubai Marina), then ride the Palm Monorail to Palm Tower for “The View” over the fronds.

Afternoon: Make it a water day at Atlantis Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark—plunge down Leap of Faith or float the mile-long lazy river. Non‑riders can explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium, cafés, and beach clubs.

Evening: Sunset stroll along Palm West Beach; dine at Ibn AlBahr (Lebanese seafood; grilled jumbo prawns and fattoush) or SUSHISAMBA (skyline panoramas and robata). Nightcap at Jetty Lounge (toes-in-sand, lantern-lit) or mocktails at Halo lounge.

Day 6: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi—Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Etihad Towers

Set out on a guided excursion to the UAE capital for a day of marble domes, royal halls, and skyline viewpoints. Dress code is essential for the mosque (shoulders/legs covered; women need headscarves). Travel time Dubai–Abu Dhabi is ~1.5–2 hours by road; taxis run ~AED 250–350 one-way, or use a guided tour with hotel pickup.

Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower

Lunch suggestion: Observation Deck at 300 (Etihad Towers) for skyline views or Lebanese Flower for casual grills. Return to Dubai for a late bite at Al Mallah (shawarma and fresh juices) or Project Chaiwala (karak and pakoras).

Day 7: Creative Dubai—Alserkal Avenue, Souk Madinat, and Kite Beach Farewell

Morning: Brunch at Tom & Serg (industrial-chic stalwart) or Wild & The Moon (plant-forward). Explore Alserkal Avenue’s galleries, indie shops, and pop-up exhibitions; grab a cold brew at Nightjar.

Afternoon: Head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah for waterways, abra rides within the resort, and views of Burj Al Arab. Pick up last-minute gifts—spices, dates, and modern abayas—then taxi to Kite Beach for a stroll and a lotus softie from SALT.

Evening: For a final flourish, book a window table at At.mosphere Lounge (dress smart) or dine creekside at Al Fanar (Emirati classics like harees and luqaimat). One more fountain show, then back to pack.

Notes & Tips:

• Reservations: Book Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, and top restaurants several days ahead (longer in peak season).
• Getting around: Taxis are plentiful; ask for the meter. Metro is efficient for Downtown–Marina; for late nights, rideshare is easiest.
• Cultural etiquette: In heritage areas and mosques, dress modestly; always ask before photographing people.

Optional Swap (Adventure Focus): If you’re craving more dune time, consider a quad-forward itinerary in place of Day 5’s water day:

Dubai Red Dunes ATV, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ Al Khayma Camp

Where to Book Your Flights & Stays: Find flights with Trip.com or Kiwi.com, then secure your hotel on Hotels.com or a spacious apartment via VRBO.

In seven days, you’ll trace Dubai’s arc from coral-stone courtyards to cloud-brushing towers, from spice-laden alleys to moonlit dunes. This itinerary balances culture, cuisine, and coastline—leaving room for serendipity and one or two spontaneous sunsets.