Dubai rose from pearling settlements along Dubai Creek into a global hub where Bedouin heritage meets cutting-edge design. In one week, you can glide through spice-scented souks, watch fountains dance beneath the world’s tallest tower, and crunch over ruby dunes at sunset.

Beyond the headline sights—Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina—Dubai rewards curiosity: wind-tower lanes in Al Fahidi, art warehouses in Alserkal Avenue, and fishing harbors hiding world-class kitchens. Day-trip to Abu Dhabi for the luminous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and a stately palace.

Practical notes: Winter (Nov–Apr) brings ideal weather; summers are hot but blissfully air-conditioned. The UAE weekend runs Saturday–Sunday; modest attire is required for mosques. Taxis and the Metro are efficient, card payments are ubiquitous, and Emirati cuisine (luqaimat, machboos) shares the table with stellar Lebanese, Indian, Persian, and Japanese eateries.

Dubai

Welcome to a city of superlatives—home to the Burj Khalifa, record-breaking malls, man-made islands, and a food scene that spans Michelin stars to beloved shawarma stands. It’s also deeply tied to the sea and sand: dhows still cross the Creek, and deserts begin an hour from the skyscrapers.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek abras and Deira souks, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina & JBR, Museum of the Future, Jameel Arts Centre, Alserkal Avenue.
• Signature experiences: Red-dune desert safari with BBQ, yacht cruise along the Marina, beach time at Kite Beach or West Beach, abra ride to the Gold & Spice Souks.
• Dining highlights: Emirati plates at Arabian Tea House and Al Khayma; regional musts at Al Ustad Special Kebab and Ravi; contemporary stars like Orfali Bros Bistro, GAIA, 3Fils, and Ossiano.
• Fun fact: More than 85% of Dubai’s residents are expatriates, making it one of the most global cities anywhere—reflected in the menus and neighborhoods you’ll explore.

Where to stay (Hotels & Apartments): For iconic stays, consider Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (a sail-shaped legend), Atlantis, The Palm (perfect for families), or design-savvy Rove Downtown steps from Dubai Mall.

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah on Hotels.com
• Atlantis, The Palm on Hotels.com
• Rove Downtown Dubai on Hotels.com
• Rove Downtown on Hotels.com
• Search more hotels on Hotels.com (Dubai)
• Apartments & villas on VRBO (Dubai)

How to get to Dubai: Fly into Dubai International (DXB) or Al Maktoum (DWC). Nonstops: London to DXB ~7h, New York to DXB ~12–14h, Singapore to DXB ~7.5h. Typical roundtrip economy fares are ~$450–$950 depending on season. Search flexible options with Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com. From DXB, taxis to Downtown run ~15–20 minutes (~AED 60–80); the Red Line Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall takes ~35–45 minutes (~AED 6–9).

Day 1 — Arrival and Downtown Dubai

Morning: In transit. If you arrive early, refresh with specialty coffee and a light bite at The Sum of Us (house-roasted beans, avocado smash) or % Arabica at Dubai Mall with Burj views.

Afternoon: Check in. Stretch your legs through Dubai Mall’s airy promenades and Burj Park. Grab a late lunch at Logma (Dubai Mall; modern Khaleeji—try the chicken machboos and saffron milk cake).

Evening: Time your ascent for sunset at the world’s tallest tower. Book Burj Khalifa At The Top tickets for sweeping golden-hour panoramas and twinkling city lights.

Afterward, watch the Dubai Fountain shows (evenings, every 30 minutes) and dine nearby: choose Social House (global comfort plates with terrace fountain views) or Bebabel (fresh Lebanese—fattoush, grilled meats). For dessert, try pistachio gelato at Amorino.

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

Morning: Breakfast in the shade of wind towers at Arabian Tea House (traditional Emirati breads, regag with cheese and honey, mint lemonade). Wander Al Fahidi’s lanes to the Coffee Museum and art courtyards. Hop an abra (traditional wooden boat) across the Creek to Deira.

Afternoon: Weave through the Spice Souk (saffron, za’atar, frankincense) and Gold Souk window displays. Snack on warm luqaimat (date syrup–drizzled dumplings) at Al Bait Al Qadeem nearby. For lunch, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant serves hearty Emirati plates—try chicken machboos and camel milk tea.

Evening: Classic, wallet-friendly dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab (since 1978; juicy kebabs, yogurt-marinated meats, vintage photos on the walls). Nightcap along the Creek at QD’s with skyline views or a relaxed shisha lounge in Bur Dubai.

Day 3 — Dubai Marina, JBR Beach, and a Yacht Cruise

Morning: Start at Common Grounds (JBR) for excellent flat whites and acai bowls. Then board a shared yacht to glide past the Marina’s glass towers, Bluewaters, and the Palm crescent—opt for the breakfast sailing if you like.

Book the Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ for narrated coastal views and relaxed deck time.

Afternoon: Beach time at JBR’s open beach or a lounger at West Beach (calm water, showers). Lunch ideas: Asia Asia at Pier 7 (pan-Asian with marina panoramas) or 3Fils in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (award-winning small plates; salmon carpaccio, wagyu burgers—short taxi from Marina).

Evening: Sunset drinks at Siddharta Lounge or Atelier M’s rooftop, then dinner at Buddha-Bar (glam Pan-Asian, theatrical lighting) or Aprons & Hammers Beach House for buckets of fresh crab and prawns on the sand.

Day 4 — Futurism by Day, Red Dunes by Night

Morning: Brunch & Cake (Jumeirah) serves photogenic plates—eggs benny on croissants, baked pancakes. Visit the Museum of the Future’s dramatic torus (time-slotted entry; sci-tech exhibits and immersive storytelling).

Afternoon: Coffee crawl in Alserkal Avenue: Nightjar (roastery, nitro cold brew) or Wild & The Moon (plant-forward). Early light lunch at Orfali Bros Bistro (playful Middle Eastern flavors—try the OB croquettes and umami eclairs).

Evening: Get your adrenaline and a taste of Bedouin hospitality with an upscale desert safari: dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner under the stars at Al Khayma Camp. Book the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp.

Day 5 — Full-Day Abu Dhabi Excursion (no breakdown)

See the UAE capital on a guided day trip: the luminous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (dress modestly), the ornate Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, and Etihad Towers’ observation deck. Many tours include round-trip transfers from your Dubai hotel.

Book the Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower for a curated route and insightful commentary.

Back in Dubai, keep dinner casual: Al Mallah in Satwa (iconic shawarmas and fresh juices) or Bu Qtair in Fishing Harbour (no-frills fried fish and curry).

Day 6 — Palm Jumeirah Day: Beaches and Aquarium Dining

Morning: Start with specialty coffee at Stomping Grounds (Jumeirah) and head to Palm Jumeirah. Stroll The Pointe or The View at The Palm for skyline photos. Beach clubs along West Beach offer day passes; Koko Bay and February 30 are lively picks.

Afternoon: Seafood lunch at Ibn AlBahr (Club Vista Mare; mezze and grilled catch right by the water). If you’re staying or day-visiting Atlantis, explore its marine attractions before a siesta.

Evening: Dress up for dinner at Ossiano (underwater panoramas, innovative tasting menus) or sushi-and-samba rhythms at SUSHISAMBA (Palm Tower). If you’d like to base yourself here, check availability at Atlantis, The Palm on Hotels.com.

Day 7 — Art Districts and Creekside Farewell

Morning: Alserkal Avenue galleries open late morning—pop into contemporary spaces and concept stores. Brunch at Nightjar (eggs with harissa hollandaise, excellent pastries). If time allows, swing by Jameel Arts Centre on the Creek and stroll the sculpture park.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Souk Al Bahar for regional handicrafts. A light lunch at Teible (seasonal, local-sourcing ethos at Jameel Arts Centre) or 21 Grams (Balkan soul food) before your transfer to the airport.

Evening: Departure day—if your flight is later, catch one more sunset at Dubai Creek Harbour’s promenade, then head to DXB. Search flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional Swap or Add-On

If you crave more dunes, consider a morning quad-biking fix with a shorter commitment before the heat builds. The Dubai Red Dunes ATV, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ Al Khayma Camp is an excellent alternative to the evening safari above.

Local logistics tips: Buy a Nol card for Metro, tram, and bus; the Red Line connects DXB to Downtown and the Marina. Taxis and ride-hailing are abundant; Friday noon prayers can affect traffic near mosques. Respect local customs (no public intoxication, be mindful of dress in conservative areas), and hydrate—desert air is dry even in winter.

In seven days you’ll have skimmed coral-blue waters, tasted the desert by starlight, and climbed into the clouds of the Burj Khalifa. Dubai’s mix of heritage, modern thrills, and generous hospitality means there’s always a new angle to return for—next time, perhaps a dhow dinner cruise, Al Marmoom conservation, or deeper dives into its gallery scene.