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Ultimate 10-Day Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary: Explore Modern Marvels and Cultural Treasures

Viewed by 131 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Dubai Downtown

Dubai, UAE on July 11, 2025

12:30pm

Check-In and Lunch at The Dubai Mall

After arriving and settling into your hotel downtown, have lunch at Social House located at The Dubai Mall, offering panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa and a diverse menu with both international and local dishes.
AED100, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

Experience the breathtaking views from the At The Top Burj Khalifa observation deck, the world's tallest building. Booking tickets in advance is recommended. Open daily from 8:30am to 11pm.
AED149, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Located inside The Dubai Mall, this indoor aquarium features a 10-million-litre tank with thousands of aquatic animals including sharks and rays. Operating hours: 10am-12am.
AED120, 1h30m

5:30pm

Relax at Burj Park & Evening Fountain Show

Enjoy the spectacular Dubai Fountain show by the Burj Lake starting every 30 minutes from 6pm, with the backdrop of Burj Khalifa. Perfect for evening walk and photos.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Thiptara Restaurant

Thai fine dining located at Palace Downtown Dubai, right on the waterfront with views of the Dubai Fountain. The setting is romantic and perfect to savor authentic Thai dishes.
AED250, 1h30m

Day 2: Old Dubai and Creekside

Dubai, UAE on July 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Start your day with traditional Emirati breakfast in charming Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. This cafe serves authentic dishes such as Balaleet and Karak tea.
AED60, 1h

9:30am

Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Explore the restored traditional Emirati houses and art galleries in Dubai’s heritage district. Open daily from 8am to 8pm, it offers a glimpse of old Dubai’s culture.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Dubai Museum

Located in Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum narrates the transformation of Dubai from a pearl diving village to a global city. Opening hours: Sat-Thu 8:30am-8:30pm.
AED3, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Al Makan Cafe by Arabian Tea House

A relaxed cafe near the Creek serving Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes in a historic setting.
AED70, 1h

2:00pm

Abra Ride and Gold Souk / Spice Souk

Take a traditional wooden boat (Abra) across Dubai Creek and explore the bustling Gold and Spice souks. The abra ride is inexpensive and gives a local cultural experience.
AED1, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Coffee Museum

Discover the rich culture of Arabian coffee through exhibits and tastings in Al Fahidi. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ravi Restaurant, Al Satwa

Famous Pakistani restaurant known for flavorful, affordable dishes. A must-visit for food lovers with authentic spices.
AED50, 1h

Day 3: Modern Dubai & Marina

Dubai, UAE on July 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice, Dubai Marina

Organic cafe offering fresh farm-to-table breakfast options with beautiful marina views.
AED70, 1h

10:00am

Dubai Marina Walk and Yacht Tour

Stroll along the Marina promenade and take a 1-hour yacht cruise to admire the stunning skyline and Palm Jumeirah from the water. Yacht tours operate generally from 10am to 6pm.
AED150, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pier 7, Dubai Marina

Choose from multiple restaurants such as Asia Asia or Atelier M to enjoy delightful international cuisines overlooking the marina.
AED150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence)

Relax on the vibrant JBR beach, enjoy water sports or browse boutiques and cafes. Open access and public.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai

Visit the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, for panoramic views during sunset. Operating hours typically 12pm - 10pm.
AED130, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Scene by Simon Rimmer

British gastropub at Pier 7 offering comfort food with a view of the waterfront and lively atmosphere.
AED180, 1h30m

Day 4: Desert Safari Adventure

Dubai Desert, UAE on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for the exciting desert day ahead.
Included in hotel or AED50, 1h

9:00am

Visit Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack

Visit the camel races held on weekends at this traditional venue to see an iconic Emirati sport. Racing happens mainly on Friday mornings.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Shopping at Mercato Mall

Relax and shop in this Italian-themed mall before heading desert bound. Open 10am-10pm.
Free, 1h30m

2:00pm

Desert Safari Pickup

Start your booked desert safari which includes dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner with cultural performances. Tours usually start mid-afternoon and end late evening.
AED300, 6h

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis

Dubai, UAE on July 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Hamptons Cafe

Popular beachside cafe offering a fresh and vibrant menu with indoor/outdoor seating.
AED80, 1h

10:00am

Explore Palm Jumeirah and Boardwalk

Walk along the iconic Palm Jumeirah boardwalk enjoying the views of the Arabian Gulf and luxury villas.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Visit Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Enjoy thrilling water rides and the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm. Open 10am-6pm daily.
AED320, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Seascape Restaurant

Upscale seafood dining at Atlantis with sea views and fresh ingredients.
AED250, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Nasimi Beach

Spend the late afternoon unwinding on this beautiful beach at Atlantis with bars and loungers.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nobu Dubai

World-renowned Japanese restaurant located at Atlantis serving exquisite dishes in a fine-dining atmosphere.
AED400, 2h

Day 6: Culture & Art in Dubai

Dubai, UAE on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wild & The Moon

Organic and healthy breakfast with vegan options, ideal to start a cultural day.
AED90, 1h

9:30am

Visit Alserkal Avenue

Dubai’s contemporary art hub featuring galleries, creative spaces, and cafes. Open 10am-7pm weekdays.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Wild & The Moon cafe in Alserkal

Enjoy fresh organic salads, juices and wholesome dishes in a creative environment.
AED80, 1h

1:30pm

Explore the Dubai Frame

Iconic landmark connecting old and new Dubai with sky-high views through glass floors. Open daily 9am-9pm.
AED50, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Green Planet Dubai

Indoor tropical rainforest bio-dome showcasing over 3,000 plants and animals. Open daily 10am-6pm.
AED110, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zuma Dubai

Renowned contemporary Japanese Izakaya-style restaurant located in DIFC with excellent dishes and ambiance.
AED450, 2h

Day 7: Day Trip to Sharjah

Sharjah, UAE on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a filling breakfast early before departing for Sharjah, the cultural capital of UAE.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Sharjah (Approx 30 min from Dubai)

Travel north to Sharjah to explore museums and heritage.
AED40 (Taxi fare estimate), 30m

10:00am

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Explore extensive Islamic artifacts exhibiting rich cultural heritage. Open 8:30am-8pm.
AED10, 1h30m

11:45am

Visit Al Noor Mosque (outside viewing only)

Admire architecture of one of Sharjah's most stunning mosques with beautiful waterfront views. Visitors can join guided tours on specific days.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

Taste traditional Emirati cuisine in an ambient setting replicating old Dubai/Sharjah.
AED100, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Sharjah Heritage Area and Souq Al Arsah

Walk around and browse traditional souks selling antiques, carpets, and local crafts.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Dubai

Head back to Dubai for a relaxed evening.
AED40, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Al Hallab Restaurant, Dubai Mall

Lebanese restaurant offering authentic and delicious Middle Eastern fare to end the day.
AED150, 1h30m

Day 8: Transfer to Abu Dhabi & City Tour

Abu Dhabi, UAE on July 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Dubai Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before checkout and transfer.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Abu Dhabi (Approx 1.5h)

Travel to Abu Dhabi via comfortable taxi or private transfer.
AED300, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel in Abu Dhabi city center and relax briefly.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lebanese Flower Restaurant

Enjoy fresh and flavourful Lebanese dishes in a casual setting.
AED120, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture of one of the world’s largest mosques. Guided tours available. Open daily 9am-10pm, closed Fridays 9am-4:30pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Qasr Al Hosn Fort

The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi showcasing Emirati history and culture. Open 9am-8pm.
AED25, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax Corniche Waterfront Walk

Stroll along Abu Dhabi’s scenic Corniche beach and enjoy sunset views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi

Modern Cantonese cuisine at Emirates Palace known for its refined ambiance and quality food.
AED350, 2h

Day 9: Louvre Abu Dhabi & Yas Island

Abu Dhabi, UAE on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your day with a pleasant breakfast before museum visit.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Explore one of the most impressive museums in the region featuring art from around the world in a spectacular architectural setting. Open 10am-8pm, closed Mondays.
AED63, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Museum Café

Casual dining inside Louvre with continental and Arabic cuisine options.
AED100, 1h

2:00pm

Yas Island Exploration

Visit Yas Marina, Yas Mall and see exterior of Yas Marina Circuit home to Abu Dhabi GP.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Optional: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Thrill-seekers can visit Ferrari World theme park with record-breaking rides. Open 11am-8pm.
AED295, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cipriani Yas Marina

World-famous Italian restaurant offering authentic dishes with a gorgeous marina view.
AED350, 2h

Day 10: Heritage & Leisure Departure

Abu Dhabi, UAE on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast for your last day in UAE.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Emirates Park Zoo or Heritage Village

Choose between the family-friendly Emirates Park Zoo (8am-7pm, AED35) or Heritage Village showcasing traditional desert life (9am-5pm, Free).
AED35 or Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Al Ibrahimi Restaurant

Enjoy traditional South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine near the hotel.
AED80, 1h

1:30pm

Relax and last-minute shopping at Marina Mall

Spend remaining hours shopping or relaxing before departure.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Return to hotel and prepare for checkout

Get ready for airport transfer.
Varies, 1h

5:00pm

Transfer to Abu Dhabi International Airport

Head to airport for your flight departing from Abu Dhabi.
AED150, 1h
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