Affordable 8‑Day Dubai Photo & Leisure Itinerary (Surat → Dubai → Surat) — Dec 19–26, 2025

Day 1: Depart Night

Surat, India → In‑flight to Dubai, UAE on December 19, 2025

8:00pm

Arrive Surat Airport & Check‑in

Arrive STV (Surat) 2 hours before international departure; complete baggage and immigration for a hassle‑free boarding process.
INR15000, 2h0m.

10:00pm

Flight: Surat (STV) → Dubai (DXB)

Overnight flight leaving around 10:00pm as requested; flight time ≈ 3 hours — arrive early hours of 20 Dec. Book a reputable carrier and a flexible fare if possible.
INR15000, 3h0m.

1:00am

Transfer to Hotel

Taxi or prebooked transfer from DXB to your Downtown or JBR hotel (approx 25–40 minutes). Night surcharge may apply.
AED70 (≈INR1,575), 40m0m.

Day 2: Downtown Arrival

Downtown Dubai, UAE on December 20, 2025

7:30am

Hotel Breakfast (included)

Buffet breakfast at the hotel to refuel after travel — most centrally located, affordable options with good safety and reviews include Rove Downtown or Aloft City Centre.
INCLUDED, 1h0m.

9:30am

Rest / Pool / Freshen up

Early check‑in or short rest to recover from travel and plan afternoon timed visits. Good light planning for photography later in the day.
FREE, 1h30m.

11:00am

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (Dubai Mall)

Large aquarium with a clear tunnel — great for unique photos and to escape midday heat; 1.5–2 hours recommended.
AED110 (≈INR2,475), 1h45m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Dubai Mall / Social House

Quick sit‑down lunch at Dubai Mall (Food Court or Social House) offering varied cuisine and quick service before afternoon exploration.
AED60 (≈INR1,350), 1h0m.

3:30pm

Explore Dubai Mall & Fountain Photo Spots

Wander Souk Al Bahar bridge and mall terraces for skyline and fountain vantage points; prepare for sunset timing at Burj Khalifa.
FREE, 1h30m.

5:00pm

Burj Khalifa Levels 124 & 125 (sunset slot)

Timed entry to Levels 124/125 for golden‑hour and dusk photography across Dubai; attractions are timed so book a sunset slot. Typically open ~8:30am–11:00pm.
AED360 (≈INR8,100), 1h0m.

7:00pm

Dubai Fountain Evening Show

Free fountain performances every 30 minutes after sundown — great cityscape photos with Burj in the background.
FREE, 30m0m.

8:00pm

Dinner — Dubai Mall Restaurants

Dinner at Dubai Mall restaurants (e.g., Carluccio’s, The Cheesecake Factory) with many options and convenience after an active day.
AED90 (≈INR2,025), 1h15m.

Day 3: Modern Icons & Old Dubai

Zabeel / Al Fahidi / Deira, UAE on December 21, 2025

8:00am

Hotel Breakfast (included)

Enjoy a hearty hotel breakfast before heading out to the Museum of the Future and historic districts.
INCLUDED, 1h0m.

10:00am

Museum of the Future

Futuristic architecture and immersive exhibits — iconic exterior and interior for striking photos; recommended early slot to avoid crowds. Typical hours ~10:00am–6:00pm.
AED145 (≈INR3,263), 2h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Al Karama / Local Eatery

Economical and tasty Indian/Middle Eastern options in Karama area — good midday energy boost before afternoon sightseeing.
AED45 (≈INR1,013), 1h0m.

3:00pm

Dubai Frame

The golden 'frame' offers split views of old Dubai and modern skyline — quick visit with excellent photo contrast. Open ~9:00am–9:00pm.
AED50 (≈INR1,125), 1h0m.

5:00pm

Gold & Spice Souk (Deira)

Wander the historic markets for cultural street photography and vibrant displays; the souks are lively in late afternoon/evening.
FREE (shopping optional), 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Creekside or Dhow Option

Dine by Dubai Creek or choose a short dhow dinner cruise if you want scenic evening photos (cruise extra).
AED100 (≈INR2,250), 1h30m.

Day 4: Flowers & Global Village

Al Barsha / Dubai Gardens, UAE on December 22, 2025

8:00am

Hotel Breakfast (included)

Early hotel breakfast to make the most of Miracle Garden’s morning light and smaller crowds; garden season typically Nov–May with 9:00am opening.
INCLUDED, 1h0m.

9:15am

Dubai Miracle Garden (Flower Garden)

Extensive floral sculptures and arches — a top spot for colourful wide‑angle photos and portraits among blooms. Open seasonally around 9:00am–9:00pm.
AED55 (≈INR1,238), 1h45m.

11:30am

Lunch — Al Barsha Mall / Local Cafe

Comfortable lunch near Miracle Garden; keep it light to stay energized for the evening Global Village visit.
AED60 (≈INR1,350), 1h0m.

3:00pm

Rest at Hotel / Pool

Relax and recharge before heading to Global Village (opens ~4:00pm); good time to sort photos and camera gear.
FREE, 2h0m.

6:00pm

Global Village (evening)

International pavilions, night entertainment and illuminated photo opportunities — best after sunset for lights and performances. Open ~4:00pm–midnight.
AED20 (≈INR450), 3h0m.

9:30pm

Dinner — Global Village Street Food

Sample many inexpensive world cuisines at food stalls while capturing lively night scenes and light displays.
AED50 (≈INR1,125), 1h0m.

Day 5: Palm 360 Pool

Palm Jumeirah / JBR, UAE on December 23, 2025

8:30am

Hotel Breakfast (included)

Leisurely buffet breakfast included at your hotel — fuel up for a long morning at the Palm 360 pool area.
INCLUDED, 1h0m.

10:00am

Palm 360 Pool — Morning to Afternoon (10:00am–2:00pm)

Enjoy a dedicated pool/beach club session at a Palm Jumeirah venue (commonly marketed as 'Palm 360' style day‑pass or beachfront club) for relaxed sun, stylish pool photos and Atlantis views; perfect for golden late morning and early afternoon photography. Book a day pass or cabana for comfort.
AED150 (day pass) (≈INR3,375), 4h0m.

2:15pm

Lunch — The Pointe / Atlantis View

Late lunch with views of Atlantis from The Pointe or nearby beachfront restaurants; ideal after the pool session to change and freshen up.
AED90 (≈INR2,025), 1h15m.

3:45pm

Palm Jumeirah Drive & Atlantis Photo Stop

Drive along the Palm trunk and stop at the public Palm viewpoint for classic Atlantis and Dubai skyline photos — great late‑afternoon light.
FREE, 1h0m.

5:00pm

Marina Promenade or Optional Sunset Cruise

Walk Dubai Marina for skyline shots or take a short sunset cruise (30–60 min) for stunning water‑level photos of the high‑rises (walk is free; cruise is paid).
AED0 (stroll) or AED120 (cruise) (≈INR2,700), 1h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Marina / Pier 7

Dinner at Pier 7 or a Marina restaurant for night skyline photography and a comfortable evening meal.
AED120 (≈INR2,700), 1h30m.

Day 6: Desert Safari

Desert (near Dubai), UAE on December 24, 2025

8:30am

Hotel Breakfast (included)

Light breakfast; keep the morning relaxed as the desert program starts mid/late afternoon with pickup from your hotel.
INCLUDED, 1h0m.

11:00am

Morning Free: Pool / Souvenir Shopping

Relax, pack a small bag for the safari evening, or do last‑minute shopping. Good time to charge batteries and back up photos.
FREE, 3h0m.

3:00pm

Pickup for Red Dune Safari (approx 3:00–4:00pm)

Operator picks you up from the hotel for a ~7‑hour red dune safari: dune bashing, optional quad bike (often available as add‑on), camel ride, sunset photo stop, henna, live entertainment and BBQ dinner. Ideal for sunset desert photos.
AED350 (≈INR7,875), 7h0m.

10:30pm

Return to Hotel

Arrive back late; relax and review desert photos. Safari includes BBQ dinner so you’ll be well fed.
INCLUDED (in safari), 0h30m.

Day 7: Full Rest Day

JBR (Beachfront Hotel), UAE on December 25, 2025

8:30am

Hotel Breakfast (included)

Leisurely buffet breakfast. This is your dedicated rest day to enjoy hotel amenities and unwind; ideal for spending the day poolside, on the beach, and using spa services.
INCLUDED, 1h0m.

10:00am

Enjoy Hotel Facilities / Upgrade Night Recommended

Stay at a comfortable, safe beachfront hotel like Amwaj Rotana JBR, Hilton Dubai The Walk or Rixos Premium JBR (all offer good pools, beach access and strong guest reviews). Consider an upgrade for better spa and cabana options — spend the day relaxing and taking stylish hotel photos.
AED550 (upgrade estimate) (≈INR12,375), All day.

1:00pm

Lunch — Hotel Poolside Restaurant

Light lunch poolside or room service to keep the day restful and convenient.
AED120 (≈INR2,700), 1h0m.

3:00pm

Spa / Pool / Beach Relaxation

Book a spa treatment, enjoy the pool, or rent a cabana for privacy and comfort; excellent opportunities for relaxed lifestyle photography.
AED250 (spa/cabana optional) (≈INR5,625), 2h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Hotel Restaurant

Relaxed dinner at the hotel’s restaurant (not included in room rate) — enjoy a calm evening and prepare for departure tomorrow.
AED140 (≈INR3,150), 1h30m.

Day 8: Checkout & Return

Dubai → Surat on December 26, 2025

8:00am

Hotel Breakfast (included) & Pack

Final buffet breakfast and packing — verify souvenirs comply with customs allowances for India and ensure chargers/camera gear packed.
INCLUDED, 1h0m.

11:00am

Leisure / Last Minute Shopping or Beach Walk

Relaxed last morning: quick mall stop or beach walk depending on your energy and flight timing. Leave time buffer for airport transfer.
FREE, 3h0m.

6:00pm

Transfer to Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Depart hotel ~3–4 hours before international flight depending on airline check‑in requirements and traffic; prebook taxi or transfer.
AED70 (≈INR1,575), 40m0m.

9:00pm

Flight: Dubai (DXB) → Surat (STV)

Evening flight back to Surat on 26 Dec as requested — confirm exact flight times when booking. Flight ≈3 hours.
INR15000, 3h0m.

11:30pm

Arrival at Surat Airport

Arrive STV, collect baggage and transfer home. Trip concludes with memorable photos and relaxed downtime.
FREE, 0h30m.
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