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Compact 8-Day Dubai + Abu Dhabi Highlights Itinerary (May 16–23, 2025)

Viewed by 73 travelers

Day 1: Arrival + Landmarks

Dubai, United Arab Emirates on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Airport pickup – Abu Dhabi to Dubai (private transfer)

Private transfer from Abu Dhabi airport to your Dubai hotel for a smooth start; travel time is roughly 1h30 depending on traffic. Book a private car for luggage comfort and door-to-door service.
AED400, 1h30m

10:30am

Breakfast (hotel or local café)

Light breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café (recommendation: Arabic breakfast at a local café or Tom&Serg for a fresh start); gives you energy before sightseeing. Confirm café opening hours with your hotel.
AED50, 1h0m

11:45am

Museum of the Future

A visually striking, cutting-edge interactive museum showcasing future technologies and design — a must-see for its architecture and immersive exhibitions. Check current opening hours and book timed tickets in advance (typical hours around 10:00–18:00).
AED145, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch — Meena Bazaar area

Lunch near Meena Bazaar to sample regional and South Asian specialties (recommendation: Al Ustad Special Kabab or a local Emirati/Indian restaurant). Meena Bazaar also gives you an early taste of old Dubai’s streets.
AED80, 1h0m

3:15pm

Meena Bazaar (Old Dubai / textile & souk stroll)

Explore Meena Bazaar’s narrow lanes for textiles, spices, souvenirs and local goods — great for photos and casual bargaining. Markets can be busy; wear comfortable shoes and keep hydration in mind.
AED0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Burj Khalifa – At The Top (evening / sunset slot)

Visit the world’s tallest building for panoramic views of Dubai and the coastline; the sunset / evening slot is highly recommended—book timed entry in advance. Check showtimes for Dubai Fountain if you want a combined experience.
AED224, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Dubai Mall / At.mosphere (optional)

Dine at one of the many restaurants in Dubai Mall or choose fine dining at At.mosphere in Burj Khalifa for a memorable meal; reservations are recommended. Confirm restaurant hours—many places stay open late.
AED350, 1h30m

9:30pm

Return to hotel & rest

Return to your Dubai hotel to relax after your first full day; review next-day plans and rest up for an active day at the Safari Park. Travel time depends on your hotel location.
AED0, 30m

Day 2: Wildlife & Marina

Dubai, United Arab Emirates on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local spot (recommendation: Baker & Spice or a hotel buffet) to fuel a long day. Check hotel breakfast times to coordinate early departures.
AED60, 1h0m

9:15am

Dubai Safari Park — VIP Experience

VIP package gives you close-up animal encounters, guided tours, and priority access to shows and exhibits — an excellent, family-friendly wildlife experience. Confirm the exact VIP inclusions and start time on your booking (park typical hours 9:00–17:00).
AED350, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at or near Safari Park

Lunch at one of the park’s cafes or a nearby restaurant — quick, convenient, and keeps you on schedule for the afternoon. Many park eateries offer kid-friendly menus.
AED70, 45m

3:00pm

Dubai Outlet Mall (shopping)

Head to Dubai Outlet Mall for discounted designer and high-street brands; ideal for bargain shopping. Outlet malls typically open from late morning to late evening—check mall hours and traffic/time budget (this mall is a drive away from the park).
AED0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Local market stroll / quick souq visit

Visit a local market or souq en route to Marina for authentic finds and small purchases — a good complement to the outlet experience. Markets vary in opening hours, so check local listings.
AED0, 45m

6:30pm

Dubai Marina promenade & dinner

Stroll the Marina promenade and choose from many waterfront restaurants (recommendation: Pier 7 restaurants for variety or a dhow cruise dinner for the experience). Evenings at the Marina are lively; book dinner reservations if you prefer a specific venue.
AED150, 2h0m

9:30pm

Return to hotel

Return to your hotel to relax after a full day of wildlife and shopping; consider earlier rest if you have an early limo pick-up tomorrow.
AED0, 30m

Day 3: City Views & Desert

Dubai, United Arab Emirates on May 18, 2025

9:00am

Limousine city tour (private limo transfer)

Enjoy a luxury limousine ride for a guided photo loop around key Dubai sights—ideal for relaxed sightseeing in style. Confirm pick-up window and route with the limo provider.
AED600, 1h30m

11:00am

The View at The Palm

Visit The View at The Palm for sweeping 360° vistas of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline; it’s a great contrast to the Burj Khalifa perspective. Check attraction hours (often mid-morning to evening) and prebook tickets.
AED100, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Palm Jumeirah / Nakheel Mall

Casual lunch at Nakheel Mall or Palm restaurants with sea views; quick and convenient before your desert adventure. Mall and restaurant opening times vary—confirm if you prefer a specific venue.
AED120, 1h0m

3:00pm

Desert safari (evening with BBQ & show)

Standard evening desert safari includes dune bashing, sunset photo stops, traditional camp activities, BBQ dinner and cultural shows — a highlight of any Dubai trip. Typical safari pickup begins mid-afternoon with return around 9:00–10:00pm; confirm exact pickup time and inclusions.
AED350, 6h0m

9:30pm

Return to hotel & rest

Late return to hotel after safari; unwind and recover for the next busy day. Expect a dusty but memorable evening—pack a change of clothes and sunscreen for the daytime portion.
AED0, 30m

Day 4: Theme Park & Transfer

Dubai → Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early buffet breakfast to prepare for a full day at Dubai Parks & Resorts (Legoland). Confirm hotel breakfast cut-off for early departures.
AED60, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Legoland Dubai (Dubai Parks & Resorts)

Transfer to Legoland Dubai — allow time for traffic; Legoland usually opens around 10:00. Prebook Legoland tickets and check park hours for rides and shows.
AED80, 30m

10:00am

LEGOLAND Dubai – full day

Enjoy rides, shows and themed attractions geared to families and fans of LEGO — ideal for kids and playful adults alike. Expect to spend most of the day; check ride maintenance schedules and opening hours.
AED265, 6h0m

4:30pm

Shopping (Mall of the Emirates or Ibn Battuta)

Quick shopping stop after Legoland—choose Mall of the Emirates for a broad selection including Ski Dubai or Ibn Battuta for themed shopping. Stores generally stay open late, but confirm closing times for specific stores.
AED0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Transfer to Abu Dhabi (private transfer)

Evening transfer to Abu Dhabi; journey time about 1h30 depending on traffic—this places you in Abu Dhabi for the next days’ Yas Island attractions. Book a private car for comfort after a long day.
AED400, 1h30m

9:30pm

Dinner in Abu Dhabi / hotel check-in

Check into your Abu Dhabi hotel and dine at the hotel restaurant or a nearby eatery (recommendation: Al Fanar for Emirati cuisine). Relax and prepare for Yas Island days.
AED150, 1h0m

Day 5: Ferrari World Day

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast and gather tickets for Ferrari World on Yas Island — opening times commonly around 11:00 but check the day’s schedule for early entry options. Plan arrival early to maximize time at the park.
AED60, 1h0m

10:30am

Travel to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Short transfer to Yas Island and Ferrari World; parking and shuttle options available. Confirm arrival time against park opening hours (usually around late morning to evening).
AED30, 30m

11:00am

Ferrari World — full day leisure

Spend the day enjoying world-class rollercoasters, family rides, and interactive exhibits celebrating Ferrari and speed. Buy fast-track or timed-entry rides if you want priority access to top attractions.
AED295, 7h0m

6:30pm

Dinner on Yas Island

Dine at Yas Marina or Yas Mall restaurants; many options for families and couples. Check restaurant reservation requirements especially on weekends.
AED150, 1h30m

8:30pm

Return to hotel

Return to your Abu Dhabi hotel to rest after an action-packed day. Consider arranging in-hotel spa or a quiet evening depending on energy levels.
AED0, 30m

Day 6: Warner Bros. Fun

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on May 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast and plan your day at Warner Bros. World — confirm park opening time (commonly around 11:00) and any show schedules. Prepare sunscreen and comfortable footwear.
AED60, 1h0m

10:30am

Travel to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Short transfer to the indoor Warner Bros. World on Yas Island; it’s climate-controlled, great for hot days. Check the daily show and character appearance times when you arrive.
AED30, 30m

11:00am

Warner Bros. World — day at leisure

Enjoy themed lands, rides and live character shows — ideal for both kids and adults who love classic characters. Purchase timed or VIP passes if you want shorter queues for major attractions.
AED295, 7h0m

6:30pm

Dinner on Yas Island

Choose from many dining options at Yas Mall, Yas Marina or inside the park for a relaxed evening meal. Reserve in advance for popular restaurants on weekends.
AED150, 1h30m

8:30pm

Return to hotel

Return to your hotel to relax after the theme park day; consider an evening walk along the Abu Dhabi Corniche if you’re not too tired.
AED0, 30m

Day 7: SeaWorld / Leisure

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast and decide whether to use this day as a leisure day or visit SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (recommended if you enjoy marine life exhibits and shows). Confirm SeaWorld opening hours and show times in advance.
AED60, 1h0m

10:00am

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (optional) — day at leisure

If you choose to visit, expect immersive marine habitats, large displays and educational exhibits that appeal to families and marine enthusiasts. Allocate most of the day; check ticket availability and timings.
AED200, 5h0m

3:30pm

Free afternoon — relax or explore Abu Dhabi

Use the afternoon to relax at your hotel, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi (if interested), or stroll the Corniche for scenic views. Louvre Abu Dhabi hours vary—book tickets if you plan to visit.
AED0, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — recommended Corniche or Yas Marina

Enjoy a final Yas Island or Corniche dinner with sea views, reflecting on the trip highlights. Make reservations if you have a specific restaurant in mind.
AED180, 1h30m

9:30pm

Return to hotel

Return to hotel to pack and rest before departure tomorrow evening. Confirm airport transfer details for the following day.
AED0, 30m

Day 8: teamLab & Departure

Dubai / Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast and hotel checkout prep

Have a final hotel breakfast and finish packing; keep essentials and travel documents handy for shuttle pickups. Confirm your transfers and the teamLab shuttle timetable the night before.
AED60, 1h0m

11:00am

teamLab Phenomena (free shuttle available)

Visit the immersive digital art experience (teamLab Phenomena) — check the free shuttle schedule offered by the venue or your hotel and prebook timed entry. Expect a 60–120 minute multisensory exhibit; confirm hours as they can vary (commonly mid-morning to evening).
AED120, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch nearby

Lunch near the teamLab venue or on the shuttle route — choose a light meal to keep comfortable before travel. Verify restaurant hours if you have a specific spot in mind.
AED100, 1h0m

4:30pm

Free time / last-minute shopping or hotel pick-up

Use spare time for last-minute shopping or to return to your hotel to collect luggage; ensure you are ready for transfer to the airport in the evening. Keep an eye on traffic between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
AED0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Transfer to Abu Dhabi Airport (drop-off)

Evening private transfer to Abu Dhabi airport for your departure; allow buffer time for airport check-in and security, especially for international flights. Confirm pickup time with your transfer provider and airline check-in closing times.
AED250, 1h30m
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