Arrive at DXB and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up; many hotels allow luggage drop if early arrival. This keeps your first day relaxed so you can adjust to local time.
Enjoy a relaxed, traditional Emirati-style breakfast at Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi; it’s vegetarian-friendly and atmospheric. They typically open around 9:00am — great first taste of Old Dubai.
Wander the restored wind-tower houses and visit Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort to learn the city’s pre-oil history; the area is best explored on foot and is open daily (museum usually 8:30am–8:30pm).
Cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra (water taxi) for a small fare and walk the Gold and Spice Souks; abra services run from early morning to late evening and are an inexpensive, authentic experience.
Have a hearty South Indian vegetarian meal at Saravanaa Bhavan with reliable vegetarian options and quick service; outlets in Deira are typically open all day.
Walk the Al Seef promenade for photos of reimagined heritage architecture, cafés and creek views — shops and cafés usually open until late evening. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to spend the afternoon.
Enjoy Levantine street-food-style vegetarian dishes (falafel, hummus, salads) at Zaroob; many branches close around midnight, and vegetarian choices are plentiful and flavourful.
Start with a nutritious breakfast at one of Dubai Mall's cafés (e.g., Bounty Beets, Paul or other healthy cafés) which offer solid vegetarian options and early opening times (malls typically open 10:00am but cafés open earlier).
Explore Dubai Mall’s shops and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (Aquarium typically open 10:00am–12:00am); it’s an impressive indoor experience and convenient when combined with Downtown sightseeing.
Choose a fresh, vegetable-forward lunch at a health-conscious spot near the mall or Souk Al Bahar; vegetarian and vegan menus are commonly available and cafés open through midday.
Pre-book 'At The Top' Burj Khalifa tickets for the afternoon slot; the observation decks are open roughly 8:30am–11:30pm with varying time slots — check and reserve ahead for best views.
Return to your hotel to rest and recharge before the evening; this break helps you avoid the late-afternoon crowds and prepares you for dinner and the fountain show.
Watch the Dubai Fountain shows outside Dubai Mall — shows typically run from 6:00pm and every 30 minutes in the evenings; it’s free and spectacular at sunset or after dark.
Dine at a nearby Lebanese or Indian vegetarian-friendly restaurant (Zaitoon, Zaroob, or a dedicated vegetarian spot) that offers varied veg dishes; many Downtown restaurants are open until 10:30pm–11:00pm.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a Marina café where fresh vegetarian options are plentiful; many cafés open by 7:30–8:00am to capture morning light over the water.
Take a 60–90 minute shared yacht or traditional dhow cruise from the Marina for skyline views; cruises usually depart late morning through evening and are comfortable for photos and relaxation.
Relax on JBR beach or head to nearby La Mer for colourful beach time and beachfront cafes; beaches are typically open from dawn to late evening (public beaches are free).
For the evening choose a vegetarian-friendly dinner on a Marina dhow cruise or reserve a table at one of Pier 7’s restaurants with multiple veg choices; dinner cruises and restaurants usually operate until late.
Explore Atlantis’s Lost Chambers Aquarium to see themed marine exhibits; the aquarium typically opens around 10:00am, so allow time for arrival and tickets.
Spend the afternoon at Aquaventure Waterpark (open approx 10:00am–6:00pm) for slides and private beaches, or skip to more relaxed activities if you prefer calm; vegetarian food options are available within Atlantis if informed.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a good vegetarian selection; many Palm/Dubai Marina restaurants cater well to vegetarians and stay open until late evening.
Rest and prepare for your desert safari pick-up (most operators collect guests around 3:00–4:00pm); ensure you request vegetarian meal options when you confirm your booking.
Enjoy dune bashing, sunset photos, camel rides and an evening with live entertainment; typical desert safaris run 3:30pm–9:30pm and include a buffet dinner with vegetarian options on request.
If you still have energy, stop at Global Village (open seasonally from October to April, usually evenings from about 4:00pm–midnight) for food stalls, pavilions and shopping — confirm the seasonal opening dates for your travel week.
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — guided visits are free but opening times are generally 9:00am–10:30pm (check prayer times and dress code); it’s architecturally breathtaking.
Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum (typically open 10:00am–8:00pm) with its striking architecture and global collections; the museum has cafés with vegetarian choices.
Choose a calm, sit-down lunch with good vegetarian choices in Abu Dhabi — many restaurants around the Corniche and Yas Island offer extensive veg menus and are open through the afternoon.
Visit the presidential palace Qasr Al Watan (if open, entry approx AED60) or head to Yas Island for a stroll along Yas Marina and photo stops; check site openings and ticket requirements before you go.
Enjoy a last evening dinner at a refined vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Dubai — reserve ahead for a set menu or chef’s recommendations and request vegetarian specialities.
Have breakfast at your hotel and complete check-out procedures; hotels typically require check-out by late morning but can store luggage if your flight is later.
If time permits, do any last-minute shopping at Dubai Mall or a local souk for souvenirs; shops usually open from 10:00am but many mall cafés open earlier if you want coffee and a final pastry.
Allow 1–1.5 hours to reach Dubai International Airport depending on location and traffic — arrive 2–3 hours before your international flight for check-in and security. Safe travels!