Budget-friendly 5N/6D Dubai + Abu Dhabi itinerary from Bangalore — Burj Khalifa, Old Dubai, Museum of the Future, Desert Safari, Aquaventure & Abu Dhabi day trip

Day 1: Downtown arrival

Dubai, UAE on October 13, 2025

9:00am

Arrival & hotel check-in / drop luggage

Check into your budget hotel or hostel in Downtown / Al Barsha; freshen up and store luggage so you can start exploring. Most hotels allow luggage drop even before official check-in.
AED0, 0h30m

9:30am

Breakfast — Karak/Local café

Start light with karak tea and paratha or a budget cafe breakfast near your hotel (Karak House or a local bakery); inexpensive and filling for a day of sightseeing.
AED25, 0h30m

11:00am

Dubai Mall window-shopping & Fountain area

Walk around Dubai Mall, see the Dubai Aquarium from outside if on a budget, and stroll the waterfront — sets you up for the Burj Khalifa visit. Shopping and sightseeing; mall opens early.
AED0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Burj Khalifa — At The Top (sunset slot)

Pre-book 'At The Top' sunset tickets for skyline views — iconic for first-time visitors. At The Top typically operates until late evening; sunset slot recommended for photos.
AED169, 1h30m

6:15pm

Dubai Fountain show & evening stroll

Catch the Dubai Fountain shows outside Dubai Mall after Burj Khalifa — free and frequent in the evening (shows start about every 30 minutes after sunset).
AED0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Dubai Mall food court or budget Lebanese

Choose from the mall food court for cheap variety or a budget Lebanese/Indian restaurant nearby for a proper meal; good value and easy for groups.
AED40, 1h

9:00pm

Return to hotel / rest

Early night after travel and the big first-day sights, or explore Downtown nightlife if you're energetic.
AED0, 0h30m

Day 2: Old Dubai

Dubai, UAE on October 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)

Traditional Emirati vibe and light breakfast in the Al Fahidi heritage area — great start for a day in Old Dubai. Confirm opening hours (generally early-open).
AED35, 0h45m

9:00am

Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood & Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)

Explore restored wind-tower houses and the Dubai Museum to learn about pre-oil life; museums usually open from morning to evening (check for seasonal changes).
AED3, 1h

10:30am

Abra ride across Dubai Creek

Take an authentic wooden abra across the creek — 10-minute ride and very cheap; great local experience and photo opportunity.
AED1, 0h15m

11:00am

Gold Souk & Spice Souk

Wander the famous Gold and Spice souks, haggle for souvenirs and spices; mornings are less crowded for browsing. Shops generally open by 10:00–10:30am.
AED0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Ravi Restaurant / budget desi eatery

Head to a budget-known spot for hearty Pakistani/Indian food (Ravi in Al Satwa area or equivalent) to keep costs low while enjoying local favourites.
AED30, 1h

2:30pm

Meena Bazaar & Naif Market shopping

Explore Meena Bazaar for textiles, jewellery & fabrics, then Naif for bargain clothes and accessories — great for gift shopping and affordable prices.
AED0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Al Seef promenade & heritage waterfront

Relax by the creek at Al Seef — a modern area with heritage styling, cafes and photo points; good place for tea before evening plans.
AED20, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner — Local seafood or shawarma

Try a budget-friendly local seafood shack (if near the creek) or grab top-rated shawarma from a local stall for a low-cost dinner.
AED35, 1h

8:30pm

Optional evening: Creekside photo walk or return to hotel

Quiet stroll along the lit creek or head back to the hotel early to prepare for the Abu Dhabi day trip tomorrow.
AED0, 0h45m

Day 3: Abu Dhabi day

Abu Dhabi, UAE on October 15, 2025

6:30am

Depart for Abu Dhabi (private taxi or shared coach)

Early departure to maximize Abu Dhabi time — drive is ~1.5–2 hours from Dubai depending on traffic. Book a budget shared coach or a taxi split to keep costs down.
AED60, 2h

9:00am

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Visit one of the world’s largest mosques; free entry but respectful dress required. Typical visiting hours 9:00am–10:30pm (note Friday morning closures for worship — check before you go).
AED0, 1h

10:30am

BAPS Hindu Mandir (Abu Dhabi)

Visit the beautiful BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi for cultural and photographic interest; open to visitors (check local visiting windows).
AED0, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch — Yas Mall food court

Quick affordable lunch at Yas Mall near the Yas Island attractions to fuel an afternoon of theme-park fun.
AED40, 1h

1:30pm

Ferrari World (Yas Island)

Spend the afternoon at Ferrari World (rides and exhibits); park hours commonly from 11:00am–8:00pm but confirm exact timings and buy tickets in advance for best prices.
AED295, 4h30m

6:30pm

Return to Dubai

Head back to Dubai by taxi or coach; expect 1.5–2 hours travel time depending on traffic — an evening return keeps accommodation in Dubai.
AED60, 2h

9:30pm

Dinner near hotel — light meal

Late light dinner at a nearby cafe or hotel restaurant; keep it simple after a long day.
AED35, 0h45m

Day 4: Modern Dubai

Dubai, UAE on October 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — hotel or local café

Light breakfast near your hotel; prepare for a packed day visiting modern landmarks.
AED25, 0h30m

10:00am

Museum of the Future

Explore futuristic exhibitions and interactive displays — Museum of the Future typically opens 10:00am–6:00pm but confirm slots and pre-book tickets (popular and timed entry).
AED145, 2h

12:30pm

Dubai Frame

Visit the Dubai Frame for panoramic city views and a short exhibition; usual hours approx 9:00am–9:00pm — a compact, quick stop.
AED50, 1h

2:00pm

Lunch — budget cafe near Zabeel / Karama

Choose a local eatery for affordable meals (shawarma, biryani or rice bowls) to keep costs low while you continue sightseeing.
AED30, 0h45m

3:30pm

Jumeirah Public Beach & Burj Al Arab photo stop

Relax on Jumeirah Beach and get iconic shots of Burj Al Arab from the public beach; free access though beach facilities may have small fees.
AED0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to hotel & rest

Short rest and prepare for the desert safari pickup — most desert operators pick up in late afternoon.
AED0, 0h45m

5:00pm

Desert safari with BBQ dinner (shared)

Pickup from hotel for dune bashing, camel photos, henna, and a BBQ dinner with entertainment. Typical shared package runs approx 5:00pm–9:30pm; confirm pickup time with operator.
AED180, 4h30m

9:45pm

Return to hotel

Drop back at hotel after the safari — expect to arrive late evening, so plan a light next morning.
AED0, 0h30m

Day 5: Palm & Marina

Dubai, UAE on October 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — hotel or nearby café

Simple breakfast to fuel a busy day at Aquaventure and later Marina activities.
AED25, 0h30m

10:00am

Aquaventure Waterpark (Atlantis, The Palm)

Spend a full fun-filled day at Aquaventure with slides, lazy river and private beach — park commonly opens at 10:00am; pre-book tickets to save time and money.
AED320, 6h

4:30pm

Return to hotel & freshen up

Short rest and change for the evening Marina activity; Atlantis-to-Marina travel ~30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
AED0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dubai Marina dhow cruise or shared dinner yacht

Budget-friendly dhow dinner cruise or shared yacht dinner offers night skyline views, dinner and often live entertainment — typical timings ~8:00pm–10:00pm. Book economy/shared options for savings.
AED150, 2h

10:30pm

Return to hotel

Short transfer back to hotel; final full evening in Dubai so you may want to pack for departure tomorrow.
AED0, 0h30m

Day 6: Last-minute shopping

Dubai, UAE on October 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & pack

Leisurely breakfast, final packing and check-out (most hotels offer luggage hold if your flight is later in the day).
AED25, 0h45m

9:30am

Final shopping — Dubai Mall or Outlet shopping

Use remaining time to pick up souvenirs at Dubai Mall, Karama (for cheap souvenirs), or an outlet mall for bargains. Malls usually open by 10:00am, but some areas are accessible earlier.
AED0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch — local eatery near hotel or mall

Quick budget lunch before airport transfer; choose a nearby food court or cafe for convenience.
AED35, 1h

1:30pm

Hotel pickup for airport transfer / head to airport

Collect luggage from hotel and head to DXB/DWC as per your flight schedule; allow 2–3 hours for airport formalities depending on your flight time.
AED60, 2h
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