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Dubai 7-Day Itinerary

Friday, September 22: Arrival in Dubai

Welcome to Dubai! Start your trip by checking into a hotel and freshening up. In the morning, head to Jumeirah Beach for a relaxing stroll along the coastline and soak up the sun. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck. As the evening sets in, explore the Dubai Mall, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

  • Jumeirah Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Burj Khalifa: AED 165 ($45) for non-prime hours, 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Mall: Free, 2-3 hours
Saturday, September 23: Old Dubai Exploration

Discover the historic side of Dubai today. In the morning, visit the Dubai Museum, housed within the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, and learn about the city's rich heritage. Afterward, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Bastakiya, known for its traditional wind-tower houses and art galleries. In the afternoon, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to the bustling Deira area, where you can explore the bustling souks (markets) and shop for spices, gold, and textiles. For the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local Arabic restaurant.

  • Dubai Museum: AED 3 ($0.82), 1-2 hours
  • Bastakiya: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Abra Ride: AED 1 ($0.27), 1 hour
  • Deira Souks: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dinner at Arabic Restaurant: AED 100 ($27) per person, 2 hours
Sunday, September 24: Desert Safari Adventure

Experience the thrill of the desert today. In the morning, embark on an exhilarating desert safari with activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. Enjoy a traditional Emirati lunch at a desert camp and immerse yourself in Bedouin culture. In the afternoon, relax at the camp, go for a quad biking adventure, or try a henna tattoo. As the sun sets, savor a scrumptious barbecue dinner while being entertained by belly dancers and traditional performances.

  • Desert Safari: AED 250-350 ($68-$95) per person, 6-7 hours
  • Additional Activities at Desert Camp: Varies, 2-3 hours
Monday, September 25: Modern Dubai Highlights

Explore the modern side of Dubai today. Start your morning at the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island known for its luxurious resorts and the iconic Atlantis, The Palm. Take a monorail ride to get a panoramic view of the palm-shaped island. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Marina, an impressive waterfront development, and take a relaxing walk along the promenade. For the evening, indulge in a dinner cruise aboard a traditional dhow (Arabic boat) while enjoying stunning views of the city skyline.

  • Palm Jumeirah: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Marina: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise: AED 200-300 ($54-$81) per person, 2-3 hours
Tuesday, September 26: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

Embark on a day trip to the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. In the morning, visit the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece. Explore the cultural hub of the city, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which houses an impressive collection of art from around the world. In the afternoon, head to Yas Island and indulge in some thrilling activities at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or cool off at Yas Waterworld. Return to Dubai in the evening.

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi: AED 60 ($16) for adults, 2-3 hours
  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: AED 295 ($80) for a day pass, 4-5 hours
  • Yas Waterworld: AED 250 ($68) for a day pass, 4-5 hours
Wednesday, September 27: Modern Architecture and Shopping

Discover the impressive modern architecture and indulge in retail therapy today. Start your day by visiting the Dubai Frame, an iconic structure offering panoramic views of both old and new Dubai. In the afternoon, explore the Mall of the Emirates, a vast shopping complex home to luxurious brands, a ski slope, and an indoor amusement park. For the evening, visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, a floral paradise featuring stunning displays and intricate designs.

  • Dubai Frame: AED 50 ($14) for adults, 2-3 hours
  • Mall of the Emirates: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Dubai Miracle Garden: AED 55 ($15) for adults, 2-3 hours
Thursday, September 28: Dubai Marina and Evening Cruise

Make the most of your last day in Dubai. Start your morning by exploring the vibrant Dubai Marina once again, and consider taking a boat tour to see the stunning waterfront skyscrapers up close. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Mall once more for any last-minute shopping or to explore the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. For your final evening, embark on a dhow dinner cruise along Dubai Marina, enjoying a delicious buffet dinner while taking in the stunning cityscape.

  • Dubai Marina: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Mall: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise: AED 200-300 ($54-$81) per person, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Dubai, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Al Fahidi Historic District. This charming neighborhood is filled with narrow alleyways, traditional courtyard houses, and art galleries, providing a glimpse into Dubai's past. Another hidden gem is the Dubai Miracle Garden, a colorful oasis adorned with millions of flowers arranged in unique patterns and structures. Locals also love to visit the Alserkal Avenue, an arts and culture hub that houses contemporary art galleries, design studios, and trendy cafes.

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