Welcome to Dubai, the city of dreams! After arriving at Dubai International Airport, check-in to your hotel and freshen up. Spend the morning exploring the historic district of Al Fahidi, known for its charming wind-tower houses and narrow lanes. Head to the Dubai Museum to learn about the city's rich heritage. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls, and marvel at the iconic Burj Khalifa. In the evening, enjoy the stunning Dubai Fountain show, accompanied by breathtaking music.
Al Fahidi District & Dubai Museum: Free, 2-3 hours
Dubai Fountain: Free, show every 30 minutes, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Baker & Spice, located in Souk Al Bahar. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and artisanal breads. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Operation: Falafel in Downtown Dubai. Enjoy their authentic Middle Eastern dishes, especially their flavorful falafel wraps. Average cost for a meal is about 35 AED per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Thiptara, a Thai restaurant located in The Palace Downtown. Feast on their exquisite Thai cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of the Dubai Fountain. Average cost for a meal is about 200 AED per person.
Saturday, September 23: Desert Safari Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating desert safari adventure today. In the morning, visit the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and witness the pristine beauty of the desert ecosystem. Enjoy activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. Afterward, experience traditional Arabic hospitality at a desert camp, where you can indulge in a delicious barbecue dinner while being entertained by belly dancers and tanoura performers.
Desert Safari with Dinner: AED 250-350 ($70-95), 6-8 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Farm, located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Indulge in a scrumptious array of organic dishes while enjoying views of the serene desert landscape. Average cost for a meal is about AED 70 per person.
For lunch, head to Qasr Al Sultan, where you can feast on traditional Arabian cuisine in a luxurious setting reminiscent of a royal palace. Delight in flavorful mezze, grilled meats, and aromatic rice dishes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 150 per person.
As the sun sets, dine at Al Hadheerah, a mesmerizing desert restaurant offering a lavish buffet of international and Middle Eastern delicacies. Experience the ambiance of an Arabic desert souk while enjoying live cooking stations and an unforgettable feast. Average cost for a meal is about AED 250 per person.
Sunday, September 24: Modern Marvels
Today, explore the modern side of Dubai. Start your morning by visiting Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree. Take a monorail ride to the Atlantis, The Palm, and enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Marina and take a relaxing yacht cruise, admiring the impressive skyline. End your day with a visit to the Miracle Garden, a floral wonderland featuring incredible displays of colorful flowers and themed gardens.
For breakfast, head to Baker & Spice in Palm Jumeirah for a delightful experience of freshly baked goods and organic produce. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
For lunch, try Aquara Restaurant in Dubai Marina for a Mediterranean culinary journey with stunning marina views. Average cost for a meal is about AED 120 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of India at Tresind in the Palm Jumeirah. Experience modern Indian cuisine with a twist. Average cost for a meal is about AED 200 per person.
Monday, September 25: Cultural Delights
Immerse yourself in Dubai's cultural heritage today. Start your morning with a visit to the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in the city. Explore the traditional souks (markets) in the Deira district, including the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk, where you can shop for unique treasures. In the afternoon, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek and visit the Dubai Heritage Village to learn about Bedouin traditions and local craftsmanship.
For breakfast, head to The Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, where you can enjoy a traditional Emirati breakfast with dishes like balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs) and chebab (Emirati pancakes). Average cost for a meal is about AED 35 per person.
For lunch, try Al Ustad Special Kabab, a local favorite in Bur Dubai. Indulge in their famous Persian kebabs and other Middle Eastern delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
For dinner, visit Pierchic, an upscale seafood restaurant located at the end of a pier in Madinat Jumeirah. Enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Gulf while feasting on delicious seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Tuesday, September 26: Adventures in the Sky
Get ready for thrilling adventures in the sky today. Begin your day by visiting the Dubai Frame, an architectural marvel offering panoramic views of old and new Dubai. Explore the Dubai Miracle Garden, renowned for its record-breaking floral displays. In the afternoon, head to Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort located inside the Mall of the Emirates. Experience the joy of skiing or snowboarding amidst the desert city's heat.
For a delicious breakfast, head to Eggspectation restaurant located near the Dubai Frame. This cozy eatery offers a range of delectable breakfast options, such as eggs benedict and fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
If you're in the mood for a satisfying lunch, visit Aprons & Hammers located near the Dubai Miracle Garden. This seafood shack serves up fresh and flavorful seafood dishes, such as lobster rolls and shrimp buckets. Average cost for a meal is about 100 AED per person.
Treat yourself to a lavish dinner at Pierchic, a romantic waterfront restaurant near the Mall of the Emirates. Indulge in their exquisite seafood specialties and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Average cost for a meal is about 400 AED per person.
Wednesday, September 27: Beach Bliss
Indulge in the sun, sand, and relaxation today. Start your morning by visiting Kite Beach, a popular spot for water sports and beach activities. Enjoy a leisurely swim or simply relax under the warm Dubai sun. In the afternoon, explore The Walk at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), a vibrant waterfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. End your day by watching the mesmerizing sunset at the Dubai Marina.
Kite Beach: Free entry, water sports expenses vary, 3-4 hours
The Walk at JBR: Free entry, dining expenses vary, 2-3 hours
Dubai Marina: Free, sunset viewing, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breeze Beach Grill: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Breeze Beach Grill, located right on Kite Beach. Enjoy a variety of breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and freshly squeezed juices. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 60 AED per person.
Freedom Pizza: For a quick and casual lunch, head to Freedom Pizza at The Walk at JBR. This popular pizza joint offers a range of gourmet pizzas made with high-quality ingredients. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 40 AED per person.
Pierchic: Indulge in a memorable dinner at Pierchic, an elegant seafood restaurant situated at the end of a pier in Dubai Marina. Enjoy exquisite seafood dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. The average cost for a dinner at Pierchic is about 400 AED per person.
Thursday, September 28: Abu Dhabi Excursion
Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Start your morning by visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece. Explore the iconic Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, an amusement park dedicated to the famous luxury car brand. In the afternoon, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a stunning art and civilization museum. Return to Dubai in the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Emirati restaurant.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: AED 295-495 ($80-135), 4-6 hours
Louvre Abu Dhabi: AED 60-90 ($16-24), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Jones the Grocer, a popular café known for its gourmet food and specialty coffee. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
For lunch, head to Li Beirut, a Lebanese restaurant offering delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about AED 100 per person.
For dinner, indulge in authentic Emirati flavors at Al Fanar Restaurant & Café, known for its traditional ambiance and delicious local dishes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 150 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Explore the Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, a creative district showcasing contemporary art galleries, design studios, and unique retail spaces. Visit the Dubai Frame at sunset for breathtaking views of the city's skyline and golden hour photography opportunities. For a taste of local flavors, head to the Ravi Restaurant in Satwa, a popular spot serving delicious Pakistani and Indian cuisine.
For hotel and flight price comparisons, you can check here.