7-Day Dubai Itinerary: Exploring the Jewel of the Middle East

Sunday, October 15: Arrival and Dubai Marina

Start your Dubai adventure with a visit to Dubai Marina. In the morning, take a stroll along the stunning waterfront promenade and marvel at the towering skyscrapers and luxurious yachts. In the afternoon, explore The Walk at JBR, a vibrant outdoor shopping and dining destination. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.

• Dubai Marina: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• The Walk at JBR: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Jones the Grocer located in Dubai Marina Mall. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast options such as avocado toast and poached eggs. Expect to spend around 50 AED per person for a meal.
• For lunch, try Eggspectation Dubai located in The Beach at JBR. This trendy restaurant offers a wide range of dishes including salads, sandwiches, and their famous eggs benedict. Average cost for a meal is about 80 AED per person.
• For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Pierchic. This restaurant is located at the end of a pier and offers stunning views of the ocean. Enjoy their seafood specialties and expect to spend around 300 AED per person for a meal.

Monday, October 16: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

Begin your day by visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take the elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Dubai. In the afternoon, explore the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls globally, and indulge in some retail therapy. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show right outside the mall.

• Burj Khalifa: Estimated cost - AED 149 for At the Top experience, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Dubai Mall: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Dubai Fountain: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 30 minutes

Tuesday, October 17: Old Dubai and Souks

Explore the charm of Old Dubai in the morning. Start with a visit to the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, home to the Dubai Museum. Take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to the bustling Deira area. In the afternoon, wander through the vibrant Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you can shop for unique souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Arabian dinner at a local restaurant.

• Al Fahidi Historic District: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Deira and Abra Ride: Estimated cost - AED 1 for abra ride, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Gold Souk and Spice Souk: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Arabian Dinner: Estimated cost - AED 100-150 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, October 18: Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Aquaventure

Embark on a day of adventure at Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Start your morning at the Atlantis Aquaventure water park, where you can enjoy thrilling water slides and relax on the private beach. In the afternoon, explore the luxurious resorts and indulge in a delicious lunch overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Spend the evening exploring The Pointe, a waterfront dining and entertainment destination.

• Atlantis Aquaventure: Estimated cost - AED 289 for full-day pass, Time spent - 6-8 hours
• The Pointe: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Thursday, October 19: Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner

Experience the thrill of a desert safari in the morning. Enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding in the vast desert. In the evening, immerse yourself in Bedouin culture with a traditional BBQ dinner under the starry sky. Watch mesmerizing belly dance performances and get henna tattoos as part of the desert safari experience.

• Desert Safari: Estimated cost - AED 200-300 per person, Time spent - 6-8 hours

Friday, October 20: Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village

Start your day with a visit to Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest flower garden. Marvel at the stunning floral displays and themed gardens. In the evening, head to Global Village, a cultural extravaganza featuring pavilions from different countries, live performances, and international cuisine. Shop for unique souvenirs from around the world.

• Dubai Miracle Garden: Estimated cost - AED 55 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Global Village: Estimated cost - AED 15 entrance fee, Time spent - 4-5 hours

Saturday, October 21: Jumeirah Beach and Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Spend your final day relaxing at Jumeirah Beach in the morning. Soak up the sun, swim in the turquoise waters, and enjoy beach activities. In the afternoon, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Arabian marketplace with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. Explore the souk's shops, galleries, and restaurants before bidding farewell to Dubai.

• Jumeirah Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, head to Al Bastakiya Quarter in Old Dubai. This charming neighborhood offers a glimpse into Dubai's past with its narrow alleyways, traditional wind towers, and art galleries. Another local favorite is the Dubai Creek Park, a vast green oasis perfect for picnics and bike rides.

Make sure to check hotel and flight prices here.