In the morning, start your trip by visiting the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood. Explore the narrow lanes, traditional houses, and art galleries. Afternoon, head to the Dubai Museum and learn about the city's rich heritage. In the evening, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek and wander through the bustling souks.
Al Fahidi Neighborhood: Explore the area for free. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Dubai Creek and Souks: Abra ride costs AED 1 (approximately $0.27). Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Friday, November 24: Modern Dubai
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. In the afternoon, explore the Dubai Mall, home to numerous shops and attractions, including the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. In the evening, enjoy the stunning Dubai Fountain show.
Burj Khalifa: Entrance fee to the observation deck starts from AED 149 (approximately $40.58). Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Dubai Mall: Free to enter. Estimated time spent: 3-4 hours.
Dubai Fountain: Free to watch. Estimated time spent: 30 minutes.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Lime Tree Cafe, a cozy and inviting spot known for its fresh and healthy dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
For lunch, head to The Cheesecake Factory in Dubai Mall, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious sandwiches, salads, and of course, their famous cheesecakes. Average cost for a meal is about 100 AED per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Pierchic, an elegant seafood restaurant located on a pier overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy a fine dining experience with breathtaking views. Average cost for a meal is about 400 AED per person.
Saturday, November 25: Desert Safari Adventure
Embark on a thrilling desert safari adventure. In the morning, take a guided dune bashing tour in a 4x4 vehicle. Experience sandboarding and camel riding. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Arabian BBQ dinner while being entertained by belly dancers and a falcon show.
Desert Safari Tour: Prices start from AED 150 (approximately $40.92). Estimated time spent: 5-6 hours.
Sunday, November 26: Palm Jumeirah and The Atlantis
In the morning, visit Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island known for its luxury resorts and stunning views. Explore the Lost Chambers Aquarium at The Atlantis, which houses various marine species. In the afternoon, relax at one of the beautiful beaches on the Palm. In the evening, dine at one of the exquisite restaurants in the area.
Palm Jumeirah: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Lost Chambers Aquarium at The Atlantis: Entrance fee starts from AED 70 (approximately $19.07). Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Beach: Free to access. Estimated time spent: Flexible.
Monday, November 27: Dubai Marina and JBR
Start your day by exploring Dubai Marina, a waterfront area lined with luxurious yachts and skyscrapers. Take a relaxing walk along the Dubai Marina Walk and enjoy breakfast at one of the many cafes. In the afternoon, head to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and relax on the beach or indulge in water sports. In the evening, explore The Walk at JBR, known for its restaurants, shops, and street performers.
Dubai Marina Walk: Free to access. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
JBR Beach: Free to access. Estimated time spent: Flexible.
The Walk at JBR: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to La Brioche, a cozy cafe in Dubai Marina offering a variety of European and Middle Eastern breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about AED 40 per person.
For lunch, visit The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill at JBR, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh oysters and variety of dishes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 150 per person.
For dinner, try Pierchic, an upscale seafood restaurant located on a pier at Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf while dining on excellent seafood. Average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Tuesday, November 28: Dubai Parks and Resorts
Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, an entertainment complex featuring multiple theme parks. Enjoy thrilling rides at Motiongate Dubai, explore the world of Bollywood at Bollywood Parks Dubai, and cool off at Legoland Water Park. In the evening, catch one of the live shows or musical performances in the area.
Dubai Parks and Resorts: Prices start from AED 245 (approximately $66.85) for a one-day pass to all parks. Estimated time spent: Full day.
Wednesday, November 29: Cultural Discovery
In the morning, visit the traditional neighborhood of Bastakiya and explore its art galleries and cafes. Then, head to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for a cultural interaction session. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning floral paradise. In the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise along Dubai Marina.
Bastakiya: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: Cultural interaction session costs AED 70 (approximately $19.07). Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
Dubai Miracle Garden: Entrance fee is AED 55 (approximately $15). Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Dinner Cruise: Prices start from AED 150 (approximately $40.92). Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, visit the Alserkal Avenue, an arts and culture district showcasing contemporary art galleries, design studios, and cafes. Another local favorite is the Dubai Frame, offering panoramic views of the city's old and new areas. Don't forget to explore the traditional Emirati cuisine at local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Check hotel and flight prices for your Dubai trip here.