Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah 7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary
Day 1: Monday, October 23 - Dubai Arrival
Morning: Start your trip by exploring the historic neighborhood of Al Bastakiya in Dubai's old town. Visit the Dubai Museum to learn about the city's rich history. In the afternoon, head to the iconic Burj Khalifa and enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck. As the evening sets in, wander around the vibrant souks of Deira and indulge in some bargain shopping.
For breakfast, head to Baker & Spice located in Al Bastakiya. Enjoy their freshly baked pastries and organic dishes. The average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
For lunch, try Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi District. This traditional Emirati restaurant offers a variety of authentic dishes such as shawarma and hummus. The average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
For dinner, visit Al Shamsi Restaurant in Deira. Indulge in delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, including kebabs and mixed grills. The average cost for a meal is about AED 70 per person.
Day 2: Tuesday, October 24 - Dubai
Morning: Start your day at Jumeirah Beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline. Relax and soak up the sun. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls. Explore its many attractions, including the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. In the evening, catch the Dubai Fountain show, a mesmerizing water and light spectacle.
For breakfast, head to The Mall Café located in the Dubai Mall. Enjoy a delicious selection of breakfast items such as pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 40 AED per person.
For lunch, try the Arabian Tea House Café in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Indulge in traditional Emirati dishes like Mandi and Machbous, along with a variety of teas. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
For dinner, dine at Pierchic, a stunning overwater seafood restaurant overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy fresh seafood delicacies like lobster and oysters, in a romantic setting. Average cost for a meal is about 500 AED per person.
Day 3: Wednesday, October 25 - Abu Dhabi
Morning: Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi. Start by visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece. In the afternoon, explore Yas Island, home to Ferrari World, the world's largest indoor theme park, and enjoy thrilling rides. In the evening, head to the Corniche waterfront and enjoy a relaxing stroll.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Free, 2-3 hours
Ferrari World: AED 295-350 (USD 80-95), 4-5 hours
Corniche: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Circle Cafe in Abu Dhabi, a cozy spot known for its delicious American-style breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 50 AED per person.
For lunch, try Al Arish Restaurant, which offers a variety of authentic Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes. Enjoy their delicious food at an average cost of 30 AED per person.
In the evening, indulge in dinner at Sambusek, an Arabic restaurant located in the Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel. Sambusek offers a range of mouthwatering traditional Middle Eastern dishes at an average cost of 150 AED per person.
Day 4: Thursday, October 26 - Sharjah
Morning: Visit the Sharjah Arts Museum and explore its extensive collection of contemporary and traditional artworks. In the afternoon, explore the traditional Al Qasba area, known for its beautiful canal and boardwalk. Take a boat ride on the Khalid Lagoon. In the evening, visit the Sharjah Heritage Area and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Sharjah Arts Museum: AED 10 (USD 2.72), 2-3 hours
Al Qasba: Free, time spent varies
Sharjah Heritage Area: Free, time spent varies
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pantry Café, located in Sharjah. Enjoy their wide variety of breakfast options, including fresh pastries, eggs, and coffee. The average cost for a meal is about AED 35 per person.
For a tasty and affordable lunch, head to Al Zahra Restaurant. This local eatery offers a range of Middle Eastern dishes, such as shawarma and falafel. The average cost for a meal is about AED 25 per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Bait Al Mandi Restaurant, known for its authentic Yemeni cuisine. Try their flavorful Mandi rice dishes and traditional grilled meats. The average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
Day 5: Friday, October 27 - Dubai
Morning: Explore the traditional neighborhood of Bastakiya in Dubai and visit the Dubai Museum. In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Miracle Garden, a colorful floral paradise. In the evening, visit the Dubai Marina Walk and enjoy the stunning views of the waterfront.
Bastakiya: Free, 2-3 hours
Dubai Museum: AED 3 (USD 0.82), 1-2 hours
Dubai Miracle Garden: AED 55 (USD 15), 2-3 hours
Dubai Marina Walk: Free, time spent varies
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Baker & Spice in Dubai, an organic bakery that offers freshly baked goods and healthy breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
For lunch, try Operation:Falafel in Dubai, a popular spot known for its delicious falafels and Middle Eastern street food. The average cost for a meal is about AED 35 per person.
For dinner, visit Al Fanar Restaurant in Dubai, a traditional Emirati restaurant that serves authentic Arabic cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about AED 100 per person.
Day 6: Saturday, October 28 - Dubai
Morning: Take a desert safari tour and experience thrilling activities like dune bashing and camel riding. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Mall and indulge in some shopping. In the evening, explore the vibrant nightlife of Dubai at JBR Walk, known for its restaurants and entertainment options.
Desert Safari: AED 100-300 (USD 27-82), 4-5 hours
Dubai Mall: Free, time spent varies
JBR Walk: Free, time spent varies
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Eggspectation in Jumeirah Beach Residences. This trendy breakfast spot offers a variety of delicious egg dishes and breakfast classics. The average cost for a meal is about AED 70 per person.
For lunch, try Bu Qtair in Al Sufouh. This hidden gem is a seafood shack known for its fresh and flavorful fish dishes. The average cost for a meal is about AED 40 per person.
For dinner, visit Tomo in Raffles Dubai. This upscale Japanese restaurant offers panoramic views of the city skyline and serves authentic Japanese cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about AED 300 per person.
Day 7: Sunday, October 29 - Dubai Departure
Morning: Enjoy your last day in Dubai by visiting the Dubai Marina and taking a relaxing boat ride. In the afternoon, explore the Palm Jumeirah, an iconic man-made island. End your trip with a visit to the Mall of the Emirates, where you can shop and even hit the ski slopes at Ski Dubai. Depart from Dubai in the evening.
Dubai Marina: Free, 2-3 hours
Palm Jumeirah: Free, time spent varies
Mall of the Emirates: Free, time spent varies
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Sum of Us in Dubai, where you can enjoy delicious eggs benedict and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
For lunch, try Arabian Tea House in Dubai for an authentic Emirati experience. They serve traditional dishes like machboos and grilled meats. The average cost for a meal is about 70 AED per person.
For dinner, visit Sambusek in Abu Dhabi, a Lebanese restaurant known for its mezze platters and grilled meats. The average cost for a meal is about 120 AED per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a shoestring budget experience, don't miss the Al Fahidi Historic District in Dubai, where you can explore traditional Emirati architecture and visit art galleries. In Abu Dhabi, the Heritage Village offers a glimpse into the city's past with reconstructed traditional houses and workshops. In Sharjah, the Sharjah Archaeology Museum showcases the region's rich archaeological heritage. These attractions provide unique insights into the local culture and history without breaking the bank.