Welcome to Dubai! After arriving at the airport, make your way to your hotel to settle in. In the morning, start your exploration by visiting the historic district of Bastakiya. Wander through the narrow lanes lined with traditional wind-tower houses and art galleries. In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Museum housed in the Al Fahidi Fort to learn about the city's heritage. As evening falls, take a stroll along Dubai Creek and enjoy the views of the city's skyline.
Bastakiya: Free, 2-3 hours
Dubai Museum: AED 3 (USD 0.82), 1-2 hours
Dubai Creek: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Le Pain Quotidien - Enjoy a delicious and wholesome breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, known for their organic and freshly baked bread. Average cost for a meal is about AED 40 per person.
Lunch: Arabian Tea House - Indulge in traditional Emirati cuisine at Arabian Tea House. From mouthwatering kebabs to aromatic biryanis, this cozy restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
Dinner: Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant - Experience panoramic views of Dubai while savoring a delectable buffet dinner at Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant. Enjoy a wide range of international cuisines along with live cooking stations. Average cost for a meal is about AED 200 per person.
Friday, October 20: Modern Dubai
Start your day at the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take an elevator to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Mall, a massive shopping and entertainment complex. Explore its countless shops, dine at the diverse food courts, and marvel at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. In the evening, head to the Dubai Marina Walk and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade.
Burj Khalifa: AED 149 (USD 40), 2-3 hours
Dubai Mall: Free, time varies
Dubai Marina Walk: Free, 1-2 hours
Saturday, October 21: Jumeirah Beach and Old Souks
Start your morning by visiting Jumeirah Beach, one of Dubai's most popular stretches of coastline. Relax on the sandy shores and take a dip in the turquoise waters. In the afternoon, explore the traditional markets of Dubai. Begin with the Gold Souk, known for its dazzling array of gold and jewelry. Then make your way to the nearby Spice Souk, where you can immerse yourself in the aromas and colors of exotic spices. In the evening, take a traditional abra boat ride across the Dubai Creek.
Jumeirah Beach: Free, time varies
Gold Souk: Free, 1-2 hours
Spice Souk: Free, 1-2 hours
Abra Boat Ride: AED 1 (USD 0.27), 30 minutes
Sunday, October 22: Desert Safari Adventure
Embark on an exciting desert safari adventure today. In the morning, take a thrilling dune bashing ride in a 4x4 vehicle, exploring the golden sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Afterward, experience camel riding and sandboarding. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style dinner in a desert camp while watching mesmerizing cultural performances.
Desert Safari: AED 150-250 (USD 41-68), 6-7 hours
Monday, October 23: Dubai Parks and Resorts
Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, a large entertainment complex featuring various theme parks. Start with Motiongate Dubai, where you can indulge in thrilling rides and attractions inspired by Hollywood blockbusters. In the afternoon, visit Bollywood Parks Dubai to experience the vibrant colors and energy of Indian cinema. End your day at Riverland Dubai, a themed waterfront district offering dining and entertainment options.
Motiongate Dubai: AED 245 (USD 67), full day
Bollywood Parks Dubai: AED 245 (USD 67), full day
Riverland Dubai: Free, time varies
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Shakespeare and Co. located in Riverland Dubai. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options such as eggs benedict and pancakes. The average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
For lunch, try the Lebanese cuisine at Al Mashowa in Riverland Dubai. Enjoy flavorful dishes like kebabs and hummus in a vibrant and colorful setting. The average cost for a meal is about AED 80 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the delicious Indian dishes at Spicy Kerala in Bollywood Parks Dubai. This restaurant offers a range of authentic Kerala cuisine, including seafood and biryani. The average cost for a meal is about AED 70 per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Abu Dhabi Day Trip
On your final day, take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece. Explore the cultural heritage at the Heritage Village and delve into the city's history at the Emirates National Auto Museum. End your trip with a leisurely walk along the Corniche, a picturesque waterfront promenade.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Free, 1-2 hours
Heritage Village: Free, 1-2 hours
Emirates National Auto Museum: AED 50 (USD 14), 1-2 hours
Corniche: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a hearty breakfast, head to Baker & Spice located in Souk Al Bahar. They offer a variety of freshly baked goods and delicious breakfast options. An average meal here costs around 50 AED per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Saffron Dubai, a buffet-style restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm. Indulge in a wide range of international cuisines including Arabic, Asian, and European dishes. The average cost for a meal here is approximately 200 AED per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Pierchic, a renowned seafood restaurant located on a pier in the Arabian Gulf. With stunning views of the Dubai skyline, this elegant restaurant offers a fine dining experience with an average cost of about 500 AED per person for a full meal.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Dubai, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Al Fahidi neighborhood. This historic district offers a glimpse into Dubai's past with its traditional architecture and charming cafes. Another hidden gem is the Alserkal Avenue, an arts and cultural hub located in Al Quoz. Here you can find art galleries, creative spaces, and trendy cafes. For a unique experience, visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, a vibrant floral oasis showcasing stunning displays of flowers and plants.