Friday, December 1: Arrival and Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
Start your trip by relaxing after your flight and settling into your hotel. In the evening, embark on a Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise. Enjoy a delightful dinner aboard a traditional wooden boat while cruising along the stunning Dubai Marina. Marvel at the city's impressive skyline and capture memorable moments.
For breakfast, head to Eggspectation located in Dubai Marina Mall. Enjoy a variety of delicious breakfast dishes such as omelettes and pancakes. The average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
For lunch, dine at The Cheesecake Factory in Mall of the Emirates. Indulge in a wide selection of American cuisine including burgers, salads, and of course, their famous cheesecakes. The average cost for a meal is about AED 100 per person.
For dinner, try Pierchic, a romantic seafood restaurant located on a pier in Jumeirah Beach. Feast on fresh seafood dishes while enjoying stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Saturday, December 2: Ferrari World and Evening Desert Safari
Start your day by heading to Abu Dhabi to visit Ferrari World, an exciting theme park offering thrilling rides and attractions for the whole family. Experience the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, and immerse yourself in the world of Ferrari. In the evening, embark on a thrilling Desert Safari adventure. Enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a delicious BBQ dinner at a desert camp.
Ferrari World: Approx. 295 AED ($80) per person, full day
Desert Safari: Approx. 250 AED ($68) per person, 6 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Jones the Grocer located in Dubai Mall. They offer a wide selection of breakfast options and their average cost for a meal is about 75 AED per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch, try Zuma, known for their modern Japanese cuisine. Located in the DIFC area, their average cost for a meal is about 250 AED per person.
For a memorable dinner, visit Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. They offer a unique dining experience in a traditional Arabian setting, and their average cost for a meal is about 350 AED per person.
Sunday, December 3: Palm View and Dolphin Show
Take a trip to the iconic Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Visit Atlantis, The Palm, and explore its grandeur. Enjoy the Dolphin show at Dolphin Bay, where you can witness these intelligent creatures perform incredible tricks and displays of agility.
Palm Jumeirah: Free to visit, time spent based on preference
Dolphin Show at Dolphin Bay: Approx. 200 AED ($55) per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try The Palm Garden at Atlantis, The Palm. Enjoy a delicious spread of international breakfast options while overlooking the stunning views of Palm Jumeirah. The average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
For lunch, head over to Kaleidoscope at Atlantis, The Palm. Indulge in a buffet-style dining experience with an extensive selection of international cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
For dinner, dine at Nobu Dubai at Atlantis, The Palm. Experience exquisite contemporary Japanese cuisine in a stylish setting. The average cost for a meal is about $100 per person.
Monday, December 4: Miracle Garden and Global Village
Marvel at the Dubai Miracle Garden, a captivating floral oasis showcasing extravagant displays of flowers and plants. Take memorable photos among unique installations and themed gardens. In the evening, visit Global Village, a cultural extravaganza featuring pavilions of different countries selling distinctive products. Enjoy cultural performances, indulge in international cuisine, and shop for souvenirs.
Miracle Garden: Approx. 55 AED ($15) per person, 2-3 hours
Global Village: Entrance fee: Approx. 25 AED ($7), time spent based on preference
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Shakespeare and Co for delicious pastries and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
For lunch, try Reem Al Bawadi for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine including shawarma, grills, and mezze. Average cost for a meal is about 80 AED per person.
For dinner, visit Pierchic, a stunning seafood restaurant located on a pier overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Average cost for a meal is about 400 AED per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Reach new heights by visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Ascend to the observation decks for breathtaking views of Dubai's skyline. Afterward, explore the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls globally, offering a multitude of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Don't miss the stunning Dubai Fountain show, a choreographed water spectacle.
Burj Khalifa: Ticket price starts at 165 AED ($45) per person, 2-3 hours
Dubai Mall: Free to visit, time spent based on preference
Restaurants
Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at Baker & Spice. This charming café offers freshly baked pastries and a variety of organic breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Zaroob. This Middle Eastern restaurant serves authentic Lebanese street food in a vibrant setting. Average cost for a meal is about 70 AED per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Thiptara, a waterfront Thai restaurant with stunning views of the Dubai Fountain. Enjoy traditional flavors and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 250 AED per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Embark on an underwater adventure at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo located in the Dubai Mall. Explore the fascinating marine life through its walkthrough tunnel and encounter various species of fish, sharks, and rays. Enrich your knowledge about these aquatic creatures by visiting the educational exhibits and interactive displays.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Approx. 120 AED ($33) per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast in the vicinity, head to The Breakfast Club. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including fluffy pancakes, hearty omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try Eat Greek Kouzina. This Mediterranean restaurant offers a range of Greek dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and Greek salads. Average cost for a meal is about AED 80 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Pierchic. Located at the end of a pier overlooking the Arabian Gulf, this seafood restaurant offers an elegant and romantic setting. Indulge in their delectable seafood dishes while enjoying the stunning views. Average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Thursday, December 7: Explore Old Dubai and Souks
Discover the historical side of Dubai by exploring the Al Fahidi Historic District. Visit the Dubai Museum to learn about the city's past and traditional way of life. Take an abra (traditional boat) ride across the Dubai Creek to reach the bustling souks (markets). Explore the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Perfume Souk, where you can shop for unique items and experience the traditional Arabian market atmosphere.
Al Fahidi Historic District and Dubai Museum: Approx. 20 AED ($5.5) per person, 2-3 hours
Abra Ride: Approx. 1 AED ($0.3) per person, one-way
Souks: Free to visit, time spent based on preference
Restaurants
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Logma, a popular Emirati restaurant in Bur Dubai. Indulge in their traditional breakfast dish, Balaleet, for an average cost of AED 40 per person.
For lunch, head to Al Ustad Special Kebab in Al Fahidi. Enjoy their mouthwatering kebabs and delicious Arabic specialties for an average cost of AED 50 per person.
In the evening, dine at Arabian Tea House in Bastakiya for a delightful dinner. Savor their local Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes amidst the charming courtyard setting, with an average cost of AED 70 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Dubai Butterfly Garden, a serene sanctuary showcasing a variety of colorful butterflies. Another local favorite is the Dubai Parks and Resorts, a massive entertainment complex hosting different theme parks, including Motiongate, Legoland, and Bollywood Parks. Families can enjoy thrilling rides, live shows, and fun-filled attractions.