7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Dubai

Monday, December 25: Exploring Old Dubai

In the morning, start your adventure by visiting the Al Fahidi Historic District. Wander through the narrow alleyways, visit the Dubai Museum, and explore traditional Arabian architecture. In the afternoon, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to reach the bustling Deira neighborhood. Get lost in the vibrant Gold and Spice Souks. As the evening approaches, head to Al Bastakiya, one of Dubai's oldest neighborhoods, and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

• Al Fahidi Historic District: Estimated cost - FREE, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Abra ride: Estimated cost - AED 1, Time spent - 30 minutes
• Deira Gold and Spice Souks: Estimated cost - FREE (unless shopping), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Al Bastakiya: Estimated cost - FREE (unless dining), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Tuesday, December 26: Thrilling Desert Safari

Embark on an adventurous desert safari in the morning. Enjoy dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding in the vast Arabian desert. Indulge in a traditional Bedouin-style lunch at a desert camp. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Mall, where you can marvel at the spectacular Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. In the evening, witness the breathtaking Dubai Fountain show and treat yourself to a scrumptious dinner at one of the mall's many eateries.

• Desert Safari: Estimated cost - AED 200-300, Time spent - 5-6 hours
• Dubai Mall: Estimated cost - FREE, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Dubai Fountain: Estimated cost - FREE, Time spent - 30 minutes

Wednesday, December 27: Adrenaline at Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, a thrilling amusement park complex. Begin with a visit to Motiongate Dubai, where you can experience exhilarating rides based on Hollywood movies. In the afternoon, head to Bollywood Parks Dubai for a dose of Indian entertainment and Bollywood-themed attractions. In the evening, enjoy the exciting rides and attractions at LEGOLAND Dubai.

• Motiongate Dubai: Estimated cost - AED 175-250, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Bollywood Parks Dubai: Estimated cost - AED 175-250, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• LEGOLAND Dubai: Estimated cost - AED 175-250, Time spent - 3-4 hours

Thursday, December 28: Hiking in Hatta

Escape the city and embark on an adventurous hiking trip to Hatta. Marvel at the rugged landscapes, explore the Hatta Heritage Village, and visit the Hatta Dam. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, and if weather permits, take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of Hatta Pools. In the evening, return to Dubai and relax at your hotel.

• Hiking in Hatta: Estimated cost - AED 100-150, Time spent - 6-8 hours

Friday, December 29: Skydiving and Water Activities

Experience the ultimate thrill of skydiving over Dubai in the morning. Soar above the Palm Jumeirah and capture breathtaking views of the city. After an adrenaline-pumping adventure, head to one of Dubai's pristine beaches for some watersports activities, such as jet skiing or paddleboarding. In the evening, indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at one of the beachside restaurants.

• Skydiving: Estimated cost - AED 1,800-2,500, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Water activities: Estimated cost - AED 100-200, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday, December 30: Urban Exploration

Embark on an urban exploration adventure in the morning by visiting Dubai Marina. Take a leisurely stroll along the marina promenade and admire the stunning yachts. Visit The Walk at JBR, a bustling waterfront strip filled with shops and restaurants. In the afternoon, head to Dubai Miracle Garden, a vibrant floral paradise. End the day by enjoying the panoramic views from the top of the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa.

• Dubai Marina: Estimated cost - FREE, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• The Walk at JBR: Estimated cost - FREE (unless dining/shopping), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Dubai Miracle Garden: Estimated cost - AED 55, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Burj Khalifa: Estimated cost - AED 149-224, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Baker & Spice in Dubai Marina, where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries and a selection of organic breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
• For lunch, visit The Beach House at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and indulge in Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf. Average cost for a meal is about AED 150 per person.
• For dinner, dine at At.Mosphere, located on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa. This fine dining restaurant offers an exquisite menu and breathtaking views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about AED 500 per person.

Sunday, December 31: New Year's Eve Celebration

End your adventure in Dubai with a fantastic New Year's Eve celebration. Join the festivities at one of the city's iconic locations, such as Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, or Jumeirah Beach. Enjoy spectacular fireworks displays, live performances, and indulge in a memorable dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Welcome the new year with excitement and joy!

• New Year's Eve Celebration: Estimated cost - Varies (depending on venue), Time spent - 4-6 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to The Sum of Us, a trendy café known for its artisanal coffee and innovative breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
• For lunch, try Arabian Tea House, a charming restaurant that offers a variety of Middle Eastern delicacies in a traditional setting. Average cost for a meal is about 80 AED per person.
• For dinner, dine at Pierchic, an upscale seafood restaurant located at the end of a pier with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. Average cost for a meal is about 400 AED per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For adventurous travelers looking to explore off the beaten path, make sure to visit Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE. Experience the adrenaline rush of zip-lining through the stunning mountain scenery. Another local favorite is Wadi Shawka, located near Hatta. Hike through this picturesque wadi, swim in natural pools, and enjoy breathtaking views. Both attractions offer an unforgettable adventure away from the bustling city.

Check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.