7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Day 1: Explore Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Al Meena Bakery

Start your day with delicious traditional pastries and Arabic coffee at Al Meena Bakery.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Al Meena Bakery.
10 AED, 1 hour

10:00AM

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and a must-see in Abu Dhabi.
Take a taxi or public bus to the mosque.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Al Ibrahimi Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious and affordable lunch at Al Ibrahimi Restaurant, known for its authentic Emirati cuisine.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
30 AED, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a cultural beacon that showcases art and artifacts from around the world.
Take a taxi or public bus to the museum.
30 AED, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Al Dhafra Restaurant

End your day with a satisfying dinner at Al Dhafra Restaurant, offering delicious Middle Eastern dishes at budget-friendly prices.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
40 AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Abu Dhabi Cultural Day

Abu Dhabi, UAE

9:00AM

Emirates Heritage Village

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the UAE at the Emirates Heritage Village, showcasing traditional Bedouin culture.
Take a taxi or public bus to the village.
5 AED, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Al Mira Restaurant

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Al Mira Restaurant, serving delicious Arabic cuisine with a local touch.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
25 AED, 1 hour

2:00PM

Qasr Al Hosn

Visit Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi that offers insights into the city's history and culture.
Take a taxi or public bus to Qasr Al Hosn.
15 AED, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Marina Mall

Explore Marina Mall for some budget-friendly shopping and enjoy the waterfront views.
Take a taxi or public bus to Marina Mall.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Reem Al Bawadi

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Reem Al Bawadi, a popular spot for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at reasonable prices.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
50 AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Abu Dhabi Beach Day

Abu Dhabi, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shakespeare and Co.

Start your day with a charming breakfast at Shakespeare and Co., known for its cozy ambiance and delicious menu.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Shakespeare and Co.
25 AED, 1 hour

10:00AM

Corniche Beach

Spend a relaxing day at Corniche Beach, one of Abu Dhabi's most popular public beaches with pristine sands and clear waters.
Take a taxi or public bus to Corniche Beach.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Al Arish Restaurant

Enjoy a tasty lunch at Al Arish Restaurant, offering a variety of Arabic dishes at affordable prices.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
35 AED, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kayaking at Eastern Mangroves

Experience kayaking at the beautiful Eastern Mangroves, a unique way to explore Abu Dhabi's natural beauty on a budget.
Take a taxi or public bus to Eastern Mangroves.
60 AED, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Afghan Khorasan Kabab

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Afghan Khorasan Kabab, known for its delicious kebabs and Afghan specialties at reasonable prices.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
45 AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Dubai

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Sum of Us

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at The Sum of Us, a trendy spot known for its artisanal bread and coffee.
Take a taxi or public transport to The Sum of Us.
30 AED, 1 hour

11:00AM

Dubai Museum

Explore Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort, a great place to learn about the history and culture of Dubai on a budget.
Take a taxi or public transport to Dubai Museum.
10 AED, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ravi Restaurant

Have a delicious and affordable lunch at Ravi Restaurant, a local favorite for Pakistani cuisine in Dubai.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Ravi Restaurant.
20 AED, 1 hour

3:00PM

Dubai Creek

Take a budget-friendly abra ride across Dubai Creek to soak in the old-world charm of the city.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Dubai Creek.
2 AED, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Dubai Gold Souk

Explore the glittering Gold Souk in Deira for budget-friendly shopping and to admire the dazzling displays of gold jewelry.
Take a taxi or public transport to Dubai Gold Souk.
Varies, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Bu Qtair

End your day with a seafood feast at Bu Qtair, a hidden gem serving fresh and flavorful seafood at affordable prices.
Take a taxi or public transport to Bu Qtair.
60 AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Dubai Desert Adventure

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker and Spice

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Baker and Spice, offering organic and locally sourced ingredients for a budget-friendly meal.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Baker and Spice.
40 AED, 1 hour

10:00AM

Desert Safari

Embark on a thrilling desert safari adventure to experience dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional entertainment in the Dubai desert.
Join a guided desert safari tour for transportation to the desert.
150 AED, 5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Dubai Frame

Head to Dubai Frame to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and learn about Dubai's past, present, and future in a budget-friendly way.
Take a taxi or public transport to Dubai Frame.
50 AED, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Operation: Falafel

Savor delicious falafel and Middle Eastern street food at Operation: Falafel, a casual dining spot offering affordable and flavorful dishes.
Take a taxi or public transport to Operation: Falafel.
35 AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Dubai Marina and Beach Day

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Park House

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Park House, a cozy cafe offering a range of breakfast options at reasonable prices.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Park House.
30 AED, 1 hour

11:00AM

Dubai Marina Walk

Stroll along Dubai Marina Walk, a bustling waterfront promenade lined with cafes, shops, and stunning views of the marina.
Take a taxi or public transport to Dubai Marina Walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Operation: Falafel

Enjoy a quick and delicious lunch at Operation: Falafel, known for its tasty wraps and budget-friendly Middle Eastern dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Operation: Falafel.
25 AED, 1 hour

3:00PM

JBR Beach

Relax at JBR Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing and water activities with a vibrant atmosphere along the Arabian Gulf.
Take a taxi or public transport to JBR Beach.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab, a legendary restaurant serving delicious kebabs and Arabic dishes at affordable prices.
Take a taxi or public transport to Al Ustad Special Kebab.
40 AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Dubai Souks and Farewell

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Start your day with a traditional Arabian breakfast at Arabian Tea House, a charming spot offering a taste of local flavors.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Arabian Tea House.
35 AED, 1 hour

11:00AM

Gold Souk and Spice Souk

Explore the vibrant Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira, where you can bargain for gold, spices, and souvenirs.
Take a taxi or public transport to the souks.
Varies, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Al Mallah

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Al Mallah, a local favorite for Lebanese street food and shawarma wraps in Dubai.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Al Mallah.
20 AED, 1 hour

3:00PM

Dubai Fountain Show

Witness the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain Show at the base of Burj Khalifa, a spectacular water and light performance set to music.
Take a taxi or public transport to the Dubai Fountain.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Dubai Mall

Explore Dubai Mall for some last-minute shopping and enjoy the diverse range of stores and entertainment options.
Take a taxi or public transport to Dubai Mall.
Varies, 2 hours

8:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Local House Restaurant

End your trip with a memorable farewell dinner at Local House Restaurant, savoring Emirati dishes in a cozy setting.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Local House Restaurant.
60 AED, 2 hours
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