Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

12-Day Dubai and Abu Dhabi Cultural & Leisure Itinerary for Medium Budget Travellers

Viewed by 141 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Dubai, UAE on December 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Enjoy a healthy and fresh organic breakfast at Baker & Spice, known for locally sourced ingredients. It's a great way to start your Dubai experience.
AED60, 1h

11:00am

Check-in and settle at your hotel

Check in to your medium budget hotel in central Dubai such as the Rove Downtown for convenience, comfort and access to many attractions.
AED0, 2h

2:00pm

Visit Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain

Explore Dubai Mall’s vast shops and attractions; stay for the spectacular Dubai Fountain show which runs every 30 minutes from 6pm onwards.
Free entry, shopping extra, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, Dubai Mall

Dine on a variety of international dishes with generous portions, ideal for medium budget travellers.
AED120, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dubai

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Dubai, UAE on December 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House, Al Fahidi

Experience traditional Emirati breakfast dishes in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood.
AED50, 1h

9:30am

Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and Dubai Museum

Discover the traditional Emirati lifestyle and history in restored wind-tower houses and at Dubai Museum (open 8:30am-8:30pm).
AED3, 2h

12:00pm

Abra ride across Dubai Creek

Take a traditional wooden boat ride for incredible views between Bur Dubai and Deira.
AED1, 30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Emirati and Middle Eastern cuisine beside the Creek in a charming setting.
AED80, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Gold and Spice Souks

Browse the vibrant markets for jewellery, spices and souvenirs in Deira, a lively traditional shopping experience.
Free entry, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to hotel for rest

Recharge before evening plans, refreshing at your accommodation.
AED0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ravi Restaurant

Savour popular Pakistani dishes at this local favourite, great for delicious eats on a medium budget (open till 11pm).
AED50, 1h
Find Hotels in Dubai

Day 3: Modern Dubai & Views

Dubai, UAE on December 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wild & The Moon

Healthy organic breakfast options in Downtown Dubai to energise your day.
AED65, 1h

9:30am

Visit Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - ‘At The Top’

Ascend the tallest building in the world for stunning panoramic views of Dubai (open 8:30am-11pm).
AED150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Souk Al Bahar, Level 2

Choose from a variety of restaurants with views over Burj Khalifa Lake to enjoy your meal.
AED100, 1h

2:00pm

Dubai Marina Walk & JBR Beach

Stroll along Dubai Marina’s waterfront promenade and relax at Jumeirah Beach Residences public beach.
Free access, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, Dubai Marina Mall

Enjoy casual dining with great views in a lively setting.
AED120, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dubai

Day 4: Desert Safari Adventure

Dubai, UAE on December 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Start early with breakfast included at your hotel to fuel your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Relax and free time at the hotel or explore local cafes

Morning at leisure to rest or visit nearby cafe for coffee.
Variable, 3h

2:30pm

Pick up for Desert Safari Tour

Embark on an exhilarating desert safari including dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding with sunset BBQ dinner (4:30pm-9:00pm).
AED250, 5h

9:30pm

Return to hotel

Rest after your adventurous day in the desert.
Included, Varies
Find Hotels in Dubai

Day 5: Leisure & Shopping

Dubai, UAE on December 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jones the Grocer, Mercato Mall

Enjoy a high-quality breakfast offering eggs benedict and fresh juices to start your day fresh.
AED65, 1h

10:00am

Visit Mall of the Emirates & Ski Dubai

Browse shops and visit Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort where you can experience snow in the desert (open 10am-11pm).
AED200 for Ski Dubai basic pass, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Paul Bakery & Restaurant, Mall of the Emirates

Relish French cuisine and classic pastries in a relaxed mall setting.
AED80, 1h

3:00pm

Return to hotel or visit La Mer Beach

Relax at La Mer Beach with its cafes, boutique shops and seaside vibe.
Free access, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bu Qtair Seafood Restaurant

Casual open-air restaurant offering fresh, grilled seafood in Jumeirah, famous for its local vibe and affordability.
AED70, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dubai

Day 6: Art & Relaxation

Dubai, UAE on December 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Tom&Serg Cafe

Enjoy a trendy café experience with fresh coffee and hearty breakfast options in Al Quoz industrial area.
AED60, 1h

10:00am

Visit Alserkal Avenue Contemporary Art Hub

Explore galleries featuring contemporary art, installations and creative spaces (open 10am-7pm).
Free entry, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wild & The Moon, Alserkal

Enjoy organic, plant-based meals in this artistic hub.
AED75, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at hotel or enjoy a spa treatment

Book a medium budget spa session to unwind before travel to Abu Dhabi.
Approx AED250, 2h

6:00pm

Early dinner at Shakespeare and Co.

Enjoy an eclectic menu including international favourites in stylish surroundings.
AED100, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dubai

Day 7: Transfer & Abu Dhabi Intro

Abu Dhabi, UAE on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with buffet breakfast included at your Dubai hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Travel by bus or taxi for approx 1.5-2 hours to Abu Dhabi, check in to your hotel.
AED50-150, 2h

12:00pm

Light lunch at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe

Enjoy Emirati traditional cuisine in a charming setting close to your hotel.
AED80, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Corniche Beach

Relax with views of the Arabian Gulf along Abu Dhabi’s scenic Corniche promenade.
Free access, 2h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relaxation time after travel or explore hotel amenities.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lebanese Flower Restaurant

Enjoy Lebanese mezze and grilled dishes at a popular mid-range restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
AED90, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Day 8: Grand Mosque & Cultural Sites

Abu Dhabi, UAE on December 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

Start your day with hearty Italian-inspired breakfast offerings.
AED70, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Explore one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, open daily 9am-10pm (closed Friday mornings).
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sahuaro

Enjoy Mexican cuisine with a view at this popular Abu Dhabi restaurant.
AED90, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi

Discover world-class art and exhibitions at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, open 10am-8pm (closed Mondays).
AED63, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Marina Mall Food Court

Casual dining with many options suitable for medium budgets while enjoying sea views.
AED70, 1h
Find Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Day 9: Heritage & Beach Day

Abu Dhabi, UAE on December 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Shakespeare and Co.

A mix of Western and Arabic favourites in a stylish setting.
AED65, 1h

9:30am

Visit Qasr Al Hosn

Tour Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building and cultural landmark featuring exhibitions and history (open 9am-7pm).
AED30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Al Ibrahimi

Casual dining with authentic South Asian cuisine popular among locals and tourists.
AED60, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Saadiyat Public Beach

Enjoy pristine beach and turquoise waters with good facilities and shaded areas.
AED30, 3h

5:00pm

Return to hotel & rest

Unwind after your day at the beach before dinner.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fish Market seafood restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the Abu Dhabi skyline at this popular seafood dining spot.
AED120, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Day 10: Leisure & Modern Attractions

Abu Dhabi, UAE on December 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Arabia

Try Middle Eastern inspired breakfast in a colourful and casual café.
AED55, 1h

10:00am

Explore Yas Island - Ferrari World or Warner Bros. World

Choose from adrenaline rides and entertainment at Ferrari World (open 11am-8pm) or Warner Bros World (open 11am-8pm).
AED295 entrance, 5h

3:30pm

Return to hotel

Rest and freshen up after your theme park adventure.
Included, Varies

7:00pm

Dinner at Cipriani Yas Island

Upscale Italian dining to celebrate your last nights in Abu Dhabi (reserve in advance).
AED150, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Day 11: Shopping & Departure Prep

Abu Dhabi, UAE on December 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast and pack your belongings for check-out later.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Abu Dhabi Mall & Marina Mall for last minute shopping

Explore a range of stores for souvenir and gift shopping in two main malls.
Free entry, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Texas De Brazil, Marina Mall

Enjoy a mid-budget churrascaria meat feast with many sides and salad offerings.
AED130, 1h30m

2:30pm

Return to hotel and relax

Prepare for your departure and unwind at the hotel.
Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at your hotel or local restaurant

Casual dinner close to your accommodation to end your trip smoothly.
AED90, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Day 12: Departure

Abu Dhabi, UAE on December 16, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Check-Out

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel and check-out on time for your departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Abu Dhabi International Airport

Arrange transport to the airport allowing sufficient time for international check-in.
AED100, 1h
Find Hotels in Abu Dhabi
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Dubai and Abu Dhabi; 05/12/2025 to 16/12/2025

Best Dubai Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Dubai and Abu Dhabi; 05/12/2025 to 16/12/2025 Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go