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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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