Table of Contents
Get ready to experience the extravagance and rich culture of Dubai on an unforgettable journey! From the desert to the sky-high skyscrapers, our 7-Day itinerary in Dubai and UAE will give you a glimpse of all that this incredible destination has to offer. Soak up the culture, explore local attractions, and soak up some Middle Eastern sun – you won’t regret it!
7-Day Itinerary for Dubai
Embark on a journey to the heart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the gleaming gem of the Middle East—Dubai. Famed for its dazzling skyscrapers, historic souks, and stunning coastline, Dubai is an exhilarating fusion of tradition and innovation.
Here’s your definitive guide to uncovering this city’s treasures in seven unforgettable days.
Day 1: Spend a Day in the Desert
No trip to Dubai would be complete without spending at least one day in the desert. There are plenty of tour companies that offer desert safaris, which typically include activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding. If you want to really get away from it all, you can even spend a night camping in the desert under the stars.
Day 2: Visit the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and it’s definitely worth a visit. There are two observation decks located on different levels of the building, both of which offer stunning views of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a walk on the “Sky Walk”, a glass-bottomed walkway that extends out from the side of the building.
Day 3: Go Skiing in the Desert
Yes, you read that correctly – you can go skiing in Dubai! The Ski Indoor ski resort is located inside the Mall of the Emirates, and it offers everything you would expect from a ski resort, including slopes of varying difficulty, chairlifts, and even a penguin encounter.
Day 4: Take a Ride on an Abra Boat
An abra boat is a traditional wooden boat that is used for transportation on Dubai Creek. Taking an abra ride is a great way to see some of Dubai’s most popular sights, including the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. You can also hop off at one of the stops along the way and explore these markets at your leisure.
Day 5: Visit Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is one of the most popular beaches, and it’s easy to see why. The beach is located next to several luxury hotels, and it offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. There’s also a wide range of activities available, from swimming and sunbathing to jet skiing and parasailing.
Day 6: Shop ‘Til You Drop
Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, with countless malls and souks offering everything from designer clothes to electronics to spices. If you’re looking for something truly unique, make sure to visit The Gold Souk, where you can find jewelry shops selling gold and other precious metals. And if haggling is your thing, then you’ll definitely enjoy browsing through the stalls at The Spice Souk!
Day 7: Experience Traditional Arabic Culture
If you want to experience traditional Arabic culture while in Dubai, there are plenty of options available. You can visit one of Dubai’s many museums, such as The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding or The Museum of Illusions Dubai. Or you can take part in a traditional Arabic activity like falconry or henna painting
Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai
If you’re looking for an exciting travel destination is an absolute must-visit. With so many top attractions and activities to choose from, it can be tough to make an itinerary that fits everything. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the top 10 things to do in Dubai to make your trip planning a breeze.
Here are some of the top things you should consider doing when you visit Dubai:
- Visit Burj Khalifa: A trip to Dubai would be incomplete without visiting the world’s tallest building. Experience a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck.
- Explore Dubai Mall: Not just for shopping, Dubai Mall also offers entertainment options like an ice rink, a giant aquarium, and an indoor theme park.
- Shop at Gold and Spice Souks: Visit the traditional Arabian markets, or souks, to buy gold, spices, and even textiles. Don’t forget to haggle!
- Relax at Jumeirah Beach: Spend a day unwinding by the beautiful coastline. You can also check out the nearby Jumeirah Mosque.
- Visit Palm Jumeirah: An artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree, it’s home to luxury resorts, including Atlantis, The Palm.
- Try a Desert Safari: Experience dune bashing, camel riding, and a traditional Arabic BBQ dinner in the Arabian desert.
- Take a Dhow Cruise: Experience a romantic dinner cruise along the creek on a traditional Arabian boat, or dhow.
- Discover Dubai’s Cultural Heritage: Visit the Al Fahidi Historic District and the Dubai Museum to learn about the history and culture.
- Stroll Around Dubai Marina: Check out the stunning skyline, dine at trendy restaurants, or just take a leisure walk around the Marina.
- Visit Dubai Miracle Garden: Explore the world’s largest natural flower garden, which boasts over 50 million flowers.
Remember, while this list covers many of the top things to do, the city is continuously evolving with new attractions opening frequently. Therefore, there’s always something new to discover in this dynamic city.
Most Overlooked Day Trips from Dubai
There are many day trips from this bustling city, waiting to be discovered. From exploring the historic fishing village of Ajman to hiking the stunning mountains of Hatta, there is no shortage of options for those who love to travel. With so many options available, don’t be afraid to explore beyond the borders and discover the hidden gems that the UAE has to offer.
Here are some suggestions for day trips from Dubai:
Abu Dhabi
The capital city of the UAE is a little over an hour’s drive. Here you can visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Ferrari World amusement park.
Al Ain
Known as the “Garden City,” Al Ain boasts a number of museums, a zoo, and hot springs at the base of Jebel Hafeet Mountain. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in Emirati culture.
Sharjah
Often overlooked by tourists, Sharjah is the UAE’s cultural heart. Visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and explore the traditional Arabian markets or souks.
Hatta
This exclave of the city in the Hajar Mountains is great for adventure activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. Don’t miss the Hatta Heritage Village for a peek into traditional Emirati life.
Fujairah
On the UAE’s east coast, Fujairah offers beautiful beaches and world-class diving spots. The Fujairah Fort and Al Badiyah Mosque are also worth a visit.
Ras Al Khaimah
Here you can visit the Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE. It’s also home to the world’s longest zip line.
Ajman
The smallest emirate in the UAE is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visit the Ajman Museum and enjoy the city’s beautiful sandy beaches.
Umm Al Quwain
Less than an hour’s drive, this laid-back emirate is home to Dreamland Aqua Park and a serene lagoon, perfect for a relaxing day trip.
10 Interesting Facts
- Home to the Tallest Building: The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at a height of 828 meters (2,717 feet) with over 160 stories.
- Artificial Islands: There are several artificial islands including the Palm Jumeirah, which is shaped like a palm tree, and The World, an archipelago that mimics the shape of the world map.
- Largest Gold Market: The Gold Souk is one of the largest retail gold markets in the world.
- Police Supercars: Dubai is known for its fleet of police supercars which includes a Bugatti Veyron, a Lamborghini Aventador, and a Ferrari FF.
- Robot Camel Jockeys: In the traditional sport of camel racing, Dubai uses robot jockeys to ride the camels during races.
- Luxurious Hotels: The Burj Al Arab, is often described as the world’s only “seven-star” hotel.
- A City of Skyscrapers: As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there are more than 900 high-rise buildings, including 163 that stand taller than 180 meters (590 feet).
- Massive Indoor Ski Resort: Despite its desert location, Dubai houses Ski Dubai – an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of indoor ski area.
- Diverse Population: Around 85% of the population is foreign, making it one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.
- Exotic Wildlife: The city has a reputation for luxury and extravagance, and this extends to pets too. It’s not uncommon to see locals with exotic pets like lions or cheetahs, though the UAE has strict laws about the private ownership of dangerous animals.
Ready to Visit
From visiting the world-famous Burj Khalifa to exploring the bustling streets of the Gold Souk, Dubai is packed with unforgettable experiences. Make sure to also check out the Miracle Garden, the Mall, and the museum.
Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a history buff, or simply looking to relax on a beautiful beach, there is something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
FAQs
If you’re planning a trip to this magnificent city, you might have some questions about what to expect. Fear not! Here are some FAQs that will help you get the most out of your Dubai adventure.
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
Dubai is a year-round destination, but for cooler weather, consider visiting between November and March.
What are the visa requirements?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with the local UAE embassy or consulate.
What’s the dress code in Dubai?
While Dubai is progressive, it’s still rooted in Islamic tradition. In public places like malls or souks, it’s respectful to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Beachwear is acceptable at the beach, hotel pools, and water parks.
Is it safe to travel to Dubai?
Yes, Dubai is one of the safest cities globally. However, it’s always wise to exercise normal precautions.
What language is spoken in Dubai?
The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood.
Is there good transportation in Dubai?
Dubai’s public transportation system, including metro, trams, and buses, is efficient and clean. Taxis are plentiful, and app-based services like Uber and Careem are also available.
Discover the Ultimate “Surviving a Long-Haul Flight Guide”
Whether you’re jetting off to a distant paradise, exploring a vibrant city, or visiting loved ones on the other side of the world, we know that surviving a long-haul flight is no small feat. But fear not, wanderlust seeker, because we have the ultimate solution to make your journey an absolute breeze!
Don’t let a long-haul flight be a roadblock to your travel dreams. With our “Surviving Long-Haul Flight Guide,” you’ll be equipped with the wisdom and knowledge to conquer the skies and make every moment of your journey count.
Download your copy of “Surviving a Long-Haul Flight Guide” and unlock the secrets to conquering those marathon flights like a pro!
