01

Day 01

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai's landmarks, from Burj Khalifa and the aquarium to Dubai Opera and the fountain.

1. Morning

   Burj Khalifa

   Open your week at the top of Burj Khalifa, riding one of the world's fastest lifts to the observation decks. From more than four hundred metres up the city, sea and desert unfold, and a morning visit beats both crowds and haze.

2. Late Morning

   The Dubai Mall

   Descend into The Dubai Mall, a vast retail and entertainment complex you could not exhaust in a day. Note the aquarium wall and dancing waterfall as you go, then choose a few zones to explore rather than trying to see everything.

3. Lunch

   Souk Al Bahar

   Break for lunch at Souk Al Bahar across the bridge, its shaded terraces overlooking the fountain lake and tower. The stone lanes and lanterns give an old world mood, and outdoor tables are prime seats for later fountain shows.

4. Afternoon

   Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

   Spend the hot afternoon inside at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Walk the glass tunnel beneath gliding sharks and rays, then head upstairs to meet penguins, otters and crocodiles across themed zones, an easy indoor highlight for all ages.

5. Late Afternoon

   Dubai Opera

   As the day cools, admire Dubai Opera, the dhow shaped venue anchoring the boulevard. Even outside a performance the building and its surrounding plaza are worth a stroll, and checking the programme may reward you with an evening show.

6. Evening

   The Dubai Fountain

   Close with the Dubai Fountain on the lake between the mall and tower. Water jets soar and sway to music and light after dark, with shows every half hour or so into the night, best enjoyed from the waterfront promenade.

02

Day 02

Old Dubai and the Souks

A full day in Old Dubai: heritage neighbourhood, abra, and the textile, spice and gold souks.

1. Morning

   Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

   Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, a restored quarter of wind tower houses, courtyards and narrow lanes preserving pre oil Dubai. Galleries and heritage cafes fill the alleys, and the cultural centre offers insight into Emirati customs and everyday life.

2. Late Morning

   Abra ride across Dubai Creek

   Board a traditional abra at the creek, the wooden ferry crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira. It is among the city's cheapest, most authentic rides, gliding past working dhows with fine views of old trading warehouses along the banks.

3. Lunch

   Al Seef

   Pause at Al Seef for lunch, a creekfront district blending heritage facades with a modern promenade. Waterside tables serve regional and international dishes while dhows drift past, bridging old and new Dubai in one relaxed setting.

4. Afternoon

   Textile Souk

   Browse the Bur Dubai Textile Souk, a covered arcade of bright fabrics, pashminas and tailoring shops near the creek. The wooden arcades and hanging cloth make it wonderfully photogenic, and it is a fine place to pick up scarves or souvenir textiles.

5. Late Afternoon

   Spice Souk

   Cross to the Deira Spice Souk, alleys thick with saffron, cardamom, dried roses and incense. Merchants welcome you to smell and sample, and small, fairly priced bags of spice or tea make aromatic souvenirs to carry home.

6. Evening

   Gold Souk

   Finish at the Deira Gold Souk, its windows ablaze with bracelets, chains and gem set pieces. Even browsing is a spectacle, and prices follow the daily gold rate plus a charge for craftsmanship, so bargaining is part of the ritual.

03

Day 03

Marina and the Palm

The Marina and Palm, from Ain Dubai to Atlantis and The View.

1. Morning

   Dubai Marina Walk

   Start along the Dubai Marina Walk, a promenade winding between glittering towers and moored yachts. Waterfront cafes line the path and the morning air is pleasant, an easy, upscale start to a day spent by the water.

2. Late Morning

   Ain Dubai

   Cross to Bluewaters Island for Ain Dubai, one of the world's tallest observation wheels. Ride a cabin for slow, panoramic views or simply admire the structure from the boardwalk framing the marina skyline and open Gulf beyond.

3. Lunch

   JBR The Walk

   Move to JBR and The Walk, a vibrant beachfront strip of restaurants, shops and performers. Take lunch with a sea view then step onto the sand, as open beach and lively outdoor dining give this district its holiday energy.

4. Afternoon

   The View at The Palm

   Ride up to The View at The Palm, an observation deck near the top of a Palm Jumeirah tower. It offers a rare aerial perspective of the island's perfect frond pattern, best appreciated on a clear day with the marina towers beyond.

5. Late Afternoon

   Atlantis The Palm

   Head to Atlantis The Palm, the landmark resort at the crescent's tip. Its public spaces, aquarium and waterpark welcome day guests, and the drive along the palm shaped island is memorable in itself.

6. Evening

   The Pointe

   Cross to The Pointe, a waterfront dining destination looking back at Atlantis across the bay. Promenade restaurants and cafes make it a relaxed evening stop as the resort lights glow and the sea breeze rises off the water.

04

Day 04

Modern and Cultural Jumeirah

Modern and cultural Dubai across Jumeirah, from the Museum of the Future to Kite Beach.

1. Morning

   Museum of the Future

   Start at the Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road, its glowing calligraphy shell unmistakable on the skyline. Immersive floors imagine space travel, ecology and human wellbeing, a forward looking opening to a day of modern and cultural Dubai.

2. Late Morning

   City Walk

   Stroll City Walk, a stylish open air district of boutiques, cafes and street art near Downtown. Its landscaped avenues and public sculptures invite an easy wander, a relaxed late morning break before you head toward the coast.

3. Lunch

   La Mer

   Break for lunch at La Mer, a colourful beachside district of eateries, street art and shops. Sit near the sand with a sea view, then wander the murals and boutiques as the afternoon by the water begins.

4. Afternoon

   Etihad Museum

   Visit the Etihad Museum, built where the UAE union was signed in 1971. Modern galleries, documents and films trace the founding of the nation, a concise, well presented stop for understanding how the seven emirates came together.

5. Late Afternoon

   Jumeirah Mosque

   Stop at Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few Dubai mosques open to non Muslim visitors on guided tours. The white stone facade is striking, and the welcoming sessions explain Islamic practice and Emirati culture in an open, question friendly setting.

6. Evening

   Kite Beach

   End at Kite Beach, a lively stretch of soft sand with water sports and casual food trucks. Walk the shoreline at sunset, watch surfers and take in the Burj Al Arab silhouette down the coast to close the day.

05

Day 05

Snow, Gardens and Desert

Snow, gardens and art in Al Quoz, ending with a desert safari.

1. Morning

   Dubai Frame

   Begin at the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park, a towering golden rectangle that literally frames the city. From its sky bridge, old Dubai spreads to one side and the modern skyline to the other, a neat visual summary of the emirate's contrasts.

2. Late Morning

   Dubai Miracle Garden

   Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, a seasonal wonderland of millions of blooms arranged into arches, hearts and life size shapes. The floral displays and themed installations are extraordinarily photogenic, though the garden opens only in the cooler months, so check before going.

3. Lunch

   Mall of the Emirates

   Break for lunch at Mall of the Emirates, a major shopping centre best known for the snow dome rising from its side. Dining options span the world, and the indoor slopes are visible through vast viewing windows as you eat.

4. Afternoon

   Ski Dubai

   Cool down inside Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort with real snow, slopes and resident penguins. Rent gear for a run, toboggan with the family, or simply watch skiers glide past from the cafe, a surreal contrast to the desert outside.

5. Late Afternoon

   Alserkal Avenue

   Explore Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, a converted warehouse district turned contemporary arts hub. Independent galleries, studios and specialty cafes fill the industrial units, offering a creative, uncrowded side of Dubai before you set off toward the dunes.

6. Evening

   Desert safari in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

   Ride out for an evening desert safari in the dunes toward the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Dune drives, camel encounters, sandboarding and a camp dinner with cultural shows round off the day under a wide desert sky far from the city lights.

06

Day 06

Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

A day trip to Abu Dhabi and its landmark mosque, palace and museums.

1. Morning

   Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

   Drive to Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a vast white marble sanctuary with reflective pools and intricate floral inlay. Modest dress is required, and the scale of the courtyards and chandeliers makes it one of the region's most breathtaking sights.

2. Late Morning

   Qasr Al Watan

   Continue to Qasr Al Watan, the working presidential palace opened to visitors. Its domed great hall, library and craftsmanship celebrate Arab knowledge and governance, offering a polished look at Emirati statehood beyond the usual tourist trail.

3. Lunch

   Abu Dhabi Corniche

   Break along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, a landscaped waterfront promenade fringing the Gulf. Choose a cafe for lunch, then enjoy the sea breeze and skyline views before the afternoon museum visit across the city.

4. Afternoon

   Louvre Abu Dhabi

   Explore Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, its silvery domed roof filtering light like a rain of stars. The galleries trace human creativity across civilisations, a landmark of art and architecture well worth the cross emirate journey.

5. Late Afternoon

   Emirates Palace

   Pass by Emirates Palace, the opulent landmark hotel set in sweeping gardens. Its grand corridors and gilded domes are a spectacle, and afternoon refreshments here are a well known indulgence before the drive back toward Dubai.

6. Evening

   Yas Marina Circuit

   End near Yas Island and the Yas Marina Circuit, home to Formula One racing and surrounding theme parks. Even a passing visit to the marina and its waterfront dining caps the day before returning to Dubai in the evening.

07

Day 07

Mountain Day in Hatta

A mountain day in Hatta, closing with Global Village near Dubai.

1. Morning

   Hatta Heritage Village

   Drive into the Hajar Mountains to Hatta Heritage Village, a restored settlement of stone houses, a fort and falaj irrigation channels. It paints a vivid picture of mountain life in old Dubai, a cool, scenic change from the coastal city.

2. Late Morning

   Hatta Dam

   Continue to the Hatta Dam, whose startlingly turquoise reservoir sits among rugged peaks. Kayaks and pedal boats glide across the water, and the surrounding viewpoints make it one of the emirate's most photographed mountain landscapes.

3. Lunch

   Hatta Hill Park

   Pause at Hatta Hill Park for lunch or a picnic with panoramic valley views. The terraced gardens and shaded seating offer a peaceful break in the mountains before an afternoon of activities nearby.

4. Afternoon

   Hatta Wadi Hub

   Spend the afternoon at Hatta Wadi Hub, an adventure centre offering mountain biking, zip lines, archery and trails. Choose an activity to suit your energy, or simply enjoy the dramatic scenery from the base area.

5. Late Afternoon

   Hatta Rock Pools

   Visit the Hatta Rock Pools, natural water pools carved into the wadi rock. The clear water and canyon walls are beautiful, and it is a serene late afternoon stop, though wear sturdy shoes for the uneven paths.

6. Evening

   Global Village

   Round off the week back near Dubai at Global Village, a seasonal cultural park with pavilions from dozens of countries, street food and live shows. Browse global crafts and cuisines under the lights, a festive finale, open in the cooler season.