Dubai & Abu Dhabi: From Sand to Skyline

Arrive in Dubai and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, spend your first day getting acquainted with the city. Head to Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Wander around, visit the Dubai Aquarium, or even skate on the ice rink. As night falls, head to the Burj Khalifa for stunning views of the city from the world’s tallest building. End your first evening with the Dubai Fountain show, where water dances to music in front of the Burj Khalifa.

Start your day at Global Village, a vibrant multicultural park that brings together food, culture, and entertainment from around the world. Spend a few hours exploring the pavilions and sampling cuisines from every continent. Afterward, head to the Miracle Garden, an incredible garden that features millions of blooming flowers arranged in stunning displays. Don’t miss the famous Heart Passage and the Emirates A380 flower structure. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants at Dubai Marina or JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residences).

Experience the thrill of a desert safari! In the afternoon, head out into the vast Dubai desert for dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle. Try sandboarding or camel riding and enjoy a traditional Arabian barbecue under the stars at a desert camp. Enjoy live entertainment like belly dancing and traditional music. Before the safari, spend some time exploring Al Fahidi Historic District in Old Dubai to see the heritage of the city with its wind-tower houses and museums like the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort.

Today, start with a visit to the Dubai Frame, a massive golden structure that offers panoramic views of both old and new Dubai. Take an elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the city, with the historic districts on one side and the modern skyscrapers on the other. Afterward, head to Dubai Creek and take an abra (traditional boat) ride to experience the old heart of the city. Visit the Gold and Spice Souks for some shopping and enjoy the sights and smells of Dubai's traditional markets.

Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, just an hour and a half from Dubai. Start your visit at the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Explore its stunning architecture, intricate mosaics, and serene courtyards. Afterward, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an architectural masterpiece that houses an impressive collection of art from various cultures. In the evening, stroll along the Corniche and enjoy the views of the Persian Gulf, before returning to Dubai.

Spend the day at the iconic Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree. Visit the Atlantis The Palm Resort, where you can spend the day at Aquaventure Waterpark, one of the largest and most exciting waterparks in the region. After soaking up the sun, take a ride on the Palm Monorail for stunning views of the island. In the evening, enjoy dinner at The Pointe, a waterfront dining and shopping destination on the Palm with amazing views of Atlantis.

Dedicate this day to some shopping at Mall of the Emirates, which features high-end boutiques and even an indoor ski slope at Ski Dubai! Alternatively, you can head to City Walk for a more stylish, trendy shopping experience. In the evening, take a Dhow Cruise along Dubai Marina, where you can enjoy a delicious buffet dinner while sailing past stunning skyscrapers and the twinkling lights of the city. The cruise also offers a beautiful view of the Cayan Tower, the world’s tallest twisted building.

On your last day, head to Dubai Parks and Resorts, which features a variety of theme parks, including Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, and the Bollywood Parks. Spend the day enjoying rides and shows or opt for the Riverland entertainment district, which offers a fun mix of restaurants and shops in a colorful setting. If you have extra time before your flight, relax at one of the beautiful beaches in Dubai or visit Jumeirah Beach for a final swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf.