Dubai is a land for everyone! Whether you’re traveling for an outdoorsy thrill, theme park fun, inspiring culture, or fantastic shopping or entertainment options, Dubai has it all and beyond. So, if you’re planning to spend a whole week in Dubai, the best thing is that you’ll have a reasonable amount of time to make the most of what this wonderful Arabian city has to offer. But if you don’t know what to include in your travel program, come take a cue from our suggested program which we’ve put together with the assumption that you’ve got full seven nights in Dubai.
Day 1: Get to Know This City of Contrasts – Discover Old and New Dubai
For this, we would recommend you to take a guided city sightseeing tour. You can consider a hop-on, hop-off Big Bus tour or opt for a tour arranged by a reputable tours service provider which mostly comes with hotel transfers and access to an experienced guide. This not only lets you admire the sights that give the city a super edgy, contemporary status but also covers areas that are historic and beautifully preserved to their original majesty and modesty. In fact, you can expect to see everything from Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and structures across Sheik Zayed Road / Dubai Marina to Jumeirah Mosque, Al Bastakiya Quarter, and souks across Bur Dubai / Deira areas in a few hours.
But if you wish to explore it on your own at a relaxed pace, you can start with a stroll across the quaint Al Bastakiya Quarter (Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood) and then continue to Deira’s souks on an abra ride (which costs just AED 1). Moreover, if you’re a culture buff, it’s worth visiting Sheik Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) where you can clear all your doubts on the region’s culture as well as religious beliefs. Follow this up by visiting the giant picture-frame like Dubai Frame and further Dubai Glow Garden (if you visit here during the winter months from November to May).
Day 2: Experience Dubai’s Unmatched Modernity at its Best – Visit Downtown Dubai
The 500–acre Downtown Dubai is so massive that it’s easily worth spending an entire day at Downtown Dubai.
Start at Dubai Mall
But our strong advice is to pre-plan if you wish to shop here or drop into its uber exciting leisure attractions. There are over 1200 outlets, so shoppers would definitely require quite a good amount of time to wander around and pick their style! Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family or friends, try to visit some of the mall’s incredible highlights such as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, Hysteria Dubai Mall, and VR Park with the best in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
Continue to Burj Khalifa
No Dubai trip is complete without catching this Dubai icon which is also the world’s tallest building. There are several vantage points in the region to take a selfie or picture against Burj Khalifa, but our top suggestion is to see it up-close by ascending to one of its observation decks on 124th or 148thlevel. With floor-to-ceiling transparent glasses and high-precision telescopes, it leaves you awestruck with the unparalleled views over the Dubai skyline and beyond.
More Experiences and Final Treat with Dubai Fountain Show
You can further take a free Dubai trolley ride, watch stunning shows at Dubai Opera, and wander around the atmospheric Souk Al Bahar. Lastly, the icing on the cake is watching Dubai Fountain Show – the superbly choreographed water performance in immaculate sync with music and lights.
Day 3: It’s All About Fantastic Rides – Visit Dubai Parks and Resorts
Theme park lovers – you’ll never regret setting aside a whole day for Dubai Parks and Resort. The region’s first integrated resort comes with four theme parks such as Hollywood-themed Motion gate Dubai, Hindi-cinema-inspired Bollywood Parks Dubai, and LEGO-themed LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park.
If you don’t want to miss all, go for an all-park access pass. It allows you to hop from one park to other in a day, and that too unlimited time. With a dedicated retail and dining section (Riverland Dubai), you can look forward to fantastic shopping and dining options, along with its mix of heart-racing rides, kid-friendly games, and super lively shows.
Apart from those at Dubai Parks and Resorts, you can consider visiting Dubai theme parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure with four thrilling and distinctly created zones.
Day 4: Dedicate This Day to Nature and Exotic Thrill – Hot Air Balloon Ride, Ski Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah with Pointe Fountain Show
Today is all about rendezvous with untouched nature and the unlikeliest adventure. But make sure that you start early for this as a hot air balloon is a pre-dawn activity.
It’s conducted at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve which is the UAE’s largest protected area. In fact, a hot air balloon ride across DDCR will envelop you with the most stunning desert views. It gives you an incredible look at the region’s marvelous flora and fauna and desert sunrise from a high altitude. This also includes flight certificates plus a traditional breakfast. To make hassle-free as possible, pre-book this adventure through an experienced desert safari Dubai company.
After this, head straight to spend some time in the snow. Yes, this is possible at Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates. This is an absolute must-do especially if you’re traveling to Dubai for the first time. It’s the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and is open in all seasons. Not to mention, it’s one of the coolest spots to visit in Dubai; of course, a staple during your summer trip to Dubai.
Upon spending two or three hours here, take a drive out to the iconic man-made island of Palm Jumeirah. You can take a monorail ride, visit Atlantis, The Palm hotel, walk into Aquaventure Water Park, swim with dolphins, and discover the remnants of Lost City of Atlantis at Lost Chamber Aquarium, among others. Wind up your day by watching Dubai’s recently launched Palm Fountain Show at the Pointe. Don’t miss this; it’s the world’s largest fountain show!
Day 5: Stretch Your Horizon – Travel to Abu Dhabi
With a whole week in Dubai, be sure to add Abu Dhabi to your travel program. It’s the UAE’s capital as well as the largest city and is just two hours drive away from Dubai. The combination of stylish architecture, authentic cultural landmarks, enlightening museums, pristine islands, unspoiled mangroves, and rip-roaring theme parks make it perfect for a refreshing escape from Dubai. Whether you go for a guided excursion or choose to discover on your own, here are some of the attractions that you can choose to add to your Abu Dhabi sightseeing program.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque (also known as Grand Mosque)
It’s probably the UAE’s most fantastic religious landmarks. Beyond its sheer white architecture, striking minarets, and features like massive chandeliers, it’s one of the few mosques open for non-Muslims in the country. Entry is free here, so all are welcome to soak in its tranquility and cool ambiance.
Observation Deck at 300
This may not be as high as Burj Khalifa in Dubai, but this observation deck at level 74 of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers a majestic perspective over Abu Dhabi’s imposing skyline.
Qasr Al Hosn
For a step-back moment, head down to this historical landmark. This gives you a greater slice of the Emirati’s ancient lifestyle, rich heritage, and inspiring traditions.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
This is one of the capital city’s most scenic spots. With a spotless beach, relaxed waterfront, and several kid-exclusive attractions, this is a favorite hangout place for locals, residents, and tourists alike.
Eastern Mangroves
The mangrove forest, just a few minutes away from the city center, is one of Abu Dhabi’s best-kept secrets. This should be best experienced on a relaxed yet thrilling mangrove kayaking tour.
Emirates Palace
This palatial style accommodation amidst lush surroundings is one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular photo ops. In fact, a visit here is a part of the most guided excursions. Relish aromatic cappuccino sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes, get a 24-karat gold facial, and take in its impressive elements such as over 1000 chandeliers, beautiful water fountains, and mesmeric golden exteriors.
Qasr Al Watan
It’s more than a part of the presidential palace; it’s a real stunner and a true masterpiece of Emirati art and architecture. It boasts of several inspiring sections such as the Qasr Al Watan Library, House of Knowledge, and the Great Hall. One of the unmissable attractions here is the 15-minute light and sound show of the Palace in Motion.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
It’s not your ordinary vet or pet clinic; it’s the world’s largest hospital with the most advanced treatment facilities for falcons as well as other bird species. So, take a tour of this hospital; it allows you for an in-depth look at the UAE’s national bird.
Heritage Village
This is another spot in Abu Dhabi where you can glance into the Emirati culture, traditions, and historic past. Reminiscent of a traditional oasis village, it conducts workshops on the region’s traditional occupations including pottery, metal works, and weaving.
Yas Island with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros Abu Dhabi, and more
Whether you’re an aficionado of fast-paced action or not, an Abu Dhabi trip is incomplete without a visit to Yas Island. Ferrari World is the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, while Yas Waterworld is the region’s biggest water park. For the fans of cartoon characters and superheroes, there is Warner Bros Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
Beyond its legendary name, it’s the Arab World’s first universal museum. Located in the Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, it’s not only renowned for its classic displays, but also for its astonishing architectural design that results in the rain of light effect.
Day 6: Enjoy Water Thrill and Beach Retreat Like No Other – Escape To La Mer
If you’re a watersports enthusiast, it’s unimaginable for a week in Dubai without devoting a day to water activities. After all, Dubai is a haven for water sports and water parks. Thrill-seekers can’t go wrong with a session of jet skiing, wakeboarding, flyboarding, and fly biking. Accompanied by family and kids? Activities like banana boat ride, donut ride, etc promise you quality family time with lots of fun and laughter.
But for a dose of beach fun in a hip environment, you should surely spend some time at Dubai’s newest neighborhood, La Mer. Found in Dubai’s Jumeirah 1 District, it has a wide array of cool restaurants, cafes, etc, and is most famed for its Laguna Water Park. This is an all-age water park with some amazing rides and attractions including WaveOz. It is the region’s ultimate surfing attraction and just three of its kind in the whole world.
Day 7: Do Shopping and Enjoy Dhow Cruise
Let the final day of your Dubai vacation be as fun-filled and relaxed as possible. Bask in the comforts of hotel room or facilities; get out for shopping at one of its malls or souks; or revisit your favorite Dubai attractions. No matter whatever you do in the daytime, keep your evening free for a mindblowing dhow cruise experience at Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. This allows you to wrap up your Dubai holiday in a leisurely manner with the most exquisite views, finest food, and mind-boggling entertainment shows like Tanura onboard.
Conclusion
We hope that you’re not anymore confused about how to spend a week in Dubai. You can use this above travel program for your anytime visit Dubai. Moreover, depending on the time or season of your visit, you can swap the above experiences with a visit to Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden, and several attractions as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Author Bio: Neha is a travel blogger who enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and learning about the local culture and food. She is always looking forward to visiting new places and likes to play tennis in her spare time.
Thanks for this! Dubai is definitely on my bucket list. Such a beautiful city & you list sooo many things to do. I’ll have to keep this list handy!
I am so glad that this post was helpful to you 😊