Dubai is clearly the top holiday destination in Middle East Asia. The dramatic desert landscape, the beautiful coastline, the exotic culture, the ultra-modern luxuries, and the cosmopolitan lifestyle of the place have made it a favorite among people traveling from the East as well as the West. Dubai’s modern buildings, enormous shopping malls, world-class theme parks, gorgeous beaches, amazing nightlife, and an array of unique attractions and activities attract millions of tourists every year. While it may take weeks to see and do everything that Dubai has to offer, four days are enough to enjoy the city thoroughly. Here is a detailed Dubai itinerary 4 days’ sample that shows how you can spend four days in Dubai.
What You Should Know Before Traveling to Dubai
Before we get into the itinerary, here are some important things you ought to know about traveling to this city of the United Arab Emirates or UAE.
- Public transportation is a great way of traveling within the city. Buses and metros connect all the important attractions of the city. You can also choose taxis to travel from one place to another. Marine taxis are also available for transportation in Dubai. Getting an NOL card will make payment for public transportation easier.
- The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter season, i.e., between November and March. The weather is pleasant during these months. Moreover, all the seasonal attractions open during this month, giving you the chance to explore the city in its entirety.
- You need to get your UAE or Dubai visa before traveling to the city. Dubai offers 30-day and 60-day single and multiple-entry tourist or visitor visa to foreigners.
- Although Dubai is more liberal than other Middle eastern countries in terms of dressing, it is important to dress modestly in the old parts of the city and when you are visiting religious places.
- Public display of affection is a punishable offence in Dubai and so is drinking in public.
Perfect Dubai Itinerary for 4 Days
Day 01: Modern Attractions
Begin your holiday in Dubai by checking out the modern side of Dubai, which comprises contemporary buildings and futuristic attractions.
Museum of the Future
Over the last few years, the Sheikh Zayed Road has earned a new iconic landmark. Shaped like a torus with Arabic inscriptions on its huge steel structure, the building of the Museum of the Future is as unique as its interiors. The Museum of the Future tickets would give you access to seven stories of exhibits, each dedicated to science and technology. With the help of artificial intelligence and augmented reality, you would get to see the future, some fifty years from now through exhibits like OSS Hope, Al Waha, Future Heroes, Journey to the Future, The Heal Institute, and Tomorrow Today.
Timing: 9.30 AM to 9 PM
Dubai Mall
After exploring and getting to know about Museum of the Future, head over to downtown Dubai, specifically to Dubai Mall. The largest shopping mall in the UAE, the Dubai Mall is a paradise for shoppers, as it has more than 1200 retail stores. There is Fashion Avenue with over 150 stores selling luxury brands and products. Then there is the Souk Al Bahar which blends traditional and modern shopping experiences. Dubai Mall also offers entertainment in the form of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai DXB, KidZania Dubai, Zabeel Ice Rink, Zabeel Sports District, and more.
Timing: 10 AM to 11 PM (Monday to Thursday) and 10 AM to 12 AM (Friday to Sunday)
Burj Khalifa
After spending a few hours in the mall, head to its ground floor that would give you access to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Towering 828 meters above the ground, the building is an engineering marvel. The building comprises a luxury hotel, residential units, offices, chic restaurants, and observation decks. You can book tickets to visit the observation decks on the 124th or 148th floors and enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city. If you visit in the evening, you will get to see a wonderful sunset as well. There is also a photo museum that tells the story of the development of the Burj Khalifa.
Timing: 8.30 AM to 11 PM
Dubai Fountain Show
Once you step out of the Burj Khalifa, walk towards the Burj Lake, right in front of the Dubai Mall. This is the largest manmade lake in the world. But what attracts people to its rim is the fountain show that happens here every evening. The Dubai Fountain Show brings together soulful music and lights as the fountain dances as per the rhythm of the music. The music changes from classical to contemporary to Arabic throughout the evening, giving you the chance to see a different show each time. You can go on a boat ride on the Burj Lake to see the show closely. Alternatively, you can end the day while dining at one of the numerous restaurants around it, so that you can enjoy the show along with some delicious food.
Timing: 6 PM to 11 PM (every 30 minutes)
Day 02: Popular Adventure Pack
Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy fun time in Dubai with some adventure. Here is how your action-packed second day in Dubai can look like.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Kickstart your day with a hot air balloon ride in the deserts of Dubai. Hot air balloon rides begin early in the morning. When you arrive at the desert camp, it is still dark. You will get to see the hot air balloon being alighted. After listening to the safety instructions from the staff, you get into the basket and your hot air balloon journey begins. As your hot air balloon gains altitude, the darkness turns into light, and you will get to see your surroundings clearly. One of the highlights of hot air balloon rides is the sunrise you get to see. Do not forget to look down, as you are likely to get the chance to see the flora and fauna of the desert, which are usually more active during the daytime.
Timing: 5 AM
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Spanning an area that can cover 28 football fields, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest indoor theme park in the world. The entire park is divided into six zones, each one comprising awe-inspiring rides, rollercoasters, and attractions. Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, Lost Valley, The Haunted Town, and IMG Kids Zone are the different zones that you can explore with IMG Worlds of Adventure tickets. Apart from having a good time on the rides here, you can also meet your favorite cartoon characters, dine at some amazing restaurants and cafes, indulge in some shopping, and try some games and entertainment. Check out the guide to the IMG Worlds of Adventure to be prepared for your visit.
Timing: 12 PM to 10 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and 12 PM to 11 PM (Friday and Saturday)
Dubai Miracle Garden
After your thrilling time at the IMG Worlds of Adventure, it is time to bring your adrenaline down with a visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden. The biggest natural flower garden in the world, the Dubai Miracle Garden spans across 72,000 square meters area. The beauty of the place is the way these flowers and plants have been arranged to form amazing floral installations. As you walk around the garden, you will get to see floral castles, floral clock, Smurfs villages, floral heart passageway, floral hill, sunflower field, floral Emirates A380, and more. There is entertainment in the garden in the form of a floral parade. Apart from this, there are eateries and shops too at the Dubai Miracle Garden.
Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM (Monday to Friday) and 9 AM to 11 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Day 03: Remnants of Dubai’s Past
On the third day of your visit, explore the old part of the city where you can peek into the old-world charm of Dubai.
Al Fahidi Neighborhood
The oldest neighborhood in the city has still preserved the traditional elegance and rustic character of the past. The classic wind towers, the narrow-cobbled streets, and the old houses of Al Fahidi will take you back to the time when Dubai was a simple fishing village. Many of the houses here have been turned into interesting museums that are worth visiting. The most important of them all is the Dubai Museum, which is located inside Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city. The place is also home to SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding), which organized tours and workshops for you to know more about the culture and heritage of the place.
Timing: 7 AM to 8 PM
Abra Ride
Once you have explored Al Fahidi and its numerous museums, cafes, and art galleries, head towards Dubai Creek. The creek has significant historical importance, as this is where the Bedouins settled after moving from the desert. The city began to develop from this place, and you will get to see old and important buildings all around the place. Dubai Creek divides the city into Bur Dubai and Deira, and the best way to enjoy the view of both the places is going on an abra ride. The abra is a traditional, wooden boat that is used for traveling from Bur Dubai to Deira and back. At the cost of AED 1, you can ride an abra to sail from one part of the city to the other and at the same time enjoy the view from both sides.
Timing: 6 AM to 12 AM
Dubai Souks
While Dubai has palatial shopping malls where you can get all the latest brands and products, there is something about shopping at the souks of Dubai. The last leg of your old Dubai tour should be at the Dubai souks, which are traditional markets where you can buy local products. Begin at the Gold Souk, which is home to more than 300 stores selling gold and other precious jewelry. Then there is the Perfume Souk, where you can get everything from traditional fragrances (oud and attar) to modern scents. There is also the Spice Souk, where you can buy a variety of spices, herbs, and dry fruits. Do not forget to check out the Textile Souk, where you can buy different types of fabrics and get them custom-stitched too.
Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM
Desert Safari
Dedicate the rest of the day to the ultimate Dubai experience, i.e., the desert safari. The evening desert safari Dubai is a complete package filled with adventure, entertainment, and good food. The desert safari usually begins early in the evening with a dune bashing session followed by other desert adventures like camel riding and sandboarding. Some desert safaris also include quad biking. Your time at the desert will give you the chance to see a beautiful sunset followed by entertainment programs like belly dancing and Tanoura dancing. Getting clicked wearing traditional Arabic attire and smoking a shisha are some other activities in evening desert safari Dubai. The desert safari usually culminates with a BBQ dinner.
Timing: 4 PM to 9 PM
Day 04: Adventure Plus Nightlife
From adventure to sparkling nightlife, here are the things you can do during your fourth day in Dubai.
Wild Wadi Water Park
There is no dearth of water parks in Dubai, but the one that has grabbed the attention of locals and tourists alike is the Wild Wadi Water Park. Opened in 1999, this is the oldest water park in the world. More than 30 rides, slides, and attractions are available in this water park. Jumeirah Sceirah is the star attraction of this water park, which is the fastest slide here. The water park gives you the chance to indulge in surfing with Wipeout & Riptide FlowRider. Tantrum Ally, Master Blaster, Juha’s Dhow & Lagoon, Burj Surj, Action River, and Breaker’s Bay are a few other rides and attractions to try if you get Wild Wadi Water Park tickets.
Timing: 10 AM to 6 PM
The View at the Palm
One of Dubai’s iconic attractions, the Palm Jumeirah is something you should not miss seeing when in the city. The best way to enjoy the aerial view of the island is by visiting The View at the Palm. The View at the Palm is an observation deck perched at the height of 240 meters, i.e., on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower. From the top, you will get to see the aerial view of the awe-inspiring Palm Island, complete with all its fronds and Hotel Atlantis, the Palm, the crowning glory of the island. You can also choose to visit The Next Level on the 54th floor for a more amazing view. Do check out the Palm Jumeirah Exhibition, where you will get to learn about the island in an interactive way.
Timing: 9 AM to 10 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and 9 AM to 12 AM (Friday and Saturday)
Dubai Marina
A waterfront area, Dubai Marina is one of the perfect places to spend an evening and even a night in Dubai. The place offers you the chance to enjoy some mind-blowing water sports. This is also the place where you can go for a luxurious yacht tour. The Beach at JBR is one of the best places to relish a relaxing stroll while enjoying the vibe of the place. Bluewaters Island, Dinner in the Sky, Marina Mall, etc., are some other attractions you will find here. Dubai Marina also has XLine Dubai, the longest urban zipline in the world.
Timing: 24 hours (each attraction may have different opening and closing hours)
Dubai Dhow Cruise
End your Dubai holiday in a relaxing way with a dhow cruise dinner at Dubai Marina. The dhow is a classic wooden boat that was used for transportation in the past. In today’s times, they have been transformed into floating restaurants that offer much more than delicious food. The dhow cruise dinner on Dubai Marina lasts for 2-3 hours and gives you the opportunity to witness the glittering sights of the place. Dhow cruises also have entertainment in the form of Tanoura dancing and sometimes live music as well. The key feature of the dhow cruise is the 3-course buffet dinner where you can relish local and international flavors.
Timing: Around 8.30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is 4 days enough for a holiday in Dubai?
Yes, you can see and do a lot during your 4-day holiday in Dubai. You can cover all the major attractions in the city in 4 days. Still, if you find it too short, you can opt for Dubai itinerary for 6 days to enjoy the city and its offerings for a little longer.
2. Is it possible to have a budget-friendly holiday in Dubai for 4 days?
Yes. Although it is true that Dubai is a luxurious city, a holiday in the city need not be expensive. With careful planning, you can have a budget-friendly holiday in the city.
3. Is Dubai a safe city?
Yes. Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. The crime rate here is almost zero.
4. Do I need to book the Dubai attractions in advance?
It is always better to book your tickets in advance before you visit the place. This will help you save time and money, as you are likely to find good deals and discounts online for most attractions in the city.
5. Is it possible to go on a one-day trip from Dubai?
Yes. In fact, you can replace one of the days in this itinerary to visit the nearby city of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, or even Sharjah. One day trips from Dubai to Oman’s Musandam Dibba are also available.
Conclusion
Four days may seem too short for a holiday in Dubai. But with proper planning, it is possible. All you need to do is find out the places that interest you and make an itinerary accordingly. You can also make use of the itinerary provided here. If you only have a shorter holiday, we also have a Dubai itinerary for 3 days that would be perfect for you.
