Dubai, the extravagance of the Middle East, is a must-see destination for any travel enthusiast. Set along the Persian Gulf and flanked by the Hajar Mountains and the vast expanse of Arabian desert, The city’s miraculous growth from a humble fishing village to a futuristic metropolis has made it the envy of the world. The emirate offers a wealth of adventures and experiences for every visitor and is peppered with superlative attractions that will leave a lasting impression.
A week-long vacation is the perfect way to discover Dubai’s blend of modernity and tradition and comprehend why it’s considered a leading global city. These 7 days will take you to sights and experiences that you won’t experience in any metropolitan city worldwide. Here’s a sample Dubai 7 day itinerary to give an overview of what Dubai has in store for you. This proposed itinerary is apt for first-time tourists, solo travellers and family holidaymakers. We recommend that you utilize this as a reference for planning a Dubai holiday, ideally during the cooler months from November to March for a pleasant holiday experience.
Pre-Travel Essentials
Before we tell you how to spend one week in Dubai, let us first get you accustomed to pre-travel requirements for a Dubai holiday.
Visa & Entry Requirements
UAE requires its visitors to get a pre-approved visa for tourism purposes for citizens of certain countries. If you fall into this category, a visa needs to be obtained before you arrive in Dubai. However, citizens of certain countries like the USA and the UK do not need a Dubai visa for a short stay. Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa to enter the UAE. The tourist visa is the most common type of visa for short-term visitors, typically valid for 30 days but can be extended.
Currency & Budgeting Tips
UAE’s official currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). Though international credit cards and currency like US Dollars are widely accepted, it’s always better to have some cash on hand for small purchases. If you want to enjoy Dubai affordably, it is best to explore the city during the low season when the prices reduce drastically. However, this time of the year is quite hot for outdoor excursions and adventures. For a balance between pleasant weather and lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. Always have a buffer of funds for unexpected expenses. Invest in reliable travel and health insurance for your trip. You never know when you might need it.
Dubai’s Weather & Best Time to Visit
It is always best to check the weather before you book a Dubai holiday. Dubai has sunshine days all through the year. The city experiences a long, hot summer season with temperature variations. Temperatures peak in June, July and August, then drop to pleasant, less scorching levels from November to March. The best time, hence, is to visit during the cooler months which is also the peak season time.
Packing List & Dress Code Guidelines
While Dubai is fun and futuristic, there needs to be a focus on the dress code for travellers as the emirate is part of an Islamic nation and consideration should be given during packing your clothing for your vacation. Dubai is usually lenient and lets you wear your style your way. However, there are exceptions. If you are visiting a religious site, you need to dress modestly. If an event has a dress code, then comply with it. Refrain from wearing clothes that are revealing or have inappropriate or offending images and slogans printed on them. Apart from that, the city welcomes you to enjoy beaches, water parks and resort pools in swimwear and wear what you want as long as it doesn’t offend the locals. That being said, the city has sunny days and cooler nights so it is wise to pack your suitcases with lightweight, airy clothes. Include jackets, shrugs or shawls which you can add as a layer to your attire if you feel the ambience getting chilly at night. Your packing list should also include the following items:
Invest in comfortable footwear that can help you be on your feet during desert safaris and outdoor excursions. Opt for closed, ventilated shoes compared to sandals or other footwear.
Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, hats and a reusable water bottle to help you cope with the sweltering sun.
Always carry an International power adapter and power banks.
Transportation Guide
Having decided what to do in Dubai for a week, you will need to do some research about the best means of transport to explore Dubai sights as per your budget. Dubai is known for its flawless connectivity. The public transport system is efficient, offering tourists a range of choices right from the Dubai Metro to buses and public taxis. However, the best affordable way to explore the city is by taking the Dubai Metro which connects major attractions including Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek. Places that are not on the metro route can be accessed via public buses which have a good frequency. Taxis offer more convenience but can be a little heavy on the pocket. We suggest purchasing a Nol card to get seamless access to Dubai Metro and buses to get around the city during your Dubai holiday.
Now that you know about basic essentials like transportation, currency, the best time to visit and the dress code, let’s get started with what you can do on a 7 day Dubai itinerary. This itinerary highlights Dubai’s diverse offerings, from culture and adventure to world-class shopping and dining.
7-Day Dubai Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Downtown Dubai
Upon arrival, the first place to visit is undoubtedly the spotlight of the city – Dubai Downtown. Start your Dubai holiday by visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa in the morning before the crowd swells up. Zoom off to the highest observatory deck in the world to enjoy an incredible view of the city and beyond. Later, head to Dubai Mall for a chic shopping experience or to simply window shop. This colossal mall offers so much that a single day isn’t enough to explore it all. Add some thrill to your first day in Dubai with a visit to Play DXB- the biggest virtual reality park in the UAE. There are plenty of free things to do as well like enjoying skating at a massive ice Rink. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo also has an impressive public viewing area, while a ticketed experience allows for deeper exploration. Later in the evening, witness the scintillating Dubai Fountain show with the Burj Khalifa as its backdrop. Visit Souk Al Bahar for a change in scenery and to enjoy a pleasant night with a dinner and a view you won’t forget so easily! With cherished moments, head back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: Old Dubai & Cultural Tour
On day 2, you step into a different Dubai. Today you view the city before it was anything glamorous but modest. After your breakfast, make your way to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where you will discover a more subdued side of a city you may have perceived as solely extravagant. The earthy hues of wind-tower houses and alleys, and the ambience lacking any touch of dazzle and bustle are oddly calming to view. Delve deeper into Dubai’s Bedouin heritage with visits to the Dubai Museum and the Coffee Museum. Enjoy one of the cheapest boat rides in Dubai – an abra ride that costs around 2 AED. It offers spectacular views of Dubai’s old-world charm while the modern Dubai skyline looms behind. Later, wander through the alleys of Gold Souk and Spice Souk to witness the traditional markets of authentic spices and jewellery. You can shop for souvenirs, pack some spices to bring back home, explore a delightful street food scene and enjoy grab-and-go treats. Continue your culinary and shopping journey at Al Seef Waterfront, where you can relax after sunset and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants. Afterwards, return to your hotel for the night.
Day 3: Modern Dubai & Beachside Fun
Today, it’s all about discovering the fun side of Dubai. The city offers experiences that ensure you’ll enjoy every moment of this day with fun and adventure, leisure and thrill. After breakfast, your first stop is the View at the Palm, where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the astonishing architectural marvel that is the Palm Jumeirah. Later, head to The Pointe Palm for lunch, where you can also see the colossal dancing fountain show. Alternatively, You can skip View at The Palm and lunch at Pointe and spend a full-day experience at Aquaventure Water Park for a splashy, fun day with your friends or family. Later, spend your day exploring the Palm Jumeirah and viewing Atlantis The Palm Resort. You can add extra activities such as enjoying water sports at JBR Beach and long strolls at Dubai Marina Walk as well. Complete your day with sweeping, illuminated views of Dubai city skyline after sunset from the tallest observatory wheel in the world, Ain Dubai. After a fulfilling day, head back to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Desert Safari Adventure
Today, witness the real Dubai through Arabian deserts, from where its saga of a humble village transforming into a mega city started. Begin your day relaxed and refreshed with a late breakfast or brunch at Dubai’s cafes. In the afternoon, your desert safari adventure begins with a ride to the dunes. Leaving the city behind you reach the golden dunes of the Dubai Desert. Buckle up as the 4×4 gets into gear for a rollercoaster dune bashing ride on the uneven sandy terrain. After the thrill, spend time enjoying camel rides and sandboarding to your heart’s desire. Slow down and enjoy a wonderful sunset on the desert horizon. This winds up your adventure time and now it is all about relaxing in a lively ambience enjoying Arabian folklore, belly dancing and fire shows and delving into authentic Arabian BBQ dinner. You will know by the end of this experience why Desert safari is a must-include in most Dubai tour packages. The day ends with your drop-off back at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Theme Park & Adventures
On Day 5, it’s time to spend an entire day in any one of the popular theme parks of Dubai. If you prefer an indoor thrill experience, IMG Worlds of Adventure is an ideal choice. For those who want to get some respite from the sunny weather and crave for a wintry ambience, Ski Dubai is perfect for snow sports and fun. Alternatively, you can head to Dubai Parks and Resorts, which offers a variety of theme parks such as LEGOLAND Dubai, LEGOLAND Waterpark, Real Madrid World, MOTIONGATE Dubai, Neon Galaxy and RIVERLAND Dubai. These parks provide a mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Whichever you choose, enjoy a day filled with fun and excitement. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 6: Luxury & Leisure
Today, it’s all about revelling in Dubai’s luxury quotient. Indulge in a truly unique luxury experience with breakfast at Burj Al Arab. Afterwards, head to the Mall of the Emirates for some chic shopping. Later, unwind with a rejuvenating spa experience, or you can elevate the experience with an elegant and leisurely yacht tour. In the evening, head to Pier 7, where you can savour delicious cuisine while taking in stunning views of the Dubai Marina. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 7: Day Trips & Hidden Gems
On your final day in Dubai, take a short day tour to either to Hatta Mountains for a visit to a heritage village and enjoy adventures like kayaking and hiking, or to visit Al Qudra Lakes for a desert oasis experience. Alternatively, you can choose to explore the capital city of Abu Dhabi and visit grand attractions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi before heading back to your home country. An Abu Dhabi tour package is also a great way to extend your holiday further for a few days, experiencing the capital emirate as well. Your Dubai tour ends on this day. You head back to the hotel for an overnight stay and depart the next day.
If a week in Dubai feels a bit much then you can also get the gist of the city by spending just 3 Days in Dubai by shortening the itinerary to Day 3.
Budget Breakdown & Cost Estimation
The biggest concern of many Dubai travellers is the cost of visiting the glamorous city might put a strain on their bank balance. Ultimately, many factors come into play regarding cost estimation such as:
- What type of traveller are you?
- Where would you be flying to Dubai?
- What is the duration of your Dubai holiday?
- Do you require a Dubai visa? How much does it cost?
- Where are you staying in Dubai?
- How many people are travelling with you?
- What time of the year are you planning to visit Dubai?
Daily estimated budget for accommodations may vary as per your choice between a selection of budget, mid-range and luxury hotels. Budget hotels cost around 160 AED per night, mid-range hotels cost approximately 260 per night and luxury stays cost about 680 AED per night.
The attractions and sightseeing costs for the 7-day Dubai itinerary outlined above are approximately AED 1500 per person. The itinerary can be easily adjusted and you can add attractions that appeal to your holiday budget. While planning a trip, keep an extra budget cushion for costs of flights, visa, transfers, food and hotel costs. If you are someone in search of a reasonably affordable Dubai itinerary, there are plenty of ways to save money in Dubai. You can substitute paid attractions with free things to do in Dubai. Use public transportation and Dubai Metro to save on travel costs. Explore the street food scene to have inexpensive meals rather than eating at restaurants. Also, travelling during low and shoulder seasons would cut down your holiday costs drastically. Additionally, make use of travel websites and apps such as raynatours.com to seek advice, reserve bookings and get the best travel deals and discounts.
Dubai Travel Tips & FAQs
Local Etiquette & Laws
Now that the Dubai itinerary is sorted, it is time to learn about what not to do on a Dubai trip. Let’s have a look:
Attire: While Dubai is more liberal than other parts of the UAE, it’s still respectful to dress modestly, especially in public places and religious sites.
Public Displays of Affection: Keep public displays of affection to a minimum. Holding hands is usually fine, but anything more can lead to a fine.
Alcohol Consumption: You can drink in licensed venues like hotels and bars, but drinking in public is a big no-no. If you plan to consume alcohol in licensed venues, always carry your ID.
Drugs: The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Even a tiny amount can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, deportation and hefty fines. Always be aware of the laws and regulations regarding drugs to avoid any legal issues during your stay.
Photography: Be cautious when taking photos. Avoid snapping pictures of people without their permission, and be mindful of government buildings and military sites.
Inadmissible Goods: There is a list of things that you cannot bring into Dubai. Some of these items, such as poppy seeds, betel leaves, and certain medications may be commonly used in your home country but are prohibited in Dubai. The complete list of banned and restricted items in Dubai can be found at www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae. Carefully go through this list to ensure you do not encounter problems with customs officials.
Best SIM Card & Internet Options
You can easily switch to a local network once you arrive in Dubai. You can utilise the free SIM card provided on arrival at the immigration counters or kiosks of du, Virgin or Etisalat. You can even purchase SIM cards at malls. Try eSim if possible which is the new way to enjoy connectivity without any hassles. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, malls, and public places and attractions. Make use of these facilities so that you can enjoy uninterrupted internet access and seamless connectivity.
1. Is Dubai Safe for Solo Travellers?
Yes, Dubai ranks among one of the safest cities in the world to travel. The law is strict and the crime rate is low. The efficient Dubai police force, known for its reputation and resources, including a fleet of advanced cars, makes it impossible for offenders to escape. The metro and public transport are super safe and efficient to get around in the city without any fear.
2. Can You Drink Alcohol in Dubai?
Yes, but there are a few rules to keep in mind. The legal age to consume alcohol in Dubai is 21 years. You can only drink alcohol in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. Public drinking is an offence and can result in heavy fines or imprisonment. Drinking and driving is also illegal. Consuming alcohol is not allowed during the holy month of Ramadan.
3. How Much Does a 7-Day Dubai Trip Cost?
A one-week Dubai holiday for a budget traveller would cost around AED 850 including food, transportation, accommodation and sightseeing. The same cost would increase to 7500 AED for a mid-range budget and further to 20,000 AED for high-end travellers.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, this is a sample itinerary for you to work with. You can use the same inclusions or get creative and tweak it as per your travel desires. There’s a lot to mix and match on your Dubai holiday based on your interests and budget. If you want more from your Dubai trip, extend it with adventurous excursions with Ras Al Khaimah tour packages. You can also modify this itinerary up to day 3 and then include excursions to make a comprehensive UAE itinerary for a complete Arabian holiday.
