The United Arab Emirates is on the travel bucket list of people from both the east and the west. The UAE offers a complete package that involves the perfect blend of the traditional and modern architecture, shimmering desert landscapes, picturesque beaches, ancient culture, sleek-luxury, and a variety of food choices. If you have a week’s time, you can explore the two of the most popular emirates of the UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Here is a 7-day UAE itinerary that will take you to all the interesting places in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Day 01: Arrival and Sightseeing in Abu Dhabi
This itinerary has been charted out assuming that you arrive in Abu Dhabi early in the morning. You check-in to your hotel in Abu Dhabi before stepping out to explore the best tourist attractions in the city. You can also choose to explore the emirate with one of the Abu Dhabi packages.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Begin your sightseeing tour with the visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is the epitome of Islamic architecture and also the largest mosque in the UAE.
Qasr Al Hosn: Your next stop can be Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest standing structure of Abu Dhabi. Built in the late 18th century, this stone structure was once the home of the ruling family of the emirate. Checkout the museum that tells you the history of the UAE through its exhibits and artefacts.
Emirates Heritage Village: Located on the Corniche Breakwater, the Emirates Heritage Village is a recreation of the original Arabic village with Bedouin-style tents, huts, mosques, souks, and more. You will also get to see artisans showcasing traditional skills like pottery, weaving, metalwork, glassblowing, etc.
Abu Dhabi Corniche: An 8-km long waterfront promenade, Abu Dhabi Corniche includes walking and jogging paths, white-sand beaches, kids’ play areas, and numerous restaurants and cafes. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Observation Deck at 300: The highest observation deck in Abu Dhabi, the Observation Deck at 300 is located 300 meters above the ground. Perched on the 74th level of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, this is a must-visit place to check out the panoramic view of the city.
Day 02: Exploring Al Ain
If you want to go beyond the city of the largest emirate of the UAE, a trip to Al Ain is a must. Located an hour and half from the main Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain captures the natural beauty, history, and culture of the capital emirate.
Al Ain Oasis: Spread around an area of 3000 acres, Al Ain Oasis is the oldest permanently inhabited settlements in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to thousands of date palms, historic walkways, and the ancient Falaj irrigation system.
Al Ain Zoo: Those traveling with kids must definitely visit Al Ain Zoo. Located on the foot of Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Zoo is spread around 400 hectares and houses almost 4000 wild animals, many of which are endangered. The place also has picnic areas where families can eat, rest, and relax.
Jebel Hafeet: The second tallest mountain peak in the world, Jebel Hafeet gives you the opportunity to indulging in hiking, mountain biking, horse/camel riding, and even camping at the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park. You will also find interesting historical and archaeological attractions here.
Al Jahili Fort: Built in the 19th century, Al Jahili Fort is one of the largest forts in the UAE. The summer residence of the Sheikh Zayed the first, Al Jahili Fort is a simple but elegant mudbrick fort that gives you a peak into the history and culture of the nation.
Al Ain National Museum: Established in 1969, Al Ain National Museum was the first museum of the region. Here, you will get to follow the journey of Al Ain, right from Stone Age era to the time when it became a part of the UAE.
Al Ain Camel Market: The camels are an integral part of the UAE’s history and culture. Al Ain Camel Market is an active market where you get to watch how camels, sheep, and goats are traded even today.
Day 03: Theme Parks
After a day getting to know the history and heritage of Abu Dhabi, it is time to enjoy a day filled with pure, unadulterated fun. And there is no place better than Yas Island for the same. Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is filled with numerous theme parks and interesting attractions. You can club a couple of them together, as per your interests.
Ferrari World: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the first Formula One theme park in the world. An indoor theme park, it has more than 40 thrilling rides and attractions. The most sought after ride here is the Formula Rossa, as it is the fastest rollercoaster in the world.
Yas Waterworld: If you want to spend time soaking in some water adventures, you must visit Yas Waterworld. One of the largest water theme parks in the UAE, Yas Waterworld has more than 40 rides and attractions
Warner Bros. World: Another indoor theme park, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi gives you the chance to enter the world of your favorite cartoon characters, shows, and movies. The six zones of this theme park have numerous rides, attractions, live shows, restaurants, and retail stores.
Yas Marina Circuit: If you love F1 racing and would like to have the experience behind the wheels, a visit to Yas Marina Circuit is a must. Here, you will get to enjoy drifting, driving, karting, and dragging experiences with some fast motor vehicles.
Day 04: Arriving in Dubai, Old Dubai, and Desert Safari
Make sure you check out from your Abu Dhabi hotel early in the morning and leave for Dubai. It takes around two hours to reach Dubai from Abu Dhabi. Reaching early will ensure that you will get to explore all the attractions of Old Dubai.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: Known to be the oldest neighborhood in Dubai, Al Fahidi is where you will get to walk on narrow, cobbled streets and check out traditional homes with wind towers. Many of these houses have been turned into interesting museums.
Dubai Museum: If you want to know the history of Dubai in detail, the Dubai Museum is the one for you. Located inside the Al Fahidi Fort, this museum has interesting exhibits that tell you about the life of the Bedouins before the discovery of oil.
SMCCU: If you are someone who wants to dig deeper into the cultural heritage of the Emiratis, a visit to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. The centre conducts sessions to tell tourists about the culture and traditions of the Emiratis. SMCCU also hosts guided tours to historical and religious places of Dubai.
Dubai Creek Abra Ride: At the heart of Old Dubai is the Dubai Creek, the saltwater inlet that divides the city into Bur Dubai and Deira. The city developed into today’s metropolis around this area. You can take an abra ride to admire the heritage buildings around this area.
Dubai Souks: Old Dubai is home to traditional market places of Dubai called souks. The most popular here is the Gold Souk, which has more than 300 jewelry stores. You must also visit Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, and Textile Souk here. These souks are perfect to buy gifts and souvenirs.
Desert Safari: Leave for the Dubai desert camp late in the afternoon to spend your evening at the desert. Expect fun adventurous activities, fascinating entertainment programs and leisure activities, and delicious food at Dubai desert safari.
Day 05: Exploring New-Age Dubai
Dedicate your second day in Dubai by visiting the modern attractions of the city. Most of these attractions are in Downtown Dubai and would take most of your day.
Dubai Frame: Known to be the largest photo frame in the world, Dubai Frame represents the past, present, and future of the city. The observation deck on the top shows old Dubai on one side and the modern one on the other.
Dubai Mall: Your next visit should be Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the UAE. Home to 1200 stores and numerous attractions, you can easily spend half a day (or a full day) in this enormous mall. Apart from shopping, you can visit an aquarium, try ice skating, play games at a virtual reality park, watch a movie, and spend time a kids’ theme park.
Burj Khalifa: Just before sunset, visit the observation deck at Burj Khalifa, located right next to the Dubai Mall. The observation deck on the 124th floor of the world’s tallest building gives you a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the whole city along with a view of a stunning sunset.
Dubai Fountain Show: After visiting Burj Khalifa, head over to the Burj Lake right outside to watch a mesmerizing Dubai Fountain Show. Complete with music, innumerable lights, and water jets, this is one of the things to do in Dubai for free.
Dhow Cruise on Dubai Marina: End your day with a dhow cruise ride on Dubai Marina, one of the swankiest neighbourhoods in the city. Sail on a traditional dhow-turned-restaurant while enjoying the views, some delicious food, and entertaining programs.
Day 06: Spending a Day at a Dubai Theme Park
Dubai is teeming with some of the best, world-class theme parks that are worth visiting for a day filled with pure fun and enjoyment. You can choose to spend your day at any one of the theme parks present here on the sixth day of your Abu Dhabi and Dubai holiday with kids.
IMG Worlds of Adventure: The largest indoor theme park in the world is a delight for both kids and adults. Home to six amazing zones, IMG Worlds is filled with thrilling and family-friendly rides, attractions, and an array of restaurants and retail stores.
Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park: If you want to cool off after plenty of sightseeing, Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park would be a good place to visit. The largest water park in Dubai, there are more than 105 slides, rides, and pools, some of them being world-record holders. You also get access to a private beach here.
Dubai Parks & Resorts: Dubai Parks & Resorts holds a group of theme parks, a water park, a few play areas, resorts, and restaurants. You can choose to visit Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, T-Rex Glamping, Neon Galaxy, or Riverland Dubai here.
Day 07: Shopping and Departure
Spend the last day of your trip by indulging in some last-minute shopping. While there are plenty of shopping places in Dubai, there is something special about Souk Madinat Jumeirah. This shopping complex is the perfect blend of a traditional souk and a modern shopping mall, giving you the chance to indulge in Arabian-style shopping in comfort. The place has over 60 stores where you can buy local, handcrafted items, perfect for gifts and souvenirs to take back home. This is an amazing place for your last-minute shopping expedition in Dubai. Souk Madinat Jumeriah also has numerous dining options, where you can enjoy lunch before you get back to your hotel for checking out and leaving for the airport.
Conclusion
If you are confused about how to plan a UAE trip, you can use this itinerary as your base. You can choose to add new places or replace some of the spots mentioned here as per your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
