The UAE is a group of fascinating emirates with magnificent deserts that exist alongside glamorous skylines.
Officially called United Arab Emirates, UAE has a lot to offer. Even if you visit the region umpteen times, you will never get bored. There are plenty of destinations and activities here that will keep you busy for days and introduce you to the traditional Emirati culture.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: You can book Dubai hotels & save more if you plan well in advance.
7 days in UAE
UAE is made up of seven emirates, some small enough that they can be toured in one day or less. But while they all have something to offer, that doesn't mean you need to visit them all on your first visit.
If you plan to spend only one week in the UAE, it's best to focus on the best attractions. Leave the rest for your next visit.
This 1-week UAE itinerary is going to focus on just Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which are the country's two largest cities. Most of the best things to do in the Emirates are here so you won't get bored. There is more than enough to keep you busy for ages.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: Save money at some of the top attractions in Dubai and the rest of the UAE with a SuperSaver Pass. Choose a pass of either 3, 5 or 7 attractions and get single entry to a host of experiences throughout the Emirates. Click here to learn more.
Day 1: Dubai - City highlights
Our itinerary begins in Dubai, which is UAE's second-largest emirate.
First stop: Zabeel Park and one of the newest attractions in Dubai, Dubai Frame. At about 500 feet tall, the gold frame is the largest picture frame in the world. You will get some fabulous views of the Burj Khalifa from there and walk on a clear glass walkway 100 meters from the ground.
Then head to Dubai Mall's food court for lunch. Said to be the largest mall in the world, it has over 1,300 shops and 200 eateries, and is also home to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, and VR Park, a unique virtual reality attraction.
Afterwards, follow the signs inside the mall to Burj Khalifa. The world's tallest building is undoubtedly Dubai's icon and major attraction, and you can only enter it from inside the mall.
If you're not intimidated by heights, you'll want to visit the top of Burj Khalifa. The high-speed elevators will take you to the top of the 160-story building, and from here you can enjoy awesome views of the city and surroundings from the observation deck.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: Buy your tickets in advance to skip the ticket line and head straight to the top of the Burj Khalifa.
Click here to find out about the ticket prices for Burj Khalifa:
Return to the mall for dinner, then head to nearby Dubai Fountain, which is located on Burj Khalifa Lake. Every evening, the fountain puts on a magnificent water show with 6,000 lights and 22,000 gallons of water, all choreographed to classical, contemporary Arabic and world music.
The fountain is a popular attraction and quite crowded, so keep an eye on your travel partners so you don't get separated. The best way to avoid the crowds is to book a traditional wooden "abra" water taxi. The 30-minute cruise on Burj Lake will give you time to admire monuments and views before you enjoy the water show close up. Check prices here.
Day 2: Dubai - desert experiences
Getting out of town into the desert is another essential part of any UAE itinerary. While you're in Dubai, take the opportunity to book a tour and see Dubai in a different way.
There are dozens of things to do near Dubai, so you can choose from a wide range of experiences.
- Flyboarding
- Sandboarding
- Hot air ballooning
- Falconry
- Quad biking in the desert
- Sand dune bashing in a 4×4
- Visiting a Bedouin campsite
- Take a camel ride
- Visit a camel farm
- Get a traditional 'henna' design on your hands.
- If you want some fun selfies, get dressed in traditional local clothing.
- Watch a belly dancer dance to traditional Arabic music.
Most Dubai desert tours include a combination of these. For example, here's a description of one highly rated Desert Safari:
Experience Dubai as it was a half century ago on a full-day safari of the desert dunes. Following a pick-up from your hotel, head out to the desert landscape and explore it from the back of a camel.
Traveling like the ancient nomads, enjoy a stunning journey through the desert on a traditional camel convoy. This is the most authentic way to trace the footsteps of the Bedouin travelers.
Upon arrival at a Bedouin camp, soak up the atmosphere of the gentle flames from traditional lamps nestled inside a private royal retreat. Demonstrations of traditional activities, such as henna painting, falconry displays, and authentic folk music and dance will keep you entertained (not available during the Holy month of Ramadan).
Learn the traditional ways of making bread according to recipes handed down from generation to generation. End with a scrumptious dinner under the stars as history comes to life in an ageless landscape.
Day 3: Dubai - over-the-top theme parks and cruises
Dubai's theme parks are extravagant and over the top. The day is sure going to be fun if you are here with your family or someone special.
- Aquaventure Waterpark is full of impressive water rides and attractions. There are 21 exhibits in the park with 65,000 marine animals in the water park. It's considered to be the best waterpark in the Middle East.
- Ski Dubai, located inside the Mall of the Emirates, is one of the major attractions as it has a 22,500 m² skiing area. There is plenty to enjoy on the artificial mountains with all kinds of slopes that cater to different skill levels. The snow may be artificially made, but it is real.
- Motiongate Dubai theme park features 27 action-packed rides and attractions plus a full program of 15 entertainment experiences and live dance performances. All based around 3 legendary Hollywood film studios: Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Lionsgate.
- Bollywood Parks Dubai features heart-thumping rides, exhilarating performances, and mouth-watering treats. Celebrate Mumbai's legendary cinema in 5 zones, full of romance, comedy, music, and dance.
- Legoland Dubai has 40 LEGO-themed rides, shows and building experiences. Plus 15,000 LEGO models made from over 60 million LEGO bricks, 6 themed lands and a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions.
- Legoland Water Park is full of waterslides, pools and family-friendly activities, such as building your own raft with soft bricks.
End the day with a Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise, which is like a floating restaurant. Enjoy glorious views of the city as you enjoy scrumptious cuisines served for dinner. Besides, there is some mind-blowing entertainment on board.
Day 4: Abu Dhabi - Emirati culture
Today is reserved for cultural experiences, beginning with visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It ranks among the largest mosques in the world and comprises 1,000 columns and 82 domes. What is special about the mosque with a white and gold façade is that it is the only mosque in the UAE that is open to non-Muslim tourists.
Later, visit Heritage Village that carries remnants of the original fishing village that Abu Dhabi once was. It is like a living museum as one passes past wooden huts housing workshops and some Bedouin tents. You will enjoy watching live demonstrations of craftwork such as weaving and metal working, and you can shop for local crafts and spices.
Day 5: Abu Dhabi - Al Gharbia region
Explore the Al Gharbia region, which is a perfect backdrop for desert excursions. Al Gharbia is an oasis of stunning natural beauty at the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Within its vast edges extending between the desert and the sea, it's different than what you would experience in Dubai.
You could choose a wild dune buggy ride or opt for the traditional camel trek or a safari-style jeep ride to enjoy the deserts. You should not have any trouble as there are plenty of companies that offer well-organized tours of the Empty Quarter in the Al Gharbia region.
Day 6: Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
Begin your day early and head to Abu Dhabi. It is just 2 hours away by car or taxi ride.
Yas Waterworld is one of the best attractions in UAE. It's the perfect way to spend a day in such a hot country ,with over 40 slides and rides spread across 37 acres. Get ready for an ultimate water adventure for the whole family and enjoy slithering slides and 40 rip-roaring rides. spread across 37 acres. This is an adventure playground for everyone as there is plenty of speed and thrills at the park. Each island here boasts of an exhilarating ride and live shows, and a wide range of options for dining and shopping.
If you prefer automotive excellence to water parks, then plan to spend your day at Ferrari World. It's the world's only Ferrari theme park, with 37 thrilling rides and attractions including the world's fastest roller coaster. You'll also visit Yas Marina Circuit, where the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held. You can have a look at an impressive variety of vehicles such as Aston Martins, Mercedes-Benz vehicles, then race on the same circuit as the pros and even receive a lesson into how to drive the car from one of their Ferrari trained instructors.
Then check out of your hotel and return to Dubai. You'll be busy tomorrow.
Day 7: Shopping in Dubai
Even if it is not one of your favorite activities, you should make an exception today and keep the last day reserved for shopping.
No UAE trip would be complete without spending time in Dubai's unique souks and shopping malls. True to its reputation, Dubai offers the ultimate experience in shopping. Whether you are looking for luxury goods or some good bargains, you can shop here to your heart's content.
Some of the best spots for shopping in Dubai include
- The Dubai Mall
- Mall of the Emirates
- Wafi Mall
- Deira Gold Souk
- Global Village
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Al Fahidi Street
You can find everything from home appliances to the latest cellphones or look for high-end shops with luxury brands that sell jewelry, accessories, and high fashion items.
The textile souks sell Persian carpets, Kashmir pashminas, and local abayas and other garments. Browse those famous souks and look for local as well as designer items and shop for souvenirs, electronic gadgets, or local artifacts.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: If you're shopping for souvenirs, gold, spices, or Arabian clothes, head to the souks. They have a more authentic flavor and the prices are much better than what you'll get in one of the expensive malls.
Ready to visit the UAE?
With so many cheap flights to the UAE, it's easy to plan a great trip here. Just use this well-planned 7 day UAE itinerary and you're sure to make the best of your trip.
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