UAE 7-Day Itinerary: One Week in the United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a city of contrasts, and this itinerary explores its oldest roots while also diving into its glittering skyscrapers and modern attractions. I ended up visiting all 7 Emirates in a week and even had time for a side trip to a corner of Oman. This complete itinerary is perfect for travelling in the UAE, providing a journey through buzzing cities and marvelous landscapes.
Day 1: Dubai Creek and Old Dubai
Dubai Creek is a natural saltwater inlet that was the city’s lifeline long before oil or skyscrapers. Walking along the creek, it was possible to imagine Dubai as it once was—a small but thriving trading port where merchants from India, Persia, and beyond came to do business. On the way to the creek, you can walk through the old market area, which has a distinctly South Asian feel; in fact, at times, it feels more like India than the UAE, especially when passing a Hindu temple tucked into one of the alleyways.
One of the highlights of the day is a walking tour of Old Dubai, sharing insights into Emirati culture, dress, and history. Traditional Emirati clothing includes:
- Men’s attire: A white robe (kandura) with a head covering secured by black elastic rings.
- Women’s attire: A black abaya and headscarf, which can range from modest to ultra-conservative, depending on personal and religious preferences.
You can cross Dubai Creek on an abra, the wooden boats that have been ferrying people across the water for centuries. The fare is just 1 dirham. On the north side of the creek, you can visit two of Dubai’s most famous souks: The Spice Souk, a feast for the senses with the smell of saffron and cinnamon, and The Gold Souk, featuring row after row of elaborate gold jewelry with strict quality controls to ensure authenticity.
Day 2: Skyscrapers, Shopping, and the Burj Khalifa
The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world and it’s like no other mall I’ve seen in my life. Even if you are not into malls, you will be fascinated by the Dubai Mall, which features a huge aquarium and unique cafés. Right outside the mall, you can watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain Show, the world’s largest choreographed fountain show. In the evening, the fountain show is played every half an hour from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Visit Burj Khalifa and enjoy the majestic view of the city from the tallest building of the world. The Burj Khalifa has been the tallest building in the world since 2009 with a total height of 829.8 meters. You can go inside and go all the way up to level 124, 125, and 148.
Day 3: Desert Safari Adventure
If you haven’t been in the dessert before, then lose your hairs and make yourself ready for the unrivaled journey with stars and golden dunes on your side. A desert safari will leave you with breathtaking scenery and serenity to complete the whole UAE experience. Most safari experiences include a 6-hour journey with a BBQ dinner and traditional entertainment.
Day 4: Abu Dhabi and YAS Island
A journey to Abu Dhabi is perfect for people who enjoy speed. If you are fascinated by theme parks and the largest roller coaster, the park called Ferrari World has the fastest ride in the world. To beat the heat, you can spend all day exploring the attractions at YAS Island.
Day 5 to 7: Palm Island, Kite Beach, and Miracle Garden
The PALM Island is a perfect example of creativity and engineering—a man-made island in the shape of a tree. You can enjoy the amazing view of this island by taking a long walk with some Arabi snacks on the coast of the Arabian Sea. For more leisure, get ready with your beach shorts for fun on Kite Beach, featuring watersports and mesmerising sunsets.
You will surely be surprised by the Miracle Garden, because this garden is situated in the middle of the dessert. Get ready to be lost in the flora and fauna of this marvelous destination. For a luxury experience at sun down, book yourself a dinner table at the 7-star hotel of Burj Al Arab and enjoy the 360-degree bar.
Travel Planning and Package Rates
Dubai is a safe place; 90% of the population are guest workers, and if they commit a crime, they will get kicked out of the country. Below are the curated travel package options for your UAE journey:
| Package Type | Price Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| 3 nights 4 days (tours only) | 569.00 – 749.00 |
| 2 nights Dubai tour booking | 600.00 – 1,300.00 |
| 6 nights 7 days Package | 1,100.00 – 2,300.00 |
| 7 nights 8 days Package | 1,599.00 – 3,666.00 |
| 10 days Package | 1,649.00 – 3,499.00 |
