How to plan a Dubai trip for 7 days?

Planning a 7-day trip to Dubai involves a mix of exploring its modern attractions, cultural sites and indulging in leisure activities. Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your trip: –

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Morning:

Arrive in Dubai and check into your hotel.

Rest and freshen up after your flight.

Afternoon:

Visit Dubai Mall for a leisurely start. Explore its shops, and don’t miss the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Evening:

Enjoy the Dubai Fountain show outside Dubai Mall.

Dine at a restaurant with a view of the Burj Khalifa.

Day 2: Modern Dubai

Morning:

Visit Burj Khalifa. Pre-book tickets for At the Top for panoramic views.

Explore the Dubai Opera and nearby Souk Al Bahar for some shopping.

Afternoon:

Have lunch at a restaurant in Souk Al Bahar or Dubai Mall.

Visit the Museum of the Future.

Evening:

Head to Jumeirah Beach to relax and enjoy the sunset.

Dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Morning:

Explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Al Bastakiya).

Visit the Dubai Museum located in Al Fahidi Fort.

Afternoon:

Take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to Deira.

Wander through the Gold and Spice Souks.

Evening:

Enjoy a traditional Emirati meal at a restaurant like Al Fanar or SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding).

Day 4: Desert Safari

Morning:

Relax at your hotel or visit a local café.

Afternoon & Evening:

Embark on a desert safari tour. Activities typically include dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding.

Enjoy a BBQ dinner and traditional entertainment at a desert camp.

Day 5: Leisure and Adventure

Morning:

Spend the morning at Kite Beach, where you can relax or try water sports.

Afternoon:

Visit Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates for indoor skiing or snowboarding.

Explore the shops and dining options in Mall of the Emirates.

Evening:

Have dinner at one of the mall’s restaurants or return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Day 6: Abu Dhabi Day Trip

Morning:

Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi (about 1.5 hours from Dubai).

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Afternoon:

Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Evening:

Return to Dubai.

Dine at a restaurant with a view, such as Pierchic or one in the Marina.

Day 7: Leisure and Departure

Morning:

Relax at your hotel or visit a spa.

Optionally, visit La Mer for a relaxed beachside experience.

Afternoon:

Last-minute shopping at a nearby mall or explore the Dubai Marina area.

Evening:

Depending on your flight time, have a final meal in Dubai before heading to the airport.

Tips:

Transport: Use the Metro, taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem for convenient travel.

Tickets: Book tickets for major attractions (Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, desert safari) in advance.

Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting cultural sites and mosques.

Weather: Dubai can be very hot, so plan indoor activities during the peak heat of the day and stay hydrated.

These itinerary balances sightseeing, cultural experiences and relaxation, ensuring a memorable week in Dubai.