UAE: Dubai & Abu Dhabi in 5 Days

This itinerary covers the best of Dubai — skyscrapers, the old city, beaches, and designer hotspots — plus a desert safari and a cultural day in Abu Dhabi featuring the grand mosque and a world-class museum.

1

Arrival in Dubai. Modern City Center

Dubai

2 places

Attraction

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world (828 m), featuring a panoramic observation deck on the 124th floor with sweeping views across Dubai and the Arabian Gulf.

Book tickets online in advance (~100–150 AED). Visiting late in the afternoon is best for sunset and the city lights at night. Allow 1–1.5 hours.

100–150 AED (~$27–41)

On foot500 m

Directions

Shopping

Dubai Mall

A colossal shopping mall with over 1,200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Home to the famous Dubai Fountain and an impressive aquarium.

The fountain shows run every 30 minutes during the day and every 15–30 minutes in the evening. Entry to the mall is free, and you can watch the fountain display from the outdoor promenade at no cost.

Photo by Dovlet Hojayev on Unsplash

Free (shopping optional)

By car7.8 km

Directions

2

Old Dubai & the Waterfront

Dubai

4 places

3

Beaches, the Palm & an Afternoon Desert Safari

Dubai

3 places

4

Dubai Marina & Shopping

Dubai

2 places

5

Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque & Museum

Abu Dhabi

2 places

Route map13 points

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Points of interest

Burj Khalifa

Attraction

Dubai Mall

Shopping

Al Fahidi Historic District

Culture

Gold Souk

Shopping

Spice Souk

Shopping

Abra Ride on Dubai Creek

Activity

Jumeirah Beach

Nature

Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis

Attraction

Desert Safari Dubai

Activity

Dubai Marina

Attraction

JBR Beach

Shopping

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Culture

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Culture