Dubai is having a moment right now. Actually that moment has been happening for a while because it is one the world’s leading tourism destinations and has been winning Traveler’s Choice awards since 2022. And rightfully so, there is a lot to do and see and this place is pretty much catered to tourism. Consider Las Vegas on steroids with actual culture and beaches.
I have lived here for almost a year and I have basically been a tourist this entire time. So, I have pulled together some of my favorite things I have experienced, eaten, and done to make a memorable Dubai itinerary for your next vacation.
A Note on Traveling to the Middle East
Despite the glitz and glamour of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates is still a Muslim nation. Dubai offers a gateway to experience this culture in a relaxed manner, but you will still want to follow the cultural norms. Clothing is one of the most outward parts of the culture, but you will literally see people wearing everything. Some men will dress in the traditional Kandura which is kind of like an ankle length, white button down shirt along with a Gruta or head dress. You will see a variety of dress for women from Abayas (black over coat), to Kaftans, to Hijabs (full face coverage), to Burkas which are typically worn like a mask in the Emirates.
However, this is all optional and because the majority of the population in the Emirates is not from the country, people tend to dress in the way they would at home. That includes Saris & Kurtas to street clothes that you would see everyday in the USA. Generally, the dress is more conservative in Dubai, so keep that in mind when you pack. If you are going outside of Dubai or if you plan on visiting musuems and some more conservative malls, you will want to make sure your shoulders and knees are covered; this goes for both men and women. If you plan on visiting a mosque, you will want to have a scarf to cover your hair for women and be covered from your wrists to your ankles and nothing overly tight.
When to Visit
It is the desert, so it gets quite hot here. The summer months are not the best time to visit because it will be too hot to even go to the beach. However, there will be far less crowds and lots of activities will be discounted. You will also probably want to avoid visiting during the holy month of Ramadan as many things will be closed during the day. This holiday occurs based on the moon, so it is different dates every year. Be sure to check the dates prior to making your travel arrangements.
The best time to visit is November through April, but October and May can also be nice albeit on the hotter side. It’s warm year round, so going to the beach in January is perfect. Now that you have an idea about timing, read on for your Dubai itinerary suggestions!
Making the most of your time
You will want at least a week in the United Arab Emirates to see the highlights. It also makes sense to stay that long because the time change can be quite challenging. I also recommend renting a car for the time you will be spending outside of Dubai. There is public transportation and day trips you can schedule if you prefer, but renting a car is easy and cost effective as well in the UAE.
The Ultimate Dubai Itinerary:
Day 1
If you are coming from the USA, you may arrive in the evening, so I would recommend making it an easy night to settle in. Check into the Waldorf Astoria DIFC for a good location to explore Dubai. Hit the rooftop pool bar for snacks and taking in the views.
Day 2
Time to get out and see the sights and go shopping! Head to the Dubai Mall and get lost amongst the stores, indoor waterfall, skating rink, aquarium, and much more. Also be sure to check out the biggest fountain in the world. The Burj Khalifa is also accessible from the mall, so be sure to book your VIP tickets to the top. By now, you should have worked up an appetite, so head to the fountain side Samad Al Iraqi for Middle Eastern delicacies.
Day 3
Get ready for the party life! Check out The Beach and marina. Have lunch at Indya for unique Indian flavors or Nola for a taste of New Orleans in the Middle East. Book a Yacht Charter (it’s affordable, I promise (and the drinks are free flowing!)) to whisk you around the Palm Jumeriah during sunset and pregame or postgame at the iconic Barasti beach club.
Day 4
I have 2 options for the next move in your Dubai itinerary. Either rent your car or hop on a bus and head to Abu Dhabi (option 1) or move your jump off point from the financial district to the Palm (option 2).
Option 1
Make the 1.5 hour ride to relocate yourself to beautiful Abu Dhabi. Stay at the St. Regis Hotel for easy access to the Louvre and the pristine beach. If you drive yourself, be sure to make a pit stop at the mangrove boardwalks at Jubail Mangrove Park.
Day 5
Spend sometime on the beach before heading over to the enormous, adorned Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Option 2
Day 4 & 5: Make your way to the Palm Jumeriah and luxuriate. Enjoy the beach, pool, spa, and all of the dining and nightlife this area has to offer. If this falls on a Saturday night, be sure to stay at the Taj and enjoy the Panorama Saturday night brunch. Or, stay at the iconic Atlantis at the end of the Palm.
Day 6
Time to experience the real Middle East with a trip to the heart of Sharjah. Experience the old town and art foundation, have an authentic Emirati lunch at the Arabian Tea House, and immerse yourself in the capital of Islam at the Sharjah Heritage Museum. Stay at the Sharjah Sheraton Beach Resort for good jump off point for your final day.
Day 7
Time for a little road trip! Make the 1.5 hour drive through the tangerine dunes dotted with camels and the craggy Hajar mountain peaks emerging through tunnel after tunnel to a new view punctuated with historic fort lookouts on your way to Fujairah. Either spend one more night at the Snoopy Island Beach Resort or get a day pass for snorkeling in the Gulf of Oman. You will surely see tons of marine life, including an abundance of sea turtles, parrotfish, triggerfish, and even blacktip reef sharks if you are lucky.
Other Attractions of Interest
I now want to schedule a staycation for myself and do all of these things on my Dubai itinerary! But if you have more time or you have other agendas on your mind, here are some other options that are unique to Dubai:
Skydive Dubai: This is not for me, but considering how many people you will see doing this when you are at The Beach, it is certainly very popular.
Dinner in the sky: This also looks super scary to me and I have so many questions. How do you get the food and how do you go to the bathroom?
Dubai Desert Safari: We have not done this in Dubai yet, but we did have an opportunity to go in Oman and it was well worth it. There are options for overnight stays and several desert activities like dune bashing.
Dining and Brunch
If you are in Dubai on Saturday, you simply must go to brunch. Brunch is not a Sunday morning affair and instead here it is a Saturday afternoon or evening party with free flowing drinks and copious amounts of food. Here are a few of my favorites:
Al Dawar: In the Hyatt hotel is the only rotating restaurant in Dubai. Food and drinks are endless with stunning city, Gulf, and views of A3880s landing at the Dubai Airport.
Asia Asia: Delicious food and creative cocktails with a DJ spinning your favorite tracks.
Clap: Let’s face it, your going for the party, not the food. But still, the food is pretty good and there is a dance floor to work it all off.
Karma Cafe: Great food and drink with stunning fountain views.
Other Restaurants Worth Mentioning
There is so much to choose from in Dubai with nearly every type of cuisine represented. Here are a few to try:
Tong Thai: Amazing Thai food with a very cool atmosphere.
The Guild: A truly unforgettable food and cocktail experience.
Also, be sure to check out some of my recipes that have been inspired from my time in Dubai!
Habibi, Come to Dubai!
In conclusion, Dubai offers an unforgettable blend of modern extravagance and rich cultural experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires. Whether you’re drawn to the towering architecture of the Burj Khalifa or the serene beaches along the Gulf, Dubai promises something extraordinary at every turn. With its luxurious resorts, world-class dining, and a myriad of activities from desert safaris to shopping extravaganzas, Dubai truly lives up to its reputation as a premier global destination. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended stay, this Dubai itinerary invites you to immerse yourself in its unique blend of tradition, luxury, and adventure.
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