Dubai and Abu Dhabi Combined 7-Day Itinerary
7-day Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary that balances iconic sights, culture and downtime without the rush of back-to-back days.
Day 1: Settle into Dubai with a relaxed pace
Land at DXB and take the metro or a pre-booked taxi straight to Downtown Dubai. Drop bags, then walk to Dubai Mall for a light lunch and the first view of Burj Khalifa. In the evening, head to the Dubai Fountain show at 7 pm and 8 pm for the free water-and-light display. Keep dinner simple at a mall restaurant so jet lag does not hit too hard.
Day 2: Desert and skyline in one day
Book a half-day desert safari that starts at 2 pm, giving you the morning free. Morning option: take the metro to Palm Jumeirah and ride the monorail for sea views. Afternoon desert trip includes dune bashing, camel rides and a barbecue dinner under the stars. Return to the city by 10 pm. Cost for the safari is usually AED 250-350 per person including transfers.
Day 3: Culture and creek in old Dubai
Start early at the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort, then walk the short distance to the Dubai Creek. Take an abra for AED 1 across to Deira and wander the spice and gold souks. End the afternoon at the textile souk for modest souvenirs. Evening is free for a quiet dinner along the creek or back in Downtown.
Day 4: Move to Abu Dhabi and the Grand Mosque
Check out of your Dubai hotel by 10 am and take the E11 bus or a shared taxi to Abu Dhabi (journey 90-120 minutes, AED 25-40). Drop bags at your Abu Dhabi hotel near Corniche. Head straight to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, open until 8 pm for non-Muslims. Women need an abaya (free at the entrance). Allow two hours for photos and the interior. Dinner on the Corniche finishes the day.
Day 5: Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island
Morning visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi (ticket AED 63 online). Spend two to three hours on the permanent collection and the dome light show. After lunch, take a taxi to Saadiyat Beach for a swim or just a walk along the sand. Many hotels on Saadiyat offer day passes for AED 150-250 that include pool and beach access. Return to central Abu Dhabi by sunset.
Day 6: Return to Dubai for final highlights
Travel back to Dubai by 10 am. Use the afternoon for Global Village (open November to April, entry AED 20) or, outside those months, the Miracle Garden (AED 50). Both sites give you large-scale photo opportunities without another full day of walking. Evening flight or hotel near the airport keeps departure smooth.
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Frequently asked questions
Is seven days enough for Dubai and Abu Dhabi?▾
Yes. The itinerary spreads major sites across both cities without daily long drives and leaves buffer time for rest.
What is the cheapest way between the two cities?▾
E11 buses run every 30 minutes from Ibn Battuta or Al Ghubaiba stations and cost AED 25. Shared taxis are AED 40 per seat.
Do women need special clothing for the Grand Mosque?▾
An abaya is supplied free at the entrance. Shoulders and knees must stay covered inside the prayer halls.
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