Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary 5 Days: How to Split Your Time
Split five days between Dubai and Abu Dhabi without rushing. Clear day-by-day plan with transport, costs, and timing for first-time visitors.
Day 1: Land in Dubai and settle in Downtown
Arrive at DXB and take the metro or a pre-booked taxi straight to Downtown Dubai. Drop bags at your hotel near Burj Khalifa, then head up for sunset views. After dark, walk the Dubai Mall waterfront and catch the Dubai Fountain show at 7 pm or 8 pm. Budget AED 150 for the Burj Khalifa At the Top ticket if you book ahead.
Day 2: Dubai desert and old town
Start early with a half-day desert safari that includes dune bashing and a camel ride, around AED 250 per person. Return by 3 pm, then take the abra across Dubai Creek to visit the textile souk and Al Fahidi district. End the evening at a creek-side cafe for grilled hammour. Carry cash for small purchases in the souk.
Day 3: Move to Abu Dhabi
Check out by 10 am and catch the 11 am E11 bus from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi bus station, AED 25 one way, 90 minutes. Drop bags at your hotel on Saadiyat Island or Yas Island. Spend the afternoon at Louvre Abu Dhabi, entry AED 63. Watch the sunset from the museum's outdoor plaza before dinner on the island.
Day 4: Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Yas Island
Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at 9 am. Modest dress is required; women need an abaya provided free at the entrance. Entry is free but book a timed slot on the official site. After the mosque, head to Yas Island for Ferrari World or Warner Bros World, each around AED 300. Stay for the Yas Marina evening lights and dinner at the boardwalk.
Day 5: Corniche walk and return to Dubai
Take a relaxed morning stroll along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, then visit the new Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island, free entry. Catch the 2 pm bus back to Dubai and connect to DXB or your hotel. Leave buffer time for traffic on the E11.
Transport and booking tips
Use the Careem app for short hops inside each city. Book mosque and Louvre tickets online 48 hours ahead. If you hold a tourist visa, no extra permits are needed for these attractions. Carry a reusable water bottle; temperatures hit 38 C even in shoulder months.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the E11 bus reliable between cities?▾
Yes, buses run every 30 minutes from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi bus station and cost AED 25.
Do I need to book the mosque in advance?▾
Timed slots are released online two days ahead. Arrive 15 minutes before your slot.
Can I keep the same hotel for all five days?▾
Possible, but moving once saves two hours of daily travel and lets you enjoy each city at night.
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