Dubai Itinerary 7 Days: Complete Week-Long Guide
A practical 7-day Dubai itinerary that balances modern landmarks, Old Dubai heritage, desert activities, and beach time with realistic daily costs and transport tips.
Day 1: Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa
Start at Dubai Mall and buy your Burj Khalifa ticket in advance through the official site. A 124th-floor At the Top visit costs AED 169 in the morning slot. Walk the Dubai Fountain promenade after sunset for the free water show at 7 pm and 8 pm. Grab dinner at a mall food court where a solid meal runs AED 45-65 per person.
Day 2: Old Dubai and Abra Ride
Take the metro to BurJuman then walk to Dubai Creek. Cross on an abra for AED 1. Cross back and visit the Textile Souk and Gold Souk before lunch at a local cafeteria serving machboos for AED 35. End the afternoon at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood with its wind-tower houses and small museums.
Day 3: Desert Safari and Bedouin Dinner
Book a shared desert safari through a licensed operator for AED 185-250 including pickup from most Dubai hotels. The package covers dune bashing, camel rides, henna, and a buffet dinner with live shows. Carry cash for optional extras like quad biking at AED 150 for 20 minutes.
Day 4: Palm Jumeirah and Beach Day
Reach Atlantis The Palm via the Palm Monorail from Gateway station. Spend the morning at Aquaventure Waterpark, entry AED 345 for adults. In the afternoon move to Kite Beach for free entry and rent a paddleboard for AED 60 per hour. Sunset views from the Palm are free from the public beach.
Day 5: Global Village and Shopping
Global Village opens from October to April. Entry costs AED 25. Allow four hours to explore 70-plus country pavilions and enjoy street food priced AED 20-40. Follow with an evening at Dubai Outlet Mall where many items sit 30-70 percent below regular retail.
Day 6: Abu Dhabi Day Trip
Catch the 7 am RTA bus E100 from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi for AED 30 return. Spend the morning at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, free entry with modest dress required. After lunch visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, adult ticket AED 63, then return to Dubai by 6 pm.
Day 7: Leisure and Departure
Use the morning for last-minute shopping at Dragon Mart or a final swim at JBR Beach. If your flight leaves after 3 pm, most hotels allow late checkout for AED 150-250. Pack light, keep AED 50 in small notes for tips and transport.
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Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for 7 days in Dubai?▾
Expect AED 2,200-3,500 per person covering attractions, meals, and desert safari, excluding hotel and flights.
Is the Nol card needed for a tourist week?▾
Yes, buy a Silver Nol card for AED 25 at any metro station, then load daily or weekly passes for cheaper travel.
When is the best month for a Dubai trip?▾
November to March offers 22-28 C weather ideal for outdoor plans; summer months exceed 40 C and limit daytime movement.
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