Before you start
This plan assumes four or five nights in a central hotel and arrival at Dubai International Airport. Book an airport transfer in advance so a driver meets you at arrivals. Distances in Dubai are larger than they look on a map, so we group sights by area to cut driving time.
Day 1: Arrival and Dubai Marina
Check in, rest, and head to Dubai Marina in the evening. Walk the promenade, then board a Marina dhow cruise for dinner with views of JBR and Blue Water Island. It is a gentle first night after a flight.
Day 2: Dubai city tour and Burj Khalifa
Take a full-day Dubai city tour: Al Seef, the abra crossing, the Spice and Gold Souks, Jumeirah Mosque, a Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis photo stop, then Dubai Mall. Time your Burj Khalifa ticket for around 5 pm and stay for the Dubai Fountain show after dark.
A shared full-day tour costs AED 140 per person. A private city tour in a 7-seater SUV costs AED 590 for up to six guests, which works out cheaper for most families.
Day 3: Morning off, evening desert safari
Sleep in, enjoy the hotel pool or a beach, and get collected around 3 pm for an evening desert safari. Expect dune bashing, a sunset photo stop, camel rides, live shows and a BBQ buffet, with drop-off around 9 pm.
Day 4: Abu Dhabi day trip
Abu Dhabi is about 90 minutes by road. Start early for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, then Qasr Al Watan or the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and finish at Yas Island. Our Abu Dhabi day trip guide covers dress code and timings in detail. A private car with a driver from Dubai costs AED 690 for the day.
Day 5: Theme park or Dubai Frame and shopping
Families usually pick a theme park on the last full day. Adults might prefer the Dubai Frame, the Museum of the Future and an evening at Global Village in season. Leave enough time to pack, and book your return transfer three to four hours before the flight.
What this itinerary costs
Our 5-night Dubai tour package starts at AED 1499 per person with a 3-star hotel, transfers and local tours. The price depends on hotel category, season and group size, so ask our reservation team for an exact quote on WhatsApp.
- 3 nights: from AED 999
- 4 nights: from AED 1249
- 5 nights: from AED 1499
- 7 nights Dubai and Abu Dhabi: from AED 1999
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough for Dubai?
Yes. Five days covers Dubai city, the desert, a dhow cruise, Abu Dhabi and one free day without rushing.
Should I hire a car with driver or use taxis?
For families and groups a car with driver is usually cheaper than several taxis per day, and the driver waits at each stop.
Can this itinerary be changed?
Every day can be swapped or customised. Tell us your dates, hotel and interests and we will adjust the plan.