5-Day Dubai Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip (with Abu Dhabi Day Trip)

Dubai packs a lot into a small area, and a well-ordered plan saves hours in traffic. This 5-day itinerary groups sights by neighbourhood, puts each one at its best time of day, and works for couples, friends and families. Every day can be customised in a TravelHuge Dubai package.

Dubai itinerary at a glance

Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Check in and rest after your flight. In the afternoon head to the Dubai Mall — see the aquarium tunnel and the indoor waterfall — then go up the Burj Khalifa about an hour before sunset, so you see the city in daylight, at golden hour and lit up at night. Finish with the free Dubai Fountain show, which runs every 30 minutes in the evening, and dinner overlooking the lake.

Day 2: Old Dubai and an evening desert safari

Start early in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood with its wind-tower houses, then cross Dubai Creek by abra (a traditional water taxi costing just AED 1) to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. Rest at the hotel after lunch. Around 3 pm you'll be picked up for a desert safari: dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, sunset photos and a BBQ dinner with live shows at a desert camp. You're usually back by 9–10 pm.

Day 3: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and a dhow cruise

See the Palm from above at The View at the Palm, visit Atlantis (add Aquaventure Waterpark if you have kids), and spend the afternoon on JBR Beach and The Walk. In the evening take a dinner dhow cruise through Dubai Marina's skyscrapers.

Day 4: Abu Dhabi day trip

Abu Dhabi is about 1.5 hours away by road. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free, but book your visit slot online and follow the dress code), then choose:

• Culture: the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace.
• Thrills: Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World or Yas Waterworld on Yas Island.

A private car with driver is the most comfortable option for families; shared coach tours are cheaper.

Day 5: Museum of the Future and departure

Spend the morning at the Museum of the Future (book ahead) or the Dubai Frame, which looks over old and new Dubai. Use the remaining time for shopping — Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates or the Dragon Mart for bargains — before heading to the airport.

Add-ons if you have more time

• Global Village (open roughly October to May): pavilions from 90+ countries, food and shows — perfect for an evening.
• Dubai Miracle Garden (winter season): millions of flowers in giant sculptures.
• Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates — snow in the desert.
• Hatta mountain day trip for kayaking and hiking.

Dubai travel tips

• Use the metro for Downtown, Marina and Deira — it's fast and cheap.
• Carry a light jacket: malls, metros and the desert at night can feel cold.
• Friday prayer times change opening hours at some places; check before you go.
• Most Indians need a visa before travel — see visa details and costs in our Dubai trip cost guide.