Most UAE trips are 3 days in Dubai. With 7 days you can hit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah’s cultural quarter, the Hatta mountains, AND a proper desert experience. Here’s the day-by-day plan.
Last verified: May 26, 2026.
Day 1: Arrive Dubai — Old Dubai + Bur Dubai
Land at DXB. Hotel in Bur Dubai or Deira. Afternoon: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood walking tour, Coffee Museum, abra across creek to Deira souks. Dinner: local Lebanese or Persian in Karama.
Day 2: Modern Dubai — Burj Khalifa + Marina
Morning: Burj Khalifa observation deck (book 9-11 AM slot, less crowded). Afternoon: Dubai Mall + Dubai Aquarium. Sunset: Dubai Marina walk + Pier 7 dinner. Evening: Fountain show at Dubai Mall.
Day 3: Desert + Alserkal art district
Morning: Alserkal Avenue galleries (Al Quoz). Lunch: Wild & The Moon vegan café in Alserkal. Afternoon: pickup 3 PM for desert safari (Platinum Heritage recommended for authentic experience). Sunset over dunes + Bedouin dinner + entertainment until 10 PM.
Day 4: Transit to Abu Dhabi — Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Drive Dubai → Abu Dhabi (90 min). Hotel near Corniche. Afternoon: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (essential, free entry — modest dress; abayas provided for women). Sunset: Corniche walk + dinner near Marina Mall.
Day 5: Saadiyat — Louvre + Beach
Morning: Louvre Abu Dhabi (3 hours minimum). Lunch at Aptitude Café (Saadiyat). Afternoon: Saadiyat Public Beach (cleaner + less crowded than Dubai beaches). Dinner: Mezlai (Emirati cuisine at Emirates Palace) or Fanar (Maamoura).
Day 6: Sharjah cultural quarter
Drive Abu Dhabi → Sharjah (1h 45). Sharjah is UAE’s cultural capital — Sharjah Art Museum (free), Heart of Sharjah heritage district, Calligraphy Museum. Strict alcohol prohibition — pack water + soft drinks. Afternoon: drive back to Dubai (1 hour). Evening Dubai.
Day 7: Hatta mountains day-trip
Drive Dubai → Hatta (~90 min). Hatta Dam (kayak rental AED 60/hour), Hatta Heritage Village, Sedr Trailers (glamping). Lunch at Hatta Fort Hotel. Return Dubai late afternoon. Last dinner — splurge at Pierchic (over-water Mediterranean) or Al Mahara (underwater seafood).
Logistics
- Rental car: AED 1,400-2,800 for 7 days (mid-range automatic). Essential for Hatta + flexibility
- OR Uber/Careem + intercity bus: doable but tight on Hatta day
- Accommodation budget: AED 3,500-7,000 for 7 nights mid-range across all cities
- Activities + entrance fees: AED 1,500-2,800
- Food + drinks: AED 2,000-4,500 (more if eating at top venues)
- Total per person (excluding flights): AED 8,500-17,000 ($2,315-4,630)
FAQ
Skip Sharjah?
If you’re budget-tight + short on time, yes. But Sharjah’s Heart of Sharjah district + museums show ‘old UAE’ more authentically than tourist-heavy Dubai.
Best month for this itinerary?
November-March. October + April acceptable. May-September too hot for outdoor portions (desert safari + Hatta kayak + Corniche walk).
Related: Things to do in Dubai · Things to do in Abu Dhabi · Best time to visit Dubai.
✓ Last verified: May 26, 2026.