A week in Dubai: your fun-packed Desert City itinerary

Camel rides, dune bashing, water parks, spice souks and more: here’s how to ace your seven-night Dubai vacation.

By Lindsay Eagan
Published: July 18, 2024
Camels in the desert at sunset

From the icy slopes of Ski Dubai and the thrills and spills of Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm to the high-fashion shops of Dubai Mall and dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa, you can see and do it all in Dubai.

We've pulled together a week-long itinerary to help you get the most out of your Dubai adventure, breaking it down by district and packing in a plethora of exciting activities for families, couples and solo explorers, including…. 

  • Palm Jumeirah water sports and cruises
  • Big Bus Dubai
  • Shopping at Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall
  • Dhow dinner cruises
  • Burj Khalifa
  • Ski Dubai
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure
  • Desert safaris
  • …and more!

Mix and match ideas, or follow our itinerary exactly as laid below – it’s your choice. Just don’t skimp on the sunscreen and be sure to pause for plenty of baklava and pistachio kunafa ice-cream breaks along the way.

Day 1: The Palm Jumeirah

Paddle The Palm’s waters

Kayakers at Atlantis The Palm

The Palm Jumeirah is a quite extraordinary thing to behold. This man-made archipelago of artificial islands juts out into the Persian Gulf and is shaped (as you may have guessed) like a palm tree. Pro-tip: take yourself up to the observation deck at the top of the Palm Tower, a knee-knocking 800 feet up, for the best view of its fronds. 

But before all that, get yourself out onto the water on a paddle round The Palm on this guided two-hour kayak tour or this stand-up paddleboard experience. Access to these (and around 60 more Dubai tours, activities and attractions) is included with the Go City Dubai pass, which can save you a packet – especially if you’re planning some serious sightseeing. Find out more about the passes, and how much you could save, here.

Aquaventure Waterpark

Lost Chambers Aquarium

This cool, themed aquarium brings a unique spin to the idea of an underwater habitat. Lost Chambers re-imagines – yep, you guessed it – the mythical lost city of Atlantis, and creates a walk-through that evokes the halls of a sunken palace. There are 10 themed chambers to explore, each highlighting different sea creatures, ranging from the exotic to the quotidian. You’ll spot thousands of aquatic critters from an up-close-and-personal perspective, including jellyfish, stingrays, sharks and more. Be sure to also join one of the hourly Myth of Atlantis tours (included with admission) to discover the stories and legends behind the lost city.

Day 2: Sheikh Zayed Road

Hop-on hop-off Big Bus

You should spend at least one day in Dubai journeying down Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai's main artery which connects almost every part of the city. We’d recommend a bus tour to fully appreciate the range of attractions and landmarks that punctuate this busy road.

The Big Bus hop-on hop-off option is ideal for visitors to Dubai because it gives you freedom to customize your day based on your interests. Some of the sights you can hop off at (or indeed just admire from the open-top bus) along Sheikh Zayed Road include the iconic Burj Khalifa, dancing Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall and Museum of the Future.

Mall of the Emirates

Women shopping

Love to shop? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This mega-mall is like a mini universe and contains several hundred stores, from high-street to high-end, plus around 100 restaurants, a 4D cinema, ski slopes, a community theater and arts center, a Magic Planet entertainment facility for families, and many more attractions besides. It's a great place to shop for that essential Cartier souvenir or Louis Vuitton luggage, as well as exotic (and slightly cheaper) gifts for friends and family back home. 

Ski Dubai

Ski slopes, you say? Yup: you can indeed go skiing in one of the hottest cities on Earth. You’ll find Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates, offering up a delightful way to cool down after all that outdoor sightseeing. With five slopes of varying difficulty for skiing or snowboarding, sled and toboggan runs, and an ice cave, Ski Dubai offers something for your entire crew. When you've finished your snowy activities, take some time to seek out the center’s wild inhabitants: cute Gentoo and King penguins that you can see waddling around the slopes at designated times of the day. Note that the Go City Dubai pass includes options for skiing or more general snow-based family fun (without skiing) 

Day 3: Dubai Marina

Stroll the beaches

Jumeirah Beach

Dubai Marina is one of Dubai's most beautiful residential and commercial areas, packed with gleaming glass-and-steel skyscrapers, luxury five-star hotels, public and private beaches, and an absolute gaggle of global cuisines at your fingertips. Take a stroll down Jumeirah Beach Residence, where we challenge you not to be drawn inexorably inside one of the many tempting restaurants and shops along the way. There's a public beach here, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, best enjoyed accompanied by an ice-cream and traditional Arabic coffee. 

Speedboat sightseeing tour

Seeking something a little more… high-octane? Hop aboard this thrill-a-second speedboat tour for a whiz around Dubai Marina, the Palm and beyond. Try to keep up with the fast-paced live commentary while also holding onto your seat and hanging onto your hat as the boat twists, rattles and rolls its way around the gulf. You’ll catch blink-and-you’ll-miss-it views of all the big hitters here – the distinctive pink arches of Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Beach, the Burj al Arab – with a couple of pauses for you to catch your breath and fill your camera roll with snaps.

Sunset dinner cruise

Take things back down a notch or six in the evening with an altogether more refined kinda cruise. This 90-minute sailing departs from Dubai Marina, serving up a five-star buffet as well as views of Dubai’s glimmering, shimmering, twilit skyline. The perfect end to your Dubai Marina day.

Day 4: Downtown Dubai

Burj Khalifa – At The Top

Tourist photographing Burj Khalifa

You’ve been eyeballing the world’s tallest building for the last three days, so now it’s time to put your money where your mouth is and ascend its lofty heights. Well, to around halfway up, anyway. For that’s where you’ll find ‘At The Top’, the Burj Khalifa’s must-do viewing decks. Still, at 1,483 feet up it’s still plenty high enough for most, and it’s well worth overcoming any jangling nerves to take in those stellar views across the city, gulf and desert. Pro-tip: it also puts you in prime position for watching the Dubai Fountain show. 

Dubai Mall 

Well, you could pretty much spend an entire day inside this, the largest mall in town (and therefore, as is the norm for Dubai, also among the most cavernous on the planet – equivalent to around 50 full-size soccer fields, fact fans). As well as somewhere in the region of 1,000 – yes, ONE THOUSAND – retailers, you also find dozens of places to eat, drink and play – think an aquarium and underwater zoo, a VR amusement park, KidZania, a cinema megaplex and an actual diplodocus fossil. Only in Dubai…

Dubai Opera

Look no further than the high-tech Dubai Opera for your midweek culture fix. Designed – rather successfully – to resemble a dhow, this 2,000-capacity performing arts venue has hosted world-class productions including Les Misérables, the Phantom of the Opera and the BBC Proms as well as performances by Hans Zimmer, the Russian State Opera, Andrea Bocelli and more. Check listings for what’s on when you’re in town, don your best theater togs and monocle and get ready for one heck of a show!

Day 5: Dubai theme parks and desert safaris

Pick the perfect park for you

Thrill ride at Motiongate

If there’s one thing Dubai ain’t short of it’s theme parks (and malls and restaurants and beaches and boat tours and… well, you get the general idea). Day five feels about right for trying one or – if you really stretch yourself – two of these out. And, as you may expect, many of them lay claim to the biggest, best, tallest and fastest rides on the planet. Let’s start with IMG Worlds of Adventure (world’s largest indoor theme park). An epic love letter to Cartoon Network and Marvel superheroes including The Avengers and The Powerpuff Girls, the park spans several awesome adventure zones and also includes a haunted hotel maze and a dino-filled prehistoric valley.

Then there’s Legoland Dubai (the Middle East’s first Legoland theme park) and its splash-tastic water park (the only water park in the region that’s specifically aimed at families with young kids).

Motiongate is – wait for it – the Middle East’s largest Hollywood-inspired theme park, and features movie-inspired fun by the (popcorn-)bucketload, from a Green Hornet coaster and Ghostbusters battle to a kid-friendly Smurf village and a chance to meet the residents of Hotel Transylvania.

Safari so good

Woman in the desert at Dubai

You’re now five days deep in your Dubai adventure. You’ve ascended the world’s tallest building, gone skiing, had a night at the opera, done the world’s biggest theme park and the world’s biggest water park. How can you possibly top all that? Here’s how: by strapping in for a 4x4 race across the sand dunes at sunset, followed by a traditional Arabian dinner beneath the stars, complete with traditional music, belly dancers, henna tattoos, fire shows and camel rides. The hits just keep on coming!

There are two such desert safaris included with the Go City Dubai pass. Find them here and choose your adventure.

Day 6: Deira and Dubai Creek

Day trip to Deira

Dubai Spice Souk

Bring your best haggling game on a morning trip to Dubai’s historic quarter, Deira, home of the city’s storied Gold and Spice Souks. These atmospheric covered markets have been operating here for more than a century, and mornings tend to be best for beating the crowds (but don’t quote us on that!). Step inside for what can only be described as a fiesta for the senses: think musky scents and spices, glinting jewelry and the general hubbub of traders and their customers bartering on every corner. Hit the sweet spot with your negotiating knowhow and you could emerge victorious, with best bargains on saffron, oudh and shiny gold things.

An afternoon of culture and/or relaxation

Delve deeper into the heritage of this historic district with a visit to the Heritage House and its fascinating insights into early 20th-century Emirati culture. Nab a selfie by the unusual but iconic landmark that is the Deira Clock Tower, or cruise across the Creek aboard a traditional wooden abra boat – a trip from Deira Old Souk Abra Station to Bur Dubai will cost you the princely sum of 1 AED (around 30¢).

All that sound a little… hectic? Then mosey over Al Mamzar Beach Park for a spot of light snorkeling or a refreshing dip in one of the pools there instead.

Dhow dinner cruise

Hold onto that laid-back vibe for your dinner cruise aboard an authentic dhow. Synonymous with Dubai Creek, these eye-catching wooden vessels celebrate the intersection of modern and traditional that so characterizes Dubai. A dinner cruise is a fine way to sample a variety of local and international cuisines, as well as a fun sunset sightseeing opportunity. You'll get to see highlights of the downtown area, where Dubai Creek divides the city's urban heart into two. Eyes peeled for towering waterfront icons including the National Bank of Dubai and the Chamber of Commerce.

Day 7: A day of leisure

Dubai Marina

Your last day in town is a chance to mop up any great Dubai experiences you might have missed. Want to check out the magical Dubai Butterfly Garden? Flap right this way! Skipped the dune bashing on day five? Do it today! Haven’t yet snorkeled the clear waters off Jumeirah Beach? Dive in!

Or, y’know, just kick back on the beach with a good book (and a pair of oversized sunglasses for people-watching), and reflect on all the fab adventures you’ve had across your wonderful week in Dubai.

Looking for Dubai itineraries of different lengths? Check out our tips for acing a long weekend, plus how to do Dubai in a day.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®

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See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!

Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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Black Friday Giveaway
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Win a Helicopter Tour of the Palm, Dubai this Black Friday

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended. WIN a helicopter tour of the Palm, Dubai for two people this Black Friday Get ready for lift off on this tour of Dubai like no other! The Iconic Tour will give you a fascinating glimpse into Dubai's historical past as you get a whole new perspective flying above the stunning landscape. You'll take off from Dubai Police Academy and head off above the iconic Palm Jumeirah and rows of blissful beaches. Take in the sites as you marvel at the worlds tallest building, the Burj Khalifa and soar past world-renowned luxurious hotel, the Burj al Arab on your 12-minute flight. Dubai from above is a magical must-see, whether its your first time in the emirate or your tenth. Get unbelievable panoramic views, sensational vacation snaps and see Dubai from a dizzyingly unique point of view. How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any of our Dubai passes between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions.
Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
The waterfront at Dubai Creek in Deira
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Cool things to do in Deira Dubai

Only a short hop from the international airport, Deira still manages to be one of the most charismatic of Dubai’s neighborhoods. Forming a part of Old Dubai, its port continues to be a place for traditional dhow trading vessels to be loaded and unloaded by hand, sailing their small cargoes between Dubai, the Middle East and even India. Its streets are dominated by souks – dedicated to gold, spices and perfumes – where Arabic is still more likely to be heard than English. When it comes to things to do in Deira Dubai there’s also a smattering of small museums and even a beachfront park. Plenty of reasons to take a turn in Dubai’s original downtown district! Enjoy the creek-side setting Long before the observation decks at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, existed and long before Dubai came together with its neighbors to form the United Arab Emirates, there was Deira. As the historic location for mooring dhows, it was the obvious place for the young city’s souks to develop. The simplest of ports, just mooring bollards lining the northern entrance to Dubai Creek, Deira’s ageless waterfront provides a contrast to the usual image of Dubai. Its handcrafted and wooden built ships haven’t changed much in centuries – except for the fact they now contain engines as well as sails. Still dodging the piracy of the high seas, there’s nowhere in Deira with more atmosphere and no better way to discover it than with a creek sightseeing cruise. However, even staying on dry land there are lots of ways to take in the neighborhood’s traditional way of living and working. For instance, Deira’s multitude of souks are a world away from the polished floors and mood music of Dubai’s malls, providing a much more visceral shopping – or window shopping – experience. Choose between the gold, spice and perfume souks depending on what interests you most. Delve into Deira’s history A one minute walk from the Gold Souk is the Dubai Municipality Museum. Fully restored and opened to the public in 2006, it was from this simple building that Dubai was administered for many years. As a result, the museum’s collection uses four main sections to focus on the development of the city and state. An old-school museum with plenty of glass cabinets to gaze into, its upper floor balcony is also a nice place to enjoy life on the street below. The nearby Bait Al Banat – or Women’s Museum – does an important job in highlighting the role of women in a society which historically expected wives, mothers and sisters to stay at home and out of sight. Using historical examples to inspire future generations, gallery one hosts temporary exhibitions and gallery two a semi-permanent collection of archive photographs and contemporary artworks. Dating to 1890, Deira’s self-proclaimed Heritage House has the traditional form of buildings of coral stone and gypsum enclosing a central courtyard. It once belonged to an affluent pearl merchant called Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmouk, who also financed the next-door Al Ahmadiya School – one of Dubai’s most prestigious. Step within, and you’ll learn about life behind closed doors, from the majlis meeting place on the ground floor to the kitchens and bathrooms. Relax in Deira’s green spaces A short distance further along the creek from Deira’s wharves, and edged by three of the most luxurious hotels in Deira is Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. A ribbon of verdant green dotted with lakes, bunkers and palms, there are three difficult golf courses to choose between. The average traveler will probably have the most fun at the insta-ready #minigolfdubai course. Although there aren’t any rotating windmills or crazy angles to contend with, there are a series of challenging holes as perfectly manicured as the club’s beginner-friendly nine-hole course or the 7000 yard 18-hole championship course. Greenery without the golf cart can be enjoyed at Al Mamzar Beach Park on a peninsula facing off against Sharjah, Dubai’s neighboring (border-free) emirate. Containing basketball courts, climbing walls and beach volleyball as well as barbecues and plenty of places to sit, swimming is an option from its pools or its multiple beaches. It’s worth noting that Mondays and Wednesdays are women-only days. Together, the golf club and Al Mamzar Beach Park form the main green spaces in Deira. Explore Deira’s newest and oldest structures Because of its status as the second oldest neighborhood in Dubai, new developments are largely reserved for other parts of the city. However, architecture fans won’t be left disappointed. Start at Burj Nahar, a round defensive watchtower constructed in the 1870s. The last of its kind to remain, it’s well worth climbing its steps to add it to your list of places to visit in Deira. Then continue to the contemporary doughnut shaped Chamber of Commerce building on the waterfront. Beside it stands the headquarters of the National Bank of Dubai, whose curved frontage is meant to replicate the sails of the creek’s boats. On the other side of Deira you’ll also find Deira Islands. Made by reclaiming land from the Persian Gulf, the original intention was to create a third Palm. This plan was ruined by the financial crisis of 2008, and it’s only now that these islands are coming to life. For the moment there’s only a handful of hotel’s operating, meaning you’ll have the promised eight kilometers of new beachfront pretty much all to yourself! Go City’s top things to do in Deira It may be just one of Dubai’s districts, but there are still several must see attractions in Deira. Its souks cement it as one of the region’s most important trading areas, whilst its small but interesting museum collections help to reveal its two centuries of culture. Deira is an unmissable part of any trip to Dubai. When looking for the top things to do in Deira and Dubai more widely don’t forget to check out our pre-pay passes. Travel with Go City and you’ll make huge savings on many of the emirate’s top attractions.
Ian Packham
Buggy Ride in Dubai Desert
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Best Desert Safari Tours in Dubai

There's something magical about the desert. It feels almost alien, like an unexplored world. Full of wonder and beauty, it's a place that needs to be respected too. We've all seen films and TV shows about people lost in the desert, seeing mirages of wells and fresh water. You might be drawn to the desert, but it can be dangerous venturing forth alone. Speaking of deserts, Dubai. Dubai has plenty of desert surrounding it. In fact, what we now know as Dubai is only 200 years old. It was a city built literally amongst the sand. So it's no surprise that, in a city known for its abundance of entertainment opportunities, Dubai has some of the best desert safari tours on the planet. These curated experiences come in all shapes and sizes, from relaxing treks to adrenaline-fueled races. But no matter which you pick, you can be sure that you'll be safe and well taken care of in the desert! So which one is for you? These are our picks of the best desert safari tours in Dubai! Including: Thrill Buggy Rides in Dubai's desert 4x4 Quad Bike Ride in Desert (Sahara Adventure) Camel Trekking Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner Enjoy a Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert Let's kick off this list with the heart-pumping variety of desert safari tours! If you've never ridden over the dunes outside Dubai in a dune buggy, can you say you've truly lived? Change all that, and get behind the wheel of a dune raider with this amazing day buggy ride. After you're escorted from your hotel in a 4x4, your journey to the dunes will be full of photo ops. Cameras at the ready, boys and girls. Then, you'll arrive at base camp, board your metal hog, and take the beast for a spin. For 30 glorious minutes, you'll be free to bob, dip, and glide across Dubai's fine white sand. And don't worry, you'll buddy up with an instructor to make sure you don't hurt yourself, them, or their buggy. Perhaps the latter is the most important one there. Do you think dune buggies are cheap? Think again. Nothing quite beats the roar and rumble of an 800cc buggy. Trust us; if you're the daring sort, this will be one of the best desert safari tours for you in Dubai. Enjoy a 4x4 Quad Bike Tour in the desert If dune buggies don't quite do it for you, why not try a quad bike instead? These four-wheeled wonders can make quick work of Dubai's dunes, so consider doing some sweet dune jumps on this tour of the desert. After your ride drops you at camp, you'll hop on the desert's original form of transport, a two-humped camel, to tour the surroundings. After you've fulfilled your dream of embodying Laurence of Arabia, you'll reach a specially designed track nestled deep in the beautiful dunes. And then, well, it's game on. If you're with buddies, you can race them. If you're with strangers, you have to race them. Show them true dominance and key strength. Show them who you really are. And then, when you're done, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel. Nice. Take the Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner If your idea of a desert safari is less action and more relaxin', then you're in luck. Thanks to this desert safari and BBQ dinner, you can enjoy a more laid-back approach to Dubai's desert. You'll still get your 4x4 tour of the dunes, right from your hotel's door. And yes, you'll still have plenty of time to snap pics of the mesmerizing scenery. But when you reach the desert camp, you'll be treated to a traditional BBQ meal and feast on grilled meats and other Arabian specialties. Make sure you have a light lunch - you'll want as much space as possible to gorge on all the goodness. You'll also be treated to a host of entertainment, including belly dancing, a traditional Egyptian dance show, some smoky shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and more. However, if you're in a food coma, just kick back and let everyone else have all the fun. Enjoy camel trekking in Abu Dhabi If you're looking for something a bit more exciting than a BBQ but a bit less full-on than quad biking or dune buggin', then they even have something for you. They're called camels, you silly goose, and they're nature's answer to our four-wheeled friends. Did you know camels have three sets of eyelids and two sets of eyelashes, all to keep out sand? Weird. Like before, you'll be escorted to a camp deep in the dunes in comfort - and air conditioning. From there, you'll saddle up and ride these curious creatures for a 30-minute trek of the glorious dunes. Then, when you're done, you'll be taken back to camp, where you can refuel, relax, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, dates, and more before heading back to the city. Some might call that cameltastic. Not us, because it sounds weird. We prefer cameltacular. Sorry. And those were our picks for the best desert safari tours in Dubai! Safari's are fun, but have you thought about what else you want to do on your vacation? Dubai is stacked with entertainment opportunities and attractions at every turn - where do you begin to plan it all? Go City may be able to help. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. We cover the very best Dubai attractions, so if you want all of the fun without all the fuss, go check us out.
Dom Bewley

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