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®

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

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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Aquaventure Waterpark | Go Dubai Pass
Blog

Best Water Parks in Dubai

Water - the great life-giver. While you're reading this, we'd like to remind you to have a drink of the good stuff. We don't drink enough water, and with temperatures rising across the globe, we need to stay hydrated to stay good. But water isn't just good for us, it can be a lot of fun too. And, with these hot days getting hotter and more frequent, what better way to cool off than at a waterpark? And where better to cool off than in Dubai, a city that lives in a near-perpetual heatwave during the brighter months? Unsurprisingly, Dubai is full of the watery wonders. So, if you want to know which ones to visit, read on and discover the best water parks in Dubai! Including: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Yas Waterworld LEGOLAND® Water Park Wild Wadi Waterpark Laguna Waterpark Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis The Palm Let's kick things off with arguably one of the best water parks in Dubai. Head to the grand Atlantis The Palm, and submerge yourself in pure, unadulterated fun. And water - lots of brilliant, flowing water. Built for kids and bigger kids alike, Aquaventure Water Park mixes it up with plenty of splashtastic fun while also providing plenty of places to relax and enjoy the weather. When you're vacationing in a hot desert oasis like Dubai, you'll need every opportunity to cool down! But what makes Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm one of the best waterparks in Dubai? Let's explore some of its highlights. Leap of Faith Imagine plunging down a nine-story slide through a transparent tube, all while you're surrounded by sharks and rays. That is Leap of Faith, and that's why it's awesome. Aquaconda Given the snake-like nature of this beast, the name does it justice. This windy slide hurls you through the dark before you drop into the world's largest fiberglass tube. Poseidon's Revenge Draw the ire of the great sea god, and feel his wrath as you plummet down at 60mph. Not for the faint of heart, but an adrenaline-fuelled ride for you daring sorts The Rapids Do your best River Wild impression as you hold on for dear life in this white knuckle, near 2-kilometer river ride. Splasher's Children's Play Area This kids-only play area has tons of mini slides, climbing frames, and even tipping buckets, so they won't miss out on all the fun. Aquaventure Beach Yes, this waterpark even has its own freaking beach. The perfect place to relax when you need a break from all the splashing. Yas Waterworld Located on the magical, mystical Yas Island, you'll find another of the best water parks in Dubai! Pretty much anywhere you turn, you'll run into a water park. And, with over 40 amazing rides, Yas Waterworld is well worth a visit. Appealing to all ages, sizes, and bravery levels, it's the perfect summer pitstop for flushed faces. Let's talk about its best bits. Bandit Bomber This brilliant ride is a suspended rollercoaster that darts, dives, and bombs around the park while inundating you with water, lasers, and other sensory delights. Liwa Loop Dubai sure love their plummeting rides! Liwa Loop combines the sheer drop with winding tubes and dumps you out with a splash. This one's for the brave. Sebag Go head-to-head with five other sliders as you race down this six-laner and see if you're aerodynamic enough to clinch first place. Falcons Falaj From a six-laner to a six-seater, this loopy ride will push you and five friends to the limit. Scream if you want, no one will judge you. Al Raha River Take your foot off the gas at this lazy river ride, which calmly carries you along beautiful streams and through dazzling caverns. Cinesplash If your idea of fun is a flooded cinema, you'll love Cinesplash. As the water rises to your knees, enjoy the 5D cinematic experience, which includes waterfalls, moving seats, and water explosions. Unmissable, in our book. LEGOLAND® Water Park While many of the best water parks in Dubai are child-friendly, LEGOLAND® Water Park is the only one that caters to them specifically. But just because it puts kids first doesn't mean older, bigger kids can't get in on the fun. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. And hey, maybe you will too. So let's see what they'll get up to. Build-A-Boat Challenge your kids to a boat-off, and see who can build the most impressive vessel. And let them win, yeah? Unless you're that type of parent. LEGO® Slide Racers Board your mat, and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you. Joker Soaker Face LEGO® Batman's arch nemesis as you splash and crash around his watery playground. Splash Out Another big drop ride, this one's a little more kid-friendly. But don't get it twisted - they still need to be brave to take the plunge! Red Rush Team up with the fam and steer your raft along the curving track. Twin Chasers Compete against one another as you race to the bottom of this twisting, spinning ride. Splash N Swirl Team up or go it alone on this swirling tube ride. DUPLO® toddler play area Perfect for the little little ones, they'll enjoy the slides, animals, water features, and other activities geared towards their wonder-filled minds. Wild Wadi Waterpark At the stunning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, you'll find this must-visit, Arabian-themed water park. Fun for the whole family, it caters to both young and old alike. Highlights include Jumeirah Sceirah, a nearly 400ft long tandem slide, where you and your sliding partner will reach speeds of up to 49mph! Breakers Bay is the biggest wave pool in the United Arab Emirates - do you have the will and determination to survive? Laguna Water Park Featuring four zones of fun, Laguna Water Park has it all. With each one dedicated to splashing, sliding, surfing, and relaxing, no matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find it there. Enjoy a relaxing float down the lazy river, or dare yourself to ride the thrilling slides - it's entirely up to you. Though the park is arguably more about beach vibes than thrill rides, we cannot leave without mentioning the WaveOz 180 Flowrider, the world's first 180-degree surf machine. It has to be seen to believed, and ridden to be respected. And those were our picks for the best water parks in Dubai! Looking for some drier, land-based activities to pair with your watery ones? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
Group of teenagers
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10+ things to do in Dubai for teens

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dubai in may
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Dubai in May

Dubai is fast becoming one of the places to visit. With its mix of larger-than-life attractions, year-round sun, and delightful beaches, it's no wonder you're considering it. But when is the best time to visit? Is Dubai in May perfect for your vacation plans? Check out our guide to Dubai, and decide for yourself if you should visit in May! Including: Dubai weather in May Dubai's beaches at night Wintery escapes from the warmth Night delights in the desert and more! Dubai in May: What to Expect For many of us, May is the perfect mix of spring freshness and summer sun. The flowers are well in bloom, temperatures are 75-80°F, and we're settling into the transition between jeans and shorts. Dubai does May different, to no one's surprise. It's when we really start to see the mercury rise, as you can expect highs of 99°F and lows of 73°F. High humidity and minimal rain only reinforce the intense heat. Unless you're built for it, you may want to pick a month outside of the May-September range. However, if May is the perfect vacation time for you logistically, you can still have a great time and see the sights while avoiding the worst of it. And if you're planning on hitting up some of Dubai's biggest attractions, you may actually have a better time of it, as tourism tends to dwindle in the summer period. That means fewer people, smaller queues, and more time for fun! So, let's explore the best way to enjoy Dubai in May. Dubai in May: What to Do Snow Escapades When the heat gets too much, where better to escape it than the snowy hills of a ski resort? But we're talking about Dubai here, a place with minimal summer rainfall and constant beating sun. Where in the world would one go to experience such alpine delights? Well, Ski Dubai, of course! Dubai's very own indoor snowy paradise just happens to be the largest of its kind in the world, and you're more than welcome to strap up and get your ski on. This all-inclusive package ensures you needn't bring anything other than your ski brain, and the center's multiple slopes ensure you have plenty of space to get powdery. Ski lingo, baby. And if skiing's not your bag, you can snowboard, sled up, or even just sit and admire the cool temperatures. Plus, there are penguins sometimes, which is the icing on the chilly cake. Sea, sand, and no sun? Hitting the beach might be low on your itinerary when the sun can literally cook you in 20 minutes, but don't dismiss Dubai's sandy shores outright. Even under the cover of darkness, you can make the most of the space, and in some cases, the sea too. That's because many of Dubai's beaches are open to loungers 24/7. And in some cases, like with Umm Suqeim Beach, you can even take a dip in the sea after sundown. Thanks to Umm Suqeim Beach's Smart Light system, the waters stay lit until midnight, so you can safely - and legally - appreciate the cooling waters after the sun runs off. Lifeguards are still on duty, so no worries about any potential mishaps. However, once the clock strikes 12, you'll need to vacate the cooling waters and stick to the sands. But so what? Heading to a sandy paradise like Dubai, the last thing you want to do is miss the beach scene entirely. At least this way, you give your skin a rest, and ensure you don't spend the rest of your vacation in painful red lobster mode. Night bites and dune gazing Speaking of nighttime, another of Dubai's biggest draws is its magnificent dunes. As soon as you leave the outskirts of this young city, you're met with the endless, flowing sands of the beyond. And, while we wouldn't recommend heading out there on your own, they absolutely deserve to be explored. So, why not take a curated approach to exploration, and check out an evening tour and BBQ experience in the heart of Dubai's desert? Kicking off with a 5-star taxi service that will comfortably transport you from your hotel to the desert, you'll arrive at the party camp. Then, sit down and treat yourself to a BBQ feast of spiced meats, veg, and other delicious Dubai delicacies. When you're full to bursting, lounge back and appreciate the evening's entertainment. Featuring belly dancing, shisha, camel riding, and henna tattoos, it's an evening packed with fun! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. You'll have the best sleep in months. Burnt by the sun, but calmed by the waters If you absolutely insist on meeting Dubai's unforgiving sun head-on, level the playing field at a water park. The H20 will help you cool off, at least. And good news, people, because Dubai has the water park game cornered thanks to some brilliant watery spaces. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best, with plenty of amazing rides for both kids and adults. From death-defying drops to snakey slides, they even have a kids-only area and their own beach if you need to relax. For kids, LEGOLAND® Water Park ticks all the boxes. Featuring 20 rides themed around many of their most recognizable characters, it might not be as exhilarating for adults as the other two, but there's nothing stopping you from getting on the rides and having a blast. Either way, our top tip to come out unscathed is to apply, apply, and reapply sunscreen regularly throughout your visit. Slides and sunscreen don't mix, as the former will scrape the latter right off. So, make sure to stay topped up! Light bites On hotter days, you might lose that hearty appetite. So, stay refueled with small dishes at Dubai's beach clubs. Not only will you get manageable dishes perfect for near-100° heat, but you'll have plenty of shade or air-conditioning to enjoy them in! Twiggy by La Cantine is our pick, with its Mediterranean menu complimented by plenty of refreshing drinks and a massive infinity pool to cool off in. Perfect. And that's our guide to Dubai in May! Looking for more fun ideas to experience during your vacation? Try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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