A week in Dubai: a brief trip planner

A week in Dubaiis a week in the Middle East's most glamorous luxury capital.

It's a week when you can't miss the city's most important landmarks.

I'll take you on a tour of your visit schedule!

A week in Dubai: article summary

A week in Dubai day 1: get ready for a cultural festival

What better way to start your Dubai itinerary than to discover the city's culture by visiting some of Dubai's historic districts?

Explore the historic district of Al Fahidi

This is the oldest part of Dubai, with its narrow cobbled streets and old houses built of black coral. The houses here date back a century. On site, you'll find wonderful little cafés and art galleries.

Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding

Here, you'll be immersed in the region's history, which consisted of fishing, pearling, trading and fighting British and other invaders.

You can also take advantage ofa delicious full Emirati breakfast at the cultural center while discovering the traditions of the United Arab Emirates.

Explore Deira and Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai and Deira are market areas, with numerous souks selling spices, textiles, gold and carpets. Negotiation is the way to go, so don't be afraid to haggle.

Be sure to take a selfie in front of the world's largest ring in Deira. Bur Dubai and Deira have many wonderful cafés and restaurants, so, be sure to try the local food!

Visit the Heritage Village

Near the mouth of Dubai Creek, next to the Sheikh Saeed House, is the Heritage & Diving Village. Here, you can get an idea of Dubai's maritime, fishing and pearling traditions.

Visit the Dubai Museum

Dubai's oldest building is Fort Al Fahidi now home to the Dubai Museum. Here you can learn more about Dubai's culture, history and traditions.

Visit our heritage areas

The home of Dubai's former ruler offers a good example of the 19thᵉ century Gulf architectural style. In addition, you can view a number of photographs of Dubai from the days before the discovery of oil.

Discover the Al-Ahmadiya School, where you can learn about the history of education in Dubai. Take a few minutes to observe the Bin Lootah Mosque, built in 1910 in front of the school.

A week in Dubai day 2: desert safari

Get ready for a fabulous desert safari in Dubai. The vast dunes of the Arabian desert await you with fun sports such as dune bashing, quad bikesthe camel ride and the sandboard.

Then head off for a chicha while enjoying cultural entertainment such as belly dancing, tanura dancing and henna tattooing! If you're staying for the evening, you can enjoy dinner and spend the night under the stars.

A week in Dubai day 3: Culture & Entertainment

One of Dubai's most emblematic monuments, the Jumeirah mosque allows people of all faiths to enter. The mosque can accommodate 1,200 worshippers. It is built in white stone, with two huge minarets enclosing a central dome in the medieval Fatimid tradition.

Make sure you take photos of the mosque when it is lit up at night. Then enjoy a light meal at the Lime Tree Café on Jumeirah Beach Road.

Then discover Aquaventure. If you have children, take them to enjoy this famous site located in Atlantis Hotel. You can fill up on rides and slides at the water park and cool off. The aquarium offers the rare experience of come face to face with dangerous sharks and other sea creatures.

A week in Dubai day 4: Ski Dubai and dhow cruise

Leave the city and enter the world's largest indoor ski resort. Swap your light clothes for a warm winter jacket and gloves. Ski Dubai has several ski slopes to suit all levels of ability. If you're a beginner, you can take ski lessons here!

If skiing isn't your thing, you can snowboard, toboggan, build a snowman or play with the friendly penguins at Penguin Park.

Then sign up for a cruise on a beautifully renovated version of Dubai's traditional merchant ship, the dhow. As you cruise the waters of Dubai, you'll be able to enjoy the bright lights of the city reflected on the water. See the city's iconic monuments. Enjoy a wonderful Emirati dinner, accompanied by belly dancing, tanura dancing and henna tattooing.

A week in Dubai day 5: Height & Luxury

It's time to get the world under your feet. Be sure to book your ticket in advance, though. Enjoy the superb view of the city from the observatory deck on the 125ᵉ floor of the Burj Khalifa. You can see far beyond the desert and the sea. Use one of the telescopes along the deck to focus on specific landmarks.

Don't miss the Dubai fountain at the foot of the Burj Khalifa in the artificial lake. It is the highest fountain in the world and is active from 5 pm to 11:30 pm.

Then set off to explore the Dubai Mall, its magnificent concourse, the Gold ATM, over 1,200 retail stores and other attractions. The Dubai Mall is home to more surprises than you ever imagined, including a fabulous virtual reality park.

Day 6 itinerary: beach day and Burj al Arab

Head to Jumeirah beach, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Burj al Arab. This beach offers excellent facilities. You can rent equipment for surfing, snorkeling and other water sports. Discover the food trucks selling cold drinks, snacks and quick hot meals.

You can also try a stroll along the Jumeirah Beach Residence, from where you can hop over to The Walk for a visit. complete your sightseeing tour.

It's time to pay homage to one of Dubai's major icons, the Burj al Arab. Enjoy a cocktail at the SkyView bar, where you can admire a magnificent sunset. Remember to reserve your table in advance.

Day 7 itinerary: IMG Worlds of Adventure and more shopping

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world's largest indoor theme park, covering 139,000 square metres. All your favorite Marvel Comics and Cartoon Network characters come to life, in five themed zones, via thrilling, immersive rides.

If you don't fancy a trip to the malls, take a look at the stores along Jumeirah Beach Road. There's the Renaissance-style Mercato mall, as well as the Beach Center, Town Centre, Magrudy's Mall and Palm Strip. In the evening, explore the captivating Madinat JumeirahA mini-Venice, with numerous waterways.

Step into an abra and explore the waterways, discover theaters, shopping malls, souks and numerous galleries. Enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the romantic restaurants and watch Madinat Jumeirah come to life with colorful lanterns illuminating alleyways and waterways.

This is my 7-day Dubai itinerary for you. Of course, you can adapt this schedule as you wish. If you can, also visit Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Dubai Miracle GardenLove Lake, Dubai Garden GlowGlobal Village and other famous attractions.

What to do in Dubai in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?

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