United Arab Emirates 5 Day Itinerary

Here is a 5-day itinerary for traveling in the United Arab Emirates:

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai

  • Places to Go: Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building), The Dubai Mall
  • Activities:
    • Take a monorail ride from the airport to your hotel
    • Visit the Burj Khalifa and take in the stunning views of the city from its observation deck on the 124th floor
    • Explore the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping malls
  • Things to Know:
    • Dubai is a Muslim country, so dress modestly (cover your shoulders and knees) when visiting mosques or cultural attractions
    • Be prepared for extreme heat during the summer months (June-August)
    • Haggling is common in markets, so be prepared to negotiate prices
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service from the airport to your hotel
  • Tips:
    • Try some local street food, such as shawarma or falafel
    • Don’t drink tap water - stick to bottled or filtered water

Day 2: Explore Dubai

  • Places to Go: Jumeirah Beach, The Palm Jumeirah, Madinat Jumeirah
  • Activities:
    • Relax on the beach at Jumeirah Beach and take a dip in the Arabian Gulf
    • Take a boat tour of The Palm Jumeirah, an iconic man-made island in the shape of a palm tree
    • Explore the traditional Arabic architecture and souks (markets) of Madinat Jumeirah
  • Things to Know:
    • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas - pickpocketing can be a problem
    • Don’t walk around with valuables on display (e.g. jewelry, expensive watches)
    • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or cultural attractions
  • Transportation: Take the metro or a taxi to get around Dubai

Day 3: Abu Dhabi

  • Places to Go: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace Hotel
  • Activities:
    • Visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world
    • Explore the modern art and culture at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
    • Take a tour of the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel (book in advance)
  • Things to Know:
    • The drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is around 1.5 hours - be prepared for some traffic
    • Don’t miss trying some local Emirati cuisine, such as machboos or luqaimat
    • Be respectful of the mosque and its surroundings - no photography or loud talking allowed
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Day 4: Ferrari World

  • Places to Go: Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World theme park
  • Activities:
    • Visit the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World theme park
    • Take a tour of the Yas Marina Circuit (book in advance)
    • Relax on the beach or by the marina at Yas Island
  • Things to Know:
    • The drive from Abu Dhabi to Yas Island is around 30 minutes - be prepared for some traffic
    • Don’t miss trying some of the delicious Italian cuisine at Ferrari World’s restaurants
    • Be prepared for long queues and lines at the theme park
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service from Abu Dhabi to Yas Island

Day 5: Departure from Dubai

  • Places to Go: The Dubai Mall (again!), Burj Al Arab hotel
  • Activities:
    • Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs at The Dubai Mall
    • Take a tour of the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel (book in advance)
    • Depart for the airport and head home
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for some traffic on your way back to the airport
    • Don’t forget to check out of your hotel and collect any belongings you may have left behind
    • Try to make it to the airport with plenty of time to spare (at least 2 hours before your flight)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service from your hotel to the airport

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of most countries, including the US, UK, and Australia, can get a visa on arrival in Dubai
  • Some nationalities may require a pre-arranged visa - check with your airline or embassy for details
  • Be sure to have all necessary documents (passport, ID, etc.) when traveling to the UAE

Other Things to Know:

  • The UAE is generally very safe for tourists, but be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
  • Don’t drink tap water - stick to bottled or filtered water
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or cultural attractions
  • Be prepared for extreme heat during the summer months (June-August)

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to the UAE!