7 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary 2025: Ultimate First-Time Travel Guide

If you’re planning your first international trip, this 7 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary 2025 is the perfect starting point. In December 2023, my brother and I — both first-time explorers with new passports — set off on a memorable adventure across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From skydiving over Palm Jumeirah to exploring cultural gems like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and tasting food from 25+ countries at Global Village, our week was packed with thrill, luxury, and unforgettable memories — all on a budget.

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai – Miracle Garden & Global Village

We landed in Dubai around 11:00 AM, ready to begin our Dubai 7-day itinerary. After checking in at Orchid Hotel, we geared up for an exciting evening.

Our first stop: Dubai Miracle Garden: the world’s largest natural flower garden, featuring a life-size floral Emirates A380, heart-shaped tunnels, and colorful sculptures — perfect for photos.

Next, we headed to Global Village Dubai: a seasonal cultural theme park with food, crafts, and traditions from 25+ countries. It felt like traveling the world in a day — a must-visit for any first-time Dubai traveler.

Day 2: Dubai City Tour – Al Seef, Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall

Our second day focused on Dubai’s mix of tradition and modern wonders.

Al Seef: a heritage waterfront showcasing old Dubai charm, markets, and cultural vibes.

Then came the highlight:

Burj Khalifa: the world’s tallest building and a highlight in any Dubai itinerary. The panoramic views from the 124th floor were unforgettable.
Dubai Mall: home to 1,200+ stores, an aquarium, an ice rink, and endless dining options. A paradise for shopping lovers.

Day 3: Dubai Frame & Limousine Experience

This day blended architecture with luxury.

Dubai Frame: an iconic landmark symbolizing old and new Dubai. From the sky bridge, you can see historic Deira on one side and modern Downtown Dubai on the other.

Later, Limousine Ride: cruising past Dubai’s skyline in a stretch limo made us feel like celebrities — proof that luxury experiences can be budget-friendly in Dubai.

Day 4: Desert Safari in Dubai – Culture & Adventure

Day 4 of our Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary 2025 was dedicated to desert thrills.

Dune Bashing: a high-adrenaline 4×4 adventure across golden sand dunes.

Sandboarding & ATV rides: exciting desert activities (with a few fun mishaps!).
Camel rides & Henna: cultural experiences that completed the evening.

BBQ Dinner & Shows: live Tanoura dance, belly dancing, and Arabic music under the stars — an absolute must in any Dubai 7-day itinerary.

Day 5: Skydiving in Dubai – A Bucket List Experience

This was the highlight of our trip.

Skydive Dubai: jumping from 13,000 feet over Palm Jumeirah was the ultimate adrenaline rush. The bird’s-eye view of Dubai Marina and the Palm was simply surreal.

If you’re building a Dubai itinerary for first-time travelers, add this to your bucket list — it’s worth every penny.

Day 6: Abu Dhabi Day Trip – Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Corniche & Ferrari World

Our Abu Dhabi day trip gave us a taste of the UAE’s capital.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: with its white domes, chandeliers, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, this mosque is breathtaking.

Abu Dhabi Corniche & Heritage Village: a mix of coastal beauty and cultural exploration.

Emirates Palace & Etihad Towers: famous landmarks (including filming locations from Fast & Furious).

Ferrari World: the world’s largest indoor theme park with the fastest roller coaster — perfect for adrenaline junkies.

Day 7: Closing Our 7 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary 2025

On our final day, we checked out of our hotel and headed to the airport with full hearts and packed memory cards. From our first passport stamp to desert safaris, mosque visits, and skyscraper views, this 7-day Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary gave us memories for a lifetime.

🧭 Quick Overview of Our 7 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary 2025

Day	Highlights
1	Arrival, Miracle Garden, Global Village
2	Al Seef, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall
3	Dubai Frame, Limo Ride
4	Desert Safari, ATV, BBQ Dinner
5	Skydive Dubai
6	Abu Dhabi Day Tour – Mosque, Corniche, Ferrari World
7	Departure

💡 Tips for First-Time Indian Travelers in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Dress modestly, especially at mosques.
Always carry your Emirates ID or passport.
Use Nol Card for affordable public transport.
Don’t miss Global Village if you love culture & food.
For thrill seekers, Skydive Dubai is a must.