Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary: Complete 7-Day Travel Guide (2025)
This Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary is the ultimate guide for planning your perfect week in the United Arab Emirates. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or looking for the ideal combination of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures, this comprehensive 7-day plan covers everything you need.
In December 2023, my brother and I embarked on our first international journey with brand-new passports. We spent an unforgettable week exploring Dubai’s futuristic skyline and Abu Dhabi’s cultural treasures. From skydiving over Palm Jumeirah to experiencing authentic Bedouin traditions in the desert, this trip exceeded every expectation.
This guide helps you balance must-see attractions, cultural immersion, and adventure activities without overspending. Whether you’re interested in world-record architecture, desert landscapes, or sampling international cuisine, this itinerary delivers an unforgettable UAE experience. For more Dubai travel inspiration, check out our Dubai Travel Guide 2025 covering the top 15 things to do for first-time visitors.
Why This Itinerary Works for First-Time Travelers
What makes this Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary different:
- Based on real travel experiences, not generic advice
- Includes actual costs in both AED and Indian Rupees
- Balances luxury experiences with budget-friendly options
- Provides specific timing and booking recommendations
- Covers both Dubai highlights and Abu Dhabi essentials
Who this itinerary is for:
- First-time international travelers
- Couples and friends seeking adventure
- Budget-conscious travelers wanting premium experiences
- Indian travelers looking for hassle-free planning
- Anyone wanting to experience the best of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in one week
Day 1: Arrival and Evening Magic
Morning/Afternoon: Smooth Arrival
We landed at Dubai International Airport around 11:00 AM. Immigration was surprisingly quick with our tourist visa on arrival (AED 100, approximately ₹2,250). We took a taxi to Orchid Hotel in Deira, a budget-friendly choice at AED 200 per night (₹4,500).
Money-saving tip: Download Careem or Uber before arrival. Airport to Deira costs AED 35-50 versus AED 80+ for official taxis.
Evening: Dubai Miracle Garden (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Our first stop was Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest natural flower garden featuring 150 million flowers in breathtaking displays. The life-sized Emirates A380 covered entirely in flowers, heart-shaped archways, and colorful sculptures made for incredible photos.
Cost: AED 75 per adult (₹1,700)
Photography tip: Visit during golden hour for stunning lighting
Night: Global Village (7:30 PM – 11:00 PM)
Global Village brings together 75+ countries under one roof. We sampled street food from Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, and India, shopped for affordable souvenirs, and watched the spectacular 9:00 PM fireworks show.
Cost: AED 20 entry (₹450)
Food budget: AED 50-100 per person (₹1,100-2,250)
Insider tip: Arrive by 5:00 PM to enjoy both daylight and evening atmospheres
Budget for Day 1: AED 345 per person (₹7,800)
Day 2: Dubai's Iconic Landmarks
Morning: Historic Al Seef (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
We explored Old Dubai at the Al Seef waterfront district, where traditional Emirati architecture meets modern cafés. Walking along Dubai Creek, we visited the nearby Gold Souk and Spice Souk, immersing ourselves in authentic local culture.
Cost: Free to explore
Breakfast: AED 40-60 per person (₹900-1,350)
Afternoon: Burj Khalifa Experience (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
No UAE vacation is complete without visiting Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 828 meters. The high-speed elevator whisked us to the 124th floor in seconds. The 360-degree panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, Arabian Gulf, and desert were absolutely breathtaking.
Why this matters: On clear days, you can see 95 kilometers away. The view perfectly captures Dubai’s transformation from desert to global metropolis.
Cost: AED 179-199 for non-prime time (₹4,000-4,500)
Pro tip: Book online 1-2 days ahead for 30% off. We visited at 2:00 PM for great views with smaller crowds.
Evening: Dubai Mall and Fountain (4:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
Dubai Mall offers more than shopping with 1,200+ stores. We explored the Dubai Aquarium, ice skating rink, and VR Park. Every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM, the Dubai Fountain performs choreographed water displays with jets shooting 150 meters high—completely free!
Cost: Window shopping free; Aquarium AED 145 (₹3,300)
Dinner: AED 80-150 per person (₹1,800-3,400)
Budget for Day 2: AED 440-515 per person (₹10,000-11,600)
Day 3: Architectural Wonders and Luxury
Afternoon: Dubai Frame (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Dubai Frame is a 150-meter rectangular structure offering split views of old and new Dubai. From the sky bridge, we saw historic Deira on one side and modern Downtown on the other. The glass-floored walkway tested our courage!
Cost: AED 50 per adult (₹1,125)
Evening: Limousine Experience (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
We booked a two-hour limousine tour for a taste of Dubai luxury. Cruising past Dubai Marina’s glittering high-rises, driving on Palm Jumeirah island, and stopping at Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab made us feel like celebrities.
Cost: AED 400-600 for 2 hours total (₹9,000-13,500)
Value tip: Split costs with your travel group for affordability
Budget for Day 3: AED 250-350 per person (₹5,600-7,900)
Day 4: Desert Safari Adventure
Full Desert Experience (3:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Day four was dedicated to experiencing Arabian desert culture with hotel pickup included.
- Dune Bashing: Professional drivers navigated 4×4 vehicles over towering sand dunes at thrilling speeds. Think roller coaster meets off-roading—an incredible adrenaline rush!
Sandboarding and ATV Rides: We tried surfing down dunes and rented ATVs for 15-minute desert rides. Both activities are beginner-friendly despite the learning curve.
Cultural Activities: As sunset approached, we arrived at a traditional Bedouin-style camp for camel riding, henna painting, Arabic costume photography, and shisha smoking in cushioned seating.
- BBQ Dinner and Shows: The evening culminated with a lavish BBQ buffet featuring Arabic mezze, grilled meats, and desserts. Under the stars, we enjoyed mesmerizing Tanoura dance, belly dancing, and fire shows.
Why this experience matters: The desert safari offers a genuine glimpse into Bedouin heritage and Arabian hospitality. Watching the sunset over endless sand dunes reminded us why this region has captivated travelers for centuries.
Cost: AED 150-200 standard packages (₹3,400-4,500)
Premium: AED 350-450 with private setup (₹7,900-10,100)
What’s included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All activities mentioned
- BBQ dinner with unlimited soft drinks
- Cultural performances
Booking tip: Use reputable companies like Platinum Heritage or Arabian Adventures. Check recent TripAdvisor reviews before booking.
Budget for Day 4: AED 150-200 per person (₹3,400-4,500)
Day 5: Skydiving Over Palm Jumeirah
Ultimate Bucket List Experience (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Skydive Dubai at Palm Jumeirah offers arguably the world’s most scenic tandem skydiving location. After registration, safety briefing, and equipment fitting, we boarded a small aircraft climbing to 13,000 feet.
The jump: When the door opened, we sat on the edge with legs dangling over Dubai. After a countdown, we jumped into 50 seconds of freefall at 120 mph. After the parachute deployed, we floated above Palm Jumeirah for 5-7 minutes with unmatched aerial views.
What it feels like: The first seconds are pure sensory overload—wind rushing makes it impossible to catch your breath. Once the parachute opens, everything becomes serene as you glide above one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
Cost Breakdown:
- Standard tandem: AED 2,199 (₹49,500)
- Photo/video package: AED 600-800 (₹13,500-18,000)
- Total: AED 2,800-3,000 (₹63,000-67,500)
Is it worth it? If you’ve always dreamed of skydiving, doing it over Palm Jumeirah makes it extraordinary. The views are unmatched globally.
Booking tips:
- Book directly 2-4 weeks in advance
- Morning slots offer better visibility
- Weight limit is 100kg
- Wear comfortable athletic clothes
Alternative: iFly Dubai (indoor skydiving) for AED 225 (₹5,100) or XLine Dubai Marina zipline for AED 650 (₹14,600). These make great additions to any Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary if skydiving isn’t your preference.
Budget for Day 5: AED 2,800-3,000 per person (₹63,000-67,500)
Day 6: Abu Dhabi Cultural Journey
Full-Day Guided Tour (8:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
We booked a guided tour to Abu Dhabi (140 kilometers from Dubai), making logistics simple with included transportation.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
This architectural masterpiece is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful mosques featuring 82 white marble domes, 1,096 columns with semi-precious stone inlays, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet (5,627 square meters).
What struck us: The peaceful ambiance despite thousands of visitors. Reflecting pools create mirror images perfect for photography.
Visitor requirements:
- Modest dress required (free abayas provided for women)
- Remove shoes before entering
- Photography allowed outside prayer times
- Free guided tours available
Cost: Free entry
Abu Dhabi Corniche (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
We stopped at the 8-kilometer waterfront promenade for lunch at beachside cafés with Arabian Gulf views.
Emirates Palace and Etihad Towers (1:45 PM – 2:30 PM)
These iconic landmarks offer impressive photo opportunities. Etihad Towers featured in Fast & Furious 7, making it extra exciting for movie fans.
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
We spent our afternoon at the world’s largest indoor theme park. Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaches 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds—absolutely exhilarating! We also enjoyed Flying Aces with its record-breaking loop and Turbo Track’s vertical launch.
Additional experiences:
- F1 racing simulators
- Junior driving academy
- Ferrari museum
- Italian restaurants
Cost: AED 345 per adult (₹7,800)
Time needed: Minimum 4 hours; full day recommended
Abu Dhabi Tour Cost: AED 350-450 including transport (₹7,900-10,100)
Budget for Day 6: AED 695-795 per person (₹15,700-18,000)
Day 7: Final Morning and Departure
On our final day, we checked out and did last-minute shopping at Deira City Centre Mall before heading to the airport.
Airport tips:
- Arrive 3 hours before international flights
- Dubai Duty Free offers excellent deals
- Free WiFi throughout the airport
🧭Complete Week Overview
| Day | Highlights | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miracle Garden + Global Village | AED 345 (₹7,800) |
| 2 | Burj Khalifa + Dubai Mall | AED 440-515 (₹10,000-11,600) |
| 3 | Dubai Frame + Limousine | AED 250-350 (₹5,600-7,900) |
| 4 | Desert Safari | AED 150-200 (₹3,400-4,500) |
| 5 | Skydive Dubai | AED 2,800-3,000 (₹63,000-67,500) |
| 6 | Abu Dhabi Tour + Ferrari World | AED 695-795 (₹15,700-18,000) |
| 7 | Departure | AED 100-200 (₹2,250-4,500) |
Complete Budget Breakdown for Dubai
Per Person Costs for 7 Days:
This Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary costs breakdown helps you plan your budget accurately:
Accommodation (6 nights):
- Budget: AED 1,200 (₹27,000)
- Mid-range: AED 2,400 (₹54,000)
- Luxury: AED 6,000+ (₹135,000+)
Activities: AED 4,780-5,205 (₹108,000-117,000)
Food (6 days):
- Budget: AED 540 (₹12,150)
- Mid-range: AED 1,080 (₹24,300)
- Upscale: AED 2,160+ (₹48,600+)
Transportation: AED 200-400 (₹4,500-9,000)
Shopping: AED 500-1,000 (₹11,250-22,500)
Total Budget:
- Budget traveler: ₹162,500-170,000
- Mid-range traveler: ₹199,500-209,000
- Luxury traveler: ₹307,000+
Indian travelers: Budget ₹1,60,000-₹2,10,000 including flights (₹30,000-40,000 from major cities).
Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors
Before You Go:
Visa: Indian passport holders get visa on arrival (14-30 days) for AED 100-120. Ensure 6 months passport validity.
Best time: November to March (15-30°C). Summer is extremely hot (40-50°C) but hotels are cheaper.
What to pack:
- Light, breathable clothing
- Modest attire for mosques
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- UK-style power adapter
During Your Trip:
Money:
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
- 1 AED ≈ ₹22.50
- Credit cards widely accepted
- Carry cash for small vendors
Transportation:
- Metro: Cleanest, cheapest (AED 3-8)
- Nol Card: Rechargeable transport card
- Taxis: Metered, starting AED 12
- Uber/Careem: Widely available
Cultural Etiquette:
- Minimal public displays of affection
- Modest dress in public spaces
- Don’t photograph people without permission
- Respect prayer times
Connectivity:
- Buy tourist SIM at airport
- Du or Etisalat packages: AED 50-100 for 5-10GB
- Free WiFi in malls and hotels
Safety:
- Extremely safe cities
- Low crime rates
- Safe for solo travelers including women
- Emergency: 999 (police), 998 (ambulance)
Money-Saving Hacks:
- Visit during off-peak season for 40-50% hotel savings
- Eat at food courts instead of restaurants
- Use metro over taxis
- Buy attraction combo tickets
- Book activities online in advance
- Happy hours offer 2-for-1 deals
- Free attractions: beaches, Dubai Fountain, souks
Conclusion: Your Perfect UAE Adventure Awaits
This week-long Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary balances iconic landmarks, cultural immersion, and thrilling adventures perfect for first-time visitors. From Burj Khalifa’s observation deck to desert safaris under starlit skies, from the serenity of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the adrenaline rush of skydiving over Palm Jumeirah—this journey showcases the UAE’s unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Following this Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary ensures you experience the best of both cities without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The UAE welcomes travelers with world-class infrastructure, incredible safety, and experiences found nowhere else on Earth. Whether you’re budget-conscious or seeking luxury, this diverse destination accommodates every travel style.
Start planning your Dubai and Abu Dhabi adventure today. The memories you create will last a lifetime, and the photographs will make your friends incredibly jealous!
Ready to book? Save this guide, start comparing flight prices, and prepare for the trip of a lifetime. The UAE is waiting to exceed your expectations. Don’t forget to explore our complete UAE travel resources for more tips and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Yes, this Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary covers both cities’ highlights comfortably in one week. You’ll experience major Dubai attractions (4-5 days) and take a comprehensive Abu Dhabi day trip with buffer time for rest or spontaneous discoveries.
What’s the minimum budget?
From India, expect ₹1,60,000-₹2,10,000 per person including flights for this Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary with mid-range accommodations. Budget travelers can manage with ₹1,40,000-₹1,60,000 by choosing budget hotels and skipping expensive activities.
Do I need to rent a car?
Not necessary. Dubai has excellent public transportation and most tours include hotel transfers. Cars cost AED 120-200 daily plus fuel and parking.
Is Dubai safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the world’s safest cities with extremely low crime rates. Women can travel solo comfortably using public transport anytime.
Where should I stay in Dubai?
For first-timers, Downtown Dubai (near Burj Khalifa), Dubai Marina (waterfront nightlife), or Deira/Bur Dubai (budget-friendly, authentic) work best.
Can I drink alcohol in Dubai?
Yes, but only in licensed hotels and restaurants. Alcohol cannot be purchased in regular stores. Public drinking is illegal. Legal drinking age is 21.
What should I wear?
Cover shoulders and knees in public spaces. Beachwear is fine at beaches but not in malls. Mosques require full coverage (abayas provided).
Are there direct flights from India?
Yes, multiple daily flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad via Emirates, Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet. Flight time: 3-4 hours. Cost: ₹15,000-40,000 round trip.
Our Dubai Airport Shuttle Service provides reliable and budget-friendly options, including DXB Airport Shuttle to Hotel, Dubai Airport Shared Shuttle, and Budget Shuttle from Dubai Airport, ensuring a stress-free transfer to your destination.
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