Dubai

Arrive at Dubai International Airport and transfer to your 4-star hotel. Afternoon in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai's oldest district with wind-tower houses and the Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort. Take a traditional abra wooden boat across Dubai Creek for 1 dirham to explore the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. Dinner at an Emirati restaurant for machboos and luqaimat. Overnight Dubai.

💡 Best time to visit Dubai is November to March when temperatures are pleasant at 20 to 28 degrees - summer is extremely hot.

Morning at the Burj Khalifa observation deck on the 124th floor with panoramic views of the city, desert, and sea - buy tickets in advance. Explore the Dubai Mall including the Dubai Aquarium and ice rink. Afternoon at the Museum of the Future, the most visually striking building in Dubai. Evening at the Dubai Fountain show, the world's largest choreographed fountain, free to watch from the boardwalk. Overnight Dubai.

💡 Buy Burj Khalifa tickets online 2 to 3 days in advance - walk-in prices are significantly higher.

Morning at leisure. Afternoon 4x4 pickup for the Dubai Desert Safari. Thrilling dune bashing over red sand dunes followed by a camel ride and sandboarding at sunset. Evening at a traditional Bedouin camp with an Arabic buffet dinner, belly dancing, tanoura spin dance, and fire show under the desert stars. Return to hotel by 10 PM. Overnight Dubai.

💡 Inform your guide if you are prone to motion sickness before dune bashing - they can adjust the intensity of the drive.

1.5-hour drive to Abu Dhabi for a full day in the UAE capital. Morning at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques with 82 domes and the world's biggest hand-knotted carpet - free entry but abaya required for women. Visit Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace and the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi museum. Drive back to Dubai by evening. Overnight Dubai.

💡 Sheikh Zayed Mosque has strict dress code - loose full-length clothing required and scarves and abayas are provided free at the entrance.

Morning on Palm Jumeirah with a ride on the Palm Monorail. Visit the Atlantis resort and optional Aquaventure Waterpark. Afternoon at Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach. Evening 2-hour dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek or the Marina with buffet dinner and live entertainment as the city lights shimmer on the water. Overnight Dubai.

💡 The Marina dhow cruise has better skyline photo opportunities - the illuminated towers reflected on the water at night are spectacular.

Morning at Dubai Miracle Garden (open November to May), the world's largest natural flower garden with 150 million blooms in elaborate displays. Final shopping at Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates before transfer to Dubai International Airport. End of tour.

💡 Dubai airport duty-free is excellent for perfumes, gold, and dates - keep some dirhams for last-minute purchases.