Dubai + Beyond: 7 Day UAE Trip
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. Book or buy through them and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only point you to things we would actually use.
Travel advisory: Dubai and the wider UAE were caught up in the 2026 regional conflict with Iran. During a roughly six-week phase in early 2026, Iranian drones and missiles struck sites in the UAE, including near Dubai’s airport and port and a hotel on Palm Jumeirah. A ceasefire has held since April, and Dubai’s flights, hotels, and attractions are operating and recovering, though the situation stays fluid (the current risk is mainly to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, not the city). The US State Department has the UAE at “Reconsider Travel” and the UK FCDO does not advise against travel, but both flag the regional situation. Check the current US State Department and UK FCDO advisories before booking, and again before you fly. Everything below is written for a normal visit, for when it’s calm.
A full week covers Dubai plus all five UAE day trips from this guide, the most complete version of this itinerary. See the 6 day itinerary for a tighter version, our pure Dubai guide if you’d rather spend the whole week in the city, or the UAE from Dubai guide for more on each trip.
Day 1: Dubai Core
Burj Khalifa (roughly AED 149-250, verify, book ahead), The Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain at dusk (free, verify current showtimes).
Day 2: Old Dubai and a Desert Safari
Morning in the Al Fahidi Historical District, then cross Dubai Creek by abra (about AED 1) to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Evening desert safari (roughly AED 99-350), dune bashing, camel rides, and a Bedouin-camp dinner.
Day 3: Abu Dhabi Day Trip
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (allow 60-90 minutes, robes provided), then Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Corniche.
Day 4: Sharjah
About 25-45 minutes from Dubai. The Museum of Islamic Civilization, the heritage area, and the old souqs.
Day 5: Hatta
Hatta Dam’s turquoise reservoir for kayaking, the Heritage Village, and hiking or biking around the Wadi Hub.
Day 6: East Coast and Fujairah
About 1.5-2 hours to the Gulf of Oman coast. Snoopy Island for snorkeling and Al-Bidyah Mosque, roughly dating to 1446, the UAE’s oldest.
Day 7: Al Ain
Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO-listed working date-palm oasis, and the Jebel Hafeet mountain road before heading back to Dubai for departure.
| Day | Focus | Rough daily spend |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dubai core, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall | AED 350-600 ($95-163) |
| 2 | Old Dubai, souks, desert safari | AED 400-650 ($109-177) |
| 3 | Abu Dhabi, Grand Mosque, Louvre | AED 250-450 ($68-123) plus transport |
| 4 | Sharjah, museums, souqs | AED 150-300 ($41-82) plus transport |
| 5 | Hatta, dam, hiking | AED 200-400 ($54-109) plus transport |
| 6 | East coast, Fujairah, snorkeling | AED 200-400 ($54-109) plus transport |
| 7 | Al Ain, oasis, Jebel Hafeet | AED 200-400 ($54-109) plus transport |
Book these before you go
- Book Burj Khalifa tickets for a guaranteed slot
- Compare rental cars since a car earns its cost across five separate day trips
- Check rates in Dubai and confirm the current advisory before you book
A full week is the honest way to see the UAE properly rather than just Dubai; the dirham’s hard peg at 3.6725 to the dollar means every daily budget above holds steady, only individual attraction prices need a live check before you go.