Updated November 2026
These itineraries assume you are visiting in the cooler months and starting from Dubai. Driving times are rough and depend on traffic. If you would rather build your own plan from scratch, try the itinerary maker.
3 days: Dubai and Abu Dhabi highlights
- Day 1, old and new Dubai. Morning at Al Fahidi, then an abra across the Creek to the spice and gold souks. Rest in the afternoon, then Burj Khalifa at sunset and the fountain show.
- Day 2, Abu Dhabi. Train or drive to Abu Dhabi. Louvre Abu Dhabi in the morning, Qasr Al Watan after lunch, and the Grand Mosque for sunset.
- Day 3, desert. A relaxed morning, then an afternoon desert trip with dinner under the stars, or a drive to Mleiha for fossils and stargazing.
5 days: add the mountains
Follow the 3-day plan, then add:
- Day 4, Hatta. Early start to kayak on Hatta Dam, explore the heritage village, and ride or walk the trails. Stay the night or drive back.
- Day 5, Sharjah. Morning in the Heart of Sharjah and its museums, then a quiet afternoon at the beach.
7 days: the full loop
- Day 1 and 2, Dubai. Old town, Burj Khalifa, beaches and food.
- Day 3, Ras Al Khaimah. Drive north, climb to Dhayah Fort and spend the afternoon up on Jebel Jais.
- Day 4, the east coast. Cross the mountains to Fujairah. Visit Al Badiyah Mosque and snorkel at Snoopy Island. Stay on the coast.
- Day 5, Fujairah to Al Ain. See Fujairah Fort, then drive south to Al Ain. Sunset on Jebel Hafeet.
- Day 6, Al Ain to Abu Dhabi. Morning walk in Al Ain Oasis, then on to Abu Dhabi for the Grand Mosque at sunset.
- Day 7, Abu Dhabi. Louvre and Qasr Al Watan, then back to Dubai.
Got an extra day or two?Spend a night in Liwa to see Moreeb Dune at sunrise. It is the closest you will get to the Empty Quarter.
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