Burj Al Arab
Dubai · Abu Dhabi · 7 days itinerary

Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 7 Days

Photo: Yacine Hary, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This 7-day trip covers key sights across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It starts in Old Dubai and moves through downtown, beach and palm areas, plus desert reserves before the drive to Abu Dhabi. The order groups sites by region each day and reserves the Abu Dhabi portion for the final three days.

7 daysDubaiAbu DhabiDesertBeachesBy travli· Checked by the travli team, September 2026

Day by day

Day 1

Old Dubai

  1. 9:00DubaiWalk
  2. 11:00DubaiSight
  3. 11:30DubaiSight
  4. 19:00Dubai Creek dhow cruiseDubaiSight
Day 2

Downtown Dubai

  1. 10:00Museum of the FutureDubaiSight
  2. 16:30DubaiSight
  3. 19:00DubaiSight
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Day 3

The Palm and Jumeirah

  1. 9:30DubaiSight
  2. 11:30DubaiSight
  3. 12:30DubaiSight
  4. 16:30Jumeirah Public BeachDubaiWalk
Day 4

Alserkal and the desert

  1. 10:00DubaiWalk
  2. 15:00DubaiDay trip
Day 5

To Abu Dhabi: the Grand Mosque

  1. 9:00Drive to Abu DhabiDubaiTransfer
  2. 11:00Sheikh Zayed Grand MosqueAbu DhabiSight
  3. 17:00Abu DhabiWalk
Day 6

Saadiyat Island

  1. 10:00Abu DhabiSight
  2. 15:00Saadiyat BeachAbu DhabiWalk
Day 7

Qasr Al Watan and the mangroves

  1. 10:00Qasr Al WatanAbu DhabiSight
  2. 13:00Emirates PalaceAbu DhabiSight
  3. 16:00Abu DhabiSight
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Questions about this trip

Is 7 days enough for Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Seven days covers the main sites in both cities, with the last three days in Abu Dhabi.

Do I need to book Burj Khalifa tickets in advance?

Book Burj Khalifa tickets online ahead in busy months. Early morning slots are quieter and cheaper; sunset slots cost more and sell out first.

How do I get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Take a taxi or rental car on the E11 highway for the 1.5 hour drive. The E101 bus from Ibn Battuta bus station runs regularly and takes about two hours.

What should I wear to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Wear loose clothing that covers arms and legs. Women must also cover their hair. Arrive dressed appropriately, as loan robes are not always available.

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