UAE: Dubai & Abu Dhabi in 6 Days
United Arab Emirates
Overview
A short, comfortable break built around Dubai's extremes — the world's tallest building, old-town souks and a desert safari — with a day trip down the coast to Abu Dhabi for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi. An easy motorway connects the two cities in under 90 minutes.
- Duration
- 6 days
- Pace
- Relaxed
- Transport
- Rental car
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €1,500–€2,000
Route
1. Dubai2. Abu Dhabi3. Dubai
Highlights
- Burj Khalifa's observation deck at sunset
- A desert safari with dune bashing and a Bedouin-style dinner
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
- Old Dubai's gold and spice souks along Dubai Creek
Worth knowing
- Summer (Jun-Sep) heat is extreme, often 40°C+
- Modest dress is required at mosques and appreciated generally
- It's an easy place to overspend — attractions and dining add up fast
Day by day
Day 1
DubaiMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Dubai Marina evening walk
Overnight: Dubai
Day 2
DubaiMain activities
- Burj Khalifa observation deck
- Dubai Mall and the Fountain show
Overnight: Dubai
Day 3
DubaiMain activities
- Old Dubai — gold and spice souks, abra ride across the Creek
Optional additions
- Dubai Frame
Overnight: Dubai
Day 4
DubaiMain activities
- Desert safari — dune bashing and Bedouin camp dinner
Overnight: Dubai
Day 5
Dubai → Abu DhabiMain activities
- Drive (~1.5h)
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
Optional additions
- Corniche waterfront walk
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Abu Dhabi
Day 6
Abu Dhabi → DubaiMain activities
- Drive back for departure (~1.5h)
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Dubai
Alternatives
Shorter version · 4 days
Drop the Abu Dhabi day trip and focus on Dubai only.
Longer extension · 9 days
Add a few beach days at a Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah resort on the east coast.