7 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Complete Itinerary (2026)
A week is enough time to see both emirates properly without rushing — this itinerary splits the week between Dubai's landmarks, a desert night, Abu Dhabi's culture and theme parks, and one extra day trip.
Quick answer: Days 1-2 Dubai city landmarks (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Old Dubai); day 3 desert safari; day 4 Dubai beaches/Marina or theme park; day 5 Abu Dhabi day trip (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan); day 6 Yas Island theme parks; day 7 a further day trip (Sharjah, RAK or Al Ain) or shopping and rest.
Days 1-2: Dubai city and landmarks
Start with a city tour covering Old Dubai (the Creek, abra rides, Gold and Spice Souks) and modern Dubai (Burj Khalifa exterior, Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain show), then dedicate time to Burj Khalifa At the Top and The Dubai Mall's aquarium. Evening one can close with a Dubai Fountain show; evening two works well for a dhow dinner cruise along the Marina or Creek.
Day 3: Desert safari
- Afternoon pickup, dune bashing by 4x4, then a sunset stop for photos over the dunes
- Evening at a desert camp: camel rides, henna, shisha, a buffet dinner and folk entertainment
- Return to the city by around 9-10pm — a full-day itinerary is not needed, so this can pair with a lighter morning
Day 4: Beaches, Marina or a theme park
A flexible day depending on travel style: relax at a Marina or JBR beach club, walk the Marina promenade, or spend the day at a Dubai theme park (Aquaventure Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure, or Global Village if in season) for those travelling with kids.
Day 5: Abu Dhabi day trip
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the morning (modest dress required, free entry, best visited before midday heat), then Louvre Abu Dhabi or Qasr Al Watan in the afternoon, both on or near Saadiyat Island and the Presidential district. This is a full day given the roughly 75-minute drive each way from Dubai.
Day 6: Yas Island
Pick one or two of Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld or SeaWorld Abu Dhabi depending on group preferences — trying to do more than two in a single day is rushed. Yas Island also has beach access and dining options for a lower-key alternative if theme parks are not the priority.
Day 7: One more day trip, or rest
| Option | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sharjah day trip | Museums, souks, a different pace from Dubai |
| Ras Al Khaimah / Fujairah | Mountains, zipline, beaches, a longer drive |
| Al Ain | Heritage, oasis, cooler mountain air at Jebel Hafeet |
| Rest / shopping day | Dubai Mall, Gold Souk, packing and recovery before departure |
Practical notes
Basing in Dubai for the full week and treating Abu Dhabi and any further day trip as return journeys (rather than changing hotels) keeps logistics simple, given none of these destinations require more than a roughly 90-minute drive from central Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Yes — 7 days comfortably covers Dubai's main landmarks and a desert safari (days 1-4), a full Abu Dhabi day including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (day 5), a Yas Island theme park day (day 6), and a further day trip or relaxed final day (day 7).
Should I split accommodation between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Not necessarily — Abu Dhabi is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Dubai by road, close enough that most 7-day itineraries base in Dubai throughout and do Abu Dhabi as a long day trip or a single overnight, rather than repacking and moving hotels.
What is the best order to see Dubai and Abu Dhabi in a week?
Starting in Dubai lets you adjust to the time zone and heat with more tourist infrastructure and shorter transfers, before a fuller day (or two) dedicated to Abu Dhabi's culture and Yas Island, which benefit from a full, unrushed day each.
Can this itinerary work in summer?
Yes, though outdoor activities (desert safari, city tours) are best scheduled for morning or evening slots to avoid peak midday heat (June-September can exceed 40°C); indoor attractions like Warner Bros. World, museums and malls work well as midday options in summer.
