Ultimate 6 Day Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary | Perfect 6 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Travel Planner | 17 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Prologue
Me, my wife Jayeeta, and my son Ricky are Indians by birth and Dutch citizens by naturalization, living in the Netherlands since 2013. While Ricky is going through his academic years, we’re pursuing our careers in management and our passion for photography and travel, in a land far from our motherland (or shall I call it home away from home?). Our parents live in our native city of Kolkata (in the eastern part of India), and we visit them during Ricky’s summer holidays every year to spend quality time together. Because we have no direct flights to the eastern part of India from the Netherlands, we need to break our journey in an intermediate country and change flights to Kolkata. And when we do that, we try to stop over in that country for a few days and explore it, before leaving for Kolkata. The same goes for the way back to the Netherlands.
During one such summer holiday in 2024, we visited Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 6 days en route to Kolkata. So based on our personal experience, today I’m going to share with you an ultimate itinerary to get the most of this amazing city along with day trips to Abu Dhabi and beyond, over a period of 6 days. Let the journey begin!
Welcome to the Emirates!
Located in the Middle East at the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the thriving nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), or simply the Emirates, is a federal, elective monarchy made up of seven emirates (autonomous city-states) namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. In addition to marine borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran, as well as with Oman in the Gulf of Oman, it shares land borders with Oman to the east and northwest and with Saudi Arabia to the southwest. The largest of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE and the port city of Dubai is the most populated city of UAE. Dubai is an international financial and commercial hub housing hundreds of global companies in a forest of skyscrapers. English is the most widely spoken language, although Arabic is the official language and Islam is the official religion. But I can assure you that "everyone" watches Bollywood in the Emirates and, as a result, speaks Hindi fluently in all tourist spots! Of the estimated 10 million people living in the United Arab Emirates as of 2024, only 11 percent are natives or Emiratis.
Historically the realm of individual Arab families and clans, the area has been impacted by Persian culture because of its proximity to Iran. Also, its porous marine borders have long drawn traders and migrants from other countries. In the 18th century, Portugal and the Netherlands expanded their holdings in the region, but with the rise of British naval power there, they withdrew. Following a series of truces with Britain in the 19th century, the Emirates united to form the Trucial States (also called Trucial Oman or the Trucial Sheikhdoms). After World War II (1939–45), when the trucial nations of Bahrain and Qatar proclaimed their independence, the states attained autonomy. The remaining ones were legally brought together in 1971, with Abu Dhabi acting as their capital. Rivals between the families ruling the larger states of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have since put the federation's stability to the test, but outside events like the Persian Gulf War (1990–1991) and an ongoing territorial dispute with Iran have helped to strengthen the Emirates' political unity.
The Emirates is made up of wetlands, coastal lowlands, waterless highlands, and rocky deserts. Travelers from abroad are lured to the nation's pristine beaches and luxurious resorts, which serve as a refuge for migratory waterfowl and attract birdwatchers from throughout the globe. A nation comprised of diverse nationalities and ethnic groups standing at a crossroads in history and geography, the Emirates offers a remarkable blend of modern technology and age-old customs, cosmopolitanism and insularity, wealth and want. Abu Dhabi's ruler and first president, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, fuelled the growth of the Emirates by directing oil revenue towards business, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism. As of 2024, the UAE has the seventh-largest oil and gas reserves in the world. The Emirates is a member of the World Trade Organization, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, and OPEC. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization counts the Emirates as one of its discussion partners.
Our 6-Day Dubai and Abu Dhabi Itinerary
Day 1: Flying from Hoofddorp (the Netherlands) to Dubai (UAE)
On the very first day of Ricky’s summer holidays in 2024, we flew in from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (the Netherlands) to Dubai International Airport (UAE). Upon reaching, we picked up our Family SUV Renault Duster from Thrifty Car Rental (located at Arrivals Hall in Terminal 3) and checked into our King Suite at Millennium Place Dubai Marina Hotel right on the Dubai harbor surrounded by monumental skyscrapers. The temperature was 44 degrees Celsius (feels like temperature was 52 degrees Celsius), with 90% humidity. It was so hot and humid that upon switching on the air-conditioning inside the car, there were vapors on the outside of all the windows due to condensation, and I literally had to use wipers to get rid of them from the windshield lest I could not drive the car. During winter we face the opposite situation in cold countries like the Netherlands, i.e. condensation on the inside of the windows when heaters are switched on while it is cold outside. But this was new!
Therefore, the plan for the next day was to stay back in the hotel until late afternoon working out in the gym or relaxing in the rooftop swimming pool, and start the exploration in the evening when the heat would get less and the city would come to life with the lights switched on everywhere including the Burj Khalifa. With that plan in mind, we hit the bed dog tired, and fell asleep at the drop of a hat!
Day 2: Exploring Downtown Dubai District
Sunrise Shot, Breakfast, Gym, and Swimming Pool at the Hotel
The next morning I woke up around 3:30 AM GST (Gulf Standard Time) to shoot the sunrise from the balcony of our suite which was due to happen at 05:40 AM GST. When I stepped out to the balcony, I was greeted by a wonderful view of the surrounding skyscrapers with the moon in the background amidst a blue hour sky. After the daybreak, the sunshine gradually started getting hazy, and the temperature rose to 45 degrees Celsius (feels like temperature was 54 degrees Celsius) with 95% humidity. I learnt later from the newspapers that it was the hottest day across the globe in recorded history. So, we decided to start the day lazily with a grand buffet breakfast that included a wide assortment of breakfast options right from south Indian flavors like masala dosa, idli sambhar, and upma, to north Indian options like poha and fried rice to Arabic curries with bread and felafel, apart from the regular options like black bean soups, omelets, scrambled eggs, croissants, bread, cereals, salads, fruits, porridges, puddings, pastries, juices, and beverages. After breakfast, we stayed back in the hotel until late afternoon spending time in the gym and relaxing in the rooftop swimming pool, and started the exploration in the late afternoon.
Museum of the Future (MOTF)
We started our Dubai exploration with the Museum of the Future (MOTF). Since we arrived at MOTF in the afternoon, its on-site parking facility which has limited availability was already full. So we parked in Bareeq Al Najoom Car Park (GPS Coordinates: 25.21475, 55.27955) nearby, and walked 7 minutes in the blazing sun to reach the Museum of the Future.
The MOTF, one of Dubai's most well-known landmarks, was named one of the world's 14 most beautiful museums by National Geographic. It is shaped like an asymmetric torus (to me it looked like a ring) covered in glass and steel. Arabic calligraphy is creatively used on the museum's beautiful facade, which also doubles as glass windows. Serving as a portal to a world that will exist in fifty years, the museum demonstrates how science and technology will shape society in the next years and how cutting-edge innovations like augmented reality and artificial intelligence might improve our quality of life. There are five chapters that comprise the core museum experience:
OSS Hope: Provides a taste of living 600 kilometers above Earth on a space station
The Heal Institute: Showcases an augmented and virtual reality perspective of Dubai and the world in 2071
Al Waha (The Oasis): It provides a digital detox experience to reconnect with the body, mind, and soul through immersive displays and forward-thinking therapies using light and sound
Tomorrow Today: Demonstrates the cutting-edge futuristic technologies that are already in use today
Future Heroes: An interactive play area with games and missions to motivate kids
Dubai Frame
After visiting MOTF, we drove to Dubai Frame and parked at the on-site parking. A word of caution is that Dubai Frame is located within the 47.5 ha (117.37 acres) Zabeel Park which has 7 entrance gates and has an extensive parking area that starts as soon as you approach the park much before Dubai Frame. Do not park immediately and instead keep driving until you reach the Zabeel Park Gate that says Dubai Frame. We parked much before and had to walk quite a bit in the heat to reach the Dubai Frame entrance.
Dubai Frame is one of the most well-known sights in the city. Similar to the famed Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, this building's prominent position in the middle of the city offers expansive vistas. Dubai Frame is a structure with a novel concept, standing 150 meters tall and 93 meters wide with a bridge connecting the two towers giving it a resemblance to a picture frame. In addition to the breathtaking vistas, guests can experience the past, present, and future from the ground up through a blend of classical music, enticing aromas, and holographic effects depicting flying taxis, underwater housing, and amazing space missions.
Burj Khalifa
After coming out of Dubai Frame, we drove to Fashion Parking of Dubai Mall for our first visit (since we’d planned 2 visits to explore the mall extensively), and then walked out to visit the Burj Khalifa and the mind-blowing light and fountain show right in front of the Dubai Mall.
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world with 163 floors measuring 830 m or 2722 feet. The imposing structure, which consists of three pieces arranged around a central core, is modeled after an abstraction of the Hymenocallis flower. When viewed from above, it fits in with the onion-dome pattern that is commonly observed in many types of Islamic architecture. Burj Khalifa offers an unparalleled view of the city of Dubai from the two-story ‘At The Top’ observatory on the 124th and 125th floors or the premium ‘At The Top Sky’ on the 148th floor which’s one of the world's highest observation decks at a height of 555 meters. For a genuinely unique experience, guests can opt to eat at the 122nd-floor restaurant and lounge ‘At.mosphere’ or take a seat at the world's highest lounge, ‘The Lounge,’ which spans levels 152, 153, and 154. If you are there for the view, I recommend visiting the ‘At The Top’ observatory on the 124th and 125th floors since the ticket price difference between that and ‘At The Top Sky’ is too huge compared to the difference in the view.
Dubai Fountain
After visiting Burj Khalifa, we walked out to witness the mind-blowing Dubai Fountain. The world's tallest performing fountain provides a once-in-a-lifetime family-friendly experience with water, music, and light. Two football fields' worth of powerful water jets are arranged strategically throughout a 30-acre submerged region at the base of Dubai Mall right in front of Burj Khalifa. At any given moment, the fountain can shoot up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140 meters into the air. The fountains spring to life every 30 minutes, starting at 18:00 and ending at 23:00 GST. The jets are colorful and lit, and they sway to a variety of tunes that will captivate you. Popular songs include "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, and "Power" by the Korean pop group EXO. It is a free attraction.
After visiting the dancing fountain show, we had dinner in one of the restaurants outside the Dubai Mall, drove back to our hotel at late night, and slept off by 02:00 GST.
Day 3: Exploring Dubai Marina, Souks, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Mall
Dubai Marina Walk
The next morning I woke up in just 1.5 hours around 3:30 AM, freshened up, and left for a sunrise photoshoot at the Dubai Marina. The weather was still 40+ degrees even without the sun with 95% humidity and it was the first time in my life so far, that I was sweating profusely while shooting a sunrise! And as the sun came out, the heat multiplied immediately. Despite that, I managed to walk 7 km from 04:00 GST to 07:30 GST taking the sunrise shots across the Dubai Marina.
The 7-km Dubai Marina Walk is a charming waterfront attraction that stretches along the neighborhood's well-loved emerald-colored waterway. Because there are so many options for dining, shopping, and entertainment, Dubai Marina Walk truly is a lifestyle destination. A number of the largest brands and best restaurants in the city have their eateries located along the Dubai Marina Walk because of its al fresco atmosphere. At the heart of Dubai Marina is the Dubai Marina Mall which offers a variety of upscale retail establishments, eateries, a movie theater, and grocery stores. The Dubai Marina Walk is open 24/7 and admission is free. However, as expected, the attractions along the promenade have different opening hours, so make sure to verify with each place you're interested in visiting.
Gold Souk
After returning to the hotel at around 8:00 AM, I woke up Jayeeta and Ricky and went for breakfast. Then we left to visit the famous Gold Souk (souk means outdoor marketplace) in Old Dubai. Since Gold Souk is located in the heart of Old Dubai, finding parking was tricky. We finally parked in the Gold Souk Parking Building (GPS Coordinates: 25.27331, 55.29834) and walked 5 minutes from there to the Gold Souk. One of the most intriguing and historic traditional markets in the Emirates, the Gold Souk, is a must-see on any vacation to Dubai. You can find designs from all over the world made with a range of carats as you stroll through the sparkling bazaar, regardless of whether you're merely browsing or actively searching for even the tiniest amount of pure gold. If you are reasonable in your pricing, retailers will gladly give you a discount. But bear in mind one thing. Many shops in the Gold Souk are air-conditioned but the souk itself isn’t since it’s located outdoors. So, if you are visiting during summer, get some water to keep yourselves hydrated.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
After visiting Gold Souk we drove to Souk Madinat Jumeirah and parked at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah underground parking. Madinat Jumeirah is a miniature Arabian city with five-star hotels, ornate souks, and popular beachside resorts. A part of the magnificent Madinat Jumeirah resort is the Souk Madinat Jumeirah which is modeled on a typical Arabian market with a contemporary twist. The souk is air-conditioned and has countless lanes to explore. There are a lot of things to choose from, including artisanal souvenirs, aromatic spices, blazing lanterns, and perfumed scents to bring home.
Burj Al Arab
After spending the hot afternoon in the air-conditioned Souk Madinat Jumeirah, we came out of the souk on foot when the sun got less harsh, and walked to the amphitheater of Madinat Jumeirah and along the canals up to the main entrance of Madinat Jumeirah to get a fantastic view of the Burj Al Arab. The first spot that comes to mind when one thinks of Dubai is a sail-shaped hotel encircled by Arabian Gulf waters. That’s Burj Al Arab, the most 'Instagrammable' hotel in the world! This world's first seven-star all-suite hotel redefines modern Arabian luxury with its gold interiors, opulent suites, underwater restaurant and aquarium, a fleet of Rolls-Royce automobiles, and the renowned helipad that has welcomed the likes of Roger Federer, Anthony Joshua, and Tiger Woods.
Dubai Mall
Then we left for Dubai Mall for a second visit (after our first visit on the previous day) where we had decided to spend the rest of the evening. Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world with 1200 retail outlets within a whopping area of 13 million sq. feet (1.2 million sq. meters). We did quite a bit of shopping there, got lost several times, visited the famous Dubai Mall Waterfall, Aquarium, Underwater Zoo, Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, and finished with a sumptuous Indian lunch complete with samosas, pani puris, chicken and mutton meal combos!
Day 4: Desert Safari and Exploring Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) District
Desert Safari
The next whole morning we stayed dipped in the rooftop swimming pool of our hotel in Dubai Marina. After the swimming, we took a shower in our room and ordered lunch from room service. Post that, we waited for our tour guide Iqbal (Pakistani by origin but born and brought up in UAE) to pick us up from our hotel in his air-conditioned 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser for our much-awaited Dubai Desert Safari.
After Iqbal arrived, he drove us for 1.5 hours from Dubai to a remote desert area. On the way, he stopped by Al Wista Supermarket on the Dubai-Hatta Rd towards Al Madam (which’s practically in the middle of nowhere) to help us buy some souvenirs. We bought a couple of Kandoras/Dishdashas/Thobes (the traditional headwear/turban that was initially worn by the Bedouin nomads and now an integral part of the ethnic attire of Gulf countries) for me and Ricky.
Once we reached the Lahbab desert location (somewhere near Al Aweer), Iqbal said that it was now time for some spine-chilling red dune bashing. It was no less than a roller coaster. After that Iqbal dropped us at our desert camp where our Camel Safari guide Basheer (also Pakistani but spoke Hindi/Urdu with an Afghani Pathaan accent like “Tu mereko tera camera de na, main tera photo kheechega!” meaning “You give me your camera, I will take your photos!”) was waiting for us with his 3 camels namely Jojo, Lolo, and Baby. All of them wore masks not for protection against COVID-19 but for protection against them not chewing on Jayeeta’s long hair! Despite that Jojo kept trying to do that and also tried kissing the other camels and Basheer kept reminding him very politely “Jojo no touching!”
Anyway, I’ve been on camels many times and hence knew the animal, especially how they stand up from the ground or sit down on the ground front feet first and hind legs later while disembarking or embarking, respectively, so I had no problems. But Ricky was scared to fall off while the camel was getting up from the ground or sitting down on the ground and once the camel stood up he shouted “I want to get down, this animal is so high!” Also, Ricky’s camel ‘Baby’ was a bit nervous himself as he was probably too young and hence wanted to brush his own body with that of Jojo or Lolo (may be one of them could be his parents and hence he wanted to be close to him/her for a sense of security) which made Ricky more tense. Anyway, as we started trekking the dunes on the camel’s back, Ricky got used to the rhythmic motion of the camel’s treading and started enjoying it.
After the camel ride, we got off the camels and posed with them for a photo shoot session for around half an hour in the middle of the desert and the camels complied very gracefully. Ricky loved his camel ‘Baby’ so much that he would not stop patting him. After that Basheer returned to the camp with the camels, and we drove back to our camp with Iqbal in his Land Cruiser who was following us all this while. Upon reaching the camp, we were made to sit in a bedouin seating with a table and sand bean bags to enjoy the sunset. Iqbal gave us dates, some sort of Arabic Malpua (sugar syrup-coated pancakes), and beverages like fresh Arabic coffee, tea, and cold drinks as refreshments while we enjoyed the sunset.
Post the sunset, we went to the dining space where a big open stage was set up for a grand evening show that comprised a Tanoura dance performance (Egyptian Sufi/Dervish spiritual folk dance where the dancers spin wearing 3 to 5 layers of 18-kilogram skirts symbolizing the revolution of earth around the sun and movement of pilgrims around the ‘Kaaba,’ the holy Shrine in Mecca), a couple of thrilling fire shows, and finally ending up with belly dancing. There was also a henna stall offering henna painting services for a cultural experience. In parallel to the performances, we were served falafel, shawarma roll, and tea/coffee on our table as starters (we didn’t have to stand in the buffet queue as others since all of this was included in our package). After that for the main course dinner, we were served kebab platter, biriyani rice, pasta, beetroot salad, hummus, tahini, and soft drinks. The food was plentiful and we even could not finish all of what was served (also due to the heat our appetite was limited) which we felt sorry for as we do not like wasting food. Upon apologizing to them, they said there was nothing to worry about as they gave the leftovers to the camels. There was also an arrangement for shisha smoking (in place of shisha) but we did not opt for it. After the dinner, the day was finally wrapped up by 21:00 GST.
To know more about our Desert Safari Dubai experience, which tour operator we booked it with, along with tips and tricks, please read our article Ultimate Guide to Desert Safari Dubai | Everything You Need to Know Before Going on Desert Safari Dubai | Tips and Tricks for First Time Visitors to Desert Safari Tours in Dubai, UAE.
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Walk
After the desert safari, Iqbal drove us for 1.5 hours to our hotel. We reached at around 22:30 GST, which was the perfect time to go for the much famed ‘JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) Walk’ very close to our hotel in Dubai Marina. Jumeirah Beach Residence is a self-contained beachside residential district with hotels, boutique shops, restaurants, and other amenities such as gift stores, spas, and salons, located between Dubai Marina and the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. The major promenade in the area known as the ‘JBR Walk,’ which stretches the entire length of JBR, is a popular strolling destination for both locals and tourists, especially at night when the place comes to life.
Marina Beach
During our JBR Walk, we dropped by at the Marina Beach, one of Dubai’s most fabulous free beaches located along the JBR Walk. At Marina Beach, you can get a large assortment of food from the nearby eateries, Aquafun (the largest inflatable waterpark in Dubai), and a fabulous view of Ain Dubai (World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel located in Blue Waters island behind). After visiting Marina Beach, we walked back to our hotel and called it a day.
Day 5: Exploring BAPS Hindu Mandir and Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and Palm Jumeirah Island in Dubai
Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Mandir
The previous day, while doing the Desert Safari, our Pakistani tour guide Iqbal asked us if we were planning to visit the Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi that had just been completed. I already knew that it was inaugurated by the Indian PM Narendra Modi in Abu Dhabi on 14th Feb 2024, but when I had checked the satellite images in Google Maps I had seen that it was still under construction. So I had not included it in the planning. But after Iqbal told us that it was completed and insisted we visit it, we decided to include it in the planning for the last day.
So, the next morning we left for Abu Dhabi for a visit to the BAPS Hindu Mandir (Temple). Upon reaching, we parked at the on-site parking. Photography by camera was not allowed, but only mobile was allowed, and that too not inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple but outside on the temple premises. The temple is marvelous, especially for the reason that such a monumental Hindu temple is standing tall in the heart of an Islamic country. The interiors have intricate architecture all handcrafted in marble and the Gods and Goddess idols are one of the most beautiful that we’ve ever seen. We sat in the sanctum sanctorum jaw dropped in awe at the idols of Lord Shiva-Goddess Parvati, Radha-Krishna, Jagannatha-Balaram-Subhadra, Shri Ram-Sita-Laxman-Bajrangbali. One person there exclaimed to us “Bhagwaan ke murat itne pyaare hain ke nazar hi nahi hath rahi hai (The idols of the Gods are so beautiful that I cannot take my eyes off them)!” which was so true to its core! After visiting the temple, we had lunch in the vegetarian restaurant on the Temple campus which comprised papri chaat, alu tikki chaat, pani puri, veg momos, Punjabi thali, and gulab jamun.
To know more about the story behind the construction of the temple, how to visit it, and/or take a virtual tour, please read our article Complete Guide to Visiting BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi | A Virtual Tour of Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
After visiting the Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Mandir, we drove to Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. One of the biggest mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a vast architectural masterpiece that purposefully combines elements of several Islamic architectural styles. It has more than 1,000 columns, 82 domes, and 24-carat gold chandeliers. The main prayer hall features the biggest hand-knotted carpet in the world (knotted by 1,200 Iranian artisans) and one of the biggest chandeliers in the world. This mosque was constructed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates to symbolize historical significance as well as the Islamic values of tolerance, peace, and diversity. His goal was for the Grand Mosque to serve as a living example of contemporary Islamic architecture that bridges the past and present and establishes an Islamic center of study and research that upholds true Islamic principles.
When we reached the mosque, we parked underground, Ricky and I changed our dress to put on long Kurtas that suited more for a mosque visit and entered the underground shopping mall directly from there. We purchased an Abaya (robe) for Jayeeta (since the dress code for the mosque is complete covering from head to toe for women barring face and palms and complete covering from neck to toe for men barring face and palms). After that, we entered the Grand Mosque and were truly mesmerized by its grandeur. However, only the prayer halls are air-conditioned while everywhere else within the mosque compound and courtyard, we were out in the scorching sun. Photography is allowed but only at designated spots. Sitting on the floor to shoot pictures and using tripods are not allowed. And while taking pictures be mindful that you cover your head (for women), else the security will come and ask you to delete the image. When we were there, it was very windy and the headscarf of the Abaya kept falling off Jayeeta’s head. So some of the security guards continuously stood by us to ensure that we did not take pictures without the headscarf! However, the experience of our visit to the Grand Mosque was second to none. After visiting the mosque, we had chicken biriyani from an Indian eatery at the food court in the underground shopping mall as an early dinner and then drove back to the Palm Jumeirah district of Dubai.
To know more about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi and how to visit it, please read our article A Perfect Guide to Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi | Everything You Need to Know for Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The View at the Palm
Towards the evening, as we arrived back in Dubai from Abu Dhabi, we went straight to the ‘View at the Palm’ observatory on the world-famous Palm Jumeirah. Constructed on reclaimed land in a series of man-made archipelagos, Palm Jumeirah looks like a palm tree from an aerial view. Several of Dubai's most prestigious resorts, such as Atlantis, The Palm, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, One&Only The Palm, and many more, are located on the unique island. ‘The View at The Palm’ is an observation deck that is situated at 240 meters on level 52 of The Palm Tower in Palm Jumeirah. It offers never-seen-before 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf's glittering waters, and the skyline of Dubai in the distance.
View of Atlantis Hotel from the Pointe
From ‘View at the Palm’ we drove to the Pointe which is a picturesque, tranquil venue featuring eateries, retail stores, and attractions at the edge of the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah with the best view of the 5-Star Atlantis Hotel that spans several acres, housing 1,500 rooms (including underwater rooms), exclusive suites, 'super suites,’ and attractions like The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Aquaventure Waterpark, and Dolphin Bay.
At the Pointe spot, there used to be a glowing sign that said ‘#The Pointe’ which’s now closed for a major redevelopment work that’s going to take place in the area over the next one year. Bars and restaurants in The Pointe have been issued notice and given a year to move while the redevelopment plan is implemented. It's still unclear at this point if the neighborhood will get a new name.
After visiting the Pointe, we had dinner in one of the restaurants in the neighborhood, drove back to our hotel, and slept off.
Day 6: Flying from Dubai (UAE) to Kolkata (India)
The next morning we woke up early, had breakfast, checked out of our hotel, drove to the Dubai International Airport, dropped our car at Thrifty Car Rentals (located at Arrivals Hall in Terminal 3), and took our flight to Kolkata. With that, our Dubai and Abu Dhabi exploration came to an end!
Visiting Dubai
Best Time to Visit: November to March is the most pleasant time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions and enjoy activities like desert safaris, beach outings, and outdoor dining as these are the cooler months in Dubai, with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 30°C. However, like us, if you can travel only during school holidays like the ones during Easter, May, or July, you can choose to travel to Dubai between April and October but as I said in the article earlier, summers can be boiling in Dubai, with temperatures ranging between 40°C and 50°C. During this period, indoor activities like visiting malls, museums, and aquariums are better options.
Number of Days to Stay: 4 to 7 Days is ideal for exploring the main attractions in Dubai and taking day trips to the desert and Abu Dhabi as I mentioned above.
Best Place to Stay: Downtown Dubai is perfect for first-time visitors. It’s home to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain. Jumeirah Beach is ideal for beach lovers and luxury travelers, with plenty of high-end resorts and easy access to the Marina and The Palm. Deira and Bur Dubai can be a good choice for budget travelers who want to explore the old parts of Dubai, like the spice souks and traditional markets. And Dubai Marina where we stayed is a great choice if you are fond of luxury hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
Best Way to Arrive: Dubai International Airport is the main hub and one of the busiest airports in the world. Most international travelers arrive via Dubai International Airport, and it’s well-connected to the city by metro, taxis, and buses. You can drive in from neighboring Gulf countries like Oman or Saudi Arabia, but only if you have your own car registered in your own name and not using a rented car.
Best Local Mode of Conveyance: Dubai Metro is fast, efficient, and connects key areas of the city, including the airport, Downtown, and Jumeirah Beach. Buses are a more affordable option, but they’re slower than the metro. Taxis and Uber are widely available and reasonably priced. If you plan to explore more remote areas like the desert or travel extensively outside the city, renting a car is a good option like we did. For a traditional experience, take an Dhow cruise or Abra across Dubai Creek to explore the old town.
Additional Places to Visit: If you are in Dubai during the winter, I recommend you to visit the Global Village and Dubai Miracle Garden which were closed during summer when we visited. If you have more time to spare, you can also check out Dubai Glow Park (located within Zabeel Park where Dubai Frame is also located but open only post-sunset), Atlantis Aqua Park, Indoor Theme Park, and Ski Dubai (located in Mall of the Emirates).
Epilogue
So that brings us to the end of our 6-day itinerary across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Please let us know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this article. And until we meet next time, I wish you merry traveling and happy shooting!
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