How to Spend Five Days in the UAE?

A guest post from Neha Singh (Dubai Wikia)

The UAE is one of the Middle East’s most beloved and visited countries. With its mix of unequaled desert landscape, unparalleled coastline, enlightening culture, endless leisure choices, and out-of-the-world architectural gems, each of the UAE’s seven emirates has its own distinct charm and character. The best thing is that its attractions are easily accessible no matter where you plan to stay in the UAE. So, if you are looking for more ideas to fill up your five days Dubai program, this comprehensive suggested itinerary will get you started.

Dubai Travel – Important Information

Best Time to Visit

The UAE, as a whole, is at its best in the winter months from November to March. Most seasonal events and attractions come to life during December – February, such as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), New Year’s Eve festivities, Christmas celebrations etc. Being the peak season, it – however – is highly recommended to pre-plan your Dubai holiday for maximum savings. Alternatively, a budget holiday in the UAE can’t get any better than in the summer months (May to September) when everything from hotel accommodation and transfers to airline tickets and sightseeing tours comes with huge discounts.

Where to Stay?

Dubai is the starting point for most UAE holidays. Rightly so, it is the country’s most famed emirate with tonnes of breathtaking things to see and do. Abu Dhabi is equally popular, being the UAE’s capital as well as the largest emirate. Ras Al Khaimah comes next in the line in terms of the popularity. If you think that all emirates appear more or less the same, visit the eastern emirate of Fujairah for a refreshing shift in the scenery; it is definite to blow you away. When it comes to other emirates like Ajman, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, they may be lesser known but each of them stands out for its unpretentious charm and cultural landmarks.

In a condensed nut shell, wherever you choose to stay in the UAE, you can easily access other emirates on a convenient day trip.

Accommodation

One of the best things about a holiday in the UAE is that you will have plenty of accommodation options, no matter which emirate you choose as your base for your UAE exploration. For the most versatile accommodations, Dubai and Abu Dhabi has some of the most fantastic options. Accommodations here range from royal five-star and four star hotels and resorts to the mid-budget and cheaper yet decent alternatives. Other emirates, in particular Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, have their share of amazing hotels and resorts packed with high-end comforts. Regardless of your choice, make sure that your preferred accommodation is in proximity to transport means and other staples like shopping, dining etc.

Places to Eat

The Emiratis account for only 20% of the population and the rest is occupied by nationalities from over 200 countries. Not to mention, the UAE’s multicultural environment greatly impacts its dining scene. While there is no chance that you will miss your beloved homely food here, it allows you to sample cuisines that represent different parts of the world, such as classic English, American, Mediterranean, Spanish, French, Italian and more. Speaking of the places to eat, they fall under every budget and category; there are even venues that let you dine in the mid-air.

Day-Wise Itinerary Of Top Things To Do And See In Dubai

Day 1: Discover Dubai’s Main Attractions & Desert Safari  

Day 1: Discover Dubai’s Main Attractions & Desert Safari  

There is so much to see and experience in Dubai that it is probably the first stop on any UAE vacation. If you don’t know how to discover Dubai smart in a day, nothing could beat a comprehensive city tour; however, take care to get it arranged by an experienced service provider. You can also consider a Big Bus Dubai tour that allows for unlimited hop on and hop off during the validity of your ticket.

Dependent on your available time in Dubai, be sure to add attractions across its astonishing neighborhoods, mainly Al Bastakiya (Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood), Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters Island and Downtown Dubai. All these are home to some of Dubai’s most timeless and superlative attractions such as the tallest of its kind Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab Ain Dubai, the View at the Palm and the antiquated Dubai Museum to name a few.

As you spend your first half of the day sightseeing, reserve the second day for the desert safari session complete with the most exciting experiences plus BBQ dining. This is a guided off-road activity which you can book it through a professional desert safari company. Enjoy a drive over the seas of desert sands on an electrifying dune bash ride and get a slice of the Bedouin culture with henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, and traditional performances like Belly Dance and Tanura.

Day 2: Travel to Hatta

Today, after your breakfast, set out on a pleasant trip to Hatta. Tucked away in the raw charm of Hajjar Mountains, it is a picturesque settlement, located less than 150 kilometers away from Dubai. This place is a draw for anyone who wants to spend some quality moment amidst the untouched natural Arabian landscape and ancient attractions. Make your day here activity-packed with mountain biking, hiking, kayaking etc, or turn it a relaxed day with a boat ride along Swan Lake or via visiting the age-old attractions of over 3000-year-old Hatta Heritage Village. Up for an exciting adventure? Get ready for an amazing glamping experience at Hatta Dome Park.

Day 3: Spend a Whole Day in Abu Dhabi

Dedicate the third day of your UAE trip to enjoy the top sights and activities of the capital city. Whether you are traveling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai or Hatta, it takes over two hours’ drive to reach here. To get the best out of your Abu Dhabi visit, it is ideal to take a full day city tour Abu Dhabi that includes a stop at the region’s greatest religious and cultural highlight at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque plus other attractions like Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi Heritage Village and Date Market. If you can’t go without adding some adventure, be sure to Yas Island’s pulse-racing attractions, particularly Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros, Yas Water World and CLYMB Abu Dhabi.

It may not be practical to visit all these places in a day, but you can definitely pick your favorites and customize an Abu Dhabi program for yourself.

Day 4: Venture Out to Fujairah

Be it for unspoiled nature, pleasant climate or the traces of a bygone era, Fujairah is a definite-see on your UAE visit. So come explore the wonders of Fujairah on your fourth day; it is the only emirate along the country’s eastern coast which takes your breath away with its pristine beaches and rugged mountains. Go on a guided Fujairah city tour – it not only introduces you to the region’s most striking historical and heritage sites (such as the country’s oldest of its kind Al Badiyah Mosque, the Bitnah Fort and Al Hayl Castle), but also makes stop at the traditional Masafi Market where you can purchase souvenirs and relish fresh local produces.

Day 5: Visit a Theme Park and Go on a Dhow Cruise

Back in Dubai, you can spend your last day in the UAE by making your way to one of the emirate’s most amazing theme park attractions. You can choose to visit the largest of its kind IMG Worlds of Adventure, the snow-themed Ski Dubai, or the region’s ultimate and one of its kind theme park attraction – Dubai Parks and Resorts (with four cool parks under its roof.)

After all action and amusement, keep your evening free for a leisurely dinner dhow cruise along Dubai’s vibrant waters at the classy Dubai Marina or the historical Dubai Creek. A dhow is a traditional wooden vessel which was greatly used in the UAE’s pre-oil phase for fishing and pearl farming. It is now transformed into a floating restaurant where the blend of spellbinding city views, exceptional buffet dining and traditional live entertainment make for a memorable night out.  

Top Tips For The Uae Travel

• Whether you are looking for a summer or winter trip to UAE, pre-plan your holiday to avoid to any kind of last minute hassles or delays. Book everything in advance, including accommodation, guided tours, airline tickets etc.

• Save on your guided tours or activities by buying a combo ticket or an all in one pass that wraps two or more attractions or experiences for a single low rate. For instance, you can opt for a pass that covers Dubai city tour with desert safari, dhow cruise and entry tickets to Burj Khalifa.

• Acquaint yourself with the region’s local customs and rules. This not only helps you to avoid embarrassing moments, but also prevents you from paying unpleasant fines.

• Respect local traditions, avoid smoking / consuming alcohol in public, and refrain yourself from any kind of PDAs (public display of affection.)

• It is possible to drive on your own in the UAE. With that being said, it is must to carry your international driving license.

Conclusion

The UAE, precisely, is home to a variety of attractions and experiences that are both alluring and exciting. Whether you want to slow down or feel the amusement and thrill of the lifetime or simply look for anything in between, the country has something for every budget, preference and skill levels. Don’t wait anymore to go on your long awaited UAE trip; go forth, take ideas from the above program, and get ready for the most unforgettable Arabian holiday.