With its towering skyscrapers, world-class shopping, and endless entertainment options, Dubai is an ideal destination for travelers of all types! Also the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai offers an exciting blend of luxury, adventure, culture, and relaxation!
And because Dubai is such an-all around travel hotspot with year-round sunshine and a diverse food scene, it is also a great destination for group travel - family, friends, etc.!
If you'd like to know how a group trip in Dubai might go, the MiTravel team has prepared a 4-day sample itinerary for your reference! What are we waiting for?
Day 1 - Sky-High Start!
Assuming you get to your accommodations early, you should hopefully have at least the afternoon to get around some world-class attractions! Don't worry, the itinerary for the day won't be too tiring!
Start your Dubai trip with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take the elevator to the observation deck, aptly named "At The Top", enjoy the guided tour at the 148th floor, before heading to the 124th and 125th floor for breathtaking views of the city. (Some also prefer seeing the "night" views from the top - but I enjoyed the clear sunlit skies more!)
Here's a quick snapshot of what the view from the top looks like!
If you want a different look, your group may also consider Sky Views Dubai, a viewing platform located across the Burj Khalifa which provides stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and provides exhilarating experiences including the outdoor Glass Slide, stunning Glass Walk, and adrenaline-pumping Edge Walk! You can access right after exiting the Dubai Mall Metro Station!
Next, head to the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world and connected right next to the Burj Khalifa. Here, your group can shop for luxury brands, browse local boutiques, and enjoy a variety of dining options. There's something for everyone here!
There's actually plenty of entertainment options here as well, like the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Opera and Infinity des Lumières. You can spend an hour or two, enjoying these in-mall activities (or check out a fun new attraction below that's only 2 stops from Dubai Mall)!
Make sure to take a stroll through the Dubai Fountain, which is located outside the mall. The fountain performs a spectacular water and light show set to music every 30 minutes in the evening. For dinner, try traditional Emirati cuisine at one of the city's many local restaurants, both in and outside the Dubai Mall.
Check out the Burj Khalifa, once the show starts! The light show is definitely something to behold!
NEW ATTRACTION!
2 metro stops from the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa...
...is the Museum of the Future, an exhibition space for innovative and futuristic ideologies, services, and products and also considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world! I won't share much shots of inside, but let's just say, it looks beautiful and it's exhibition galleries almost has a feel similar to that of teamLabs. Perfect for groups of friends and family looking for an IG photoshoot session!
Make sure to sneak in a visit here, if you have the time! It should be a fun detour, whether you go during the day or night, just be mindful of the crowded lines!
Day 2 - A Visit to Old Dubai & An Adventure in the Desert!
Begin the day with a visit to the Dubai Museum, located in the Al Fahidi Fort. The museum provides an insight into the history and culture of the city.
Next, take a traditional boat ride on a dhow along Dubai Creek to explore the city's traditional side. The creek is lined with souks (markets) where you can shop for spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
Visit the Deira Gold Souk, a traditional market where you can buy gold and other precious items or explore the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai!
In the mid-late afternoon, take a desert safari to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the desert. Also a great way to bond with a group of people!
Your group will get to experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding and sand boarding across this amazing terrain! You all will get to try sand-boarding, take a camel ride and enjoy going up and over multiple sand dunes in a 4x4!
Depending on the desert safari package you get, you all should be treated a traditional Bedouin-style dinner and entertainment under the stars - watch a traditional belly dancing and fire dance performance!
Day 3 - Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
After an incredibly busy few days in Dubai, it's time to hit the road and take a lovely day trip to the cultural center and capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi! Take my word for it - this will be so worth it!
First stop, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, and it's a must-visit when in the United Arab Emirates. This mosque is one of the largest in the world, is made of white marble and features intricate carvings and designs, including floral motifs, calligraphy, and geometric patterns.
It is a stunning demonstration of Islamic architecture! One of the most striking features of the mosque is its 82 domes, which are decorated with white marble and gold-colored accents. The main prayer hall also features a massive chandelier made of Swarovski crystals, which is one of the largest in the world.
The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors and offers guided tours throughout the day. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and cover their heads and shoulders, and women are also asked to cover their legs. Abayas and scarves are provided for women at the entrance.
Second is a branch of the famous Louvre museum in Paris and the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula, the Louvre Abu Dhabi. A must-visit, if you ask me!
Yet another masterpiece by French architect, Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi's key architectural feature is its huge dome made up of nearly 8,000 metal stars that create a beautiful "rain of light" effect when the sun shines through them.
Moreover, the museum features works of art and artifacts from around the world, ranging from ancient to contemporary times. The permanent collection comes from civilizations across Asia, Europe, and Africa, including works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year!
In my opinion, I feel that the collection here is just a small fraction of what you can find in Paris, but that results in a much more focused and curated gallery. It feels less overwhelming and not as tiring (less stairs, also) - should be doable in 2 hours!
If your group is less into culture and more into fun & excitement, then consider Yas Island! This popular destination features a variety of attractions, like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, (ride the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa!), Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi! Fun for friends and family!
BTW Abu Dhabi is only a 2 hour car ride away from Dubai and it's best to book your transport through a tour operator!
Day 4 - Fun Under The Sun!
For your 4th and last day, it's time for some rest and relaxation!
Visit the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree. Take a monorail ride to the island's crescent for stunning views of the city - pay AED35 for the multi-stop ticket!
In the Palm, you can spend the morning and even the afternoon at the Atlantis, The Palm, a luxurious resort with a variety of activities such as swimming with dolphins and exploring a lost underwater city. This is a perfect place to see a wide variety of marine life and enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming with dolphins or sharks!
If its too pricey, you could also relax in one of the city's many beaches. Some popular options include Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach.
If you have some time, make your way to The View at the Palm, its a great panoric viewing platform to "view" the whole Palm Jumeirah from 240 meters up!
For your last meal before flying home, head to the scenic Dubai Marina for a variety of dining options, from casual seafood restaurants to upscale steakhouses!
What a way to bid goodbye to Dubai!
*Please note that this is just a sample itinerary and there are many other things to see and do in Dubai. The activities can be adjusted as per personal preference and also the days can be adjusted as per the time available!*
From the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa, to the souks of Old Dubai and to the waterparks of Atlantis, and even a day trip to the cultural landmarks of Abu Dhabi, Dubai is an amazing destination that should be on everyone's travel bucket list!
Plan Your UAE Trip With Mitravel!
Don't forget - we have created the perfect partner in crime for you: MiTravel. Sign up today to explore, test, and build your own MiTravel Planning Board and begin your stress-free UAE trip planning.
Psst ... If you are looking to find best deals on flight tickets, accommodation and excursion bookings, you definitely need to check out Travis (our AI chatbot) who is located at the bottom right corner on your MiTravel Planning Board.
If you want to learn more travel planning tips and hacks visit our Resources Library or YouTube channel. Stay updated with any social media or new features by following our socials down below!
