Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Hatta

Destination 01

Dubai

10 places

Old creek souks to record-setting towers and beaches. Stay 3–4 nights.

• Photo: imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0

  Burj Khalifa

  The world's tallest building, with observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148.

  Tip Book a sunset slot online in advance.

  SeeDowntown Dubai$$$1.5 hrSunset
• Photo: GinaD · CC BY-SA 4.0

  Dubai Fountain

  Choreographed fountain shows on Burj Lake every 30 minutes in the evening.

  Tip Free from the Dubai Mall waterfront promenade.

  DoDowntown DubaiFree30 minEvening
• Photo: Nirmal Gupta · Google

  Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

  Restored wind-tower houses, galleries and lanes from old Dubai beside the Creek.

  Tip Combine with an abra ride from Bur Dubai to Deira.

  SeeBur DubaiFree1.5 hrMorning
• Photo: ابراهيم بهزاد · Google

  Abra ride across Dubai Creek

  Wooden water taxis crossing the Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira for 1 dirham.

  DoBur DubaiFree15 minLate afternoon
• Photo: Shahma Abu · Google

  Deira Gold and Spice Souks

  Covered lanes of gold jewelers, saffron, frankincense and dried fruit in old Deira.

  Tip Gold is priced by weight; bargain on workmanship.

  ShopDeira$$1.5 hrEvening
• Photo: DH Kwon · Google

  Museum of the Future

  Torus-shaped building with immersive floors imagining life in 2071.

  Tip Timed tickets sell out; book online.

  SeeTrade Centre$$$2 hrMorning
• Photo: Christof Verboven · Google

  Desert safari in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

  Dune drives, camel rides and dinner in a protected desert reserve.

  Tip Choose a conservation-licensed operator such as Platinum Heritage.

  Do$$$6 hrAfternoon
• Photo: Al Ustad Special Kebab · Google

  Al Ustad Special Kebab

  Persian kebab house in Bur Dubai since 1978, walls lined with photos of diners.

  EatBur Dubai$60 minDinner
• Photo: Matija · Google

  Arabian Tea House

  Shady courtyard café in Al Fahidi serving Emirati breakfast, karak and mint tea.

  DrinkAl Fahidi$$60 minBreakfast
• Photo: Ravi Restaurant Satwa · Google

  Ravi Restaurant

  Satwa Pakistani canteen since 1978 for butter chicken, daal and fresh naan.

  EatSatwa$45 minDinner

Destination 02

Abu Dhabi

10 places

The capital's grand mosque, cultural district and corniche. Stay 2 nights.

• Photo: SALIL SOLKAR · Google

  Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

  White marble mosque with 82 domes, a vast hand-knotted carpet and reflective pools.

  Tip Book a free time slot online; closed to tourists Friday mornings.

  SeeFree2 hrLate afternoon
• Photo: M BOZAYED · Google

  Louvre Abu Dhabi

  Jean Nouvel's domed museum on Saadiyat Island, spanning world art from antiquity to now.

  Tip Watch the 'rain of light' under the dome at midday.

  SeeSaadiyat Island$$3 hrMorning
• Photo: Qasr Al Watan · Google

  Qasr Al Watan

  Working presidential palace open to visitors, with a domed Great Hall and library.

  Tip Stay for the evening light show on the facade.

  SeeAl Ras Al Akhdar$$2 hrAfternoon
• Photo: Majid M (MBA) · Google

  Qasr Al Hosn

  The city's oldest stone building, an 18th-century fort turned museum.

  SeeAl Hosn$75 minMorning
• Photo: Chanel Van Der Westhuizen · Google

  Mangrove National Park kayaking

  Guided kayak tours through channels of protected mangroves near Eastern Mangroves.

  Tip Go at high tide; operators set times accordingly.

  DoEastern Mangroves$$2 hrMorning
• Photo: Roman Radakovics · Google

  Saadiyat Public Beach

  Long white-sand beach with calm water, where hawksbill turtles nest in season.

  OutdoorsSaadiyat Island$3 hrAfternoon
• Photo: Mohamed Fayaz Khan · Google

  Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

  Indoor theme park on Yas Island home to Formula Rossa, one of the fastest roller coasters.

  DoYas Island$$$$5 hrAfternoon
• Photo: Tony Lampa · Google

  Al Mina Fish Market

  Port market where you pick fresh fish and have it grilled or fried at nearby stalls.

  EatMina Zayed$75 minLunch
• Photo: Li Beirut · Google

  Li Beirut

  Modern Lebanese cooking at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, with sea views.

  EatCorniche$$$2 hrDinner
• Photo: Observation Deck at 300 · Google

  Observation Deck at 300

  Café on level 74 of Etihad Towers known for afternoon tea and Gulf views.

  DrinkCorniche$$$75 minAfternoon

Destination 03

Hatta

9 places

Mountain enclave of Dubai with dams, trails and heritage. Stay 1 night or day trip.

• Photo: Pooshan d · Google

  Hatta Dam

  Turquoise reservoir in the Hajar Mountains with kayak and pedal-boat rental.

  Tip Book kayaks online on weekends.

  Outdoors$$2 hrMorning
• Photo: CultureArts · CC BY-SA 3.0

  Hatta Heritage Village

  Restored mud-brick village with a fort, watchtowers and falaj irrigation channels.

  SeeFree60 minMorning
• Photo: Wadi Hub at Hatta Resorts by Dubai Holding · Google

  Hatta Wadi Hub

  Adventure park with zip lines, downhill carts, wall climbing and archery.

  Do$$3 hrMorning
• Photo: Kirtan Kaklotar · Google

  Hatta mountain bike trails

  Over 50 km of marked trails for walkers and mountain bikers, with bike hire at the hub.

  Tip Ride early before the rock heats up.

  Do$2 hrEarly morning
• Photo: Karel Chromý · Google

  Hatta Waterfall

  Man-made cascade at the dam spillway with a viewing area.

  OutdoorsFree30 minAfternoon
• Photo: sari r · Google

  Hatta Honey Bee Garden

  Bee farm with tours on beekeeping and tastings of local Sidr honey.

  Do$60 minMorning
• Photo: Alexandermcnabb · CC BY-SA 3.0

  JA Hatta Fort Hotel restaurant

  Long-standing mountain hotel restaurant with a terrace over the hills.

  Eat$$$1.5 hrLunch
• Photo: Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas · Google

  Sedr Trailers Resort cafe

  Casual dining at Hatta's trailer-style resort among the mountains.

  Eat$$60 minLunch
• Photo: Pooshan d · Google

  Hatta Dam lakeside cafés

  Coffee and karak stalls at the dam's lakeside plaza after a paddle.

  Drink$30 minAfternoon