From glistening skyscrapers and opulent hotels to fascinating Bedouin traditions and impressive mosques, the United Arab Emirates is home to a multitude of experiences. Take in two of the country’s most vibrant cities with this jam-packed itinerary, which covers both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The capital city, Abu Dhabi, lies just a 45-minute-drive from Dubai, which means you can enjoy more time exploring the exotic delights and innumerable photo opportunities that can be found in both cities.
Dubai & Abu Dhabi School Tour
Things to see & do
Burj Al Arab hotel, Jumeirah Mosque and Zabeel Palace, Dubai
Situated on its own island, the ultra-luxurious, 7-star Burj Al Arab hotel is an iconic spot on the city’s skyline, thanks to its distinct design, which mimics the sail of a ship. The Jumeirah Mosque, one of Dubai’s most beautifully constructed landmarks with its all-white stone exterior, holds up to 1,200 worshippers and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Zabeel Palace is the official residence of the Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Although visitors can’t enter, the palace’s lush grounds and ornate exterior make for a prime photo op!
Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Dubai
A visit to Al Fahidi neighbourhood is a great way to get acquainted with the old way of life. This little pocket of calm in the heart of Dubai’s old town is home to a bustling art scene, galleries and museums. The winding and twisting alleys, as well as the traditional stone buildings, offers a glimpse into what Dubai was like before the skyscrapers and opulent hotels.
Dubai Museum, Dubai
The Dubai Museum can be found in the city’s oldest building, first constructed in 1787. Opened in 1971, the museum provides an opportunity to discover the city’s traditional past. Its galleries are filled with life-size scenes which depict everyday Dubai life in the days before the discovery of oil.
Traditional abra ride to the Spice and Gold Souks, Dubai
Crossing Dubai Creek in a traditional abra is a pleasant way to get to Dubai’s traditional souks. Here, you’ll find a veritable feast of spices, perfumes, hand-woven fabrics, and more, at these legendary marketplaces. A pleasantly hectic buzz and heady aromas add to the old world charm here.
Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek, Dubai
Enjoy a cruise on a traditional wooden dhow, as well as a dinner buffet on board, followed by traditional Arabic entertainment.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Pay a visit to the lavish marine-themed resort, Atlantis The Palm. Located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah Island, this incredible hotel is also home to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you will find over 65,000 incredible marine animals, including baby stingrays and zebra sharks. Walking through the aquarium’s array of underwater mazes and tunnels is a magical experience.
The Palm Jumeirah Monorail, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
The Palm Jumeirah Island has its own monorail, which allows you to see the most scenic highlights of the island in one go. The luxurious Dubai Marina, one of the Emirates most popular residential and entertainment districts, is a great way to see how the other half lives! Here, you’ll encounter mighty yachts, world-class restaurants, and the Jumeirah Beach Residence, one of the most sought after apartment complexes in the country.
The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, Dubai
Enjoy a spot of shopping in Downtown Dubai. Designer brands can be found in the Dubai Mall, which also boasts an aquarium and ice rink. Next door, you’ll find the smaller Souk Al Bahar. Built-in traditional neo-Arab style, it houses small boutiques full of local clothing, traditional handicrafts, art and more.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Reaching a neck-cricking height of 828 metres, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is one of modern engineering’s greatest feats. Take a trip to the top (well, near enough!) the high-speed lift will whisk you up ‒ at a zippy 10 metres per second ‒ to the two-storey observation deck on the 123rd floor. From here, you will be treated to a 360-degree view of the city.
Sunset Desert Dune Safari with BBQ Dinner, Dubai
Watch the golden sunset upon the golden sands of Dubai’s deserts before tucking into a buffet dinner at a Bedouin-style camp.
Sheikh Sayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
This iconic mosque is well worth a visit. Rising majestically above pristine gardens, fountains, and palm trees, with over 80 gold-tipped, white marble domes, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a stunning architectural feat.
Heritage Village, Abu Dhabi
Pay a visit to the Heritage Village, a small visitors’ centre, where you can see how the Bedouin tribes came to the UAE and how they lived.
Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
The Marina Mall is a large shopping complex situated on the Abu Dhabi Corniche breakwater, close to the Emirates Palace Hotel. This immense shopper’s paradise is home to more than 400 stores, as well as a bowling alley, an ice rink, an amusement centre complete with arcade games, and a plethora of dining spots.
Yas Island, Ferrari World, and Marina Circuit
Yas Island is a dynamic entertainment area within a 30-minute drive of the UAE capital. Here, you will see the Marina Circuit, one of the most advanced Formula 1 circuits in the world, and a magnificent example of Abu Dhabi’s impressive engineering. Stop off for a photo at the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park. This huge building with its iconic red roof is home to an array of Ferrari-themed attractions, including the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster.
Sharjah, Dubai
Sharjah, also known as the Pearl of the Gulf, is Dubai’s neighbouring emirate. The third-largest city in the country is cosmopolitan, offering everything from swaying palms and sandy beach fronts to mega malls and museums. You will also see many famous sights, including the breathtaking Al Noor Mosque and the Union Monument.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Fly from Dublin to Dubai
Day 2
Traditional Dubai City Tour (Half Day)
- Photo stop at the Burj Al Arab
- Photo stop at the Jumeirah Mosque
- Drive past Zabeel Palace
- Al Fahidi Cultural Neighbourhood and art district
- Dubai Museum
- Crossing the creek by traditional abra (water taxi)
- Spice and Gold Souks
- Evening – Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek Overnight in your preferred hotel
Day 3
Modern Dubai City Tour
- Modern Dubai City Tour (Including Atlantis & Burj Khalifa )
- Depart to Modern Dubai Tour Experience the future of Dubai
- Explore Dubai’s rich traditional Bedouin heritage to today’s futuristic skyline of the city.
- Visit Atlantis, The Palm and walk through The Lost Chambers
- A ride on The Palm Jumeirah monorail
- A drive around the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence area
- Visit The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar
- Burj Khalifa Tickets, to the Observation Deck – At The Top ( 123rd floor )
- Back to hotel
- Evening – Sunset Desert Dune Safari with BBQ Dinner
- Overnight in your preferred hotel
Day 4
Morning transfer to Abu Dhabi with Lunch
- Visit Sheikh Sayed Grand Mosque
- Al Etihad Square
- Heritage Village
- Breakwater ( Skyline Picture )
- Marina Mall
- Visit Yas Island, Ferrari World, and formula 1 ( photo stop )
- Return to hotel Overnight
Day 5
Breakfast transfer back to Dubai
- Sharjah City Tour
- Free time for leisure and sightseeing
- Return to the hotel for overnight
Day 6
Departure
- Airport transfer and return flight to Dublin
Contact Us
Republic of Ireland
01 240 1753
Northern Ireland
02890 449665
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