The Most Desired Dubai & Abu Dhabi Tour: Futuristic Spires, Desert Dunes & Capital Splendor
Package Inclusions
Overview
Tour Itinerary
07:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dubai Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise): Transfer to the waterfront promenade of Dubai Marina. Board a traditional bi-level wooden dhow or sleek glass-sided luxury catamaran. Glide along the 3-kilometer canal lined with illuminated skyscrapers, the spiraling Cayan Tower, luxury yachts, and the giant Ain Dubai observation wheel on Bluewaters Island.
Dining & Entertainment: Enjoy an international open-buffet dinner featuring Arabic cold mezze, grilled chicken shish tawook, pastas, and desserts, accompanied by a live Tanoura spinning dance performance. Return to your hotel by 10:30 PM. Overnight stay in Dubai.
11:45 AM – 01:15 PM (Jumeirah Coastal Photo Stops): Drive along coastal Jumeirah Road. Stop to photograph the white stone minarets of Jumeirah Mosque and head to Jumeirah Public Beach for a photo stop facing the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab.
02:00 PM – 05:30 PM (The Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa Observation Deck): Transfer to Downtown Dubai. Enter The Dubai Mall, passing the giant viewing panel of the Dubai Aquarium. Board the high-speed double-decker elevator to the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa ("At the Top" - 452 m). Take in 360-degree vistas across the city skyline, the desert horizon, and the Persian Gulf.
06:00 PM – 07:30 PM (The Dubai Fountain Show): Descend to the waterfront promenade outside the mall. Watch the choreographed Dubai Fountain show, with illuminated water jets shooting up to 140 meters in the air synchronized to classical and contemporary melodies against the Burj Khalifa. Free time for dinner and shopping. Overnight stay in Dubai.
12:00 PM – 02:30 PM: Return to the hotel to rest before the desert expedition.
02:30 PM – 03:30 PM (Pickup for Desert Safari): Board your private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser for a 45-minute drive into the crimson sands of the Lahbab Desert.
03:45 PM – 05:30 PM (Dune Bashing, Sandboarding & Sunset Photo): Deflate tires and set off on an exhilarating 40-minute dune bashing run across high red dunes. Stop at the crest of a dune to try sandboarding down the slopes and capture sunset photographs across the desert.
06:00 PM – 09:00 PM (Bedouin Desert Camp Experience): Arrive at an authentic Arabian desert camp:
Short camel rides, Arabic coffee (gahwa), and fresh dates
Henna hand painting and traditional costume photo opportunities
Shisha lounge (hubbly-bubbly)
Three-Course BBQ Buffet Dinner: Grilled lamb kebabs, chicken skewers, hummus, tabbouleh, biryani, and fresh fruit.
Live Cultural Shows: Tanoura spinning dance, fire-breathing show, and classical belly dance performance under the desert stars.
Transfer back to your hotel by 09:45 PM. Overnight stay in Dubai.
09:45 AM – 11:15 AM (BAPS Hindu Mandir): Visit the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Mreikhah, the first traditional stone temple in the Middle East. Marvel at the intricate hand-carved pink sandstone exterior from Rajasthan and the white Italian Carrara marble carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and global ancient civilizations.
11:45 AM – 01:45 PM (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque): Arrive at the architectural masterpiece of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Walk through courtyards paved with floral marble mosaics, past 82 pure white marble domes, 1,096 hand-carved columns inlaid with semi-precious amethyst and lapis lazuli, reflective water pools, and the main prayer hall housing the world's largest hand-knotted Iranian carpet and 24-carat gold-plated Swarovski crystal chandeliers.
02:15 PM – 03:30 PM (Corniche Drive & Emirates Palace Photo Stop): Drive along the manicured waterfront of the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Stop outside the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and the presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan for photographs.
03:45 PM – 05:30 PM (Louvre Abu Dhabi): Cross over to Saadiyat Island to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Jean Nouvel. Admire the floating silver dome with its geometric "rain of light" lattice and view historic and contemporary world art collections.
07:30 PM: Arrive back at your hotel in Dubai. Overnight stay in Dubai.
12:00 PM – 02:00 PM (Palm Monorail to Atlantis): Board the scenic elevated Palm Monorail from Nakheel Mall Station to the terminal at Atlantis, The Palm. Stroll through the grand lobby of Atlantis, view the marine exhibits at the Lost Chambers Aquarium exterior, or walk along the coastal crescent.
03:30 PM – 06:30 PM (Souk Madinat Jumeirah & Marina Walk): Visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah, an authentic recreation of a traditional Arabian market with shaded wooden arcades, brass lanterns, and tranquil waterways offering views of the Burj Al Arab. Later, take a stroll along Dubai Marina Walk or JBR The Beach.
Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant along Pier 7 or the marina promenade. Overnight stay in Dubai.
01:30 PM – 05:30 PM (Mall of the Emirates & Ski Dubai): Transfer to the Mall of the Emirates. Spend the afternoon shopping international fashion brands, or step inside Ski Dubai, the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, to experience sub-zero snow slopes, toboggan rides, and the penguin encounter.
Evening: Savor a celebratory farewell dinner overlooking the illuminated Dubai Marina or the Downtown fountains. Overnight stay in Dubai.