4 Days in Dubai: Travel Guide to the UAE
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city in the United Arab Emirates that boasts stunning modern architecture and is known for its luxurious lifestyle and vibrant cultural scene. It is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and in recent years has become a hub for business, tourism, and entertainment. With a world-class suite of activities and a sprawling cityscape, it’s overwhelming to know where to go and what to see. This is a Dubai travel guide for 4 days, including 2-day trips, for a little sample of everything.
Day 1
Day 1 is all about exploring Dubai’s famous malls. Unlike stopping into most malls to shop in a couple of stores and head out, the Dubai malls are an entire experience in and of itself.
(1) Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa
Your first stop is the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall. It spans over 13 million square feet and has notable stops including the aquarium, indoor ice rink, and massive fountain. It is also near the grounds of the Burj Khalifa. While many enjoy traveling up to the observation deck, we didn’t go up the tower as you lose sight of one coolest buildings in Dubai when you’re in it!
(2) Mall of the Emirates
Next stop, another mall! This shopping destination is known for its luxury boutiques and most famously, Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort that allows visitors to ski and snowboard in the middle of a desert city. You could get lost for hours inside these malls, and yet still survive thanks to the plethora of activities and restaurants.
Day 2
(3) Big Bus Tours
Now, I’m usually not a speakerphone for Big Bus Tours due to the large price tag that these hop-on-hop-off tours have. However, if I had to pick one city to do the tour, it would be Dubai. Since it’s such a sprawling city, Big Bus does a fantastic job of crafting two routes that allow you to experience the sheer size of the city. Half of the spectacle of Dubai is driving through the different zones and viewing the famous buildings.
The red route is their city tour, taking you through the palace, gold, and spice souks. We took an Arabian Dhow Cruise and greatly enjoyed the cultural side of Dubai which is so often overclouded by the recent modernity.
The blue route is perfect for the beaches such as the Dubai Marina, the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis the Palm, and Palm Jumeira, the palm-shaped man-made island. Always remember that if you choose to go to the beach, dress appropriately! The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country, so please wear conservative clothes to respect the local culture.
Of course, feel free to visit any of these stops without taking the official bus tour, but keep in mind that the distances between the sights are not walkable.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Today is a day trip to Abu Dhabi! There are three stops on our tour to the capital of the UAE. Located 1.5 hours from Dubai, I recommend renting a car for Days 3 and 4 of the trip.
(4) Louvre Abu Dhabi
Yes, you read that right! The first stop in Abu Dhabi is to visit the Louvre. Under agreement with France, the UAE is allowed to use the Louvre’s name from 2007 to 2037. The museum showcases an amazing collection of artwork that spans various cultures and time periods. It hosts a fantastic appreciation for Middle Eastern art and culture.
(5) Qasr Al Watan
The Qasr Al Watan is the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates, serving as both a cultural and governmental landmark. I went in 2019 when it first opened to the public, and seeing the mirrored chambers and Great Hall is a fantastic way to experience the heritage of the area.
(6) Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The final stop in Abu Dhabi is a beautiful location to visit at night. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the few mosques in the world that allow Non-Muslim visitors to enter. Men and women can enter together via official free tours. While touring this magnificent religious landmark is awe-inspiring, remember, remember, remember to dress appropriately. Women must cover their hair with a scarf and wear a traditional robe. Men are not allowed to wear shorts. Once culturally respectful, have a blast admiring this fantastic site.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Al Ain
This day trip was local-recommended as an off-the-beaten-path activity for this Dubai travel guide. Renting a car ourselves, we drove 1.5 hours to Al Ain. This trip is a fantastic option for those who want to escape the crowds and visit an area with very few tourists.
(7) Al Ain Camel Market
The Al Ain Camel Market is a great stop to see where locals go to purchase camels. The camels are housed in corrals and can grow up to be racers, breeders, or farm animals. It’s located 15 kilometers from the heart of Al Ain, a garden city that pulsates with vibrant energy. It’s best to visit the camel farm early in the morning as that is when trading generally takes place.
(8) Dunes and Desert Safari Tours
It is very hard to ignore the sheer number of sand dunes as you drive between Al Ain and Dubai. While we didn’t stop to take a dune tour and therefore can’t speak to the different experiences, Two Scots Abroad has a fantastic account here on how to pick a tour.
That’s all for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and everything in between! Please enjoy the Dubai travel guide and have the best time during your trip to the Middle East. Check out our other Middle East destination guides as well. Happy Sampling!