Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations

The UAE, a small desert nation on the Persian Gulf, has recently become a premier destination attracting visitors around the world. Dubai, known for luxury shopping and ultramodern architecture, garners the lion's share while the capital, Abu Dhabi, is equally as luxurious though understated by comparison and lesser seen. Visit both emirates on this journey which has all the quintessential glitz Dubai is known for, as well as a dive into its lesser-seen heritage and culture. Survey the land from the tallest building in the world, then sail across the creek on a traditional boat to the old souks. Visit a manmade archipelago filled with mega malls and global restaurants, then head out to the desert to ride a camel and relax at a bedouin camp. This 5-day classic journey of UAE shows you all the different facets that make this desert jewel truly shine.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Dubai Souks: In the heart of the city along the creek lies the souks of old Dubai where shoppers can haggle for gold and silver, perfume, spices, and textiles.
  • Tallest Building in the World: Claiming this illustrious title in 2009, this skyscraper is as impressive to look at as it is to survey the lands from its observation deck on the 124th floor.
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The largest mosque in all the emirates, this impressive structure can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. Its artful design and opulent materials makes it a sight to behold for all visitors.
  • Culinary Walking Tour: Get a taste of the real Dubai and local culture on this walking tour to local favorite eateries.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Dubai

Your journey to this small Persian Gulf nation kicks off in high style in glitzy Dubai as you're met right off the plane and escorted with expedited service through the airport and whisked off via private car to your luxury hotel. Settle in and freshen up. In the late afternoon, head out of the city for a desert adventure. Begin with the exhilarating local sport known as 'dune bashing,' a wild ride up and down giant sand dunes in 4x4s. Then, head to a desert camp where you can enjoy dinner and entertainment under the stars, including camel rides, henna art, falconry, belly dance and fire show, and much more. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Only a 15-minute drive from the airport, yet strategically situated in the pulsing heart of downtown Dubai, proximity to the city’s main attractions as well as the property’s breathtaking views make the Address Downtown the ultimate address for a Dubai stay.

Accolades: The Address Downtown took home the award for the World’s Best Hotel Spa Suites at the World Spa Awards. A stay in the hotel’s Spa Suites or Signature Spa Suites includes a private terrace with an outdoor jacuzzi – the perfect place to enjoy the view.

Service: The Address family is known for contemporary design, excellent locations, elegant details and impeccable service. Address Downtown, being the brand’s flagship property, sets the bar high for exceptional hospitality and service standards.

See Hotel
Address Downtown Dubai Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: One couldn’t possibly ask for a more superlative and exciting location for a hotel, with the Armani Hotel nestled into the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, overlooking downtown Dubai.

History: One of the world’s most fascinating construction projects, the Burj Khalifa was inaugurated in 2010, and is today known as a vertical city that rises into the sky.

Service: Everything in the hotel bears Armani’s signature touch, including the warm Italian-style hospitality and fine service shown to its guests.

See Hotel
Armani Hotel Dubai Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Dubai

This morning, head for the heavens via elevator. The Sky Deck observatory is perched on the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the highest in the world. Those wanting a true bird's eye view of the city can opt to charter a helicopter for a 15-minute flight over the city which flies over Dubai Creek and downtown area. Back on ground, continue to the souks, atmospheric traditional Arab markets that sell everything from gold and organic fruit to handwoven textiles and mounds of colorful spices. Then, like the locals do, take the abra taxi across the creek to the Dubai Museum to learn about the city's humble beginnings as a fishing village prior to the discovery of oil. For lunch, enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine and enlightening conversation hosted at SMCCU, a learning center with the mission of introducing visitors to Emirati culture and traditions. Round out the day with a visit to the eye-catching Palm Jumeirah. A monorail takes you down the heart of this artificial palm-shaped archipelago known for its flashy hotels and celebrity-chef restaurants.

Dubai
Dubai

Day 3

Abu Dhabi

Go beyond Dubai's shiny veneer of global brands and imports to find authentic local culture and flavor on this morning's culinary and heritage walking tour. Discover local favorite hangouts and eateries and get a taste of what locals really eat. Then, it's time to move onward to Abu Dhabi, the capital, just over an hour's drive south. Get acquainted with the national bird, the falcon, at the Falcon Hospital. These revered birds were once essential to the survival of Bedouin families; now these prized sporting pets have passports and sometimes get their own business class seat on airplanes. Drive by Yas Island, a popular leisure island that is home to the F1 race track, Ferrari World theme park, golf course, mall, and more. Arrive at the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the late afternoon as the setting sun casts a symphony of colors on the mosque's pure white marble cladding. The mosque is opulently detailed from the world's largest hand-knotted carpet to intricate glasswork and massive crystal chandeliers.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:A beautiful palace situated on its own stretch of private beach, the façade of the building is simply breath-taking and close to everything you could need.

History: One of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks, the gold and marble design embraces the rich culture and colourful traditions of this region.

Service:Personalized registration in the privacy of your suite, 24-hour butler service, luxury bathroom amenities, daily newspaper, fresh flower arrangements, evening turndown service, it’s hard not to be impressed by the flawless five-star luxury services offered.

See Hotel
Emirates Palace Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Situated right on the Grand Canal, this luxury hotel offers a beachfront escape just minutes from Abu Dhabi’s city center.

History: This five-star resort and spa, featuring both European and Middle Eastern-inspired architecture, opened its palatial doors to guests in 2013.

Service: All areas of the hotel, from the many restaurants to the elegant spa, feature world-class service; guests may also elect to be a part of the Club Level, for extra personalized service and a private lounge with complimentary light meals and drinks.

See Hotel
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Style: Designed by two top architectural companies, the hotel’s aesthetic perfectly balances sophistication, elegance, and warmth with its dark woods, beautiful furnishings, and water features.

Dining: Boasting eight different restaurants and bars, the hotel’s gourmet meals range from fresh seafood to authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Relaxation and Comfort: In addition to luxurious rooms and suites, the hotel houses a nine-room spa that offers several treatments and is equipped with a hammam, cold mist showers, a large whirlpool, and a sauna.

See Hotel
Rosewood Abu Dhabi Preferred Hotel

Day 4

Abu Dhabi

Take a peek at the uber-yachts docked at Yas Marina before a stroll along the waterfront Corniche nearby where you can take in the seafront and surrounding landscaped gardens and tower blocks. Then take in classic artwork at the new Louvre located on Saadiyat Island, a sanctioned cultural and leisure area of luxury hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, and a NYU campus. Stop at a date market to sample and learn more about the local fondness for this sweet dry fruit. Explore the natural mangroves on a private cruise and spot local wildlife including flamingos, foxes, and sea snakes. End the day at Qasr Al Hosn, the symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi and its oldest building. Restored as a museum, this landmark tells the story of the emirate.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi

Day 5

Departure

Spend the morning as you wish, whether another stroll along the promenade or a relaxing long breakfast, until it is time for your private transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–2

Address Downtown Dubai
Preferred Hotel

Address Downtown Dubai

The award-winning and flagship Address Downtown hotel in Dubai is the epitome of ultra-luxe. Perfectly located to offer views of the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain, the Souk Al Bahar and the wider skyline, this refined and superlative property offers a wide range of accommodation styles, dining options and luxury facilities. Rooms and suites are generous with space (the Signature Royal Suite extends over an incredible 5,059 square feet), with options of views depending on your mood, as well as choices for Club Lounge access and terrace areas, some of which feature a jacuzzi. Dining ranges from Mediterranean to a New-York-style steakhouse, drinking ranges from chic rooftop cocktails to sophisticated afternoon tea, while facilities range from a five-tiered outdoor swimming pool to a state-of-the-art fitness center.
See Hotel
Armani Hotel Dubai
Preferred Hotel

Armani Hotel Dubai

Designed with typical Armani flair and set in the heart of downtown Dubai, The Armani Hotel Dubai is one of the city’s most chic addresses and a must for fashion-conscious travelers. The hotel has 160 beautifully designed rooms and suites, some designed by Giorgio Armani himself and many offering incredible views of the city, with personal Lifestyle Managers on hand to make sure your stay goes smoothly. The hotel also has as many as seven restaurants and lounges offering Asian, Indian, Mediterranean and Italian cuisine and lavish cocktails, the opulent Armani Spa & Fitness Centre, and an ultra-luxe retail area.

See Hotel

Suggested Hotels For Days 3–4

Emirates Palace
Preferred Hotel

Emirates Palace

Traditional design meets contemporary luxury in this award-winning five-star resort and is enjoyed by celebrities, heads of states as well as royal families from all over the globe. With 302 rooms and 92 suites adorned with the finest upholstery and craftsmanship, the Palace stands apart from its competition in the city, a testament to the renowned quality and bespoke service of this iconic Abu Dhabi landmark. Guests can treat their taste buds to a culinary adventure in one of the fourteen restaurants and lounges throughout the Palace. Choices range from the all-day restaurant, Le Vendome Brasserie, with its incredible international buffet, to the award-winning Emirati restaurant Mezlai, boasting more than 100 different local dishes. If that’s not enough, an authentic taste of Italy at Mezzaluna or succulent meats off the grill is available at BBQ Al Qasr, as well as fresh seafood at Sayad or contemporary Chinese cuisine at Hakkasan.  Emirates Palace is a culinary mecca of award-winning restaurants with something for everyone.

See Hotel
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi

Mirrored only by the beauty of the elegant Grand Canal as its backdrop, the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi is an architectural vision, blending Venetian and Bedouin influences to create a glowing, lavish resort. From its beachside spa to its eight unique restaurants, this five-star luxury hotel offers something for everyone, featuring sweeping views of Al Maqta creek, lush gardens, and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Guests may spend their days lounging by the Grand Canal or the resort’s outdoor pool, or explore Abu Dhabi’s thriving and elegant city center, just minutes away from the resort. With over 500 guestrooms, suites and villas, as well as an opportunity to be a part of the Club Level class, guests can choose the accommodation that best suits their needs, and focus on what’s really important: relaxation and exploration. 

See Hotel
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Housed in a 34 story tall building designed by the Manhattan-based Handel Architects, the sleek and stylish Rosewood Abu Dhabi is the handiwork of New York-based BBG-BBGM architecture firm. With impressive panoramic views of the city, the hotel is a beacon of luxury. Each of the 189 opulent rooms and suites are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, warm dark wood tones, and a large variety of premium amenities. The hotel’s diverse range of bars and restaurants satisfy the most discerning of guests while its Sense Spa provides rejuvenating treatments. There are a luxurious outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

See Hotel

Similar Itineraries

All Itineraries
Multi Country
Ultra Luxe
Abu Dhabi: Arabian Days and Nights

Abu Dhabi: Arabian Days and Nights

Experience the best that Abu Dhabi has to offer on this lavish 5-day trip. You’ll dine beneath the desert stars to the beat of bellydancing, visit important spiritual sites like the Grand Mosque, take the ride of your life at Ferrari World, kayak through dense mangroves, and stay at the plush Yas Viceroy Hotel.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,500
See Itinerary
An Emirati Cultural Journey

An Emirati Cultural Journey

This nine-day itinerary starts and ends in two most well-known cities in the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Discover the opulence and wealth of the country along with history and culture as the journey stops at Sharjah, Al Ain and more.

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,200
See Itinerary
Arabian Peninsula: Art On The Beach

Arabian Peninsula: Art On The Beach

Discover trendy contemporary art galleries and some of the best exhibitions in the Gulf region amidst the gleaming skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi and the sand-coloured streets of Muscat. Relax on the beach with the tranquil backdrop of turquoise waters from the Indian Ocean and receive the finest in famous Arabian hospitality.

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,600
See Itinerary
Cities of the UAE

Cities of the UAE

This eight-day itinerary starts off in the best-known UAE city where opulence and wealth can be seen at every turn. Moving on to Abu Dhabi, a city to rival Dubai, the extravagance continues before traveling to Al Ain and Al Maha to discover the desert, wildlife, traditional markets and souks and true Emirati life.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,600
See Itinerary
Dubai to Abu Dhabi - Sun, Sights, Sand & Shops

Dubai to Abu Dhabi - Sun, Sights, Sand & Shops

This nine-day itinerary starts and ends in two of the most iconic cities in the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Shop to your heart’s content with travel through Al Maha and a stay at the Qasr Al Sarab for some pure indulgence in this desert oasis. 

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,900
See Itinerary
Earlymoon Getaway to Dubai and Oman

Earlymoon Getaway to Dubai and Oman

Ideal for an engaged couple who wish to pause their busy schedules and take a quick getaway, this 7-day itinerary through Dubai and Oman promises to clear the mind and re-energize the spirit.

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,500
See Itinerary
Exclusive Excursions: Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Exclusive Excursions: Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Hop between the UAE’s two most opulent desert emirates on this exclusive 6-day luxury tour. You’ll experience a few nights in the world-renowned Armani Hotel Dubai, see the sand dunes on a safari ride, visit important mosques, and spend time at the fast-paced Ferrari World, on this exciting adventure.

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,800
See Itinerary
From Desert to City: A Luxury Trek Across Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Dubai

From Desert to City: A Luxury Trek Across Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Dubai

Lights, camera, action: your highlight reel of Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Dubai is set to begin with this 14-day tour of all the luxurious hotspots in this exciting region of the Middle East. From desert islands to stunning fjords, this tour showcases the very best these countries have to offer, at the intersection of adventure and luxury. 

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $17,200
See Itinerary
Living the High Life: Maldives and Dubai

Living the High Life: Maldives and Dubai

Jetset between two of the world’s most luxurious destinations: the Maldives and Dubai on this 9-day tour. You’ll relax in the paradise of North Malé Atoll, dive into the lively azure waters that surround, and fly to Dubai, where you’ll see the city from a private plane, all the while staying in the world’s best hotels.

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,700
See Itinerary
Sandy Serenity and Family Fun: An amazing adventure in Abu Dhabi

Sandy Serenity and Family Fun: An amazing adventure in Abu Dhabi

This fun-filled ten-day adventure promises to entertain and fascinate visitors of all ages. Experience the beguiling combination of otherworldly deserts and action-packed excitement as you explore the lively culture and relaxing resorts of Abu Dhabi.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,000
See Itinerary
Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Sands of Time: In Search of the Old UAE

Author
Jay Tindall
After spending some time in the most infamous of UAE cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I felt it time to take a better look at what lays outside these soaring modern landscapes and see if I could discover some worlds of old.
Read Article

The UAE: A Tale of Two Cities

Author
Jay Tindall
On my recent trip to UAE trip, I wanted to visit Dubai & Abu Dhabi, but I really wanted to reach far beyond them to discover the true essence of UAE and appreciate its rich history and cultural significance
Read Article

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A family from Mexico

A family from Mexico

We had a trip that was truly unforgettable and perfect in every sense. Thank you to Remote Lands for all the time, care and dedication that was invested to make it come true. Remote Lands is really an outstanding travel company!!!

UAE, Oman

Brothers from Russia

Brothers from Russia

The overall experience turned out to be exceptional and unforgettable - so many thanks to the entire team at Remote Lands.

Malaysia

A couple from Maine

A couple from Maine

Remote Lands enhanced our trip in ways we could not have imagined...it all resulted in a trip that we will remember with smiles and laughter forever.

Thailand

More Testimonials
Press
Travel + Leisure
Financial Times
The Wall Street Journal
The New York Times
Departures magazine
Condé Nast Traveler