Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations

Rich in both culture and extraordinary wealth, Dubai is a city with sky-high iconic buildings, man-made beaches and all the extravagant luxuries one could think of.  Shop, dine and discover the history behind the city and what Emirati culture is all about. Travel to Al Maha, a stark contrast to city life and spend time surrounded by lush flora and incredible fauna with sand dunes like waves in the sea that seem to go on to infinity. Relax, unwind and stay at Qasr Al Sarab, an incredible hotel by Anantara,resembling an entrancing desert oasis where every luxury imaginable is available .Finally to Abu Dhabi, a city to rival Dubai, with the same luxuries but a sense of depth and more culture to be felt in the daily buzz that fills the streets.

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

  • Spirituality: Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest and most important site of worship in the country.
  • Birds of Prey: Falconry is one of the oldest Emirati traditions and travelers will learn about the special bond between falcon and falconer in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
  • Sweet Treats: Dates are a significant symbol of Middle Eastern culture and a staple food in this part of the world. Meander through Abu Dhabi's Date Market to sample the delicious fruit.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Al Maha

Located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve 25 miles and only 40 minutes from Dubai, Al Maha is a picturesque place filled with flora and fauna creating an amazing desert oasis. Discover the magical world of Falconry, learning about these majestic creatures who soar through the skies or trek the desert with a guide and discover what lays in the sandy dunes that stretch on forever.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set on a sandy canopy amongst a shady palm oasis in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the Al Maha resort is the epitome of Bedouin luxury.

Service: Guests will be welcomed with warm Arabian hospitality upon arrival to Al Maha and will receive a personalized and attentive service throughout their stay, right up until the moment they leave.

History: According to legend, Al Maha was a wondrous oasis lost in the desert. A curious wanderer stumbled upon a protruding twig after following his falcon and returned the next day to unearth the spring hidden here and brought life back to the barren desert.

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Al Maha Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Al Maha

Awake to a day of leisure in Al Maha with an endless list of activities to enjoy. Go horse riding through the sea of sand dunes on stunning Arabian horses and watch the sunset or for the adventurer, discover the thrill of the dunes in a 4x4 with an experienced driver.

Al Maha
Al Maha

Day 3

Liwa Oasis

Just shy of four hours’ travel and 218 miles is the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab resort. Awaken to travel and experience the visually impressive sand dunes that surround this resort, then appearing like an oasis in the desert, the resort unfolds with unbelievable views of the surrounding landscape.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: In Abu Dhabi’s empty quarter, this hotel is a desert oasis, away from everything, surrounded by sands.

Services: From camel-back tours into the desert to attentive concierge hospitality staff, guests will find their every need taken care of.

History: An island in the desert, the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is a window into an ancient world.

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Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort Preferred Hotel

Day 4

Liwa Oasis

Enjoy the luxuries of the resort from indulgent spa treatments, to traditional tea offerings, dine in one of the many restaurants or visit the resort’s animal friends with its resident falcons, the sleek Saluki dogs (Arabian Greyhounds) and the many camels that belong of the land.

Liwa Oasis
Liwa Oasis

Day 5

Abu Dhabi

Around 130 miles away and just over 2 hours is the city of Abu Dhabi, the next stop on the journey. Much like Dubai, with its modern landscape, it is a unique city with much to offer the fussiest of travelers and those who love to shop and explore.

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.

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Emirates Palace 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.

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Rosewood Abu Dhabi Preferred Hotel
About

Abu Dhabi is an opulent bastion of commerce and industry in the United Arab Emirates as well as the burgeoning nation’s capital. Situated on the waterfront of Al Bateen in the Abu Dhabi Marina, The Abu Dhabi Edition boast sleek, modern lines of décor in keeping with the modish high-rise buildings of the city set amid lines of palm trees and carefully manicured walkways.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 6

Abu Dhabi

Rise in the morning to explore the delights of Abu Dhabi and the incredible skyline with its impossibly high buildings. Discover the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque that is considered the most important site of worship in the country or learn about falconry watching the birds and their masters at work, a tradition embedded within Emirati culture for centuries. Lastly, you cannot visit Abu Dhabi without wandering the aisles of the Date Market, with literally hundreds of sweet and sticky varieties to sample.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi

Day 7

Dubai

Only an hour and a half away, spanning 86 miles, transfer back to Dubai spending the evening at the hotel, enjoying fine cuisine, spa treatments or relaxing in the comfort of the rooms.

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.

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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.

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Armani Hotel Dubai Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Dubai

Dubai - known for its shopping and today is the day! Explore the hundreds of outlets, glitzy brand name department stores in the refreshing cool of air-conditioning, or hit the local markets and purchase authentic Arabian trinkets and textiles to take back home. At every turn you will find something to purchase and a shop that sells it.

Dubai
Dubai

Day 9

Departure

Say goodbye to Abu Dhabi with the journey heading back to Dubai only 86 miles away - leaving this magical city to head off on the next adventure

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–2

Al Maha
Preferred Hotel

Al Maha

With a fiery-red backdrop of rippled sand dunes that clash against the opal-blue sky, Al Maha resort is an exotic oasis set within the 16-square-mile Conservation Wildlife Reserve of Dubai. Named after the majestic horned Arabian Oryx, the destination rids itself of usual desolate-and-stark desert connotations and is inhabited by unique ecosystems, where both endangered and indigenous animals roam freely and undisturbed. A rich diversity of elusive animal species can be spotted from the resort, giving the feeling of living on safari and escaping to the animal kingdom. Guests can watch the living desert from their magnificent Bedouin suites, where luxury comfort and spectacular Arabian decor provide an indulgent atmosphere. They are a combination of two worlds - one of transcendent, elegant living, reflecting the cosmopolitan vibe of Dubai and one of simpler, Bedouin values from which Arabian traditions stem from. An airy and polished theme runs throughout the resort and to a host of exceptional restaurants. Organic dishes are meticulously prepared by culinary masters and served on outdoor terraces or on top of a pristine sand dune. Balmy days can be enjoyed poolside while drinking in the mesmerising scenery or exploring the mysterious desert where lost tales and secrets remain buried within the layers of time . 

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Suggested Hotel For Days 3–4

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
Preferred Hotel

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Set amidst the rolling dunes of Rub'Al Khali, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, this hotel is like none other in the UAE. Providing a true escape into the ancient sands surrounding Abu Dhabi, the Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is like an oasis for body and mind where guests can’t fail to be enchanted. Total relaxation is in store for guests who choose to lounge by the pool or indulge in ancient treatments in the spa. Meanwhile, adventure lies ahead for those wishing to plunge into the desert on camel back or for yoga beneath endless skies. International cuisine, traditional tea, fragrant shisha and elegant cocktails are available across the hotel’s numerous food and beverage outlets, and when the day is done, guests can retreat to their own private oases and relax in beautifully decorated and comfortably equipped rooms.

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Suggested Hotels For Days 5–6

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.

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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.

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Abu Dhabi Edition

Abu Dhabi Edition

Abu Dhabi is an opulent bastion of commerce and industry in the United Arab Emirates as well as the burgeoning nation’s capital. Situated on the waterfront of Al Bateen in the Abu Dhabi Marina, The Abu Dhabi Edition boast sleek, modern lines of décor in keeping with the modish high-rise buildings of the city set amid lines of palm trees and carefully manicured walkways. The property has 198 guest rooms and 57 serviced residences. A pool bar and three-story nightclub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, two signature restaurants, and a gourmet market, are just a few amenities that are available to hotel guests.

Suggested Hotels For Days 7–8

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.
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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.

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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

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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

A Couple from Taiwan

A Couple from Taiwan

Everything was simply perfect.

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A family from Honolulu

Remote Lands ... offered us a unique perspective and uncovered some hidden gems that we would have otherwise overlooked.

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