Dubai is one of those special places around the world that’s loaded with endless fun. From overlooking the city on the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa to jumping out of an airplane with SkyDive Dubai, just when you think you’ve experienced it all, up pops another irresistible attraction and experience somewhere waiting for you to explore.
With so many exciting things to do and places to discover, I get that it’s hard to decide how many days should you spend in Dubai. But don’t fret, I’m here to help you consider the best reasoning behind the length of your trip.
The Length of Stay Depends on What You’re Planning to Do
There are two important questions to ask: Are you looking to only stay in Dubai, or are you also planning to venture out of the city for some fun day trips to nearby regions? After all, while exploring Dubai itself is enough to keep you busy, there are plenty of fun excursions you can make to neighboring cities like Abu Dhabi, Ras al Khaimah, and Oman.
Your length of stay will depend on which option you choose, so let’s breakdown each…
If You’re Just Staying in Dubai
If your goal is solely set on touring Dubai, I highly recommend planning your trip for a minimum of 6 days. That’ll give you 4 full days to explore Dubai’s attractions, and slightly extra time on the first and last day, considering you’ll be arriving and departing on those days.
Your itinerary could look something like this:
Day 1: Arrival/Settle in
Day 2: Dubai Mall/At the Top Observatory (Burj Khalifa)
Day 3: Dubai Marina/Jumeirah Beach/Al Ain Ferris Wheel
Day 4: Address Sky Infinity Pool/XLine Zipline/Evening Desert Safari Tour
Day 5: Atlantis the Palm Resort/Dubai Frame Observatory/Dubai Miracle Garden
Day 6: Souk Market Shopping/Departure
This plan takes you across Dubai and to its most popular attractions within 6 days. Trust me, this itinerary is a good starting point.
If You’re Adding Day Trips to Your itinerary
Moreover, if you’re planning to add day trips to your itinerary—and you definitely should—I highly recommend adding a minimum of 2 days to the previous schedule, per every “day trip” you decide to make. Realistically, your day trip will turn into a 2-day extravaganza. Give yourself more time so you don’t miss out on fun opportunities.
Here’s an example of what it might look like:
Day 1: Arrival/Settle in
Day 2: Dubai Mall/At the Top Observatory (Burj Khalifa)
Day 3: Dubai Marina/Jumeirah Beach/Al Ain Ferris Wheel
Day 4: Address Sky Infinity Pool/XLine Zipline/Evening Desert Safari Tour
Day 5: Abu Dhabi – Yellow Boat Tour/Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Day 6: Abu Dhabi – Ferrari World or Warner Brother’s World
Day 7: Atlantis the Palm Resort/Dubai Frame Observatory/Dubai Miracle Garden
Day 8: Souk Market Shopping/Departure
What’s the Next Step?
Now that you’ve got a better idea of how to plan your vacation in Dubai, what path do you think you’ll take? Will you just stick around Dubai for about a week, or will you also throw in an exciting excursion to a nearby city? And, will you just visit only one? However long your stay is, just remember, Dubai is an exciting travel destination you can always return to check off new and missed experiences. Safe and happy travels!
