Day 1 — Old Dubai
- Abra on the Creek — AED 1
- Al Fahidi Historic District — free to walk
- Etihad Museum if you want the UAE story (about AED 25)
- Gold / spice souk. Metro: Al Ghubaiba or Baniyas Square
Dubai —:—Visit
3 days or 5 days in Dubai — a simple plan
Metro first. Official tickets. Heat from May to September: do outdoor things in the morning.
3 days in Dubai
Day 2 — Downtown
- Dubai Mall tank from the floor (free) or aquarium tunnel if you want
- Burj Khalifa — book burjkhalifa.ae, sunset costs more
- Dubai Fountain evening (free from the mall promenade)
- Metro: Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall
Day 3 — Beach or Frame
- JBR walk / beach (free) or Dubai Frame (~AED 50)
- Museum of the Future: check if open in 2026 before you buy
- Mall of the Emirates if you want Ski Dubai
5 days in Dubai + Abu Dhabi
Days 1–3
- Follow the 3-day plan. Sleep on the Red Line so days are easy.
Day 4 — Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — free, book the official slot, dress code
- Louvre Abu Dhabi — AED 70 adult, under 18 free, closed Monday
- Bus / car / Etihad Rail when the Dubai station is open (from 30 Sep 2026)
Day 5 — Desert evening
- Shared desert safari typically AED 150–350. Licensed operator only.
- Or rest by the pool. September heat is real at midday.