3-Day United Arab Emirates Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day United Arab Emirates tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaUnited Arab Emirates travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Dubai Itinerary, incl. Downtown and Desert Safari

  Dubai unfolds over three action-packed days: A Marina dinner cruise with Tanura dance kicks off the journey, followed by a comprehensive city tour paired with Burj Khalifa visit, and concludes with a desert safari featuring dune bashing. Hotel transfers included, with daily excursions running 4-7 hours.

  

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  • Day 1

    Dubai Marina and Evening Cruise

    Take the morning to relax and adjust to the time zone. Book your hotel in Dubai Marina or JBR area to make evening activities easier. Your Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise pickup will be between 6:00-7:30 PM. The boat leaves at 9:00 PM. Get there 15 minutes early to grab the best photo spots on the upper deck. You'll enjoy traditional entertainment and a buffet dinner until 11:00 PM. The evening air can get cool on the water so pack a light jacket.

    
  • Day 2

    City Tour and Burj Khalifa

    Your city tour starts with pickup between 8:30-9:30 AM. You'll spend half a day exploring old Dubai's Gold and Spice Souks plus modern landmarks. The traditional markets don't offer much shade so wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat. The tour wraps up around 2:00 PM giving you time to rest before your evening plans. For Burj Khalifa your pickup is between 5:30-5:45 PM with a viewing slot around 6:30 PM. This timing lets you see both daytime and night views. After your hour at the top check out Dubai Mall and watch the dancing fountains. The shows start at sunset and run every 30 minutes. Your transfer back will be between 10:00-10:30 PM.

    
  • Day 3

    Desert Safari

    End your trip with a desert adventure. Pickup is between 2:00-3:30 PM depending on the season. Skip lunch or eat very light before the dune bashing. Your evening includes sunset photos camel rides and a BBQ dinner with entertainment. Wear comfortable modest clothing and bring socks for walking in the sand. You'll be back at your hotel between 8:00-9:30 PM.

    

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• 3 Days in Dubai, incl. Downtown and Desert Safari

  Dubai Creek sets the scene with a memorable dhow dinner cruise on day one. The second day weaves through city highlights from Jumeirah Mosque to Dubai Museum, crowned by a desert safari. Your final morning greets you with stunning desert views before departure. All transfers, select meals, and English guide included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Dubai Creek & Evening Dhow Cruise

    Plan to arrive in the morning to make the most of your day. Book a hotel near Dubai Creek in Deira or Bur Dubai - it's perfect for exploring the traditional areas. In the evening, take a dinner cruise on a traditional dhow boat along Dubai Creek. A recent visitor noted: "The contrast between modern skyscrapers and traditional wooden boats while dining was incredible. Get a table on the upper deck for the best photos of illuminated buildings."

    
  • Day 2

    City Tour & Desert Adventure

    Start your day at Jumeirah Mosque, which opens at 10 AM. Remember to dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Drive along Jumeirah Beach Road to get your photos of the iconic Burj Al Arab. Your route will take you through Dubai's financial district on Sheikh Zayed Road, which locals call "Little Manhattan." Take a traditional abra water taxi across Dubai Creek to visit the Gold and Spice Souks. Get there before 1 PM to avoid the worst of the heat. Stop by Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. It costs just 3 AED but is closed Friday mornings. Wear good walking shoes because the old town has uneven streets. In the late afternoon, head out for your desert safari. Bring a light jacket since the desert gets cool at night. You'll go dune bashing, ride camels, and spend the night camping under the stars. One visitor shared: "The traditional BBQ dinner in the desert camp was authentic - try the grilled lamb. The belly dancing show starts around 8 PM, so don't fill up too early."

    
  • Day 3

    Desert Sunrise & Departure

    Get up around 5:30 AM to watch the sun rise over the dunes. The morning light makes for beautiful photos. After breakfast, return to your hotel. If you have an afternoon flight, you can fit in some shopping at Dubai Mall or visit the Burj Khalifa observation deck. Book your Burj Khalifa tickets at least 2 days ahead to secure your spot.

    

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• Abu Dhabi Express - 3 days

  Three-day exploration spanning Dubai and Abu Dhabi, featuring 2 nights in 4-star accommodation. Visit three major sites: Grand Mosque, Heritage Village, and Marina Mall, with optional desert safari. Includes daily breakfast and private transfers between Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi.

  

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  • Dubai United Arab Emirates

    80 mi

  • Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

    80 mi

  • Dubai United Arab Emirates

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