I made this for a short getaway for two: sunset from the Burj Khalifa, dinner by the fountain and a night in the desert. You stay in Downtown so the first evening is all on foot.
Sunset at the top of the Burj KhalifaDinner over the fountain lakeA private desert safari for twoBest in Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
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Prices are checked when you open the plan, a month ahead. They are never saved in it.
Day 1 Sunset at the top and dinner by the fountain
14:00Land at Dubai International Airport, transfer to DowntownKuwait to Dubai is under 2 hours. A meet and greet driver makes the arrival feel like the start of a holiday.Dubai International Airport · about 30 min · 60 to 250 AED per car
15:00Check in at your Downtown hotelAsk for a fountain view room when you book; it makes a big difference at night.Downtown Dubai · about 1 hr 30 min · FreeArrive by transfer
16:45Burj Khalifa At the Top at sunsetLevels 124 and 125 with an outdoor terrace. Watch the city turn gold, then light up below you.Downtown Dubai · about 1 hr 30 min · Approx 230 to 400 AED per person for a sunset slotWalk through Dubai Mall, 10 min
18:30Dubai Fountain from the Souk Al Bahar bridgeThe wooden bridge to Souk Al Bahar is the best free spot to watch the show together.Downtown Dubai · about 45 min · FreeWalk, 10 min
19:30Dinner at Thiptara, Palace DowntownA Thai restaurant on a wooden deck over the fountain lake. Book a terrace table for the show. Alcohol is served; ask the staff about halal meat.Downtown Dubai · about 2 hrs · 350 to 600 AED · Order: Green curry, grilled prawns and mango sticky riceWalk, 5 min
Tip: Book At the Top and Thiptara before you fly; both fill up at sunset.
Day 2 Old Dubai by morning, the desert by night
09:00Emirati breakfast at Arabian Tea HouseBreakfast in a white courtyard under the trees. Good vegetarian options too.Al Fahidi · about 1 hr · 60 to 120 AED · Order: Balaleet, chebab pancakes and karak tea
10:15Al Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodWander the quiet lanes of wind tower houses and small galleries. Lovely for photos in the morning light.Bur Dubai · about 1 hr · FreeWalk, 2 min
11:15Abra across the creek to the Spice and Gold SouksA 5 minute ride on a wooden boat, then saffron and dates in the Spice Souk and windows full of gold.Deira · about 1 hr 30 min · 1 AED per person for the abraWalk to Bur Dubai abra station 8 min, abra 5 min
13:00Lunch at Al Fanar Restaurant, Al SeefOld Dubai decor and Emirati home cooking by the creek. Vegetarian dishes are available.Al Seef, Bur Dubai · about 1 hr 15 min · 80 to 150 AED · Order: Chicken machboos and hareesAbra back, then walk along the creek, 20 min
14:30Rest at the hotelRest up before the safari pickup.Downtown Dubai · about 1 hr · FreeTaxi, 20 min
15:30Private desert safari with dinner under the starsBook a premium camp or a private 4x4 for two. Sunset on the dunes, a camel ride and a halal BBQ dinner with vegetarian dishes.Lahbab desert · about 6 hrs · Approx 300 to 800 AED per personHotel pickup by 4x4, 45 to 60 min
Tip: Wear closed shoes and bring a light layer; the desert gets cool after dark in winter.
Day 3 Museum of the Future, Madinat Jumeirah and home
10:00Museum of the FutureThe building alone is worth it. Inside, the space station and nature floors are the highlights.Sheikh Zayed Road · about 2 hrs · Approx 149 AED per person
12:30Souk Madinat JumeirahA wind tower souk set on canals, with views of the Burj Al Arab from the bridges.Umm Suqeim · about 1 hr · FreeTaxi, 20 min
13:45Lunch at Bu QtairA famous, simple fish spot near the fishing harbour. Pick your fish and they fry it with a spicy masala.Umm Suqeim · about 1 hr · 50 to 100 AED · Order: Masala fried fish and prawns with rice and parathaTaxi, 8 min
15:00Jumeirah Public Beach and the Burj Al Arab viewA last walk on the sand with the Burj Al Arab behind you for the classic photo.Umm Suqeim · about 40 min · FreeTaxi, 5 min
15:45Collect your bags at the hotelAsk the hotel to hold your bags at checkout.Downtown Dubai · about 45 min · FreeTaxi, 20 min
16:45Transfer to Dubai International AirportBe at the airport 3 hours before your flight.Dubai International Airport · about 30 min · 60 to 250 AED per carTaxi or private car, 20 to 30 min
Tip: Check your flight time; if it is early evening, skip the beach and go straight from lunch to the hotel.
Where to stay
Dubai, Downtown Dubai · nights 1 to 3Burj Khalifa, the fountain and Dubai Mall on foot, and central for everything else.
Palace Downtown luxury · about 1,300 to 2,400 AED a night Arabian style palace hotel facing the Burj Khalifa; the most romantic address in Downtown.
Address Downtown luxury · about 1,400 to 2,600 AED a night Fountain view rooms and an infinity pool looking at the Burj Khalifa.
Rove Downtown budget · about 350 to 600 AED a night Bright, simple and good value, a short walk to Dubai Mall.
Hotel prices are typical. Make it yours to see today's prices for your dates.
What to eat
Emirati breakfast (balaleet and chebab)at Arabian Tea House, Al Fahidi A slow, pretty breakfast in the old town.
Chicken machboosat Al Fanar Restaurant, Al Seef Emirati home cooking with creek views.
Thai curriesat Thiptara, Palace Downtown The most romantic dinner seat for the fountain show.
Masala fried fishat Bu Qtair, Umm Suqeim Simple, spicy and loved by locals.
Chicken shawarmaat Al Mallah, Al Dhiyafah Road, Satwa A late night Dubai classic; falafel for vegetarians.
Masala dosaat Saravanaa Bhavan, Karama Fully vegetarian South Indian food at small prices.
Evenings in Downtown are lively but relaxed: fountain shows, terrace dinners and malls open until midnight, with the desert for something quieter.
Why it is planned this way
I put At the Top on day 1 at sunset, then a fountain view dinner 5 minutes away, so there is no rushing.
Old Dubai is in the morning on day 2, before the heat, with a rest before the safari pickup.
I chose a private or premium desert camp for you two instead of the big crowded ones.