2 Days In Dubai: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

From glamorous shopping malls to adventurous safaris, here is a two-day Dubai itinerary to plan your perfect weekend getaway. 

If you’re planning a weekend in Dubai, here’s your perfect two-day itinerary to dive into this glamorous and fascinating city.

From glitzy skyscrapers to traditional Arabian markets and desert landscapes, Dubai has a lot to offer – whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer or arts lover.

I live in Cairo and I love a good weekend getaway in Dubai for world-class shopping, a bustling art scene and hidden gems. I’ve also visited Dubai a few times on work trips – and I’ve always discovered something new!

You can unwind on the beach, learn about local fishing traditions and have a Michelin-star dinner with a glittering city view. You’ll never get bored in Dubai.

So where do you begin to plan your perfect weekend?

Here is my optimized itinerary for 2 days in Dubai:

DAY ONE

MORNING: Dubai Marina

Start your weekend with a morning stroll at the Dubai Marina to take in the world’s tallest block of skyscrapers – and the city’s most beautiful skyline.

Walk down the beautiful palm-dotted promenade, browse the Dubai Marina Mall or hit the beach at this impressive spot. The marina boasts buildings that measure more than 300 m and it’s definitely a must-see on your Dubai itinerary.

The modern, glimmering glass architecture here is stunning.

And the marina is packed with restaurants and beach resorts perfect for a morning cappuccino overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Here are the best things to do at Dubai Marina:

• Take a ride on the world’s longest urban zip line.
• Visit the beach (I recommend the sandy Jumeirah Beach).
• Book a yacht tour with breakfast.
• Take in the views on a lux helicopter ride.
• Sail on a traditional abra taxi.

Dubai Marina is a city within a city – and development is still ongoing. Once it’s finished, Dubai Marina will house more than 120,000 residents in villas and residential towers.

Like many places in the city, Dubai Marina is known for its luxury. You’ll find rows of yachts and some of the city’s most luxurious apartments and hotels. If you’re a lover of fine dining, the marina is packed with incredible restaurants and superb views.

– contributed by Laura of Laure Wanders 

AFTERNOON: Souk Madinat

Do some afternoon browsing at the nearby Souk Madinat, a luxury Arabian-style bazaar at the Madinat Jumeirah resort.

Stroll through more than 75 shops, galleries and restaurants in a quaint, old-town setting.

This Middle Eastern souk offers fine silks, high-end fashion, home ware and jewelry. Splurge on a beaded handbag, silk scarf, enticing oud perfume, spices and camel milk soap packaged in gold wrapping.

Souk Madinat boasts traditional architecture with all the comforts of a modern-day shopping mall. There are restaurants with glowing lanterns and ice cream shops. And there’s a lovely outdoor terrace with a view.

It’s also a great place to shop for unique souvenirs – and a perfect spot to spend a stop-over in Dubai.

Stop at one of the incredible restaurants for lunch. And don’t miss The Theatre of Digital Art, which tells the story of famous artworks and hosts live performances.

DAY TWO

MORNING: Hot air balloon OR desert safari

Option 1: Hot Air Balloon

The rolling sand dunes just outside the city are Dubai’s playground. From dune bashing to quad biking, there are many activities for desert adventurers.

But the most magical is a hot air balloon over Dubai’s desert at dawn.

A sunrise hot air balloon requires a very early start. Pick-up is at 4am from your hotel – and it’s a good two-hour drive to the launch site.

But trust me – it’s worth the sleep deprivation when you’re gliding over the desert.

Drift over the dunes in a blanket of silence punctuated by the sharp blast of the burner firing. The dawn light picks out a thousand golden hues as it illuminates the dunes.

The skyscrapers light up in the distance as the sun slowly rises.

And if you’re lucky you might spot some wildlife. Camels, goats and snakes make their way across the sand while hawks circle overhead in search of prey. Herds of oryx and gazelle also roam the area in search of food.

Once the balloon comes to a gentle stop, enjoy a traditional Bedouin breakfast and watch the sun making its ascent. There’s nothing like hot coffee and dates as you witness a desert sunrise.

– contributed by Julianna of The Discoveries Of

Option 2: Desert safari

A desert safari lets you to experience the magic of the vast sand and teaches you about Bedouin culture. It’s a great chance to discover the region’s rich heritage.

Choose from a wide range of desert safaris in Dubai including morning, evening and overnight tours, romantic experiences, budget and luxury tours.

Morning safaris are more activity-focused and perfect for those who don’t want to spend all day in the desert. Options include dune-bashing, ATV tours, sand boarding, falconry demonstrations, camel rides and sunset photography sessions.

The drive to and from the desert takes about an hour.

– contributed by Sarah of CosmopoliClan

AFTERNOON: Jumeirah Mosque

Dive into some local culture with a visit to Jumeirah Mosque, one of the city’s most beautiful and the only mosque open to non-Muslims.

Jumeirah Mosque is built in the style of the Fatimids, the 8th-century conquerors of North Africa, and opened in 1976.

Take a guided tour of Jumeirah Mosque for an insight into Emirati culture and traditions. The 75-minute tour is offered by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding. And it’s held daily at 10 am and 2 pm except Fridays.

There’s no need to book in advance. Just arrive at the mosque a half hour before the tour starts to register. The fee of 35 AED includes Arabic tea and coffee.

There’s a great American guide who’s a convert to Islam and married to an Emirati. She offers insight into the mosque, the pilgrimage to Mecca and women’s rights in Islam. Though each guide will add their own touch and personal stories to the tour.

– contributed by Vanessa of The Travelling Colognian 

EVENING: Al Bastakiya

Finish your last day in Dubai at Al Bastakiya, a historic district that once housed Persian merchants and is now home to art studios and galleries.

This old part of the city, known as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, dates back to the 1890s. About half the original homes were demolished to make way for offices, but the remainder were preserved thanks to the lobbying of a British architect.

Al Bastakiya is now a booming art and cultural district with cafes, museums, shops and boutique hotels.

Take a walk along the waterside promenades and get a breather from the city’s skyscrapers.

Most buildings in Al Fahidi recall an era before the creation of the emirates. There are wind towers and wooden beams around interior courtyards with shaded patios and quiet cafes.

Have some mint tea and relax at XVA Cafe and Gallery, one of the first artsy spots in this neighborhood, for a refresher.

And don’t miss the Dubai Museum to learn about the history of this Emirate from its humble pearl trade origins to today’s business hub. Check out the impressive aerial photos of Dubai that show the city’s development over the past four decades.

And stop at the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, where the grandfather of today’s ruler of Dubai was raised. The house is filled with family portraits and beautiful local architecture.

– contributed by Mar of Solo Female Travelers

Conclusion

With its shopping malls, desert safaris and traditional markets, Dubai is an incredible city for a two-day weekend getaway.

Use this itinerary to explore the best of Dubai from glitzy skylines to historic fishing boats.

Or just unwind on the beach and have a Michelin-star meal with a waterfront view.

This two-day itinerary offers a perfect sampler of this fascinating Emirati city.

I would love to hear from you. What do you look forward to seeing in Dubai? 

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