3 Days in Dubai: A First-Time Itinerary With a Desert Safari

Three days is the classic first visit to Dubai. It is enough to see the skyscrapers, walk through the old creek district and spend an evening in the desert, without rushing. This plan groups places by area, so you spend your time sightseeing instead of sitting in traffic.

The short answer

• Day 1: Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Mall and the fountain show.
• Day 2: Old Dubai, the souks and a dhow cruise.
• Day 3: Beach morning, then a desert safari with BBQ dinner.

Visit between November and March for pleasant weather. From June to September it is very hot, so plan indoor stops in the afternoon.

Day 1: Modern Dubai

Morning. Start in Downtown Dubai around the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. If you want to go up, book a time slot in advance, because sunset slots sell out first.

Afternoon. Spend the afternoon inside the Dubai Mall, which has the aquarium, a huge range of shops and plenty of places to eat. It is air-conditioned, so it works well in the heat.

Evening. Walk out to the lake in front of the mall for the Dubai Fountain show. It runs in the evenings about every half hour and is free to watch. Check the schedule when you arrive.

Day 2: Old Dubai and the creek

Morning. Visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, with its wind towers and narrow lanes, then cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat. Cover your shoulders and knees in the old district out of respect.

Afternoon. Walk through the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk in Deira. Bargaining is normal, so ask the price and negotiate politely. Have a late lunch nearby.

Evening. Take a dhow cruise. Our two-hour dhow cruise includes a buffet dinner, live Tanoura dance and views of the lit-up skyline, from AED 85 per person.

If you prefer a guided day instead of finding your own way, the Old and New Dubai city tour covers the creek, Jumeirah, the Palm and Downtown in 4 to 5 hours, from AED 110 per person.

Day 3: Beach and desert

Morning. Relax at a public beach in Jumeirah or walk along Dubai Marina and JBR. Keep the morning easy, because the evening is busy.

Afternoon and evening. Your desert safari. Pickup from your hotel is usually mid-afternoon, and you return to the hotel around 9 to 9:30 pm. A typical evening includes:

1. Dune bashing in a 4x4 across the red dunes
2. Sunset photo stop
3. Sandboarding and a camel ride
4. BBQ dinner and live shows at a desert camp

Our 7-hour safari with BBQ dinner starts from AED 130 per person, and the group-only private version is AED 780 per car for up to 6 guests. If you want a quad bike or dune buggy ride too, choose the 7-hour safari with a quad bike or buggy from AED 190. For help choosing, read shared vs private desert safari and what to wear.

What to book before you travel

• Your desert safari and dhow cruise, so you get the evening you want
• Burj Khalifa tickets, if you want a sunset slot
• An airport transfer, from AED 150 per car, with a driver who tracks your flight

Why book your Dubai tours with Lead Adventure Tour

• Dubai-based and independently reviewed. Lead Adventure Tour LLC is a Dubai tour operator, rated 5.0 on Google from more than 2,600 reviews, with 4.9 on Tripadvisor and Trustpilot.
• Free cancellation. Cancel at least 24 hours before and you get a full refund; see the cancellation policy.
• Instant confirmation by email and hotel pickup on most tours; check the pickup areas.
• Clear prices. Shared options are per person, private options are per car, and booking on our website takes 5% off.

Frequently asked questions

Is 3 days enough for Dubai?

Yes for a first visit. Three days covers Downtown, Old Dubai and the desert. Add a fourth day if you want Abu Dhabi; see our 4-day Dubai itinerary.

When should I do the desert safari?

On the last full day, or in the middle of the trip, because it is an evening activity and you will be tired afterwards. See the best time for a desert safari.

How much does a desert safari cost?

Shared safaris start from AED 95 per person and the evening BBQ safari from AED 130. A private car is AED 780 for up to 6 guests. See the full price guide. Prices are shown at the time of writing; check each tour page for today's price.

Can I cancel?

Yes. Cancel at least 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.