# 7 days in the UAE: an itinerary by emirate

> A week in the UAE covers four emirates in one line from south to east. Two days in [Abu Dhabi](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi): the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn, the Corniche, the presidential palace and the Louvre. Three days in [Dubai](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai): Burj Khalifa and the old creek, the coast with the Palm and the Marina, the history museums. A day in [Sharjah](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/sharjah) for museums and the Blue Souk, and a last day in [Fujairah](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/fujairah) on the Gulf of Oman. No drive is longer than 1.5 hours.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/in-7-days

## Who it suits

- A first trip to the UAE
- Independent travel by bus and taxi
- Cities, museums and some sea

Not for:

- A pure beach holiday — stay in one resort instead
- Ras Al Khaimah — its beaches are currently closed

When to go: November to March: around 24–28 °C by day, cool evenings. From May to September walking outside is hard.

## Day 1 — [Abu Dhabi](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi.md)

1. [Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/sheikh-zayed-grand-mosque.md) — YesGo score 45/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · AED 10 for tourists, booked online
   ↓ 58 min by transport
2. [Qasr Al Hosn](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/qasr-al-hosn.md) — YesGo score 38/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 15 min · ≈ AED 30, under-18s free
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 20 min by transport
3. [Abu Dhabi Corniche](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/abu-dhabi-corniche.md) — YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free; family beach sections AED 10
   ↓ 18 min on foot
4. [Heritage Village](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/abu-dhabi-heritage-village.md) — YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free entry
   ↓ 22 min by transport
5. [Emirates Palace](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace.md) — YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free entry; gold cappuccino AED 90

Total with walks: 8 h 43 min

## Day 2 — [Abu Dhabi](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi.md)

1. [Qasr Al Watan](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/qasr-al-watan.md) — YesGo score 35/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · AED 65, ages 4–17 AED 30
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 52 min by transport
2. [Louvre Abu Dhabi](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/louvre-abu-dhabi.md) — YesGo score 40/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h 30 min · AED 70, under 18 free
   ↓ 42 min by transport
3. [Jubail Mangrove Park](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/jubail-mangrove-park.md) — YesGo score 24/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Boardwalk AED 10–20, kayak from AED 80

Total with walks: 8 h 4 min

Transfer Abu Dhabi → Dubai: bus or taxi on the E11, ≈ 1.5 h

## Day 3 — [Dubai](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai.md)

1. [Burj Khalifa](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/burj-khalifa.md) — YesGo score 79/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · from AED 189
   ↓ 4 min on foot
2. [The Dubai Fountain](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-fountain.md) — YesGo score 45/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · Free; Boardwalk and abra ride paid
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 8 min on foot
3. [The Dubai Mall](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-mall.md) — YesGo score 56/100 (Yes, go) · 2 h · Free entry
   ↓ 38 min by transport
4. [Dubai Creek and the abra crossing](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-creek.md) — YesGo score 40/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Abra AED 1–2, waterfronts free
   ↓ 12 min on foot
5. [Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Old Dubai)](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/al-fahidi.md) — YesGo score 37/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free to walk

Total with walks: 8 h 32 min

## Day 4 — [Dubai](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai.md)

1. [Burj Al Arab](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/burj-al-arab.md) — YesGo score 59/100 (Yes, go) · 30 min · Free to view; closed inside
   ↓ 17 min on foot
2. [Madinat Jumeirah and Souk Madinat](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/madinat-jumeirah.md) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free entry; abra ride AED 100
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 31 min by transport
3. [Palm Jumeirah](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/palm-jumeirah.md) — YesGo score 52/100 (Yes, go) · 2 h · Island free, The View from AED 80
   ↓ 27 min by transport
4. [Dubai Marina](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-marina.md) — YesGo score 33/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free; boats and cruises extra

Total with walks: 7 h 45 min

## Day 5 — [Dubai](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai.md)

1. [Dubai Frame](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-frame.md) — YesGo score 39/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · AED 50, children 3–12 AED 20
   ↓ 25 min by transport
2. [Etihad Museum](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/etihad-museum.md) — YesGo score 31/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · AED 25, under-5s free
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 25 min by transport
3. [Al Shindagha Museum](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/al-shindagha.md) — YesGo score 28/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · AED 50; students 5–24 AED 20
   ↓ 17 min on foot
4. [Dubai Gold Souk](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-gold-souk.md) — YesGo score 34/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free entry

Total with walks: 6 h 52 min

Transfer Dubai → Sharjah: RTA bus, ferry or taxi, ≈ 30–60 min

## Day 6 — [Sharjah](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/sharjah.md)

1. [Al Majaz Waterfront](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/sharjah/al-majaz-waterfront.md) — YesGo score 40/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free
   ↓ 13 min on foot
2. [Al Noor Island](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/sharjah/al-noor-island.md) — YesGo score 34/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · AED 35; AED 50 with Butterfly House
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 19 min by transport
3. [Blue Souk (Central Souq)](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/sharjah/blue-souk.md) — YesGo score 42/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free entry
   ↓ 19 min by transport
4. [Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn)](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/sharjah/sharjah-fort.md) — YesGo score 39/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · AED 10 · 5-museum ticket AED 20
   ↓ 13 min on foot
5. [Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/sharjah/museum-of-islamic-civilization.md) — YesGo score 36/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · AED 10, children 2–12 AED 5
   ↓ 7 min on foot
6. [Rain Room](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/sharjah/rain-room.md) — YesGo score 39/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · AED 25, under 5 free

Total with walks: 8 h 41 min

Transfer Sharjah → Fujairah: car or taxi across the Hajar Mountains, ≈ 1.5 h

## Day 7 — [Fujairah](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/fujairah.md)

1. [Fujairah Corniche](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/fujairah/fujairah-corniche.md) — YesGo score 40/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free
   ↓ 22 min by transport
2. [Fujairah Museum](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/fujairah/fujairah-museum.md) — YesGo score 38/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · ≈ AED 5
   ↓ 10 min on foot
3. [Fujairah Fort](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/fujairah/fujairah-fort.md) — YesGo score 44/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free (unofficial)
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 20 min by transport
4. [Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Fujairah](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/fujairah/fujairah-sheikh-zayed-mosque.md) — YesGo score 42/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free (unofficial)
   ↓ 21 min by transport
5. [Fujairah Heritage Village](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/fujairah/fujairah-heritage-village.md) — YesGo score 42/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 40 min · ≈ AED 5 (unofficial)
   ↓ 44 min by transport
6. [Bithnah Fort](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/fujairah/bithnah-fort.md) — YesGo score 31/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · Free (unofficial)

Total with walks: 7 h 37 min

## How the week works

The route never doubles back: Abu Dhabi — Dubai — Sharjah — Fujairah. Each day is a YesGo city itinerary: two days in Abu Dhabi, three in Dubai, one each in Sharjah and Fujairah.

If you fly into Dubai, go to Abu Dhabi first: it is 1.5 hours away, and you come back to Dubai with your bags for three nights.

## The emirates on the route

Abu Dhabi is the capital: the white Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre under its lace dome, the Qasr Al Watan palace. Dubai has the skyscrapers, Burj Khalifa, the old city on Dubai Creek and the Jumeirah coast. Sharjah is the cultural capital with its museums and Blue Souk — and a dry emirate. Fujairah is the only emirate on the Gulf of Oman, beyond the Hajar Mountains: old forts and the sea.

## Getting around without a tour

Intercity buses link Abu Dhabi and Dubai; RTA buses E303, E306 and E307 and a ferry go to Sharjah. Bus E700 or Etihad Rail reach Fujairah, but you need taxis there, so renting a car for the last two days is easiest. Dubai has the metro on a Nol card; Abu Dhabi has taxis and buses on a Hafilat card.

## Where to stay

Two nights in Abu Dhabi near the Corniche or downtown. Four nights in Dubai, with Sharjah as a day trip 30–60 minutes away. The last night in Fujairah on the coast.

## UAE itinerary for 5 or 10 days

Five days: drop the second Abu Dhabi day and Fujairah — one day in Abu Dhabi, three in Dubai, one in Sharjah. Ten days: add a Dubai beach day, a desert safari and Yas Island with Ferrari World. Every city has its own 1–3 day itineraries.

## Tips

- Book the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque online in advance — 10 AED.
- Book Burj Khalifa online for a specific slot.
- Sharjah's museums open only at 16:00 on Fridays — visit on another day.
- The UAE uses the dirham (AED). Cards work almost everywhere; keep some cash for abras, souks and small museums. Dubai's metro needs a Nol card.
- Mosques and palaces want shoulders and knees covered, and women need a headscarf; malls and museums also ask for no beachwear.

## Questions

### What is a good 7-day UAE itinerary?

Abu Dhabi for 2 days, Dubai for 3, then a day each in Sharjah and Fujairah.

### Can you travel around the UAE independently?

Yes: buses and taxis between emirates, the metro in Dubai. A car is easiest for the east coast.

### How long from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?

About 1.5 hours by bus or taxi.

### How do I get from Dubai to Sharjah?

RTA buses E303, E306, E307 or the ferry; a taxi takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

### How do I get to Fujairah?

Bus E700 from Dubai (≈ 2 h), Etihad Rail, or about 1.5 hours by car.

### What can I do in the UAE in 5 days?

A day in Abu Dhabi, three in Dubai and a day in Sharjah.

### When is the best time to go?

November to March. In summer, walk only in the morning and evening.

### Can you swim in Ras Al Khaimah?

Not right now: the emirate's beaches are closed until further notice, so the sea on this route is in Dubai and Fujairah.

### Is it good with kids?

Yes. Dubai has its own with-kids itinerary, and in Abu Dhabi the Louvre and the fort are free under 18.

### What currency is used in the UAE?

The UAE uses the dirham (AED). Cards work almost everywhere; keep some cash for abras, souks and small museums. Dubai's metro needs a Nol card.

## Sources

- RTA: Dubai buses and ferries
- Etihad Rail: Dubai–Fujairah train
- Wikipedia: United Arab Emirates

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