The ultimate UAE 7 day itinerary is more than a checklist of famous attractions – it is a curated, safe and balanced week that lets you experience Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates the way frequent Singapore travellers and investors actually do it.
This Homejourney guide is written from the perspective of a Singapore-based traveller and property researcher who has done the Dubai–Abu Dhabi week multiple times – both as a quick holiday from Changi and as part of longer multi-country trips that also include Singapore property viewing on the way home.
You will get:
- A practical, day-by-day UAE week plan that works for first-timers and repeat visitors
- Realistic timings, cost ranges and safety notes
- Insider tips that long-stay visitors and expats use (not just tour-bus highlights)
- Context on how many UAE-based travellers and investors combine this 7 days UAE trip with exploring Singapore property via Homejourney
Table of Contents
- UAE 7 Day Itinerary Overview: How This Complete UAE Trip Works
- Best Time to Visit UAE for a 7 Day Trip
- Flying from Singapore to UAE: Flights, Duration and Costs
- Day-by-Day UAE Week Plan (Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Beyond)
- Top Attractions & Must-Do Experiences
- Practical Travel Tips: Visa, Transport, Safety & Budgeting
- Where to Stay in Dubai & Abu Dhabi (By Budget)
- Food & Dining: What and Where to Eat in 7 Days
- 3-Day and 5-Day Alternative Itineraries
- Best Day Trips from Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Connecting UAE Travel with Singapore Real Estate (For Investors & Expats)
- FAQ: UAE 7 Day Itinerary & Singapore Connections
UAE 7 Day Itinerary Overview: How This Complete UAE Trip Works
If you have exactly one week in the Emirates, the most efficient complete UAE trip focuses on Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with one or two well-chosen side trips (desert, Al Ain or Sharjah) rather than trying to tick every emirate.
This structure mirrors many well-reviewed week-long UAE tours that cover Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and occasionally Sharjah in about seven days[1][3][8].
Best Time to Visit UAE for a 7 Day Trip
For Singapore travellers, the UAE’s desert climate feels more extreme than our humidity, especially in summer.
Weather and Seasons
- Best months: November to March – cooler days (around 20–28°C) and pleasant evenings, ideal for walking around Dubai Marina, JBR and Abu Dhabi Corniche.
- Shoulder months: April and October – still manageable, but midday heat can exceed 32–35°C.
- Avoid if possible: June to September – temperatures regularly exceed 40°C and outdoor sightseeing is uncomfortable except early morning or late night; indoor malls and attractions remain fully air-conditioned.
Popular seasonal attractions like Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village generally open from late October to April, which naturally suits a Dubai Abu Dhabi week in the cooler season[4][6].
Flying from Singapore to UAE: Flights, Duration and Currency Tips
Flight Options from Singapore
Changi Airport (SIN) has frequent direct flights to both Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) with major carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Etihad.
- Flight time: Approximately 7 to 7.5 hours non-stop.
- Typical pattern: Many Singapore travellers choose a red-eye to arrive in the morning, making Day 1 in Dubai or Abu Dhabi fully usable.
- Open-jaw option: Fly SIN–DXB and return AUH–SIN (or vice versa) if you want to minimise backtracking between cities.
Currency and Exchange Basics
The UAE uses the UAE dirham (AED), which is pegged closely to the US dollar. Many Singaporeans prefer to change SGD to AED either at Changi’s money changers or upon arrival in Dubai/Abu Dhabi where airport rates are generally reasonable for a starter amount.
For property buyers and investors who think beyond travel budgets, Homejourney supports multi-currency viewing and comparison, including AED, so you can easily benchmark UAE trip costs and UAE asset values against Singapore property prices on our platform using Property Search and our currency display features.
Day-by-Day UAE Week Plan (7 Days UAE)
This section lays out a realistic, experience-tested plan that balances must-see highlights with downtime – essential if you are travelling with kids, seniors, or on a longer Asia trip that may include a Singapore stopover.
Day 1 – Old Dubai, Creek and Souks
Base: Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai or Downtown).
Assuming a morning arrival from Singapore, use this day to ease into the UAE by exploring historically rich, compact Old Dubai around Dubai Creek, similar to how Singaporeans often start in Chinatown or Kampong Glam to understand our heritage.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Al Bastakiya) – Restored wind-tower houses, museums and art galleries; give yourself 1–2 hours.
- Dubai Museum / Dubai Museum-like exhibits – Several small heritage museums in the area explain the city’s pearl-diving and trading past.
- Abras across Dubai Creek – Traditional wooden boat crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira; short and very affordable, commonly highlighted in week-long UAE tours[1][3].
- Gold Souk and Spice Souk – Atmospheric even if you are just browsing; avoid aggressive touts and compare prices carefully.
Evening option: A dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek – a calmer alternative to the Marina cruise, ideal if you are jet-lagged but still want a night view.
Insider tip (Singapore comparison): If you dislike crowds like at Singapore’s most touristy spots, explore Al Seef (a redeveloped heritage-style waterfront) for cleaner, more curated shops and cafes along the creek[1].
Day 2 – Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall & Downtown Glamour
This is the ‘modern Dubai’ day, where you see the skyline that appears in every UAE tourism ad.
- Burj Khalifa – Pre-book tickets to the 124/125th or 148th floor. Many 7-day itineraries put this near the start to orient yourself around the city[3][6].
- Dubai Mall – One of the world’s largest malls, with Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, ice rink, and countless dining options[4][6].
- Dubai Fountain – Evening fountain shows (every 30 minutes in the evening) with Burj Khalifa backdrop; arrive at least 20–30 minutes early for a good view.
Safety note: Like Singapore’s Marina Bay area, Downtown Dubai feels very safe, heavily patrolled and CCTV-covered. Still, keep standard travelling precautions – watch your belongings in crowded fountain areas.
Insider tip: If you are used to Orchard Road/HDB carpark rates, be prepared – Dubai Mall parking is usually free for many hours, but taxis can add up. For groups of 3–4, a taxi or ride-hailing often beats metro for door-to-door convenience.
Day 3 – JBR, Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Marina Walk – Modern waterfront promenade with cafes; many well-reviewed 7-day UAE tours start or end here for photo stops and yacht cruises[1][2].
- JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) – Urban beach; good for families, with play areas and relatively calm waters.
- Palm Jumeirah – Monorail ride to Atlantis The Palm for the classic aerial view of the man-made palm island[4].
- Evening yacht or dhow cruise from Dubai Marina – Repeatedly ranked as a highlight in many traveller accounts, especially for first-timers[1][2].
Insider tip: Sun is harsh even in winter. Treat midday outdoors here like walking at noon in Singapore’s CBD with no shade – hat, sunglasses and SPF are essential.
Day 4 – Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Louvre
Base: Transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (about 1.5–2 hours by car or bus)[3][8].
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Iconic white marble mosque with intricate design, Swarovski chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet; it is a centrepiece of most UAE week tours[1][3][7][8].
- Louvre Abu Dhabi – Stunning architecture on Saadiyat Island; mix of global and regional art and artefacts[1][7].
- Abu Dhabi Corniche – Seafront promenade with parks and beaches; more laid-back than Dubai, similar in feel to East Coast Park but with a wider boulevard.
Dress code note: The Grand Mosque has specific guidelines – shoulders and knees covered, and women must cover hair; onsite abayas are usually available but can be in demand during busy periods.
Day 5 – Abu Dhabi: Palaces, Theme Parks & Culture
Choose based on your interests.
- Qasr Al Watan – The Presidential Palace, highlighted in several 7-day itineraries as a cultural highlight for its architecture and exhibitions on UAE governance and history[3][7].
- Qasr Al Hosn – Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building, restored as a museum on the city’s development[3].
- Yas Island – For Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld – good if you are travelling with kids or teens who might otherwise find a week of culture-heavy sightseeing tiring.
Insider tip: Think of Yas Island as Abu Dhabi’s Sentosa equivalent – integrated resorts, malls and theme parks in one zone. Time your visit to avoid peak weekends (Friday–Sunday in UAE) if you dislike crowds.
Day 6 – Desert Safari or Al Ain Day Trip
Most complete UAE tour itineraries include a desert component and, optionally, a nature or heritage-focused day trip[1][3][6]. You can choose one depending on your pace.
Option A: Desert Safari (Half Day)
- Lahbab Desert near Dubai is a common choice, with dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides and evening BBQ shows[1][6].
- Expect hotel pick-up mid-afternoon, with return by around 9–10 pm.
- Suitable for most ages, but not recommended for those with serious back issues or very young children, due to the bumpy dune driving.
Option B: Al Ain (Full Day)
Al Ain, sometimes called the "Garden City", appears in some 7-day packages for its greenery and mountain views[1].
- Al Ain Oasis – Date palm plantations with traditional falaj irrigation.
- Al Ain Camel Market – Largest in the UAE; a strong contrast to hyper-modern Dubai.
- Jebel Hafeet – Mountain with panoramic views, often highlighted as a trip finale in multi-emirate tours[1].
Insider tip
References
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 3 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 8 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 4 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 6 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 7 (2025)
