UAE Taster

Itinerary

3 Nights – Abu Dhabi
2 Nights – Fujairah
5 Nights – Dubai (including Sharjah day trip)

Option Extension: Al Ain Desert (2 nights)

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✈️ UK to Abu Dhabi (3 Nights): You’ll begin your UAE adventure in the capital of the UAE – a city that strikes a lovely balance between coastal charm, culture and ultra-modern gloss. One of the city’s main attractions is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. Inside you’ll find intricate marble work, huge chandeliers, and shallow reflective pools that beautifully mirror the architecture.   Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where the stunning architecture is matched by a world-class collection of global art from the likes of Da Vinci, Picasso, Monet and Warhol. Take time to wander along the Corniche, a palm-tree-lined waterfront promenade ideal for a stroll, a coffee, or a bike ride.  Abu Dhabi also offers a great selection of luxury and resort-style hotels, many with sea views, rooftop pools, and easy access to the city’s main sights. If you’re looking for thrills, Yas Island is the place to be, with Ferrari World’s high-speed rides, the family fun of Warner Bros. World, and the Yas Waterworld. To take a step back in time, the Heritage Village offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional desert life before the oil boom and the fast cars and skyscrapers arrived.

🚗  Optional Extension to Al Ain (2 nights):

If you’d like to extend your adventure, you could consider an optional 2-night stay in Al Ain, located between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Known as the ‘Garden City’ it’s famous for its lush greenery which is a stark contrast to the desert landscapes of the area.  One of the main attractions is the Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which stretches over 3,000 acres and is home to a traditional falaj irrigation system, palm groves and shaded walkways. Also visit the Al Ain National Museum with its fascinating artefacts from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages and traditional Emirati pieces.  Al Ain is also home to Jebel Hafeet, the second highest peak in the UAE after Jebel Jais.  The winding mountain road that snakes its way to the summit is one of the most scenic drives in the UAE, and the views at the top are simply breath-taking.

 🚗  Abu Dhabi to Fujairah (2 Nights): Next stop is Fujairah, where you’ll enjoy a change of pace with mountain views and beachside charm.  Al Aqah is a popular spot with a stunning beach, with Snoopy Island just off its coast. Here you’ll find crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling or diving, with the chance to spot turtles, colourful reef fish, and maybe even a blacktip reef shark. Located a few miles up the coast in the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah, Khor Fakkan Beach boasts the Khor Fakkan Corniche – a lovely palm-lined walkway with lots of cafes and restaurants to relax in.  If you’d like something more adventurous, head into the Hajar Mountains and visit Wadi Wurayah, a protected area known for its natural freshwater pools, waterfalls, biodiversity and walking trails.

Fujairah’s cultural side is just as rewarding as its natural beauty – with hilltop forts and sweeping views, including the Fujairah Fort, or the beautiful Al-Bidyah Mosque, the oldest in the UAE.  For a deeper understanding into the local culture, the Fujairah Heritage Village offers traditional architecture, crafts, and performances.

🚗  Fujairah to Dubai (5 Nights): The final leg of your journey will take you to the glamorous city of Dubai via private transfer where you can settle for five nights of relaxation and excitement. Your number one must-do is to ascend the towering Burj Khalifa for breath-taking views, then explore the Dubai Mall below. This giant complex is more than just a place to shop – you’ll also find a huge aquarium, an ice rink, and the famous Dubai Fountain shows, which take place each night on the man-made lake just outside. For a taste of the traditional, hop on board an abra on Dubai Creek and pass by the atmospheric Gold and Spice Souks.  You’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to where to stay.  Dubai’s hotel scene is famously glamourous and sometimes slightly OTT – but that’s all part of the appeal. There are countless five-star resorts, offering sweeping views of the Gulf and private beaches.  Choose from hotels with rooftop pools and sky bars, or beachfront resorts and waterparks on Palm Jumeirah.  There are also plenty of options that are more low-key if that’s your preference. Dubai is also renowned for its lavish brunches, often hosted at its luxury hotels where you can enjoy fabulous food, champagne, live music and impeccable service.  Families will love the Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, or a Desert Safari, where you can try dune bashing, go camel riding, and end the evening with a traditional Bedouin-style dinner.

Your stay in Dubai also includes a day trip to Sharjah, a neighbouring emirate just a short drive away. Often referred to as the UAE’s cultural capital, Sharjah is packed with galleries, museums, and historic hot spots. Highlights include the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Sharjah Art Museum, and the tranquil Al Noor Island, home to pretty botanic gardens and a butterfly house. Also, make sure you experience the iconic Souq Al Arsah – one of the oldest marketplaces in the region – and enjoy the peaceful canal side scenery of Al Qasba with its cafes and art.

✈️  Dubai to UK: After your final night in Dubai, your private transfer will take you back to Abu Dhabi for your return flight to the UK.