The Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary for Dubai & Abu Dhabi: Luxury Travel Without Breaking the Bank

8 min readSep 8, 2024

Picture yourself standing in front of the world’s tallest building in Dubai, cruising the desert dunes in a 4x4, and soaking in the Arabian sunset at a five-star beachfront resort — all without emptying your wallet. Sounds too good to be true? Think again! With the right tips and tricks, you can explore the luxurious wonders of Dubai and Abu Dhabi while traveling in style and staying on budget. Ready for a two-week adventure filled with culture, relaxation, and a dash of thrill? Let me show you how to turn your dream trip into reality!

Planning a two-week trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi? You’re in for an unforgettable experience! These two cities blend luxury, culture, and adventure like nowhere else. From towering skyscrapers to pristine beaches and world-class dining, there’s something for every traveler. And the best part? You can do it all in style without blowing your budget. Below is your go-to itinerary with day-by-day breakdowns, recommendations on flights, car rentals, accommodations, food, and must-see attractions.

Getting There: Flying into Dubai

Fly in Style with Business Class Deals: Start your adventure with a touch of luxury by booking business-class flights to Dubai. You can find amazing deals on Skyscanner, especially if you’re flexible with your dates. Skyscanner is your best bet for snagging those sweet business-class seats with lay-flat beds, gourmet meals, and priority boarding — all without breaking the bank.

Make sure you use your American Express Gold Card to pay for your flights and stack up miles. You can earn 90K miles with the Gold card sign-up bonus and later switch to the Amex Platinum for an additional 150K points, which you can use for future trips.

Transportation: Renting a Car or Car Service

Once you arrive in Dubai, you’ll want to consider how you’re going to get around. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are car-friendly cities, but traffic can get intense during peak hours.

Rent a Car: For flexibility, renting a car is your best bet. Rentalcars.com offers great deals on rentals, and major companies like Hertz and Avis have plenty of options at Dubai International Airport (DXB). For about $30–50 a day, you can rent a comfortable car and have the freedom to travel between cities and explore areas off the beaten path.
Car Services (Uber, Careem): If you prefer not to drive, Uber and Careem (the Middle Eastern Uber) are readily available and affordable. They offer everything from standard cars to luxury rides if you want to cruise around in style.

Pro Tip: Gas in the UAE is relatively inexpensive, making renting a car an affordable option for longer trips.

Where to Stay: Luxury Without the Luxury Price

The UAE offers a range of accommodation options, from opulent five-star hotels to budget-friendly boutique stays. Below are some of the top picks for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In Dubai:

Atlantis, The Palm (Luxury): This iconic resort on The Palm Jumeirah is a must for luxury lovers. With stunning ocean views, an on-site water park, and gourmet dining, it’s a destination in itself. You can often find deals on Agoda or Skyscanner for discounts of up to 50%!
Rove Downtown (Affordable Luxury): For a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing style, Rove Downtown is perfect. Located near the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, it offers chic rooms at a fraction of the cost of nearby luxury hotels.
Armani Hotel Dubai (High-End Luxury): For the ultimate luxury experience, stay at the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa itself. Elegant, minimalist design meets unbeatable views. Though on the pricier side, deals do pop up on Agoda, especially during off-peak times.

In Abu Dhabi:

Emirates Palace (Luxury): A true symbol of Arabian opulence, Emirates Palace is more than just a hotel — it’s an experience. The vast property, private beach, and world-class restaurants make it the perfect luxury stay. Don’t forget to check Agoda and Skyscanner for discounts.
W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island (Trendy Luxury): Situated on Yas Island, W Abu Dhabi overlooks the Formula 1 racetrack and is close to major attractions like Ferrari World. This vibrant, trendy hotel is perfect for those wanting luxury with a bit of edge.
Aloft Abu Dhabi (Affordable Luxury): Located near Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Aloft Abu Dhabi offers a hip, modern vibe with budget-friendly prices. A perfect choice for travelers who want something cool and comfortable without overspending.

Your 2-Week Itinerary: Day by Day

Day 1–3: Arrival in Dubai & Exploring Downtown

Stay: Rove Downtown or Armani Hotel
What to Do:

Day 1: Start with a visit to the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa observation deck (book tickets in advance to avoid lines). In the evening, enjoy dinner at Thiptara overlooking the Dubai Fountain.
Day 2: Take a half-day trip to the old city. Visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, explore the Dubai Museum, and cross the Dubai Creek by abra (water taxi) to visit the Gold and Spice Souks.
Day 3: Head to Jumeirah Beach for some sun and sand, and then check out La Mer for a mix of beach and trendy eateries. In the evening, stroll along Dubai Marina and dine at Pier 7 for waterfront views.

Where to Eat:

Thiptara: Fine Thai dining with fountain views.
Al Ustad Special Kebab: Authentic Middle Eastern eats at wallet-friendly prices.
Reform Social & Grill: A relaxed spot with classic British comfort food.

Day 4–6: Desert Adventures and The Palm

Stay: Atlantis, The Palm
What to Do:

Day 4: Spend a day at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis or relax on the private beach. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at Nobu inside Atlantis.
Day 5: Go for a desert safari! Book a half-day tour with Viator and enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, and a traditional Arabian barbecue under the stars.
Day 6: Take a day trip to Global Village, where you can explore different cultures and cuisines in one giant theme park.

Where to Eat:

Nobu: Fine Japanese dining with a Peruvian twist.
The Farm: Hidden in Al Barari, it’s perfect for a relaxing meal in a lush setting.
Al Hadheerah: A desert dining experience offering Emirati cuisine and entertainment.

Day 7–9: Abu Dhabi Arrival & Culture Immersion

Stay: Emirates Palace or W Abu Dhabi
What to Do:

Day 7: Drive or take a 1.5-hour car ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Start with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for a breathtaking introduction to the city.
Day 8: Explore Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace. In the afternoon, check out The Louvre Abu Dhabi for a world-class art experience.
Day 9: Relax on Saadiyat Beach or head to Yas Waterworld for a fun family day. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife on Yas Marina.

Where to Eat:

Coya Abu Dhabi: An upscale Peruvian restaurant with fusion flavors.
Zuma Abu Dhabi: Contemporary Japanese cuisine in a sleek, stylish setting.
Sambusek: Lebanese fine dining with stunning views over the marina.

Day 10–12: Yas Island & Ferrari World

Stay: W Abu Dhabi
What to Do:

Day 10: Spend a thrilling day at Ferrari World. Ride the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, and check out other fun attractions.
Day 11: Explore Warner Bros. World for a day of family-friendly entertainment with beloved characters from DC, Looney Tunes, and more.
Day 12: Visit Yas Mall for some shopping and relax at Yas Beach in the afternoon.

Day 13–14: Final Days in Abu Dhabi

Stay: Aloft Abu Dhabi
What to Do:

Day 13: Visit the Heritage Village for a peek into the UAE’s Bedouin past, then take a stroll along the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Day 14: End your trip with a visit to the Mangrove National Park. Rent a kayak and explore the calm waters and wildlife before preparing for your departure.

Where to Eat:

Mezlai: For a final Emirati feast in the heart of the Emirates Palace.
Catch: A chic seafood restaurant with beachfront views.

Final Thoughts

This 2-week itinerary will give you a taste of both the old and new UAE, all while keeping your trip luxurious yet affordable. Don’t forget to book your tours through Viator, stay covered with Nomad Health Insurance by SafetyWing, and use Agoda or Skyscanner to find hotel deals throughout your trip.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel