Dubai First Visit
Stay downtown and see Burj Khalifa, Old Dubai, a desert safari, and Palm Jumeirah with its sail-shaped hotel, all within three days.
For first-time visitors with only a weekend or a layover. On day one, climb Burj Khalifa downtown and watch the fountain show. On day two, explore the old town and the Gold Souk in the morning, then leave the city in the afternoon for a desert dune bashing trip and a camp dinner. On day three, visit the Museum of the Future and seaside landmarks before heading to the airport. All the sights are concentrated along three routes, so the metro plus taxis is enough. Theme parks and neighboring cities are left out.
From May to September, daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C. Schedule outdoor activities early or late in the day.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and Downtown Night Views
Dubai（Dubai Mall / Dubai Fountain、Burj Khalifa、Dubai Opera）
The Red Line metro from the airport to downtown takes about 25 minutes. After checking in, walk around the mall and climb the tower in the evening.
Burj Khalifa is most sought after around sunset. Book on the official website in advance.
Stay: Downtown Dubai
Day 2 · Old Dubai and Desert Camp
Dubai（Al Fahidi Historical District、Dubai Creek Abra Ride、Deira Gold Souk、Desert Safari (Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve)）
In the morning, take the metro to the old town for a walk, then cross the river by abra. In the afternoon, the camp vehicle picks you up around 2:30 p.m., about 45 minutes one way.
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, at the old town mosques and markets.
Stay: Downtown Dubai
Day 3 · Museum of the Future and Waterfront Landmarks
Dubai（Museum of the Future、Palm Jumeirah / Atlantis The Palm、Burj Al Arab、Madinat Jumeirah & Souk Madinat）
In the morning, take a taxi to the Museum of the Future, then drive along Sheikh Zayed Road to Palm Jumeirah. In the evening, take a taxi from Jumeirah about 30 minutes to the airport.
Museum of the Future tickets are sold by time slot, so book in advance.