Dubai In-Depth and Hatta Mountains
Stay at Dubai Marina. Beyond the city landmarks, old markets and desert safari, add a day of kayaking in the Hatta mountains.
A more relaxed pace than the three-day version, with one area each day: the marina and Bluewaters Island, downtown and the desert, the old town and riverbanks, a day trip to the Hatta mountains, and a wrap-up on Palm Jumeirah. Staying in Dubai Marina makes evening strolls along the waterfront easy. Kayaking at Hatta Dam and the heritage village add mountain scenery. Abu Dhabi is not included. Ideal for travelers who want to explore Dubai itself in depth.
Boating and hiking in Hatta are best in cooler seasons. Avoid outdoor activities at midday in summer.
Day by day
Day 1 · Marina and Bluewaters Island
Dubai（Dubai Marina & JBR、Bluewaters Island）
A taxi from the airport to Dubai Marina takes about 40 minutes. In the afternoon, walk along the waterfront promenade to JBR, then cross the footbridge to Bluewaters Island.
Stay: Dubai Marina & JBR
Day 2 · Burj Khalifa and Desert Safari
Dubai（Burj Khalifa、Dubai Mall / Dubai Fountain、Desert Safari (Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve)）
In the morning, take the Red Line metro about 30 minutes downtown. In the afternoon, return to your hotel to wait for the camp vehicle. The desert trip takes about 1 hour one way.
The tower is less crowded in the morning. Desert tour packages usually include hotel pickup.
Stay: Dubai Marina & JBR
Day 3 · Old Town, Riverbanks and Museum of the Future
Dubai（Museum of the Future、Al Fahidi Historical District、Dubai Creek Abra Ride、Deira Gold Souk、Al Seef）
Take the metro to the Museum of the Future, then another metro to the old town to walk. Cross the river by abra to the Deira Souk. In the evening, take the metro back to the marina.
Stay: Dubai Marina & JBR
Day 4 · Hatta Mountains Day Trip
Drive or hire a car via E44, about 1 hour 40 minutes to Hatta. You can also take a bus directly from Dubai Mall. Return in the evening.
The water is calm in the morning for dam kayaking. The heritage village opens only on Friday afternoons.
Stay: Dubai Marina & JBR
Day 5 · Palm Jumeirah and Departure
Dubai（The View at The Palm、Palm Jumeirah / Atlantis The Palm）
A taxi takes about 15 minutes to Palm Jumeirah. You can take the monorail to Atlantis. In the afternoon, take a taxi about 40 minutes to the airport.