Today arrive Dubai - one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the Arabian Peninsula. The ruler of Dubai is HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who is also the Prime Minister of the federation of UAE. The crown prince is HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at Dubai.
Morning is free for leisure / unwind at your hotel. Early evening we drive to the expansive dunes of the Arabian Desert Safari a thrilling ride over the dunes in a 4 wheel drive vehicle followed by a visit to a camel farm. You'll then continue with a sunset dinner at an Arabian campsite with live entertainment, including belly dancing and henna artists. This quintessential Dubai experience lasts until about 9pm and is a wonderful adventure. Evening return for overnight stay at Dubai.
After breakfast we proceed to Downtown Dubai to visit the enormous Dubai Mall, photo stop at the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. If you're in need of cooling down, check out the mall's Olympic-size ice rink. Later visit Bur Dubai with a walk through the historic area of Bastakiya. Wander the meandering pathways surrounded by wind towers and traditional Arabian homes.
Visit Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to gather information about Emirate culture (the center also arranges walking tours of the old quarter). You can then visit the Majlis Gallery, which was Dubai's first art gallery, and stop for a coffee at the Basta Art Café. Just to the north you'll see the Al-Fahidi fort, the city's oldest surviving building. Drive past the Grand Mosque and the Bur Dubai Souk, a bustling textile and clothing market in business since the 1830s.
Enroute visit the Palm Island with a stop-over at the Atlantis -The Palm for a photo-stop. Then we will be passing by the Sheikh Zayed Road (the Manhattan of Dubai). The short boat ride (abra) across the creek will drop you off in the dhow wharfage area of Deira, just in front of Baniyas Road. Here you can watch the colorful dhows as they make their way back and forth along the creek to the Gulf. Take the pedestrian underpass to the left to the Grand Souk Deira, Dubai's oldest and busiest bazaar. Just behind the Grand Souk lies the Spice Souk. Make your way to the Gold Souk, which is spread out to the left. The best time to visit is after 4pm, since most shops close during the heat of the afternoon. Overnight stay at Dubai.
Day is free on own for shopping / independent activities in Dubai.
Bid farewell. Today we transfer to Dubai International airport for your onward flight.
