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Day 1
Dubai
Arrival at Dubai International Airport. After collecting your luggage and completing the formalities, meet one of our English-speaking representatives who will meet you in the arrival hall at the airport, welcome you and then accompany you to meet your driver. Your driver will take you to your hotel (Transfers with an English-speaking driver, without a guide).
Overnight stay at a Dubai hotel.
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (4): Hilton Garden Inn Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (5): Grand Millennium Dubai (or similar) -
Day 2
Dubai
Breakfast at the hotel.
Dubai is a unique and spectacular city. Start your visit with the discovery of the skyscrapers along the famous Sheikh Zayed highway which runs along the city. After a photo stop in front of the Burj Al Arab, an iconic 7-star hotel in Dubai.
Continue to the Dubai Marina and stop for a moment to admire the various buildings, before heading to Palm Jumeirah for some Instagram worthy photos with the famous Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal as a backdrop.
Taking the Sheikh Zayed Road back towards the city we stop in Downtown Dubai, home of the tallest building in the world. We’ll visit the highest observation deck in the world at level 124 of Burj Khalifa to take in some stunning 360-degree views of the city.
We stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
After discovering the modern part of the city, the scenery changes as we stroll through the narrow streets of the historic Bastakiya district with its Arabic wind towers. Learn more about Emirati history and traditions at the Al Shindagha Museum (including a visit to the childhood home of Sheikh Al Maktoum). Cross Dubai Creek on board an abra (local, traditional water taxi) to reach the spice and gold souks where you can show off your bargaining skills.
At this point, your guide will leave in the hands of your capable driver who will accompany you until the departure of the dinner cruise.
Dine aboard a traditional dhow on the waters of the creek, you can discover the "Old Dubai" from another viewpoint. Admire the district of “Bastakiya” by night as you sail past the skyline of Dubai.
Dinner is an International buffet on-board a traditional Arabian trading boat – Dhow (cruise duration is 2 hours).
Your driver will drop you off at the hotel after dinner.
Overnight stay at a Dubai hotel.
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (4): Hilton Garden Inn Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (5): Grand Millennium Dubai (or similar) -
Day 3
Sharjah - Desert safari with BBQ dinner
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet your English-speaking guide and your driver at the hotel in the morning then leave for Sharjah!
Head to Sharjah, the Emirate neighboring Dubai And start your tour with a photo stop in front of the Al Noor Mosque, King Faisal Mosque, stroll through the Souks, then visit the Museum of Islamic Civilization.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, food and soft drinks included, then return to Dubai.
Once back at the hotel, 4x4 vehicles will pick you up from your hotel for a Safari in the desert (English-speaking drivers without a guide - 6 people per vehicle).
As you cross the golden sands, deep in the dunes, the safari guide will demonstrate his expert hand at the wheel and you’ll experience an exhilarating “dune bashing” adventure unique to the desert. Stop at the top of a dune to admire one of the most beautiful sunsets you can imagine and then drive onwards to a Bedouin camp for dinner. Relax for a while and be entertained by lively belly dance and traditional tanoura dance performances.
Your driver will then accompany you back to the hotel. Overnight.
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (4): Hilton Garden Inn Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (5): Grand Millennium Dubai (or similar) -
Day 4
Abu Dhabi -
Breakfast at the hotel.
Leave Dubai and discover the Capital city of the UAE: Abu Dhabi!
The day tour of Abu Dhabi will begin with a visit to the newly opened Abrahamic House, where you can learn more about the three great monotheistic religions and their cohabitation in the United Arab Emirates. Then head to the Louvre Museum (entrance included and free visit – a guided tour is available at an additional cost)
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (food and soft drinks included).
Continue with a panoramic city tour along the Corniche, passing iconic architectural structures such as Emirates Palace Hotel, Etihad Towers and Qasr Al Watan. Take a short stroll through Heritage Village.
End the day by visiting the splendid Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the largest Mosques in the world and an architectural work of art. This historically significant Mosque blends architectural styles and embodies Islam's message of tolerance and peace.
Following this visit, the driver will then accompany you to your Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Dinner & overnight stay at an Abu Dhabi hotel.
Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi (or similar)
Hotel (4): Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi (or similar)
Hotel (5): Grand Millennium Abu Dhabi (or similar) -
Day 5
Al Ain
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today, discover the oasis of Al Ain. Located near the Omani border and surrounded by mountain and desert landscapes, Al Ain is the second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. With more than 10,000 hectares of parks and gardens, it is called "the garden city" of the Emirates. We’ll visit the former home of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (Sheikh of Abu Dhabi), then Al Jahili Fort to discover the history of Al Ain.
Lunch is at a local restaurant (food and soft drinks included).
In the afternoon, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the camel market followed by a walk under the shady palm trees of an oasis. We will also take you to “Qasr Al Muwaiji”, a recently restored UNESCO site where you can learn about the history of the royal family Al Nahyan, of Abu Dhabi.
After this visit, we head back to Dubai.
Dinner and overnight stay at a Dubai hotel.
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (4): Hilton Garden Inn Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (5): Grand Millennium Dubai (or similar) -
Day 6
Musandam cruise
Early breakfast at the hotel followed by a coach departure to Musandam – Cruise Dibba on a shared basis.
This day cruise to Musandam is an experience for the nature-lovers. A peaceful day away from the bustling city of Dubai. You will embark on a traditional Arab dhow for a cruise that will take you along part of the coast of the Indian Ocean.
The beauty of the landscapes around you on this excursion are fascinating and simply unforgettable. Just before lunch, the boat will stop in the open sea to give you time to enjoy water activities such as swimming, diving, angling, kayaking.
After a light buffet lunch, we continue sailing to reach a fishing spot. Here the crew will introduce you to angling, a traditional fishing method. This is the last activity on the cruise and we’ll make our way back to the port where your waiting driver will take you back to Dubai.
Dinner and overnight stay at a Dubai hotel.
***Clients should carry their original passports for this activity***
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (4): Hilton Garden Inn Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (5): Grand Millennium Dubai (or similar) -
Day 7
Dubai
Breakfast at the hotel.
Take advantage of some free time to explore Dubai’s famous malls, relax on the beach or just take a leisurely stroll around the city on your own.
Lunch is at your leisure by your arrangements.
Dinner and overnight stay at a Dubai hotel.
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (4): Hilton Garden Inn Dubai (or similar)
Hotel (5): Grand Millennium Dubai (or similar) -
Day 8
Return
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Dubai International Airport with English speaking driver (without guide).
Transfer from/to Dubai airport without guide
Full
Day visit of Dubai with English speaking guide & lunch at local restaurant in DubaiDinner Cruise at Dubai Creek without guide; with transfers on shared basis & Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner on sharing basis without guide; Musandam Cruise Dibba on sharing basis without guide
7 Nights accommodation with Breakfast; Lunch & Dinner (according to the itinerary)
Entrances according to the itinerary
Full
Day Abu Dhabi with English speaking guide & lunch at local restaurant in Abu DhabiFull
Day Al Ain visit with English speaking guide & lunch at local restaurant in Al AinHalf
Day visit of Sharjah with English speaking guide & lunch at local restaurant in Sharjah5% Value Added Tax (VAT)
Exclusions
Transfer from/to Dubai airport without guide
Full
Day visit of Dubai with English speaking guide & lunch at local restaurant in DubaiDinner Cruise at Dubai Creek without guide; with transfers on shared basis & Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner on sharing basis without guide; Musandam Cruise Dibba on sharing basis without guide
7 Nights accommodation with Breakfast; Lunch & Dinner (according to the itinerary)
Entrances according to the itinerary
Full
Day Abu Dhabi with English speaking guide & lunch at local restaurant in Abu DhabiFull
Day Al Ain visit with English speaking guide & lunch at local restaurant in Al AinHalf
Day visit of Sharjah with English speaking guide & lunch at local restaurant in Sharjah5% Value Added Tax (VAT)
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
AT A GLANCE
Traveling to the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates form a federation of seven emirates that united in 1971, giving rise to a young nation deeply rooted in its traditions. It is a constitutional monarchy in which each emirate retains significant autonomy, while the country is led by a president from the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. Located between the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the UAE occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The seven emirates that make up the country are Abu Dhabi, the federal capital; Dubai; Sharjah; Ajman; Umm Al-Qaiwain; Ras Al-Khaimah; and Fujairah. Long focused on fishing, trade, and pearling, the Emirates underwent a rapid transformation following the discovery of oil, primarily concentrated in Abu Dhabi. Today, the country also invests heavily in tourism, finance, culture, and new technologies. Its citizens are known as Emiratis, and the legal system is partially inspired by Sharia law while coexisting with a modern legal framework.
DUBAI
Dubai is without a doubt the most internationally renowned emirate. Founded in the 18th century, it has become within just a few decades a global symbol of modernity and ambition. A major commercial port and business hub of the Middle East, Dubai stands out for its bold architecture and constant drive for innovation.
Located between Abu Dhabi to the south and Sharjah to the north and east, Dubai stretches along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Although much of its territory is desert, the population is largely concentrated within the city itself. Dubai has built its reputation on iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Al Arab hotel, and the palm-shaped artificial islands. Behind this futuristic image, however, Dubai remains deeply connected to its roots, particularly visible in its historic districts and traditional souks.
SIR BANI YAS
Sir Bani Yas Island, part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, reveals a very different side of the United Arab Emirates. Located in the Arabian Gulf, this island of approximately 100 km² has been a protected nature reserve since 1971. It is home to the world’s largest population of Arabian oryx, along with many other animal and plant species. Sir Bani Yas reflects the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate and the political heart of the United Arab Emirates. Its name means “Father of the Gazelle,” a reference to the wildlife once found in the region. Situated along the Arabian Gulf, it borders Saudi Arabia to the south and west, Oman to the east, and Dubai and Sharjah to the north.
Abu Dhabi includes nearly 200 islands along its coastline and remains largely desert, with much of its territory covered by the Rub al-Khali. The city of Abu Dhabi, the federal capital, is the third-largest city in the country. More understated than Dubai, it stands out for its elegance, world-class cultural institutions, and a refined balance between tradition and modernity.
AL AIN
Al Ain is the second-largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the fourth-largest in the country. Located near the Omani border, it is known as the “Garden City” due to its numerous parks and green spaces. Built around several oases, Al Ain benefits from underground water sources that support its traditional irrigation system.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, the city is experiencing growing tourism. Its museums, restored forts, zoo, and expansive gardens highlight its historical and cultural importance while offering a peaceful and pleasant environment.
SHARJAH
Sharjah is considered the most conservative emirate in the country. Its laws are stricter, particularly regarding alcohol consumption, which is strictly prohibited for non-Muslims. Located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Sharjah extends along the Arabian Gulf.
The city of Sharjah is recognized as the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is home to numerous museums, artistic institutions, and the country’s largest mosque, the King Faisal Mosque. Sharjah also boasts several beaches, offering an appealing contrast between culture, tradition, and seaside relaxation.
AJMAN
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates. Situated on the Arabian Gulf, it is distinguished by its unusual geography, with several enclaves scattered among neighboring territories. Despite its modest size, Ajman offers a quieter and more authentic atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of major urban centers.
UMM AL-QAIWAIN
Umm Al-Qaiwain takes its name from its main city and means “Mother of the Two Powers.” Located between Sharjah and Ras Al-Khaimah, this emirate has traditionally relied on fishing and date cultivation, unlike others more focused on oil and gas. It appeals to visitors with its slow pace of life and preserved character.
RAS AL-KHAIMAH
Ras Al-Khaimah, meaning “Top of the Tent,” is the northernmost emirate in the country. Bordered by the Arabian Gulf, it also shares a border with Oman. The emirate consists of several enclaves and is known for its mountainous landscapes, beaches, and historical sites. It borders nearly all other emirates except Abu Dhabi.
FUJAIRAH
Fujairah is the only emirate located entirely along the Gulf of Oman, on the eastern side of the country. Separated from the other emirates by the Hajar Mountains, it has a distinct identity. Without oil production, its economy relies mainly on agriculture, fishing, and maritime trade. Its beaches and rich marine life also make it a popular destination for diving enthusiasts.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s iconic landmark, is visible from nearly 90 kilometers away. The city operates without a traditional address system, requiring locations to be described in detail to find them. It is not uncommon to see camels parked near shopping malls. Dubai also holds more than 130 world records, ranging from the tallest tower to the first hotel often described as seven-star.
CURRENCY
The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Emirati dirham, in circulation since 1973. It is available in banknotes and coins called fils. The dirham is widely accepted throughout the country, and card payments are very common.
TIPPING
In restaurants and bars, a tip of around 10% is generally expected, although it is often automatically included in the bill. For guides and drivers, it is customary to leave a daily amount as a token of appreciation for their service.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Electricity runs at 240 volts, and British-style outlets with three rectangular prongs are used.
RELIGION, LANGUAGES, AND TIME DIFFERENCE
Islam is the official and dominant religion of the United Arab Emirates, but the country welcomes a wide diversity of faiths due to its large expatriate population. Arabic is the official language, while English is widely spoken and used in daily life. The time difference with Quebec is eight hours, as the UAE operates on UTC +4.
CULINARY SPECIALTIES
Local cuisine is influenced by Arab traditions, but the high level of imports and cultural diversity make the Emirates a true gastronomic crossroads. Visitors can enjoy flavors from around the world, from traditional dishes to international cuisine and global restaurant chains.
SHOPPING AND SOUVENIRS
Shopping in the United Arab Emirates is an integral part of the travel experience. In traditional souks, bargaining is not only accepted but expected. Typical souvenirs include carpets, jewelry, shawls, copper Arabic coffee pots, and shishas. Modern shopping malls, meanwhile, offer a blend of local craftsmanship and contemporary products.
Name: Treasures of the Emirates
Brand: tripcentral tours
Quality: First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Dubai
End City: Dubai
Vacation Overview:
Traveling to the United Arab Emirates offers a blend of modern luxury and traditional culture. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi boast stunning skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and world-class entertainment. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the serene Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE is a place of innovation and grandeur. Whether exploring deserts, relaxing on beaches, or enjoying vibrant nightlife, the UAE promises an unforgettable experience.
