Grand UAE loop · 9 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah

• Jebel Jais viewing deck and mountain drive · 3 h. Carry a jacket in Dec–Feb; evenings at the top can drop below 10°C.

Local tip: Carry a jacket in Dec–Feb; evenings at the top can drop below 10°C.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah

• Jebel Jais Flight, the world's longest zipline · 3 h. Book ahead; weight and height limits apply and high winds can cancel flights. The summit is about 10°C cooler than the coast.
• Al Marjan Island promenade at sunset · 1.5 h
• Jais Sky Tour (multi-line zipline course) · 3 h

Local tip: Book ahead; weight and height limits apply and high winds can cancel flights. The summit is about 10°C cooler than the coast.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Ras Al Khaimah → Fujairah

Fujairah · Ras Al Khaimah to Fujairah, Private car ~1.5h

• Al Bidya Mosque, the UAE's oldest · 1 h. A working mosque — visit outside prayer times, dressed modestly; women cover their hair.
• Snoopy Island snorkelling (Al Aqah) · 3 h. Boat trips with gear are the easiest option; calm mornings have the best visibility.

Local tip: A working mosque — visit outside prayer times, dressed modestly; women cover their hair.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Fujairah

Fujairah

• Khor Fakkan corniche and Al Rafisah Dam · 4 h. Khor Fakkan is part of Sharjah emirate, so no alcohol is served; about 30 min from Fujairah city.
• Al Aqah beach day · 3 h
• Masafi Friday Market stop on the drive · 1 h. Open daily despite the name — fruit, pottery, plants and carpets.

Local tip: Khor Fakkan is part of Sharjah emirate, so no alcohol is served; about 30 min from Fujairah city.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Fujairah → Dubai

Dubai · Fujairah to Dubai, Private car ~2h (RTA bus ~2.5h)

• Burj Khalifa At the Top (levels 124/125; 148 optional) · 1.5 h. Sunset slots cost more and sell out — book 1–2 weeks ahead in Nov–Mar. Level 148 (At the Top SKY) is roughly ₹9,000–12,000 with a lounge.
• Dubai Frame · 1.5 h. Go an hour before sunset to see old and new Dubai in daylight and lit up.

Local tip: Sunset slots cost more and sell out — book 1–2 weeks ahead in Nov–Mar. Level 148 (At the Top SKY) is roughly ₹9,000–12,000 with a lounge.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Dubai

Dubai

• Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain show · 3 h. Fountain shows run every 30 min from about 6pm to 11pm; the boardwalk and lake boat ride cost extra.
• Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, abra ride and Gold & Spice Souks · 3.5 h. The abra across the creek costs about AED 1. Go early morning or after 4pm; bargain in the souks and check gold hallmarks and weight.

Local tip: Fountain shows run every 30 min from about 6pm to 11pm; the boardwalk and lake boat ride cost extra.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Sharjah day trip: Heart of Sharjah, Museum of Islamic Civilization and Al Noor Island

Dubai

• Sharjah day trip: Heart of Sharjah, Museum of Islamic Civilization and Al Noor Island · 6 h. Leave Dubai after 10am to miss rush-hour traffic. Sharjah has stricter dress norms and no alcohol.

Local tip: Leave Dubai after 10am to miss rush-hour traffic. Sharjah has stricter dress norms and no alcohol.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Dubai → Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi · Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Private car ~1.5h (intercity bus ~AED 25)

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque · 2 h. Free, but register online for a slot. Loose full-length clothing; women need a headscarf. On Fridays visits start only after midday prayers — check official hours. Sunset is the best time.
• Qasr Al Watan presidential palace · 2 h. The evening light-and-sound show is a separate ticket.

Local tip: Free, but register online for a slot. Loose full-length clothing; women need a headscarf. On Fridays visits start only after midday prayers — check official hours. Sunset is the best time.

Open day 8 route in Google Maps

Day 9: Explore Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

• Louvre Abu Dhabi · 3 h. Under-18s enter free. Closed on some Mondays — check before going.
• Abu Dhabi Corniche beach and waterfront walk · 2 h
• BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Mureikhah · 2.5 h. Free, but register online for a visit slot. Closed on Mondays. Shoulders and knees covered; no photography inside. About 50 min from Abu Dhabi city and 1h15 from Dubai, so it fits on the drive between them.

Local tip: Under-18s enter free. Closed on some Mondays — check before going.

Open day 9 route in Google Maps

Day 10: Depart from Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

• Emirates Palace and Etihad Towers · 1.5 h. Non-guests can usually enter for the cafés and restaurants; dress smart-casual. Etihad Towers' observation deck is a paid extra.

Local tip: Non-guests can usually enter for the cafés and restaurants; dress smart-casual. Etihad Towers' observation deck is a paid extra.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 10 route in Google Maps