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Revel in the incredible contrasts of one diverse country.

As the wealthiest country in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates is often associated with glamour and opulence, and the centers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi live up to the reputation. Be dazzled by these cosmopolitan cities, both meccas of culture, finance, and innovation. Then, set off into the desert to discover how civilizations lived for centuries, long before skyscrapers rose to reach the clouds.

Your tour package includes

7 nights in handpicked hotels
7 breakfasts
1 lunch
3 dinners, select meals with beer or wine
1 tasting

Included highlights

Dubai Creek cruise
Sheikh Mohammed Centre
The Burj Khalifa
Sharjah Heritage Museum
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Dubai today.

Dubai4 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Dubai

Welcome to the United Arab Emirates! Take tonight to get settled in to your hotel.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Dubai

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome dinner

Discover both Dubai’s traditional and ultramodern sides on today’s guided sightseeing tour.

Walk through the Dubai souk, a traditional marketplace that sells everything from jewelry to textiles
Hop aboard an abra, a traditional water taxi, for a cruise along Dubai Creek
Get a taste of Emirati cuisine during lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Drive down Sheikh Zayed Road to New Dubai and admire the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world
Travel along the coastline, stopping to snap photos at Burj Al Arab, the iconic sail-shaped hotel, and the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah

Tonight, gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Sharjah

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to the neighboring Emirate of Sharjah, the UNESCO-named “cultural capital of the Arab world.”

Visit the Sharjah Heritage Museum in the neighborhood of Old Sharjah
View the Faisal Mosque, the largest of 600 mosques in the emirate
Pass by the Souk al Markazi, called the “Blue Souk”
Make a photo stop at the Al Noor Mosque

Later, enjoy a free evening in Dubai or add an excursion.

Burj Khalifa Observation Deck & Dinner

From $199 per person

Day 5: Free day in Dubai

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day getting to know Dubai at your leisure or add an excursion.

Desert Safari & Bedouin Camp Dinner

From $105 per person

Abu Dhabi2 nights

Day 6: Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On your way to Abu Dhabi, stop at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital to learn about rehabilitation efforts and enjoy a demonstration of the ancient hunting technique of falconry.

Continue on to Abu Dhabi and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Abu Dhabi

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to explore Abu Dhabi on a guided tour.

Pass by Saadiyat Island cultural district
Pass the Emirates Palace and the Corniche, a five-mile waterfront walkway with incredible views of the Persian Gulf
Enter the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world, and marvel at its detailed marble work and magnificent interiors

Then, spend a free afternoon in Abu Dhabi or add an excursion.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

From $85 per person

Al Ain1 night

Day 8: Transfer to Al Ain & sightseeing tour

Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Farewell dinner

Travel through the desert to serene Al Ain. When you arrive, get to know the “Garden City” on a guided sightseeing tour.

Stop at the Al Ain Oasis to enjoy the lush greenery of the surrounding date palm plantations and farms
Visit a date palmery where you’ll learn about the irrigation, production and growth of local foods followed by a date tasting
Enter the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum and Al Jahili Fort, which was built to protect the city in 1891

Tonight, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 9: Transfer to Dubai & departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Head to Dubai this morning to relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

If you are continuing on the tour extension to Oman, you’ll travel to Muscat, Oman where you’ll spend the night.

Arrive Home

Day 10: Arrive at home

Arrive home today.

Extension to Oman

Filled with rich history and stunning landscapes, Oman stands out among its often-flashier neighbors because of its long-standing traditions. Travel to the ancient capital of Muscat, explore Nizwa, and set out over the sand dunes to see a new side of the Arabian Peninsula.

Muscat4 nights

Day 9: Transfer to Muscat

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cross the border into Oman as you make your way to the capital city of Muscat. En route, sit down for an included lunch and make a photo stop at Nakhal Fort. When you arrive, enjoy an evening guided sightseeing tour.

Take a panoramic drive through the city, stopping along the Corniche Waterfront for photos
Stop at the Muttrah Souk and spend free time exploring the traditional market’s varied stalls

Day 10: Nizwa & Desert Forts

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out into the desert for a full-day excursion.

Explore the souks in the center of Nizwa, the oldest city in Oman
Sample locally grown dates at the souk’s famous date market
Enter Nizwa Fort, which dates back to the 1650s
Visit Jabrin Castle, once an important academic center for students of astronomy, medicine and Islamic law

Day 11: Free day in Muscat

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Oman or add an excursion.

Wahiba Sands

From $169 per person

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Muscat

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a closer look at Muscat this morning on a guided sightseeing tour.

Enter the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the main mosque in the Sultanate of Oman and marvel at its minarets, intricately decorated interior, and sprawling grounds
Pass by Fort Al Jalali, Fort Al Mirani and the Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Oman

This evening, gather with your group for a farewell toast and light dinner.

Flight home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 35 authentic and unedited traveler reviews

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10/25/19 by 3rd-time traveler Elizabeth

10/11/19 by 7th-time traveler Darlene

It was wonderful !!! I Loved it.. Our Tour guy AJ was the best . Been on several tours with Go Ahead . Could answer any questions that someone needed to know.. He’s the Best and also have a great personality..

Fantastic

10/11/19 by 1st-time traveler Carolyn Redd

Fantastic..... i’ve gone to a lot of places but this place was one of the best places I’ve ever seen in my life. I would love to go back again, but due to the 15 hour flight not gonna be able to do that. It's wonderful, I think everyone should at least go once to see what you’re missing , again fan...

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Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Hyatt Place Dubai Wasl District

This modern hotel is located in the Wasl District. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and pool. Nearby you’ll find the Dubai Spice Souk Market...

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Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi

This chic hotel is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, spa center, and on-site coffee shop. Nearby you’ll find the Al Wa...

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Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain Hotel

This modern hotel is located in Al Ain. Guests enjoy a sauna, outdoor pool, and free internet access. Nearby, you'll find Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Zoo, an...

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Levatio Hotel

This elegant hotel is located in the Al Badi neighborhood. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant options. Nearby you’ll find th...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
Find out more about flights

Local weather

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Weather averages

Today

High 75 °FLow 58 °F

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Weather averages

Today

High 77 °FLow 69 °F

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Weather averages

Today

High 76 °FLow 70 °F

Muscat, Oman

Weather averages

Today

High 75 °FLow 69 °F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits the United Arab Emirates (plus Oman on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. and Canadian citizens must obtain a visa prior to entering Oman (on the tour extension). Travelers can choose to obtain an e-visa at evisa.rop.gov.omby clicking "Apply for Tourist Visit Visa" under "Services" on the main page. Please note the visa is only valid for 30 days after approval. Travelers can also purchase the visa by using a visa provider, such as our partner VisaCentral.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including unpaved roads and desert paths, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats and small vehicles.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Dubai (or Muscat, Oman for the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are considered to be more liberal than some neighboring cities, local customs concerning dress are strict and should be respected. Bare shoulders and knees are considered inappropriate in public places, though swimwear at beaches and pools is acceptable.
Loose-fitting, breathable clothing can help keep you cooler in desert heat. Cotton, linen, or a quick-dry material is best for hot days outside, though a light scarf or extra layer may be needed for chillier evenings and early mornings.
You may want supportive walking sandals to keep cool on city sightseeing. Comfortable closed-toes shoes, such as sneakers or lightweight hiking boots, are best for activities in the desert.
Sun protection is very important. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit mosques or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis). In addition, we recommend women bring a light scarf as they may have to cover their heads and hair to order to enter mosques.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
Temperatures in this region often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), especially during the summer months. Drinking plenty of water, limiting your alcohol intake and using proper sun protection is extremely important in order to prevent the effects of dehydration and heat stroke.
Be sure to take proper care for sun exposure by regularly applying sunscreen or covering up with long, loose-fitting layers.
There are inherent risks associated with water activities, particularly for those with preexisting medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Local laws

The United Arab Emirates (and Oman on the tour extension) is an Islamic country that follows Sharia law. While both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are considered more liberal than some neighboring cities, it’s important to note that very conservative laws governing public behavior are strictly enforced.
Among these laws are prohibitions against public displays of affection. Hand-holding is permissible, but kissing and other affectionate displays are expressly forbidden, even between married couples.
Obscenity laws are also upheld throughout the country. Offenses for using foul language and making indecent gestures are punishable by jail time.

Cuisine

The United Arab Emirates reflects its diverse history in its cuisine. Asian, Moroccan, and Levantine influences feature heavily, as do spices brought through the country by trade routes. Saffron, cardamom, and turmeric flavor many meals.
One-pot dishes like fareeth, a stew made with vegetables and bread, and al harees, a porridge of barley and meat, are popular recipes. Seafood is a staple—if you’re feeling adventurous, you might try jisheed, a soup made with shark meat.
In Oman (on the tour extension), you’ll find African and Indian cuisine reflected in many traditional recipes. Coconut, berries, and nutmeg are ingredients not often found in Middle Eastern dishes, but which play a big role in Omani kitchens. Don’t miss madrouba , a slow-cooked dish made with rice, chicken, and dried Persian limes.
At very traditional meals, diners eat with their hands, sometimes using pieces of flatbread to scoop up portions of food. Don’t be afraid to dig in!
Consumption of alcohol is strictly regulated throughout the country. Alcoholic beverages may only be served to non-Muslim visitors at certain licensed hotels and restaurants.

Electricity & air conditioning

The United Arab Emirates operates on the European standard 220–240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three pins.
Oman (on the tour extension) operates on the European standard 220–240 volts and uses a Type C or G plug with two or three pins, respectively.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
Air conditioning in Emirati hotels may be much cooler than what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

The United Arab Emirates is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and eight hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 8pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the United Arab Emirates dirham in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (plus the Omani rial in Oman on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

United Arab Emirates: Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Revel in the incredible contrasts of one diverse country.

Day-by-day itinerary

Reviews

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Hotels

Flights

Local weather

FAQ

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