How to Plan the Perfect 4 Days in Dubai with Friends

Planning a holiday with friends can be a complicated process. More often than not, one friend wants to relax on the beach, while the other wants to engage in some adventure activity. There are very few places that offer a variety of things to do - something for everyone. Fortunately, Dubai falls smack in the middle of that list.

Having studied in Dubai and spent five years exploring the city with friends, here are my tried and tested suggestions on how you can plan the perfect itinerary for Dubai with friends.

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Day 1: Start Off with Some Shopping and a Visit to the Burj Khalifa

You land at the Dubai International Airport, and already get zapped by the richness of the place. Due to some renovation at the old airport these days, many flights have been directed to the brand new Dubai World Central, Al Maktoum International Airport, located in Jebel Ali, an hour away from the city centre.

Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai

Once you have checked in to your hotel, head out to the iconic Dubai Mall. Spread over 13 million square foot, and with over 1,200 stores, Dubai Mall is a world in itself. Do visit the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the fancy Waterfall and the Ice Skating Rink. The mall opens up to an outdoor Downtown area, where the Musical Fountain is located, and is right at the foot of the grand Burj Khalifa. The magnificent Sound and Light show, is played out every half an hour after sun-down, and is a truly magical experience.

If you are looking for a relaxed dinner after the sightseeing, places like California Pizza Kitchen, TGI Fridays, Chillis, Carluccio’s are ideal for a meal with friends and not too heavy on the pocket. Alcohol is not served at the mall, but is readily available across the fountain, at the Souk Al Bahar.

At the Top, Burj Khalifa

The magnificent Burj Khalifa is all that Dubai stands for – growth, grandeur and wealth. The entry to At the Top observation deck at Burj Khalifa can be booked online (for 125 Dirhams per adult) as well as bought at the entrance, but I recommend you book in advance since the cost is around one fourth of the counter price (400 Dirhams per adult), and you can also pick a time of your preference. Enjoy the panoramic view of Dubai from the 124^th floor!

Day 2: Desert Safari and Arabic Camp Experience

The popular Desert Safari in Dubai packs together fun, adventure, culture, food and entertainment all in a few hours, an exciting activity to experience with friends! Desert Safari SUVs pick you up right from where you’re staying. The tour starts with Dune Bashing, where a caravan of vehicles drives up and down the sand dunes, some as high as seven floor buildings. It is the most enjoyable bumpy ride you’ll ever be on!

The rides end at a traditional Arabic-style camp in the middle of the desert where you can experience camel rides, belly dancing, Turkish dancing, Sheesha (or hubbly bubbly), Henna painting and a delicious spread of Lebanese cuisine. As the night falls, and the chilly desert breeze hits you, the vehicles drive you back into the city, and leave you with memories to last you a very, very long time.

Day 3: Water Park and Dinner Cruise

Aquaventure Water Park

Water, Sun and Sand. Is there any better way to enjoy with friends? The Aquaventure Water Park is part of the Atlantis Hotel, and located at the tip of the Palm Islands. The entry is around 250 Dirhams per adult, and there are plenty of rides and activities throughout the day. Do try the Tower of Neptune and Tower of Poseidon rides for the sheer thrill!

Dhow Cruise

A dhow is the traditional Arabic-style yacht, which you can book for a dinner cruise, a wonderful way to spend a relaxing evening with friends. You may take the cruise at the Dubai Creek or the newer Dubai Marina Creek. The cruise includes drinks and dinner and takes you along the creek, in the midst of the brightly lit buildings reflecting on the water. The ride takes over two hours, and promises an enchanting evening with good food and great company.

Day 4: Gold, Carpets and Spices

Gold Souk

What is Dubai without a visit to the Gold Souk? The Arabic streets, covered with wooden panels and cobbled streets have a distinct old world charm. Gold is hung in abundance from the shop display windows, as if sold a dime a dozen. You can take an abra, or little boat, at the creek, to cross over to the other side. This ride would cost you only about 5-10 Dirhams per head.

Meena Bazaar & Spice Market

The abra ride would take you to the oldest part of the city, where trade and fishing started in Dubai. Take in the Arabic market atmosphere, as you explore the streets with friends. Today, the bazaar retains the spirit of the past, and is a wholesale market for cloth, spices, carpets and a number of other goods. Bargain unabashedly.

Dubai Travel Tips

• Book your tickets for the Dhow Cruise, Desert Safari and Burj Khalifa in advance. It's cheaper and more convenient
• Taxis are not very expensive, but for long distances, you can take the Dubai Metro, which is quite well-connected
• PDA is a strict no-no