Tour
START PLANNING

Your Trip to Dubai

Prepare to be enchanted by the rich tapestry of Arabian hospitality, culinary delights, and ancient traditions awaiting you in Dubai. Set against the backdrop of the glistening cityscape and the timeless allure of the surrounding red sand dune deserts, your journey promises unbeatable adventure and unforgettable experiences. From exploring historic souks to indulging in world-class cuisine, Dubai offers a luxurious oasis where every moment is filled with wonder and excitement. Embrace the magic of Dubai as you embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Adrienne Harris
Scenset travel curator
Thursday, 27 June – Tuesday, 02 July, 2024 · 5 nights
Journey to United Arab Emirates
🇦🇪
Trip Overview

27 Jun – 2 Jul 2024: Dubai (6 nights)

☎️
Local Contacts

If you need any assistance while you are traveling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations during your time in Dubai you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:

  • Local 24 hr Contact Number: +971 58858 8335


--

  • Your Curator - will be provided
  • Scenset Emergency Line: + 1 (415) 941-3900


Important: Due to the time difference, for small day-to-day things like touring and dining reservations - or emergencies that need immediate assistance - it will be most efficient for you to use the local contacts as they are in the same time zone as you.

WhatsApp: If you don’t have WhatsApp on your phone, we strongly encourage downloading it for free as it makes contacting our local team easier.

Destination Information
☀️
Weather

Dubai in June experiences extremely hot and humid weather, with average high temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F).

  • The scorching sun and clear skies dominate the month, making it essential for visitors to stay hydrated and seek shade during the peak daytime hours.
  • Humidity levels can be high, however, Dubai's modern infrastructure, air-conditioned buildings, and indoor attractions provide respite from the intense heat.
⚠️
Portable Fans

To help with the heat, consider bringing hand held / portable fans with you to take out with you during the day.

✈️️
Travel Requirements

U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Dubai for tourism purposes.

  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a visa-on-arrival for U.S. citizens, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. This visa-on-arrival is free of charge and can be extended for an additional 30 days.
  • However, it is important to note that your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Dubai.
🧳️

These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.

Welcome to the UAE.
Welcome to the UAE.
🕌
UAE Local Customs

The UAE is a wonderful country, full of cultural wonders and warm people to meet. Despite being a global hub for business, leisure and medical tourism, it is polite to adhere to and show respect for local customs:

  • Swimwear is permissible at beaches, waterparks, public pools and spa areas but is not considered appropriate in areas such as business districts and shopping malls.
  • Dressing conservatively is appreciated in historic neighbourhoods or when in culturally important places.
  • Modest dress is particularly important when visiting mosques, synagogues, and churches. Ladies should wear loose-fitting, non-see-through clothes and shoulders should be covered.
  • The UAE has zero tolerance for drugs.
  • Make sure you check any prescription medicine you are bringing with you is allowed to enter the UAE, as this may be confiscated. You may bring in prescribed medicines for personal use in normal quantities. Many pharmacies in the UAE carry most prescriptions you might need. Click here for more information.
  • Public displays of affection are best kept to a minimum. Holding hands is acceptable, but kissing and hugging in public areas is not permitted.
  • Alcohol is served in licensed establishments such as hotels, bars and specialised shops to those over 21 years of age. However, drunk and disorderly conduct and drunk driving are not acceptable in the UAE.
🏥
Medical Facilities

If you need a medical facility during your stay in Dubai, the below are closest to your hotel:

Saudi German Hospital (Women & Children Specialty Hospital) - 20 minute drive from your hotel

  • Address: Hessa Street 331 West, Al Barsha 3, Exit - 36 Sheikh Zayed Rd - opposite of American School - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
  • Opening hours: Open 24/7
  • Contact: will be provided




American Hospital - Dubai Media City Clinic - 17 minute drive from your hotel

  • Address: Business Central Towers, Dubai Media City, Dubai
  • Opening hours: Open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm
  • Contact: will be provided
👕
What to pack

In addition to your clothing, we recommend to pack the following:

  • Very comfortable walking shoes
  • Hats that shade your face from the sun
  • A light scarf or shawl to cover shoulders (both for entering religious sites and to protect from the sun)
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses and if you wear contact lenses, consider bringing extra glasses as sand may irritate your eyes
  • Moisturizing creams and chapstick
  • If you want to enjoy a nice dinner, bring chic or cocktail attire. Dubai is a well-dressed city, especially at high-end establishments
  • Hand held fans to help with the heat!


Don't forget your travel adapter and charging devices or phone charges!

💳
Money

The dirham (AED) is the official currency of Dubai, as well as the UAE's six other emirates. The AED currency is pegged at AED3.67 to the US dollar.

MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted at major restaurants, almost all hotels, and many shops.

American Express is less common but is still normally accepted at major hotels.

ATMs are very easy to find and are safe to use. Popular banks and machines you will see in the UAE are Emirates NBD, Mashreq, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB); to name a few.

💰
Tipping

Tipping during your trip is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:

Currency: We advise clients to take spending money in the form of US Dollar cash, as this is favored for tips.

  • Drivers: a suggested amount per day.
  • Guides: a suggested amount per day.
  • Hosts/Greeters: a suggested amount per day.
  • Bartenders: round-up the bill.
  • Wait-staff: 10% of the bill.
  • Porters: a suggested amount per bag.
  • Hotel Room/Staff: a suggested amount per night.
  • Crew Staff: a suggested amount per day.
🎵
Spotify Playlists

We've put together these bespoke playlists for you to get ready for your trip! You can listen to these before you go, while you're there and when you return so your trip never has to end:

  • Desert Sounds is your answer to desert lounging! Soothing music inspired by the desert to enjoys those endless dunes...
  • Summer Chill is full of relaxing beats, perfect for the beach!
  • The Open Road is the perfect soundtrack for long drives.
Thursday, 27 June, 2024
Day 1: Welcome to Dubai 🇦🇪

Welcome to Dubai, a city renowned for its unparalleled hospitality and luxurious experiences. As you arrive at Dubai International Airport, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey.

Dubai

Dubai, a city that stretches the very fabric of imagination, unfolds as a tapestry of contrasts where the traditional Arab heritage dances with futuristic skyline in an embrace as warm as its sun. This city of superlatives, home to the towering Burj Khalifa and the sprawling miracle of the Palm Jumeirah, promises a journey of discovery for the intrepid traveler, where luxury is not just experienced, but lived.

🚗
12:20am - Private Transfer

Meet your driver in the arrivals hall, after clearing customs. Upon meeting your driver, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Dubai.

  • Pick up time: Early morning
  • Meeting point: After customs
  • Duration: Approximately half an hour
  • Vehicle: Luxury Sedan or similar
  • If you have any problems, please call: will be provided


Booked by Scenset.

🎙️
Radio Stations

While you drive from the airport through Sharjah into Dubai, local radio stations are a great way of getting to know the pulse of the city!

The most popular radio stations to listen are:

  • Virgin Radio (104.4 FM) is definitely the most popular, and the go-to station for most people. It plays the Top 40.
  • Dubai 92 (92.0 FM) is the most popular radio station for the city's sprawling expat community, especially those from the USA, UK, South Africa and Canada. It plays music from the 80s, 90s, 00s and today.
  • Radio 1 (104.1 FM in Dubai or 100.5 FM in Abu Dhabi) is popular with all ages, and plays Top 40 as well as hits from other decades.
  • Dubai Eye (103.8 FM) is a talk radio station that discusses a host of topical conversations around life in the UAE, business topics, current affairs and entertainment.
  • Al Arabia (99.0 FM) is the most popular Arabic radio station to listen to, broadcasting nationally across the country for over a decade.
🛎️
Check - In

Arrive at a luxurious resort, a breathtaking resort located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah island. As you enter the opulent lobby, you'll be greeted by the attentive staff who will ensure a seamless check-in process. Take a moment to marvel at the stunning architecture and lavish decor that surrounds you, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay.

Your Stay: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai

Why we love it for you: On the crescent of the awe-inspiring Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Royal doesn’t just rise from the Arabian Gulf—it soars, redefining Dubai’s skyline with an audacity that’s as spellbinding as the city itself. This is not merely a hotel, but a realm of luxury reborn, where the ethos of opulence meets the ceaseless pursuit of pleasure. Here, every room and suite is a sanctuary of plush comfort, offering views that stretch the imagination between the mesmerizing blue of the Gulf and the dynamic tapestry of Dubai’s urban panorama. At Atlantis The Royal, gastronomy is not just about dining; it’s about embarking on a journey curated by culinary legends, with each restaurant promising an epicurean odyssey that tantalizes every sense. The hotel's myriad amenities—the cascading infinity pools, a private beach brushed by cerulean waves, and rejuvenating spa treatments—are all crafted to elevate relaxation into an art form, ensuring every moment is imbued with extraordinary splendor.

🛏️
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai


Booked by a guest.

After a relaxing sleep, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide in the morning.

👕

Please dress smart casual today. Flip flops, shorts, and jeans are not allowed in a few locations you will visit on your tour.

🏙️
9am - Discover Modern Dubai

Meet your guide for today's journey through the city's most iconic locations. Start with a tour of the captivating Dubai Frame. Next, ascend to the viewing deck of the Burj Khalifa for breathtaking views of the cityscape. Continue with a leisurely tour around the Dubai Marina. Continue this remarkable experience with a luxurious High Tea at the Burj Al Arab, and end adventure at The Dubai Mall with some time at leisure, a fitting finale to a day immersed in the wonders of Dubai.

  • Pick up time: Morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • If you have any problems, please call: will be provided
  • Includes: Guide, driver, all entrances and high tea at Burj Al Arab


You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Booked by Scenset.

🎟️
Tickets

Your frame tickets are here.

🚕
Catch a Taxi

Please catch a taxi at reception or order a ride-sharing service to go to Dubai Garden Glow.

🌸
Dubai Garden Glow

Opening times 5 pm - 10 pm

This evening you will discover a world of enchantment at Dubai Garden Glow, a captivating attraction that combines mesmerizing light installations, stunning art exhibits, and lush garden landscapes. As the sun sets, the garden transforms into a luminous wonderland, featuring millions of glittering lights and awe-inspiring displays illuminating the night sky.

  • Includes: entrance to Dubai Garden Glow.
  • Address: Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7, Area B, Za'abeel 1, Dubai
  • Booking Number: will be provided
  • If you have any problems, please call: will be provided


Booked by Scenset.

🎟️
Tickets

Your Glow Garden tickets are here.

For dinner, consider one of the below:

🥙
Restaurants

A few of our favourite restaurants are:

  • Ninive offers Middle Eastern cuisine in an Arabian setting, designed as a contemporary urban majlis between a garden and a caravanserai. In Islamic culture, the majlis is the space where one meets to make decisions.
  • Reem al Bawadi is a local favorite for Emirati cuisine! Head to the Dubai Marina for Arabian ambiance and local food.
  • Pierchic is a fabulous Italian restaurant with Burj al Arab views.
  • Gaia in Downtown Dubai is great for atmospheric Greek cuisine.
  • At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest restaurant, and the views are incredible! The Mediterranean cuisine is also excellent.
  • Nobu at Atlantis on The Palm offers innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in a chic setting: it's a winning formula that's made Nobu a global culinary icon
  • COYA is a modern Peruvian restaurant at the centre of COYA’s culture, COYA keeps traditional elements of Peruvian cooking alive whilst creating contemporary cuisine


This is a recommendation only.

🌅
Hot tip!

Head to Deira and the Dubai Creek area for sunset and hire an Abra (local boat) ride down the creek for an hour. If you start the Abra boat ride about 30 minutes before the sun goes down, halfway through you'll be treated to the call to prayer echoing across the city with pink skies from the middle of the water; it's truly breathtaking.

You can haggle with a driver for a private Abra ride for a 1-hour journey up and down the creek.

This is a recommendation only.

Enjoy your first day in Dubai!

Friday, 28 June, 2024
Day 2: Discovering the Gems of Abu Dhabi

Today you'll visit Abu Dhabi!

🕌
9am - Abu Dhabi Day Tour

Discover the heart of the UAE in Abu Dhabi, a city renowned not only as one of the world's leading oil producers but also as a cultural jewel waiting to be explored. As you wander through the city, let Abu Dhabi's stunning skyline, a testament to its remarkable progress, captivate you. Make a stop at Yas Island to capture the essence of the iconic Ferrari World.

Immerse yourself in the relaxed modernity of Abu Dhabi life as you travel to the city's core, cruising along the picturesque Corniche. Step back in time with a visit to Heritage Village, a meticulously reconstructed traditional oasis village that offers a glimpse into the desert way of life. Along the way, be awed by the sheer opulence of the Emirates Palace, a sight worthy of your camera's attention.

The journey culminates in a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural marvel that ranks among the world's largest mosques. Its grandeur and beauty invite marvel, promising an unforgettable highlight of your Abu Dhabi experience.

  • Meeting time: Morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • If you have any problems, please call: will be provided
  • Includes: Return transfers, guide, and all entrances.
  • Lunch will be at Emirates Palace, please pay for this locally.


This tour begins in the morning, and you will return in the late afternoon.

Booked by scenset.

This evening, you may enjoy:

🥩
Dinner
  • Why not try heading to Downtown Dubai to the Financial District to enjoy a city favourite; Zuma. Zuma is listed as one of the world's best 50 restaurants, so it's well worth a visit!
  • Flamingo Room by Tashas provides a casual, chic all-day dining experience – from lunch into the evening for dinners and cocktails. The contemporary menu showcases simple classics with clean flavours and the best quality ingredients.
  • Fish Beach Taverna features an Aegean menu of Turkish and Greek cuisine set against the stunning backdrop of the Mina Seyahi sunset and under the twinkling Arabian night sky.


This is a recommendation only.

Enjoy your day exploring Abu Dhabi!

🛏️
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai


Booked by a guest.

Saturday, 29 June, 2024
Day 3: A Day of Luxurious Entertainment

Today, you'll get to know Dubai through its food.

This morning has been left free for you to relax and explore the city at your own pace.

Recommended Experiences
  • Visit the Dubai Museum: Housed in the historic Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum provides a fascinating journey through the city's past. Exhibits showcase traditional Emirati life, Bedouin heritage, and the transformation of Dubai from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis.
  • Explore the Bastakiya Quarter: Step into the charming Bastakiya Quarter, a well-preserved heritage district that offers a glimpse into Dubai's past. Stroll through its narrow lanes, admire the traditional wind-tower houses, and visit art galleries, cafés, and museums that showcase local and regional artworks.
  • Experience the Old Souks: Lose yourself in the bustling souks of Dubai, where vibrant marketplaces transport you to another era. Explore the Gold Souk, known for its dazzling jewelry, and the Spice Souk, where aromatic spices and herbs fill the air. Engage in the art of bargaining while shopping for souvenirs and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Attend a Cultural Performance: Dubai showcases its cultural diversity through various artistic performances. Experience the captivating Emirati art of falconry, witness traditional dance forms like the Al Ayala, or attend a mesmerizing Sufi music and dance performance. These cultural showcases provide a deeper understanding of the local traditions and customs.
  • Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: Engage in a cultural dialogue at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Through interactive programs, guided tours, and cultural meals, visitors can gain insight into Emirati customs, traditions, and Islam, fostering a greater appreciation for the local culture.
  • Miracle Garden: If you want to experience some nature in Dubai, start your day with breakfast at The Farm and then head to Dubai Miracle Garden; world's largest natural flower garden, featuring over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants.


This is a recommendation only.

Time to brunch like a true local and head out for a show!

🚕
Catch a Taxi

Please catch a taxi at reception or order a ride-sharing service to go to brunch.

🍳
1pm - Brunch at Saffron 2.0

Enjoy brunch at Saffron 2.0.

Indulge in the ultimate brunch experience at Saffron 2.0, where culinary innovation meets vibrant ambiance. Feast on an array of delectable dishes, from international classics to exotic delights, all amidst the lively atmosphere of one of Dubai's most iconic dining destinations. Unwind and savor every moment as you're treated to a gastronomic journey like no other at Saffron 2.0.

  • Time: Afternoon
  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  • Address: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
  • Booked under: will be provided
  • Number of people: 2
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual


Booked by scenset - to be paid locally.

After brunch, head back to the hotel for a few hours of rest.

🚕
Catch a Taxi

Please catch a taxi or order a ride-sharing service to go to La Perle Show.

🎪
La Perle Show Gold

Experience the mesmerizing spectacle of "La Perle" in Dubai, an extraordinary live performance combining acrobatics, aquatic feats, and dazzling special effects. Prepare to be enthralled by this immersive theatrical experience, showcasing the city's vibrant entertainment scene like never before.

  • Show Start Time: Evening
  • Address: La Perle Show, Al Habtoor City, 260 Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
  • Gold Section
  • Seats: will be provided
  • Order no: will be provided


Booked by a scenset.

🎟️
Tickets

Your La Perle Show tickets are here.

Enjoy your day of entertainment!

🛏️
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai


Booked by a guest.

Sunday, 30 June, 2024
Day 4: Exploring the dunes

Today, you'll get to know Dubai's desert!

Spend this morning relaxing and exploring Dubai at your own pace.

🛍️
Shopping

Why not head out shopping in Dubai, where the city's array of luxury malls, traditional souks, and vibrant markets cater to every taste and preference. If you'd like to hit the shops, there are plenty of options!

  • Mall of the Emirates has a large selection of shopping and dining options, including Fendi, Hermès, and Gucci. You can also find some great Middle Eastern designers here, as well as an indoor ski resort.
  • Dubai Mall is a destination in itself! This sprawling shopping metropolis features an Arabian souk-style area where you can buy Arabic perfume and Oud, the Dubai Aquarium (one of the world's largest indoor aquarium), an incredible array of shops to explore and great dining areas! Right outside is the Burj Khalifa (why not head to the top!) and you can dine outside with views of the fountains.
  • Souk Madinat Jumeirah is an indoor souk (bazaar) that is good fun to explore. The whole complex is connected with waterways and there are some great food options here too.
  • Ibn Battuta Mall is the world's largest themed mall and is a favourite for residents away from the bustle of the major malls.
  • For a more local mall experience, head to Mercato Mall on the Jumeirah Beach Road. It's much smaller than the others but is very popular with local expats and Emirati families living in the area.


This is a recommendation only.

🍹
Beach Bars

You may wish to hit some of these beach bars:

  • Jetty Lounge is one of the oldest and best beach bar sundowner spots in Dubai. Known for Mediterranean bites, chic cocktails and an all-around classy vibe, you’ll approach the beach spot through lush greenery, taking you through the One&Only Royal Mirage resort. A DJ is on hand to set the scenset with chilled-out tunes as you marvel at the views. If you’ve never done Jetty Lounge, you need to.
  • DRIFT is at the One&Only Royal Mirage and offers exclusive beach and pool club vibes; serving exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and chic drinks on the shores of the Arabian Gulf
  • White Beach Club at Atlantis on The Palm is a great place for sunbathing and city views. It has a boho-chic, Mediterranean vibe


This is a recommendation only.

This afternoon, it's time to explore the desert!

🐫
2:30pm - Vintage Desert Adventure: Exploring Dubai's Wildlife and Culture in a 1950s Land Rover

Embark on a nostalgic journey through the desert aboard a vintage 1950s Land Rover, traversing the pristine Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to encounter exotic wildlife. Experience a falconry display, cultural entertainment, and traditional Arabic coffee and bread-making demonstrations, all amidst stunning desert landscapes. Conclude your adventure with a luxurious dinner under the twinkling desert stars, creating unforgettable memories of Dubai's natural beauty and heritage.

  • Pick up time: Afternoon
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • If you have any problems, please call: will be provided


You will return to your hotel in the evening

Booked by Scenset.

Enjoy your desert day!

🛏️
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai


Booked by a user.

Monday, 01 July, 2024
Day 5: A Journey Through Time

Today, you'll spend the morning relaxing in Dubai's sky high oasis, before exploring one of the city's oldest neighborhoods.

☁️
10am - Cloud 22

Experience unparalleled luxury and breathtaking views from Cloud 22 Dubai, a sky-high oasis nestled amidst the city's iconic skyline. Elevate your senses as you sip on handcrafted cocktails and savor delectable bites, all while gazing out over the glittering cityscape below. Unwind in style and indulge in a memorable morning of sophistication and panoramic vistas at Cloud 22 Dubai.

Includes:

  • Floating Bed in Infinity Pool
  • Direct pool access
  • 75cl bottle of champagne
  • Soft drinks



  • Opens from 10 am
  • Reservation number: will be provided


*Please note, ID is required for entry.

Booked by a user.

Cloud 22 - Infinity Pool
Cloud 22 - Infinity Pool
🕌
3pm - Exploring Dubai's Rich Heritage

Towering skyscrapers have risen from the sands through the years in the fast-growing city of Dubai but never has it forgotten its vibrant heritage and golden traditions. Join our local experts at Bastakiya, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Dubai, where your discovery of the city’s well-preserved cultural treasures shall commence. Learn about the 19th-century life in Dubai as you weave through the alleys of the Al Fahidi Historical District. Board an Abra, a traditional water taxi that ferried the locals across the Dubai Creek through the years. Walk through the gold and spice souk. Stop by the city’s most photographed mosque, the Jumeirah Mosque. Keep your eyes open all throughout the road trip as you will be passing by the historic Union House Flag where the UAE forged a union almost half a century ago. Take your must-have photo at the Jumeirah Beach with the iconic Burj Al Arab in the background.

  • Meeting time: Afternoon
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • If you have any problems, please call: will be provided


Booked by Scenset.

This evening, dine at TOMO.

🍽️
8:30pm - Dinner at TOMO

Tonight, enjoy a spectacular dinner at TOMO.

  • Reservation time: In the evening
  • Address: 17th floor Raffles Hotel, Dubai
  • Contact: will be provided


Reservation by Scenset.

🛏️
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai


Booked by a guest.

Tuesday, 02 July, 2024
Day 6: Departure Day
🚗
4:05am - Private Transfer

This morning you will check out of your hotel and meet your driver at the hotel entrance for your transfer to the airport.

  • Meeting time: Early morning
  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Car type: Luxury Sedan or similar
  • If you have any problems, please call: will be provided


Booked by Scenset.