How to Plan the Perfect 4 Days in Dubai with Friends

Planning a holiday with friends can be tricky. But fortunately, Dubai is one of those rare places where you can find something that suits everyone. There are skyscrapers screaming ultra-modern luxury, mega malls for shopaholics, and the spell of the desert for those who want to get close to nature. You can explore the city and the desert to your heart’s content.

Start with a city tour - Day 1

Explore the city. Once you’ve checked into your luxury hotel in Dubai, head out to the Dubai Mall. There are around 1200 stores at the mall. And you can visit the Aquarium, the waterfall and the underwater zoo. There is even an ice-skating rink. The mall leads to an outdoor downtown area. There you will find the Musical Fountain at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. You can feast your eyes on the breath-taking sound and light show after sun-down. If you wish to enter the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, make a booking online beforehand. You can pick the time, and enjoy the panoramic vistas from the 124th floor. The Burj Khalifa is located close to most accommodation options in the city such as the Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai.

Feel the spell of the desert – Day 2

Desert safaris are popular in Dubai, and not without reason. You’ll be able to spend a few hours in the desert complete with fun, games and delectable food. You’ll get into an SUV and go sand dune bashing, which is thrilling. Some dunes happen to be as tall as seven-floor buildings. It would be a rather enjoyable bumpy ride. And afterwards, you’ll end up at an Arabic style camp in the middle of the desert. And, then onto camel rides, Turkish and belly dancing followed by Henna art and a scrumptious Lebanese meal of lavish proportions. You can smoke shisha, gaze at the stars of the desert, and drive back taking the delightful spell of the desert with you.

Enjoy some time at the water park and go on a Dinner Cruise – Day 3

Head over to the Wild Wadi Water Park. You’ll have access to an exhilarating range of water rides. Try the 32-metre-all Jumeirah Sceirah slide; go to the Tantrum Alley for spinning and twirling on inflatable tubes. Or gently float along the Juha’s Journey (a lazy sort of river). And, then you can access Breaker’s Bay where you’ll find the largest wave pool in the Mid-East. The rides at the park have thrill ratings. Hence, you can pick the slides suitable to your party. When hunger pangs begin to strike, you’ll find plenty of options from pizza, shawarma and burgers to fresh fruit and smoothies.

In the evening, go on a dinner cruise on a dhow (traditional Arabic yacht). Enjoy dinner and drinks as you pass by Dubai Creek or the Dubai Marina Creek. You’ll have an enchanting evening.

Browse for Gold, Carpets and Spices – Day 4

You cannot leave Dubai without checking out the Gold Souk. These charming cobblestoned, Arabic streets are scattered with wooden panels. You’ll see plenty of gold hung in all abundance. You can board an ‘abra’ to cross over to the other side of the creek. The abra ride costs about 5 to 10 Dirhams. Once you cross over, you’ll be in old-world Dubai. At the bazaar, perhaps you can buy some gifts to take home to friends. You are allowed to bargain; in fact, it is very much a part of the culture. The bazaar is filled with colourful clothes, myriad of spices, refined-looking carpets and beautiful vibes from the old world still lingering in the air.