A 6-Day Group Tour to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE in February 2023

📍 Guangzhou · 👁 5028 reads · ❤️ 6 likes

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Musical Fountain

UAE - Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab

UAE - Dubai - Jumeirah Beach - View of Burj Al Arab from afar

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - Night view overlooking Dubai business district

UAE - Dubai - Yacht Marina

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Desert - Dune bashing

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Desert - Entertainment area

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - Infinity pool

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Fountain Square

UAE - Dubai - Bastakiya (Iranian Town)

Outbound travel came to a complete halt for three years due to the pandemic. With COVID-19 now downgraded to Category B management, at the beginning of this new spring, we finally got the good news: starting February 6, group outbound tours nationwide would resume. Travelers everywhere remained enthusiastic, and the first tours set off one after another, as if everyone had been waiting to let off steam.

Riding this wave, we joined in and signed up for a "Light Luxury - One Thousand and One Nights UAE 6-Day" tour. From February 26 to March 3, we visited Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE. This was a chance to experience and appreciate Dubai, a place often described as "a cloth on the head makes me the richest in the world." In just a short time, we witnessed how a barren desert had transformed into a modern international metropolis that seems to have sprung out of nowhere, the trade capital of the Middle East and North Africa, and the world's tallest building piercing the clouds. Today, Dubai has become a tourist mecca, drawing visitors from all over the globe.

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Fountain Square

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel Balcony - Overlooking Dubai business district

UAE - Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Desert - Dune bashing

UAE - Dubai - Bastakiya (Iranian Town)

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - View of Burj Khalifa from afar

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - Night view overlooking Dubai business district

This group tour mainly covered Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche, and other city sights; in Dubai, we visited Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Bastakiya (Iranian Town), Madinat Jumeirah (Souk Madinat), Burj Khalifa (Dubai Tower) observation deck, Fountain Square, Dubai Mall, and more. Together with fellow tour members, we also took part in two optional activities: desert dune bashing and a buffet dinner inside the 7-star Burj Al Arab. Overall, the experience was relaxing, eye-opening, worth every penny, and extremely rewarding.

1. The UAE, short for the United Arab Emirates, is located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula in Asia. It consists of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi as the capital, and is rich in oil and natural gas.

2. Dubai is one of the emirates of the UAE and the country's largest and most populous city. It serves as the capital of the Emirate of Dubai and is an international metropolis.

3. Since January 16, 2018, the UAE has implemented a visa-free policy for Chinese passport holders, making travel to the UAE very convenient nowadays.

UAE - Abu Dhabi - Zayed National Museum

UAE - Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Ruler's Palace

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - Infinity pool

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - View of Burj Khalifa from afar

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - Overlooking Dubai business district

UAE - Dubai - Bastakiya (Iranian Town)

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Desert - Dune bashing

UAE - Dubai - Palm Jumeirah

The specific itinerary was as follows:

Day 1, February 26 (Sunday): Shantou – Guangzhou – Dubai

Today was the first day of the trip, and it involved some tiring travel. We had to get up early to catch a morning flight from Chaoshan Airport to Guangzhou, so we could meet the tour leader at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by noon. After completing the necessary formalities, we boarded China Southern Airlines flight CZ383 at 15:15 and flew from Guangzhou to Dubai. The flight lasted over nine hours. We arrived in Dubai at around 9 p.m. local time and reached the hotel after 10 p.m. After more than 20 hours of rushing around, I felt a bit exhausted. I went straight to bed so I could recharge for the sightseeing activities starting the next day.

Overnight at an international hotel in Dubai.

1. The time difference between the UAE and China is 4 hours, meaning local time is 4 hours behind China.

2. The UAE has a tropical desert climate with two seasons: a hot season (summer) from May to October, when the weather is hot and humid with temperatures exceeding 40°C, and a cool season (winter) from November to April, when it is mild and sunny, occasionally rainy, with temperatures between 15°C and 35°C.

3. During our visit, temperatures mostly ranged from 22°C to 32°C, which is a relatively comfortable season for tourism. The temperature difference between morning and evening was noticeable, so short-sleeved clothes plus a light jacket were enough.

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Fountain Square

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab

UAE - Dubai - Souk Madinat

UAE - Dubai - Souk Madinat - Shopping center

UAE - Dubai - Street view

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Creek

UAE - Dubai - Palm Jumeirah - Monorail station

Day 2, February 27 (Monday): Dubai – Abu Dhabi

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we first headed to Jumeirah Beach to admire the iconic Burj Al Arab from afar. Then we traveled to the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, a drive of about two and a half hours. The main highlight of the day was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Along the way, we also glimpsed the Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace, the Corniche, and many notable buildings from the vehicle.

The guide explained that Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the Middle East, costing a staggering $5.5 billion. Its interior is adorned with countless precious stones and shells. Particularly impressive are the Swarovski crystal chandeliers, each valued at $800,000, and the world's largest hand-woven carpet. The entire complex is clad in white marble from Greece, and its elegant white facade against the azure sky looks especially solemn and majestic.

Overnight at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.

1. Although Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, it is far less bustling than Dubai, and there are fewer places to visit.

2. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enforces strict dress codes, especially for female visitors. Appropriate clothing must be prepared in advance.

UAE - Dubai - Jumeirah Beach - View of Burj Al Arab from afar

UAE - Abu Dhabi - Presidential Palace

UAE - Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

UAE - Abu Dhabi - Etihad Towers (a filming location for Fast & Furious 7)

Day 3, February 28 (Tuesday): Abu Dhabi – Dubai

Today we returned from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Our first stop was the Louvre Abu Dhabi, but unfortunately the itinerary only allowed us to view it from the outside. Back in Dubai, we visited a place called the "Arab Cultural Art Center." Despite its grand name, it was essentially just a shop selling carpets and handicrafts, with little to see. After that, we took the Palm Jumeirah Monorail to view the world's largest man-made island, Palm Jumeirah. Lunch was specially arranged at the Anantara Hotel on Palm Jumeirah, where we enjoyed a sumptuous and varied buffet. It's rare for group meals to be held at such a high-end hotel with such a lavish spread – definitely a plus!

In the afternoon, we joined the optional desert dune bashing activity. A company specializing in desert activities sent vehicles to our hotel to pick us up and take us to the Dubai desert camp, about a 40-minute drive away. After a short rest, we boarded 4WD vehicles and ventured deep into the desert for what is called an adventurer's game – dune bashing. Then we stopped at the top of a dune to rest, take photos, and admire the desert scenery and sunset. On the way back, we visited another desert camp where we could ride camels, watch folk performances, and enjoy an Arabian dinner.

Overnight at the SLS Hotel in Dubai, a luxurious hotel that only opened in April 2021. The hotel is magnificent, and uniquely, its lobby is on the 71st floor, the restaurant on the 74th floor, and there is an outdoor infinity pool on the 75th floor. Each room has a balcony overlooking the skyscraper-filled Dubai business district and offering distant views of the Burj Khalifa (Dubai Tower). We would be staying here for two nights – fantastic!

1. The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is an incredibly ambitious and costly project, dazzling and eye-catching, and very famous. However, ordinary tourists, whether on the monorail or in a vehicle, can't really see its full beauty because they can't get to a high vantage point.

2. Dune bashing is thrilling and fun, known as an adventurer's game but full of excitement without real danger. It's actually quite enjoyable and safe, and a widely appreciated optional activity.

UAE - Abu Dhabi - Louvre Abu Dhabi

UAE - Dubai - Palm Jumeirah - Villa area

UAE - Dubai - Palm Jumeirah

UAE - Dubai - Palm Jumeirah - Entertainment area

UAE - Dubai - Palm Jumeirah - View of Burj Al Arab from afar

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Desert - Entertainment area

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Desert - Dune bashing

Day 4, March 1 (Wednesday): Dubai

Today's schedule was very relaxed, with the group gathering only at 10 a.m. After waking up and freshening up, I went to the buffet restaurant on the 74th floor to leisurely enjoy an abundant breakfast. Then I went up to the terrace on the 75th floor to rest, stroll, admire the view, and take photos. I also swam in the outdoor infinity pool – what a pleasure!

The first stop in the morning was the Dubai Ruler's Palace Square. We only stayed a short while to enjoy the scenery and take photos before leaving. Next, we visited Bastakiya (Iranian Town). The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood here is one of Dubai's oldest heritage sites and the last remaining cluster of traditional wind-tower buildings along the Gulf Arab coast. Though the area is very small, it's worth spending some time wandering its winding, narrow alleys to soak up the atmosphere.

After Bastakiya, we headed to Dubai Creek in the historical heart of the city. We took a traditional abra (water taxi) and enjoyed the colorful views of the creek from both the boat and the shore. Then the guide took us to see and photograph the Dubai Frame, a landmark building in the city. After that, we visited Madinat Jumeirah (Souk Madinat), right next to the Burj Al Arab. We admired the grandeur of the Arabian castle-like architecture and the tranquil ancient canals, while from a distance, the modern and stylish Burj Al Arab formed a striking contrast – it was quite charming.

In the evening, all tour members joined the optional buffet dinner inside the 7-star Burj Al Arab. We were fortunate to enter this most famous hotel in Dubai. At dusk, we arrived at the hotel parking lot, then walked across the seaside boardwalk leading to the hotel and strolled around the building. As we admired the unique architecture and pleasant seaside scenery, we took photos. Finally, we reached the magnificent, glittering lobby. The luxury here surpassed imagination, and the sights were dazzling. Although this highly anticipated optional activity was expensive, it was a delightful pleasure. Everyone raved about it and felt it was well worth the experience.

Today was truly a full-day Dubai tour. From the hotel breakfast in the morning to the buffet dinner at the Burj Al Arab in the evening, a rich variety of excursions and activities followed one after another. It was immensely rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable. Throughout the day, laughter and cheerful chatter never stopped, and happiness was written on everyone's faces. We had a wonderful time.

Continued overnight at the SLS Hotel in Dubai – just perfect!

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - Infinity pool

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Ruler's Palace Square

UAE - Dubai - Bastakiya (Iranian Town)

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Creek

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Frame

UAE - Dubai - Souk Madinat

UAE - Dubai - Souk Madinat - View of Burj Al Arab from afar

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab - Lobby

1. To use the hotel's infinity pool, bring a swimsuit, trunks, and a swim cap. Hotel rules require anyone with long hair to wear a swim cap before entering the pool. Stay safe while swimming.

2. Burj Al Arab is a symbol of Arab luxury and one of Dubai's icons. Built on an artificial island 280 meters from the shore, it has 56 floors and rises 321 meters, resembling a billowing sail. Only hotel guests or patrons with confirmed reservations are allowed inside.

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - Infinity pool

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab - Night view

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab - Entrance at night

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab - Shopping area

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab - Lobby

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab - Buffet restaurant

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab - Large aquarium

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab - Swimming pool

Day 5, March 2 (Thursday): Dubai – Guangzhou

Today was the last day of sightseeing in Dubai. The schedule was simple, mainly visiting Dubai Mall and viewing the Burj Khalifa from outside. Then we would end our entire UAE trip and take a flight around 11 p.m. back to Guangzhou. Spending the night on the plane, we knew it would be quite tiring.

The schedule was relaxed; the group didn't meet until 11:30 a.m. I woke up naturally, and the whole morning everyone could freely enjoy the hotel facilities at leisure. Departing from the hotel, we first stopped at the yacht marina to pick up a few tour members who had gone on an optional Dubai yacht cruise in the morning. We ourselves took a moment to admire the beautiful marina scenery. Then we proceeded to Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa observation deck and fountain square. Here, everyone had several hours of free time to leisurely shop and explore.

The Burj Khalifa (Dubai Tower) is the tallest tower in the world and an iconic Dubai landmark. Soaring to a staggering height of 828 meters with 162 floors, it stands as an architectural masterpiece blending art, engineering, and traditional culture. At the observation deck and fountain square, you can admire its magnificent appearance up close. Having only seen it in the media before, I was truly awestruck standing here in person, gazing up at the gleaming tower piercing the sky.

Dubai Mall covers an area equivalent to about 50 football fields. It houses over 100 restaurants, more than 1,200 shops including world-famous brands, and features the Middle East's largest indoor aquarium and the region's biggest indoor artificial waterfall. The mall is filled with dazzling goods and bustling tourists. We had a fantastic time browsing, so much so that we lost track of time. Many tour members scored duty-free items they had been eyeing.

Soon it was 7 p.m., time to regroup. With the entire UAE itinerary successfully wrapped up, it was time to head home. At the airport, with the guide's assistance in checking in and dropping off luggage, we boarded the flight back to Guangzhou at 10:45 p.m. Goodbye, Dubai! Goodbye, UAE!

UAE - Dubai - Yacht Marina

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Burj Khalifa

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Mall

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Mall - Aquarium

1. The Burj Khalifa observation deck and fountain square are great spots to view the tower up close. Musical fountain shows are performed at 12:00 and 12:30 p.m., and again at 6:00 and 6:30 p.m., though each lasts only about five minutes.

2. Dubai Mall is several floors high, enormous, and always packed. When shopping, pay close attention to your bearings, or you may easily get lost.

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Musical Fountain

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Mall - Artificial waterfall

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Fountain Square

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Musical Fountain

Day 6, March 3 (Friday): Guangzhou – Shantou

We arrived safely at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in the morning, then transferred to China Southern Airlines flight CZ3894 departing at 12:30 p.m. for Shantou. This marked the smooth, safe, and successful conclusion of our brief yet colorful and eye-opening 6-day UAE tour. Thanks to the attentive service of the tour guide – both the escort and local guide – the trip was made more convenient and enjoyable.

1. The UAE is a Muslim country; as tourists, we must be particularly respectful of local religious beliefs and customs.

2. UnionPay cards are widely accepted, and US dollars are generally usable. Some malls also accept Alipay.

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab

UAE - Dubai - Burj Al Arab - Lobby

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Burj Khalifa

UAE - Dubai - Night view of city architecture

UAE - Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

UAE - Dubai - International hotel at night

Our 6-day UAE group tour, with over two days spent in transit, actually gave us only about four full days of sightseeing. We rushed through many attractions in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai at a whirlwind pace; of course, many of those were just drive-bys or brief photo stops.

Yet in just a few short days – from the skyscraper-studded business district, the glittering malls, to the crowds of international tourists at airports, hotels, attractions, and shops – one could already get a preliminary sense of Dubai's successful transformation from heavy reliance on oil to trade, finance, and tourism.

This is a land that is half desert, half sea; half oil, half heaven. Everything here gave us a taste of what ultimate luxury and extravagance look like. A different experience, a different feeling – all of it left a deep impression on everyone.

UAE - Dubai - Burj Khalifa Observation Deck - Burj Khalifa

UAE - Dubai - SLS Hotel - View of Burj Khalifa from afar

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Desert - Dune bashing

UAE - Dubai - Souk Madinat - View of Burj Al Arab from afar

UAE - Dubai - Palm Jumeirah

UAE - Dubai - Dubai Mall - Aquarium