5-Day Itinerary for Dubai & Abu Dhabi with Level Up

Our exploration of the UAE began in Dubai. Thanks to Level Up Middle East, our arrival was seamless. We were met at the jetway, fast-tracked through immigration and whisked away to The Lana Dubai, an absolutely gorgeous landing spot to begin. The Lana is one of the newest hotels in this ever-expanding city. It is all about exquisitely textured style delivered with elegant comfort, as well as some of the most magnificent views of Dubai's skyline.

Right from the start, Dubai felt like a place of dreams where ambitious futuristic visions are rooted in deep cultural traditions. It is shiny, extremely orderly, and offers a warm hospitality embodied by people from all over the world.

Our first full day began with a tour of old Dubai. We stepped back in time to see that the historic city's heart was still beating. Guided by Rafael, our expert storyteller, we wandered the Al Fahidi District, where coral-stone houses and winding alleys paint a picture of the city's origins.

We crossed Dubai's creek on a traditional abra boat, delivering us to the vibrant markets. At the Spice Souk, we were immersed in the scents and colors of ancient trade routes. The Gold Souk dazzled and showcased the city's status as a global luxury hub.

Our lunch was set at a beautiful Italian restaurant on the Dubai Creek Marina at the Park Hyatt Dubai.

In the evening, we left the city lights behind and headed to the desert for an amazing desert safari hosted by Sonara Camp. Upon arrival, we had cocktails at sunset followed by camel rides and an incredible dinner accompanied by entertainment!

On day two, we traveled with Level Up via private transfer for 1.5 hours from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, dressed in abayas, covered from neck to wrists to ankles and ready for our visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This modern architectural masterpiece was completed in 2007. It left us in awe of its serene white domes, reflective pools, intricate floral mosaics and the world's largest chandeliers. Beyond its breathtaking beauty, the mosque embodies unity and deep faith — a space where we wished we could linger longer to soak in its peaceful energy.

Lunch brought us to an Emirati home, where we sat on the floor to share traditional dishes and began with sweet dates, as is customary. The warmth of our hosts gave us a deeper appreciation of local traditions.

That evening, we explored the Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace, a dazzling landmark of golden domes, opulent interiors and over 1,000 chandeliers. Dinner at Strawfire, the palace's newest culinary gem, capped off the day in style.

We woke up to stunning beachfront views at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, nestled along one of the UAE's most pristine coastlines. Abu Dhabi is renowned for its beaches, where turquoise waters meet soft white sand.

Our cultural journey continued at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Jean Nouvel's iconic dome created a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, inspired by palm trees. Inside, exhibits celebrate 7,500 years of human history, showcasing how cultures connect and influence one another.

The Abrahamic Family House reminds visitors of the UAE's commitment to interfaith harmony. It houses a mosque, church and synagogue side by side.

Lunch at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island, while our day ended with indulgence: luxury shopping at The Galleria Mall and dinner at Butcher & Still at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the seat of power. Our journey highlighted its commitment to faith, evolution and nation-building for the Emirati people, as well as hospitality, culture and innovation.

Day four started with a glamorous yacht excursion where we cruised around the Dubai marina in style! The weather was perfect, the views of Dubai's skyline — unmatched, and the playlist made for an unforgettable afternoon.

For lunch, we docked at One&Only The Palm, an intimate sanctuary known for its exclusivity and style.

After lunch, we went to check in to the famous — Atlantis The Royal. This hotel is, in fact all that, and then some! The architecture is daring. Inspired by the elements of fire and water, the hotel lobby features soaring ceilings, mesmerizing aquariums and dramatic art installations. The hotel's design inside and out is nothing short of extraordinary.

Our rooms offered endless ocean views while city-facing rooms had stunning panoramas of The Palm, one of Dubai's many man-made islands. It was conceived and built to increase the UAE's beachfront real estate. Cocktails at Ling Ling closed out this night.

The next day, after breakfast at Gastronomy (the Royal’s famous breakfast bistro), we toured Atlantis The Palm. It is a favorite with families and the original mega-luxury resort in Dubai. The cabana at White Beach provided a few blissful hours of fun and pure relaxation. And until now, we had never snorkeled in an aquarium among a curated collection of colorful marine life.

These experiences created core memories. The UAE has leveled up our ideas of what is possible by showing off how big dreams can be. They have been crafted into larger-than-life realities set against a backdrop of the stark desert landscape.

This trip has also been a testament to the UAE's ability to deliver a variety of world-class luxury travel experiences and provide a space to live out your most extraordinary fantasies.

Day five ended with a visit to the lovely Madinat Jumeirah. This property seamlessly ties together four different hotels, each that offers a different design and feel. All four properties elegantly combine luxury with authentic Arab design attributes.