United Arab Emirates · Middle East
Your destination at a glance
This route links the United Arab Emirates' two largest cities, roughly ninety minutes apart on a straight desert motorway. Dubai is the busier of the pair — a trading port turned high-rise city of malls, marinas and engineered spectacle — while Abu Dhabi, the federal capital, is quieter, greener and more institutional, its landmarks spread along a corniche and out on Saadiyat and Yas islands. Taking both gives a trip more range than Dubai alone: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi bring architecture and collections the Dubai circuit does not, while Yas Island answers the demand for theme parks. Direct and connecting flights from major Indian cities make the two-city route practical for a first trip abroad. It suits families, multi-generational groups and travellers who want city sightseeing with dependable transport and familiar food.
| Best time to visit | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar (shoulder: Apr, Oct) |
|---|---|
| Suggested duration | 6–7 Days |
| Starting price | ₹56,000 per person — a starting figure, confirmed in your proposal |
| Region | United Arab Emirates · Middle East |
| Trip style | Beach, heritage, honeymoon |
Build the days around what matters
The world's tallest building, a tapering steel-and-glass tower at the centre of Downtown Dubai. Lifts run to observation decks on the upper floors, where floor-to-ceiling glass looks out over the Gulf, the artificial islands and the desert beyond. Entry runs on timed slots, and sunset is the most sought after.
One of the world's largest shopping centres, holding an aquarium tunnel, an indoor ice rink and hundreds of shops. Outside, on the lake between the mall and Burj Khalifa, choreographed fountain jets run to music through the evening at short intervals, watched free from the promenade and the bridge.
A palm-shaped artificial island reclaimed off the Jumeirah coast and laid out as a trunk, fronds and a curving breakwater. A monorail runs its length to the Atlantis resort at the tip, and visitors come for the beaches along the trunk, waterfront restaurants and views back at the mainland skyline.
A dense district of residential towers built around an artificial canal cut inland from the Gulf. A paved promenade runs its full length past cafés and moored yachts; dhow dinner cruises and speedboat tours depart from here, and the JBR beach strip is a short walk away.
An excursion into the dunes inland from the city, normally by four-wheel drive with a spell of dune driving before a camp stop. Camps offer camel rides, sandboarding, henna, a barbecue dinner and folk performances. Afternoon departures avoid the worst heat and finish after dark.
Abu Dhabi's principal mosque, finished in white marble with inlaid floral stonework, reflecting pools and a vast open courtyard. Inside are a hand-knotted carpet and chandeliers of coloured glass. It opens to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times, under strict dress rules, with abayas lent at the entrance.
A museum on Saadiyat Island beneath a low latticed dome that filters daylight into shifting patterns across the plaza below. The galleries are arranged chronologically rather than by country, setting objects from different civilisations side by side, and include works loaned from French national collections.
A purpose-built leisure island holding Ferrari World, a waterpark, a Warner Bros. park and the Yas Marina racing circuit. Ferrari World is largely indoors and air-conditioned, with a roller coaster that accelerates to very high speed alongside far gentler rides suited to younger children.
A starting point, not a fixed package
Visit Burj Khalifa, Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Visit Dubai Mall & Fountain, Yas Island (Ferrari World).
Visit Palm Jumeirah, Corniche Abu Dhabi.
Visit Dubai Marina, Qasr Al Watan.
Visit Desert Safari.
Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Season by season
Getting there from India
Dubai International and Zayed International are the main gateways. Direct and connecting flights operate from several Indian cities.
There is no passenger railway between India and the UAE. Urban rail is limited to Dubai; the two cities are connected by road.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are linked by motorway and scheduled buses or private transfers. Confirm the correct airport and intercity transfer before booking.
Know before you go
The UAE dirham is used in both emirates. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, with small notes useful for taxis, souks and desert-camp extras.
Arabic is the official language, while English is used routinely for business and tourism. Hindi and Urdu are widely spoken across both cities.
The UAE is 1 hour 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time (IST).
A desert climate shared by both emirates: very hot, humid summers and mild winters ideal for beaches, desert safaris and outdoor sightseeing.
Roaming works reliably and tourist SIMs or eSIMs are sold at both airports. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls and museums.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer international dining alongside Emirati machboos, harees and date sweets. Meat is generally halal, while vegetarian and Jain travellers have dedicated Indian options. Cover shoulders and knees at major Abu Dhabi landmarks, and avoid public daytime eating during Ramadan.
Entry requirements
Indian ordinary-passport holders should arrange the correct UAE entry permission or eVisa unless they meet a current conditional exemption. The same federal entry rules apply whether the itinerary begins in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
UAE Government visa guidance Checked 2026-08-30
Small details, smoother days
A closer look
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Useful answers
November to March is generally the best period for a combined Dubai and Abu Dhabi trip because temperatures are more comfortable for city walks, desert activities and outdoor landmarks. April, May and October are hotter shoulder months. June to September can be intensely hot and humid, making midday outdoor sightseeing tiring across both emirates.
6 to 7 days works well for a first combined Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary. It allows several days in Dubai plus at least one full Abu Dhabi sightseeing day without turning the inter-city transfer into a rushed excursion. Travellers with more time can stay overnight in Abu Dhabi rather than treating every attraction as a same-day return from Dubai.
The Orbitz Holidays master-list starting price for Dubai + Abu Dhabi is ₹56,000 per person. This is a starting figure rather than a guaranteed final trip total. The final amount can vary with travel dates, hotel category, occupancy, transport and confirmed inclusions. Any unconfirmed taxes, entry charges, activities or airfare should be confirmed before travel.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are both in the UAE, so the same federal immigration permission generally covers travel between them after legal entry. Indian passport eligibility can change depending on current visa rules and supporting documents. Exact visa categories, fees and processing times should be confirmed before travel. Road transfer is the usual link between the two cities.
This combination suits families, couples and travellers wanting the UAE’s two main city experiences in one trip. Burj Khalifa represents Dubai’s modern skyline, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque provides Abu Dhabi’s major religious and architectural landmark, and Louvre Abu Dhabi adds a substantial museum experience. The pairing creates more cultural range than a Dubai-only stay.
The published starting price is ₹56,000 per person. Exact hotel category, meals, transfers, sightseeing, permits, taxes and transport are included only when stated in the final proposal. Confirm the itemised inclusions before payment.
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