16-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a land where visionary architecture meets ancient tradition, offering a travel experience that is as opulent as it is diverse. On this 16-day epic journey, you will traverse the glittering coastlines of Dubai, the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi, and the dramatic Hajar Mountains, all while enjoying the finest world-class amenities.
This Luxury Escape focuses on the extraordinary, from private yacht charters in the Persian Gulf to secluded villa stays in the world’s largest sand desert. Expect white-glove service, Michelin-starred dining, and seamless private transfers that ensure your focus remains entirely on the breathtaking beauty of the Emirates.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Dubai, UAE - The Grand Arrival
VIP Airport Arrival
Experience a seamless arrival with Marhaba Elite services at Dubai International Airport. Your private chauffeur will whisk you away to your hotel in a Mercedes S-Class.
Check-in at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Arrive at the world’s only 'seven-star' hotel. Settle into your duplex suite featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
Afternoon Tea at Sahn Eddar
Enjoy a prestigious afternoon tea in the heart of the world's tallest atrium, featuring gold-leaf pastries and rare tea blends.
Dinner at Al Mahara
Dine in an aquarium setting where world-class seafood is served alongside floor-to-ceiling views of vibrant marine life.
Day 2: Dubai, UAE - Heights and Horizons
Private Helicopter Tour
Take to the skies for a 22-minute aerial tour of Dubai’s landmarks, including the Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands.
At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa
Enjoy lunch at the highest restaurant in the world, located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, offering panoramic city views.
Dubai Mall Private Shopping
Engage a personal shopper for a curated experience through the Fashion Avenue, home to the world's most exclusive luxury brands.
The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
Walk the 272-meter floating platform for a front-row view of the world's largest choreographed fountain system.
Day 3: Dubai, UAE - Palm Luxury & Coastal Bliss
Aura Skypool Experience
Relax at the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool. Enjoy a sunbed with views of the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina.
Lunch at Nammos Dubai
Experience the vibe of Mykonos at Jumeirah Beach, dining on fresh Mediterranean fare in a chic, high-energy beach club setting.
Private Yacht Charter
Board a luxury 50-foot yacht for a sunset cruise around the Palm Jumeirah, complete with a private chef and refreshments.
Dinner at Ossiano
Indulge in a Michelin-starred progressive fine dining experience within the Atlantis, The Palm’s underwater restaurant.
Day 4: Dubai, UAE - Heritage & Modernity
Museum of the Future
Explore this architectural marvel and its immersive exhibits on the future of technology and human evolution.
Old Dubai Heritage Tour
Cross the Dubai Creek in a private abra and explore the Gold and Spice Souks with a dedicated cultural guide.
Al Shindagha Museum
Dive deep into Emirati history at this state-of-the-art museum located in the historic district on the banks of the creek.
Dinner at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Savor traditional Emirati cuisine in a restored heritage house, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its authenticity.
Day 5: Abu Dhabi, UAE - Capital Elegance
Luxury Transfer to Abu Dhabi
Enjoy a 90-minute private transfer to the capital in a premium SUV, tracking the coastline of the Persian Gulf.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Take a private guided tour of one of the world's largest mosques, marveling at the Swarovski chandeliers and hand-knotted carpets.
High Tea at Emirates Palace
Experience the legendary 24-carat gold-flecked cappuccino at the world-renowned Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
Dinner at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi
Dine on world-class Cantonese cuisine within the opulent grounds of the Emirates Palace.
Day 6: Abu Dhabi, UAE - Cultural Masterpieces
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Explore the stunning architecture of Jean Nouvel and a vast collection of art spanning human history in this world-class museum.
Lunch at Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi
Experience Parisian gastronomy located right under the iconic dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Watan
Visit the 'Palace of the Nation,' an incredible working presidential palace that celebrates Arabian craftsmanship and heritage.
Dinner at Zuma Abu Dhabi
Enjoy contemporary Japanese izakaya-style dining at Al Maryah Island, a favorite for the UAE’s elite.
Day 7: Al Ain, UAE - The Garden City
Drive to Al Ain
Travel inland to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Ain, known for its palm groves and natural springs.
Al Ain Oasis
Walk through the ancient Falaj irrigation systems and shaded pathways of this 3,000-acre date palm plantation.
Al Ain Palace Museum
Explore the former residence of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, preserved in its original 1937 style.
Jebel Hafeet Sunset
Drive up the winding roads of the UAE’s second-highest peak for stunning sunset views over the desert border with Oman.
Day 8: Al Ain, UAE - Forts and Flora
Al Jahili Fort
Visit one of the UAE's largest and most historic forts, which houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to explorer Wilfred Thesiger.
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Tour this elegant fort and the birthplace of Sheikh Khalifa, now a high-tech museum celebrating the leadership of the UAE.
Al Ain Zoo VIP Tour
Take a private 'Al Ain Safari' tour in a luxury vehicle to see African and Arabian wildlife in a 217-hectare park.
Dinner at Tanjore
Savor authentic Indian fine dining, reflecting the long cultural ties between the UAE and the Indian subcontinent.
Day 9: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - Mountain Majesty
Transfer to Ras Al Khaimah
Head north to the emirate known for its rugged mountains and pristine terracotta deserts.
Jebel Jais Adventure
Experience the Jais Flight, the world's longest zipline, or enjoy the views from the 1484 by Puro restaurant, the highest in the UAE.
Check-in at Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi
Settle into your private pool villa in the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, surrounded by Arabian gazelles and oryx.
Moonlight Desert Dinner
Enjoy a private, bespoke dinner set among the dunes under a canopy of stars at the Al Wadi desert reserve.
Day 10: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - Pearl Heritage
Suwaidi Pearls Farm
Take a private boat to the only pearl farm in the UAE and learn about the nation's ancient pearling history.
Seafood Lunch on the Coast
Enjoy the freshest catch of the day at a high-end beachfront restaurant overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
Spa Ritual at Waldorf Astoria
Indulge in a signature spa treatment inspired by the sea at the palace-like Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.
Lexington Grill & Bar
Dine at this award-winning steakhouse, famous for its dry-aged cuts and extensive wine cellar.
Day 11: Fujairah, UAE - The East Coast
Drive to Fujairah
Cross the Hajar Mountains to the only emirate situated entirely on the Gulf of Oman.
Al Badiyah Mosque
Visit the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE, dating back to the 15th century, built from stone and mud-brick.
Lunch at Address Beach Resort
Enjoy a luxury lunch at this new flagship resort in Fujairah, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Private Snorkeling at Snoopy Island
Take a private boat to the iconic Snoopy Island for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters filled with turtles and rays.
Day 12: Fujairah, UAE - Waterfalls and Forts
Khorfakkan Amphitheatre & Waterfall
Explore this Roman-inspired amphitheatre and the adjacent 45-meter man-made waterfall carved into the rocks.
Shees Park Excursion
Visit this hidden gem in the mountains for a short private walk through terraced gardens and mountain trails.
Fujairah Fort
Explore the 16th-century fort perched on a hill, once the center of defense and residence for the ruling family.
Beachside Dining
Enjoy a seafood grill dinner on the sand, accompanied by the sound of the Indian Ocean waves.
Day 13: Liwa Desert, UAE - The Empty Quarter
Grand Desert Transfer
Embark on a long but scenic private transfer deep into the Rub' al Khali (The Empty Quarter), the world’s largest sand desert.
Arrival at Qasr Al Sarab
Check-in at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, a secluded luxury palace rising out of the flame-colored dunes.
Sunset Camel Trek
Experience the desert as the Bedouins did with a private camel trek over the towering dunes as the sun sets.
Al Falaj Dining
Enjoy a Bedouin-style dinner seated on cushions under the stars, featuring authentic Middle Eastern grilled meats.
Day 14: Liwa Desert, UAE - Dune Adventures
Luxury Dune Bashing
Experience the thrill of navigating the massive Liwa dunes in a high-end 4x4 with a professional desert driver.
Desert Picnic
Indulge in a luxury picnic setup in a secluded dune valley, prepared and served by your private butler.
Falconry & Saluki Show
Witness a private demonstration of the ancient Emirati art of falconry and the speed of the Saluki hunting dogs.
Anantara Spa
End your desert journey with a revitalizing Moroccan Hammam treatment in the middle of the dunes.
Day 15: Dubai, UAE - The Final Splurge
Return to Dubai
Take a private luxury transfer back to Dubai for your final night in the city of gold.
Lunch at Pierchic
Dine at the end of a private pier at Jumeirah Al Qasr, offering the best views of the Burj Al Arab and the ocean.
La Perle by Dragone
Enjoy Platinum seats at Dubai's spectacular permanent aqua-show, featuring world-class acrobatics and diving.
Farewell Dinner at Tresind Studio
Celebrate your journey with a Michelin-starred, multi-course Indian molecular gastronomy experience.
Day 16: Dubai, UAE - Departure
Breakfast with a View
Enjoy a final sunrise breakfast at your hotel overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Pick up high-end souvenirs and artisanal crafts in this beautiful recreation of an ancient Arabian marketplace.
Beach Club Relaxation
Spend your final hours at Summersalt Beach Club, enjoying a luxurious cabana and the calm sea breeze.
Airport Transfer
Your private chauffeur will transfer you to the airport for your flight home, ending your epic journey.
Best Time to Visit United Arab Emirates
The best time to visit the UAE is during the cooler months, from November to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it perfect for outdoor dining, beach clubs, and desert excursions. The summer months (June to September) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), though this is a good time to take advantage of significantly lower rates at the world's most expensive luxury hotels.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of approximately 3.67 AED to 1 USD. Credit cards are universally accepted in hotels, malls, and restaurants. However, carrying some cash is recommended for small purchases in traditional souks. Tipping is not mandatory but is customary in the service industry; a tip of 10-15% at high-end restaurants is generally expected if a service charge is not already included.
Getting Around United Arab Emirates
Intercity travel in the UAE is best managed via private chauffeur services or luxury car rentals. While there is no passenger rail system between cities yet, the highways are world-class and very well-maintained. For those looking for the ultimate luxury, private helicopter transfers between Dubai and Abu Dhabi or the northern emirates are available. Within cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ride-sharing apps like Careem (the local equivalent of Uber) offer 'Hala' taxis as well as premium luxury car options.
