What To Do in Dubai for a Week: A Smart Traveller’s Guide

There is so much to see in the world, with numerous places to visit, diverse cultures to experience, and a wide range of food to try. The world is also full of places that need to be seen with your own eyes, not digitally, and Dubai is one of those places.  

Dubai isn’t just a city you stop over at. It has record-breaking skyscrapers, sprawling souks, desert landscapes, and futuristic infrastructure. Because of these,  Dubai has become one of the world’s most fascinating cities to explore.

If you’re one of the lucky winners of Pesa’s Fly Me to Dubai campaign or simply planning your own trip, this guide is designed to help you make the most of your week. We’ll cover the best experiences, budgeting tips, and how to manage your money smartly while you’re there.

Day 1: Get to know the city

You literally just arrived. Take some time to check into your accommodation, look out of the window, and breathe in the fresh air of Dubai. At sunset, stroll along Dubai Marina, watch the yachts glide by, and enjoy dinner at any restaurant of your choice or restaurants within the city. As we know, food is one of the easiest ways to learn about the culture of a new place. 

Money Tip: Put some money in your Pesa AED wallet before your trip so you avoid airport exchange rates (often 5–7% worse). You’ll be able to pay like a local as soon as you land.

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Day 2: Explore old Dubai and immerse yourself in the culture

Before the beautiful Dubai you see now, there was a previous Dubai that’s now famously known as Old Dubai, and that’s a place you’ll want to explore. Start from the Al Fahidi Historical District, where art galleries and museums recount the story of Dubai before the oil boom. Cross the creek on an abra (just 1 AED), and explore the Spice Souk and Gold Souk.

Pro traveller move: If you’re buying jewellery or spices in bulk, you can negotiate prices and pay directly from your AED wallet, avoiding card transaction fees.

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Day 3: The Desert Safari experience

No Dubai trip is complete without a visit to the desert. Book a half-day safari that includes dune-bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a traditional BBQ dinner. And ensure you make as much content as possible. This is where Dubai slows down, and you really feel the magic of the UAE.

Many safari operators now accept online payments in AED. Using Pesa to pay ahead of time locks in today’s exchange rate and keeps you on budget.

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Day 4: Downtown Dubai & Burj Khalifa

Spend a day in Downtown Dubai, visit the Burj Khalifa observation deck, explore Dubai Mall (don’t miss the aquarium), and watch the Dubai Fountain show in the evening.

Budget Tip: Pre-book Burj Khalifa tickets online for better prices. Having an AED digital account ready means you pay directly in AED without cross-border card fees.

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Day 5: Go to the beach 

There are so many free beaches to explore and relax at in Dubai, and you absolutely should visit one of them. And when you’re done at the beach, enjoy some afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab; it’s pricey, but worth it for the experience.

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Day 6: Abu Dhabi or theme parks

Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or stay in Dubai and head to IMG Worlds of Adventure for a full day of rides.

If you’re on holiday with friends, you can send money to a single Pesa wallet and make payments from there.  This will eliminate awkward bill-splitting conversations.

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Day 7: Shopping and more shopping 

No shopping is too much shopping. Spend your final day shopping at Mall of the Emirates or Global Village for souvenirs, then cap your trip with rooftop drinks at Level 43 Sky Lounge for sweeping skyline views.

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Budgeting for a Week in Dubai

A mid-range traveller should expect to spend 5,000–8,000 AED for a 7-day trip, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

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Why Manage Your Money with Pesa

Pesa is built for travellers and global citizens:

Hold AED, USD, GBP, EUR, NGN, and more in one wallet
Get better exchange rates than at airport kiosks.
Send and receive money instantly across borders.s
Track every dirham you spend in real time

Travelling becomes easier when your money moves as freely as you do.

Win a Trip to Dubai with Pesa

Pesa is flying one lucky winner to Dubai this December for an all-expense-paid holiday.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Share your unique referral code.
   
   
2. Get your friends in Dubai to sign up and complete KYC.
   
   
3. Ensure they make their first transfer of at least 250 AED.
   
   

Each referral counts as one entry. Five referrals earn you two entries.

So, load up your Pesa wallet, pack your bags, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll see you at the beginning of the new year 2026 in Dubai.

Send Money To Dubai