A two-day plan for the UAE weekend: old Dubai and the Fountain on Saturday, a slow brunch, the beach and a desert evening on Sunday. Checked September 2026.
The UAE weekend is Saturday and Sunday. For a Dubai weekend itinerary, spend Saturday on old Dubai and Downtown, ending at the Dubai Fountain, and keep Sunday slower: a late brunch, the beach at JBR and an evening desert safari.
Two days is enough for the main sights if you stay in two areas per day and book the few timed things in advance. Weekends are also when UAE residents go out, so malls, beaches and brunches are busier than on weekdays. The plan below allows for that: early starts on Saturday, a late start on Sunday.
The Dubai Metro opens at 5am on Saturday but not until 8am on Sunday, and closes at midnight. If you are relying on the Metro on Sunday morning, plan a later start or take a taxi.
Heritage lanes while it is cool, the Burj Khalifa in the afternoon, the Fountain at night.
A slower day that suits the late Sunday Metro start.
Evening safaris usually return late. If your flight is before midnight, a safari is too tight; keep it for a longer trip and finish at the Marina.
| Experience | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| nol Silver Card | 25 | Includes AED 19 credit |
| Metro trips | 3 / 5 / 7.50 | Per trip, by zones crossed |
| Al Fahidi and the souks | Free | Free to walk and browse |
| Abra crossing | 1 | Cash on board |
| At the Top, Burj Khalifa | Varies | By time slot; book on the official site |
| Dubai Fountain and JBR beach | Free | Public areas |
| Weekend brunch | Varies | Depends on venue and drinks package |
| Evening desert safari | Varies | Compare inclusions before booking |
Prices as of September 2026; check official sites before you travel.
Send us your arrival and departure times through the enquiry form and we will suggest how to fit the two days around them.
Ask about your weekend planPlease log in to add this tour to your wishlist.
Free UAE travel advice
Tell us what you are planning. We reply by email.
