Dubai in three or four days: a first-timer's plan

Dubai is one of the easiest first trips abroad from Dhaka. Flights are frequent, the city is safe and well signposted, and you can fit a surprising amount into three or four days. The trick is not to try to see everything. Group the city by area, give each area its own day, and leave room to rest when the afternoon heat builds.

Day one: old Dubai and the creek

Start where the city started. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a quiet maze of sand-coloured lanes and old wind-tower houses, and it is lovely early in the morning before the sun is high. Walk down to the creek and cross to Deira on an abra, the small wooden water taxi that locals still use every day. It takes a few minutes and costs very little, and it is one of the best views of the old city.

On the Deira side you will find the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. Even if you are not buying, they are worth a slow wander. If you do shop for gold, ask for the weight and the making charge separately and keep your receipt.

Day two: Downtown and the Burj Khalifa

Downtown is the Dubai you have seen in photos. The Burj Khalifa has observation decks near the top, and slots around sunset are the most popular, so book ahead if that is the view you want. Below it sits the Dubai Mall, which is big enough to fill a day on its own, with an aquarium, an ice rink and more shops than you will ever need.

In the evening, find a spot by the lake for the Dubai Fountain show. It runs several times each evening and costs nothing to watch.

Day three: the desert safari

Most desert safaris pick you up from your hotel in the afternoon and drive out to the dunes. A typical evening includes:

• Dune driving in a 4x4, which is thrilling but bumpy, so skip it if you get motion sick or are pregnant
• Sunset over the sand, often with a short camel ride or sandboarding
• A camp dinner with a barbecue and a cultural show

Spend the morning slowly, by the hotel pool or at a beach, because you will be back late. If you travel with older parents or small children, ask for a gentler drive or a camp-only option.

Day four: the Marina and the beach

If you have a fourth day, head to Dubai Marina and JBR, where the beach, the walkway and the cafés are all next to each other. A boat ride around the Marina in the evening is relaxing, and the Palm Jumeirah is close by if you want to see the famous palm-shaped island. This is also a good day to do last-minute shopping before your flight.

If you would like to add Abu Dhabi, a day trip is easy by road. Our Dubai and Abu Dhabi package builds it in for you.

Pacing, clothes and when to go

The best months are usually November to March, when the days are warm and the evenings pleasant. From around June to September the heat is intense, so plan outdoor sights for early morning and evening and spend the middle of the day indoors.

A few practical points:

1. Dress modestly in the old areas, malls and souks. Light clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are comfortable and respectful.
2. If you visit a mosque, women will need to cover their hair and wear loose clothing that covers arms and legs.
3. The Dubai Metro is clean and simple. A Nol card works on the metro, buses and the tram.
4. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen even in winter.
5. During Ramadan, be considerate about eating and drinking in public during fasting hours.

Do one big thing a day and leave the rest of the day loose. Dubai rewards a slow pace.

A note on visas

Bangladeshi passport holders need a visa for the UAE. What is asked for usually includes your passport, a photo, and sometimes a bank statement and hotel booking, but requirements change, and Softway Travels checks the current rules when you apply.

If you would like the flights, hotel, transfers and safari arranged in one go, take a look at our Dubai city break. Softway Travels can plan the whole trip around your dates and pace, and book it for you.