Accessible travel itineraries in Dubai
There are so many things to do in Dubai for everyone, including people of determination. Check out our one, two and five-day-itineraries and get inspired.
1-day accessible itinerary
Explore Dubai’s most popular landmarks
If you have just one day in Dubai, you can make the most of your trip by heading to these bucket list attractions, which are all located in the same vicinity. These attractions are mostly flat with ramps and lift access available at each point. They are also easily reachable by public transport such as the Metro or taxis.
Morning
Start off your morning with an experience like no other – the glitz and awe of Downtown Dubai. Pre-purchase tickets online and take the elevator to the top of the record-breaking Burj Khalifa where you will enjoy stunning aerial views of the city. Choose between the At the Top, Burj Khalifa (124th and 125th floor) experience, or the more luxurious At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY (148th, 124th and 125th floor).
Afternoon
The Burj Khalifa is connected to The Dubai Mall, so once you’ve enjoyed the incredible vistas at the world’s tallest tower, explore an array of shopping, entertainment, and dining options at the mall. The Dubai Mall is also directly linked to various public transport options, including taxi services, pick-up points for ride-sharing apps such as Careem and Uber, and the Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station.
Evening
End your day with dinner and a show right outside the mall at The Dubai Fountain. Every evening from 6pm onwards, visitors are treated to a memorable show thanks to the world’s tallest performing water fountain. With powerful nozzles that shoot water up to impressive heights, this popular tourist attraction presents an amazing mix of music, lights and countless dancing water fountains. You can grab a table at the many amazing restaurants that overlook the fountain for the best end to your quick trip to Dubai.
2-day accessible itinerary
Day 1: Old Dubai and the souks
The souks
Visit accessible stores at the Spice Souk and take in the aromas of exotic herbs and spices while chatting to the vendors. Next, visit the famous Gold Souk, one of the oldest traditional markets in the emirate. To travel between the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk, there are a series of sidewalks and curb cuts that people of determination can use. There are no hills, and the sidewalk is primarily smooth. Many stores at the Gold Souk have a single step, but there are also a few step-free stores along Al Khor Street. Please note as a bustling market with vendors and aromas, the spice souk may be particularly sensitive to those with sensory disabilities.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Located on the south side of the Dubai Creek – across from the Spice Souk and Gold Souk – is Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, which takes you right back to Dubai’s charming past. Traditional wind towers, winding pathways and traditional cafés offer you the opportunity to experience what life in Old Dubai was like during the mid-19th century. This area is mostly flat and easy to navigate for wheelchair users.
Arabian Tea House
The Arabian Tea House is a culinary hotspot in Al Fahidi Historical Neighourhood and not to be missed. It is the first traditional Emirati restaurant of its kind showcasing local cuisine to the world. Tea lovers will find more than 150 different types of tea, from personal house blends to more exotic mixes. Expect a warm ambience with friendly staff who will go the extra mile to make your visit a memorable one.
Day 2: Madinat Jumeirah and Global Village
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Located inside Madinat Jumeirah (City of Jumeirah), the Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a replica of a traditional Arabic souk, featuring stunning Arabic architecture while offering a great mix of market-style shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. There is an elevator, and most of the shops are step-free, making it a popular stop for people of determination.
Theatre of Digital Art
One of the many entertainment offerings at Souk Madinat Jumeirah is the amazing Theatre of Digital Art. Combining multimedia exhibitions and virtual reality, visitors are invited to immerse themselves into world-famous art pieces by the likes of Gustav Klimt, participate in interactive workshops, and experience virtual reality activities.
Global Village (winter season only)
End your day at Global Village, a step-free outdoor amusement park filled with food, shopping, and cultural attractions from around the world that is held annually between November to April. Alongside an array of tantalising treats from every continent there is a line-up of more than 40,000 shows every season, from children’s entertainment and street performances to on-stage music and dance spectacles.
5-day accessible itinerary
Day 1: Beach fun and theme park thrills
Beach days
Enjoy some time at the beach. If your hotel does not have private beach access, or you’re just curious about other options, browse around and find your place in the sun. Alongside the many resorts offering day-pass beach access, there are many beautiful public beaches in Dubai. Tip: Check out Kite Beach which has a boardwalk that goes out into the sand and an accessible bathroom.
Lunch by the sea
Dubai has numerous beachside cafes and restaurants to try. If you’re keen on the freshest seafood, head to Apron & Hammers at La Mer or Fish Beach Taverna in Al Sufouh. Alternatively, try the jaw-dropping sliders at SALT, a burger restaurant at Kite Beach that’s famous with locals in the know.
Miracle Garden
Dubai’s theme parks offer something to fit everyone’s taste. Visit Miracle Garden, the world’s largest natural flower garden with extraordinary arrangements and more than 150 million flowers in full bloom during the winter months between October and April, for a truly fascinating experience. The park is easy to navigate with wide open flat pathways.
Day 2: Explore Jumeirah
Jumeirah Mosque
If you can manage a single step, visit the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) to learn about Islam. The mosque welcomes people of all faiths and offers guided tours six days a week at 10am. Visitors are requested to dress modestly, covering shoulders and midriffs.
Etihad Museum
The Etihad Museum is step-free and another excellent place to learn about the UAE’s remarkable development since its independence. The museum is located right next to the Union House, where the nation’s constitution was signed to officially unify the seven emirates in 1971.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Located inside Madinat Jumeirah, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah is designed to resemble a traditional Arabic market, complete with Arabian architecture and souk-style shops that are mostly step-free. Tip: Check out the Theatre of Digital Art, an immersive digital art space with a virtual reality room, interactive workshops and stunning art projections.
Day 3: Discover Dubai’s history and culture
Abra ride
Continue on your quest to discover the history and culture of Dubai. If you can manage the single step on and off the traditional wooden abra boat, consider going for a ride from the west side of the Dubai Creek to the east side. Abra rides cost AED1 and offers visitors stunning views of Dubai from the water.
The old souks
The Spice Souk has a number of accessible stores with friendly vendors where you can discover exotic herbs and spices. Afterwards, walk or roll along the 170m step-free route to the famed Gold Souk, one of the oldest traditional markets in Dubai. It’s worth noting that many stores here have a single step, but there are a few step-free stores along the Al Khor Street. If you have the time, stop for an Emirati lunch in old town.
Al Shindagha Museum
Take a quick drive to Al Shindagha Museum to learn about the history of Dubai. The museum features numerous interactive videos, touch displays, historic photographs and artefacts. Don’t miss the museum’s state-of-the-art multimedia exhibition Dubai Creek: Birth of a City, which offers interesting insights into the nation’s maritime evolution.
Day 4: Relax at Zabeel Park
Dubai Frame
Take a taxi to the Dubai Frame located at Zabeel Park. Here there’s an elevator that transports visitors right to the top to enjoy panoramic views of old and new Dubai. Tip: The Future Zone on the ground floor presents a futuristic Dubai complete with flying taxis and underwater living scenes.
Zabeel Park
Walk or roll on even pathways through Zabeel Park, one of the largest public parks in Dubai. From pop-up shops and picnic areas to barbecue pits, it’s a popular spot for tourists and residents alike. Little ones will love the Dinosaur Park and Dubai Garden Glow, also at the Zabeel Park.
Pamper yourself
Treat yourself to one of Dubai’s many spa offerings. Most hotels offer packages for their in-house spas but there’s plenty of alternative options across the city. Favourites include the Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, or Anantara Spa at Anantara The Palm. Have a look at Dubai’s signature spa experiences and choose whatever suits you best.
Day 5: Visit Downtown Dubai
Burj Khalifa
The list of world-breaking records is long: tallest building in the world, highest outdoor observation deck in the world, and the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world – to name a few. It’s why Burj Khalifa is one of the most popular attractions in the city and an unmissable Dubai landmark.
The Dubai Mall
As one of the biggest malls in the world, The Dubai Mall offers an unparalleled variety of labels, as well as numerous leisure activities and culinary experiences. Stop by the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and check out this gigantic water tank, hosting more than 300 species of marine animals.
Dubai Opera
From theatre and ballet to concerts and comedy shows, enjoy an evening of world-class entertainment at the Dubai Opera. With designated seats for wheelchair users, accessible restrooms, lifts, and escalators to all levels of the building, the venue is well equipped to welcome people of determination.
Looking for more information on travel accessibility in Dubai? Visit our dedicated guide for more information.
