48 Hours in Dubai — The Perfect Weekend Guide

A day-by-day plan for a first weekend in Dubai, built for couples and friends on a mid-range budget. Inside: what to sort out before you fly (entry rules, money, SIM cards); how the Metro, nol card, taxis and Dubai Creek’s abras fit together; how the main neighbourhoods compare as a base; a full Day 1 covering Old Dubai’s souks and Creek crossing through to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountain show; a full Day 2 covering Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina and an evening desert safari; the dishes and types of places worth eating at; an approximate 48-hour budget in dirhams and euros; ideas for a third day, including Abu Dhabi; and practical extras on tipping, dress, alcohol and drug laws, emergency numbers and a few useful Arabic phrases. Delivered as a PDF with a clickable contents page, approximately 34 pages, checked against official UAE and UK government sources and last updated September 2026. For personal use by the purchaser.