Introduction
Dubai is a city of contrasts: futuristic skyscrapers, endless deserts, and Arabian tradition. In 5 days, you can discover the best of the Emirati metropolis with a active itinerary, one typical recipe in a fit key and a outdoor workout to do while traveling.
Active Itinerary – 5 Days in Dubai
Day 1 – Downtown and Burj Khalifa
- Visit to the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world.
- Show of the Dubai Fountains in front of the Burj Khalifa.
- Climb to the Burj Khalifa up to the 124th floor for breathtaking panoramic views.
~12,000 steps (a lot of walking inside the mall).
Day 2 – Traditional neighborhoods
- Walk to Al Fahidi Historical District, with plaster houses and traditional courtyards.
- Tour in abra (typical boat) on the Creek.
- Visit to the spice and gold souk.
~13,000 steps
Day 3 – Desert and safari
- Excursion in 4×4 in the desert with dune bashing.
- Dune walk + sandboarding option.
- Traditional Bedouin dinner with evening show.
Vigorous activity: ~300 kcal burned just walking on sand.
Day 4 – Modernity and the Navy
- Walk along the Dubai Marina Walk (7 km of seafront).
- Relax at Jumeirah Beach overlooking the Burj Al Arab.
- Shopping and light dinner in the neighborhood JBR – The Walk.
~15,000 steps
Day 5 – Abu Dhabi Excursion (1.5 hours from Dubai)
- Visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the largest in the world.
- Walk on the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
- Return to Dubai with a typical dinner.
~14,000 steps
Total 5 days: over 65,000 steps (about 3,500 kcal burned by walking).
Fit Recipe: Spiced Chicken with Basmati Rice
Ingredients for 1 person
- 120g chicken breast
- 70 g basmati rice
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (5 g)
- Mixed spices: turmeric, cumin, paprika
- ½ small onion, chopped
- Lemon juice to taste
- Fresh parsley to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Estimated nutritional values (per serving)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 9 g
Procedure
- Cook the basmati rice according to the instructions.
- In a non-stick pan, heat the oil and onion.
- Add the diced chicken, season with spices and sauté for 5–6 min.
- Blend with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve the spiced chicken alongside basmati rice.
Why is it practical when traveling?
It's a complete, balanced, and light one-pot meal. The Arabic spices make the dish authentic and fragrant, yet it's healthy and quick to prepare, even in an apartment or hotel with a kitchen.
Vegetarian variant: replace the chicken with boiled chickpeas or lentils.
Restaurant option:
Mixed Arab grill (chicken, lamb and fish) served with tabbouleh salad and hummus.
In typical restaurants or hotels, you can ask for:
- Grilled without heavy sauces, preferring lemon and spices.
- Side dish of grilled vegetables or light salad.
- Avoid fried bread (such as samosas), choose plain pita bread instead.
Why it's fit: rich in proteins, fresh vegetables and fibre, without excessive seasonings.
Workout in Dubai
Outdoor workout on Jumeirah Beach (45–60 min)
Warm-up (5 min)
- Fast walk on the sand.
Circuit (3–4 laps)
- Squat jump – 15 reps
- Push-ups – 12 reps
- Walking lunges – 12 per leg
- Plank – 40 seconds
- Mountain climber – 20 sec
Cool down (5–8 min)
- Stretching by the sea
Calories burned: 350–450 kcal
Useful links
- 👉 Discover more Recipes on the Go
- 👉 Try our Outdoor workout
- Official Dubai Tourism: visitdubai.com
FAQ
1. Is it safe to exercise outdoors in Dubai?
Yes, but it's better to go early in the morning or at sunset to avoid excessive heat.
2. How much does a week in Dubai cost?
It depends: average budget €80–120 per day including food, transport and excursions.
3. Can I follow a fit diet in Dubai?
Yes, in restaurants you can always find light alternatives based on chicken, rice and vegetables.
With this 5-day itinerary in Dubai It combines spectacular sightseeing, local cuisine with a twist, and outdoor workouts. A city that's both modern and traditional, where you can experience it without sacrificing your well-being.
👉 Want a personalized itinerary? Go to the section Customized Itinerary and build your tailor-made trip.
