Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Set out to discover the futuristic city of Dubai alongside your students. Your class can look forward to learning more about the fascinating history and culture of the Arabic world during visits to the Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Jumeirah Mosque, and the famed Blue Souk. Your students will also visit the Burj Khalifa—the world’s tallest building, enjoy a desert safari, dine at a Bedouin campsite, and explore the exciting capital city of Abu Dhabi.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Overnight flight to the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Day 2
Arrive in Dubai
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Bastakiya Quarter city walk
Step back in time in Dubai’s Bastakiya Quarter, a charming neighborhood dating to the late 19th century. Founded by wealthy merchants from Bastak, Iran, its narrow lanes are lined with restored wind-tower houses, art galleries, cafés, and boutique hotels. A walk through Bastakiya offers a peaceful glimpse into the city’s rich trading past and cultural heritage.
Day 3
Sharjah excursion
Discover Sharjah, the UNESCO-designated Cultural Capital of the Arab World. Explore the Museum of Islamic Civilization, housed in a former souk and filled with ancient manuscripts, ceramics, and scientific artifacts. Visit the Sharjah Art Gallery to see regional art and handicrafts, shop at the vibrant Blue Souk, and experience Emirati heritage at Heritage Village. End your day with a stroll along the scenic Corniche, passing the American University of Sharjah.
Sharjah Aquarium visit
Museum of Islamic Civilization visit
Sharjah Art Gallery visit
Day 4
Dubai Tour Director-led sightseeing
Experience the dynamic contrast of old and new in Dubai, where tradition meets innovation. Explore the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort, and the elegant Jumeirah Mosque. Then marvel at the city’s modern wonders—the Burj Al Arab, Madinat Souk, and record-breaking Burj Khalifa. Conclude your visit at the dazzling Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping complex, complete with an ice rink, theme park, and massive aquarium.
Dubai Museum visit
Burj Khalifa visit
Ride high-speed elevators to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Take in panoramic views from observation decks up to 1,820 feet high, admire architecture inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis, and explore nearby sights like the Dubai Fountain.
Dubai Mall free time
Day 5
Optional
Ski Dubai Snow Park excursion (optional)
Ski Dubai is a breathtaking winter wonderland featuring real snow! Enjoy unlimited access to the Snow Park, located within the Ski Dubai complex, and race down the hill in a snow tube or giant inflatable ball. Your visit also includes one ride on the Mountain Thriller track!
Desert safari excursion
Embark on an unforgettable desert safari excursion and experience the beauty of Dubai’s golden dunes. Enjoy an afternoon of adventure with off-road sand bashing, followed by a serene sunset over the desert landscape. Continue to a traditional Bedouin campsite for a barbecue buffet, where you can try camel riding and watch a mesmerizing belly dance performance under the stars. Please note: Weight restrictions apply for camel rides.
Day 6
Abu Dhabi excursion
Discover Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, where tradition and modernity meet. Visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. Drive along the scenic Corniche, lined with gardens and luxury waterfront hotels, and visit the Heritage Village, a recreated desert settlement that offers insight into Bedouin life, tools, and crafts. Along the way, learn about Abu Dhabi’s ambitious cultural projects, including the upcoming Guggenheim and Louvre museums on Saadiyat Island.
Falcon Hospital visit
Saadiyat Island visit
Day 7
Al Ain excursion
Discover Al Ain, meaning “the source” in Arabic, a lush oasis city in the northeast of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Known as the garden city of the UAE, Al Ain is celebrated for its universities and as the birthplace of the nation’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. On your return to Dubai, stop at the camel market, a traditional trading post that preserves one of the region’s oldest cultural traditions.
Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum visit
Camel market visit
Hili Garden visit
Day 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Dubai
Travel across the country on an East Coast excursion, passing through Dhaid, Masafi, and Dibba before visiting the historic Al Badiyah Mosque, the UAE’s oldest. Continue along the scenic coast through Khor Fakkan and Fujairah, where mountains meet the sea. Back in Dubai, experience world-class thrills with a visit to Ferrari World, home to high-speed rides and cutting-edge attractions inspired by the legendary brand before heading home.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from the United Arab Emirates
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.