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Dubai Half-Day Guided Tour: Explore Old & New City with Transfers
Experience the best of Dubai on a premium half-day city tour that showcases the city's stunning contrast of old & new Dubai, as we'll provide you with convenient transportation, including hotel transfers.
You'll explore iconic landmarks, historic & cultural highlights with expert commentary.
More than just a tour - this personalized experience is crafted for your comfort, enriched with meaningful insights, and filled with unforgettable moments.
Book your adventure today!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
We will pick you up from your hotel or any convenient/ agreed point in the city.
- Enjoy a seamless pickup from your hotel or a convenient location of your choice within the city, at a time that best fits your schedule. Pickup or transfer from locations beyond those listed can be arranged upon request, subject to additional charges. Your journey begins with a deep dive into the rich heritage of Old Dubai and concludes amidst the architectural marvels of Modern, Futuristic Dubai. We’re pleased to offer a flexible itinerary, with the option to personalize the tour according to your interests and preferences.
Al Seef
You'll begin at Al Seef, a beautifully revived waterfront district along the historic Dubai Creek. With traditional Emirati architecture blended with modern design, this area is a perfect start to understand Dubai’s transformation. Wander through charming alleys, heritage cafes, and enjoy scenic views of wooden dhows drifting along the water.
Al Fahidi Historical District
Step back in time as you explore the Al Fahidi District, home to wind-tower architecture, art galleries, and museums.
We'll reveal stories of how life was before the oil boom, showcasing the roots of Emirati culture in a neighborhood that dates back to the 19th century.
Traditional Abra Ride
From Al Fahidi, you’ll head to the Abra station for a short but scenic traditional boat ride across Dubai Creek. These wooden boats, known as Abra, have been ferrying locals and traders for generations. As you cruise across the calm waters, take in the views of the old merchant buildings on one side and the vibrant souks on the other.
Old Baladiya Street
After disembarking, we'll take you through Old Baladiya Street, a historical lane lined with preserved buildings that once housed important municipal offices and traditional markets.
This quiet street offers a chance to see the unfiltered charm of Old Dubai, with opportunities to engage with local vendors and observe the everyday life that still thrives in the city’s historic core.
Municipality Museum
A short walk from Baladiya Street brings you to the Dubai Municipality Museum, an often-overlooked gem.
Set within a restored heritage building, the museum offers insights into the development of Dubai’s governance and civic systems.
Through photographs, archives, and interactive exhibits, you’ll understand how Dubai transformed from a small fishing village to a global metropolis.
Gold Souk & Spice Souk
Prepare to be dazzled by rows of glittering gold jewelry in intricate Arabic designs, even the Guinness World Record-holding largest gold ring!
Just steps away, the Spice Souk overwhelms the senses with vibrant colors and aromatic smells. From saffron and frankincense to dried roses and herbal teas, this is a paradise for curious and spice lovers alike.
Dubai Frame (Photo stop)
After soaking up the old city, your tour transition to modern Dubai with a photo stop at the Dubai Frame, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Standing 150 meters tall, this giant golden frame literally “frames” views of Old Dubai to the north and Modern Dubai to the south.
Zabeel Palace (Drive Through)
Next, enjoy a scenic drive-through of Zabeel Palace, the majestic residence of the ruling royal family of Dubai.
You’ll get a great view of its palatial gates, lush gardens, and, sometimes the free-roaming peacocks that often appear on the grounds. It’s a brief yet grand look into Dubai’s leadership and opulence.
Burj Khalifa (Drive Through)
As we head further into the city's modern side, you’ll pass by the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
We'll share fascinating facts and stories about this architectural marvel as you drive past its base in Downtown Dubai.
The sight of the Burj piercing the sky is breathtaking.
Dubai Downtown
Driving through Downtown Dubai, you’ll witness the city’s ambition in full form, from futuristic skyscrapers to designer shops and luxury hotels.
You’ll pass the Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, and beautifully landscaped boulevards.
We'll point out key highlights and offer insight into what makes this district the city’s modern-day center.
Jumeirah Beach
Next, enjoy a relaxing stop at Jumeirah Beach, where you’ll have a chance to feel the soft white sand and take in sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf.
The skyline in the distance offers a unique blend of nature and architecture. It’s a great place for a quick photo or simply to enjoy the sea breeze.
Burj Al Arab (Photo Stop)
The tour concludes with a photo stop at the Burj Al Arab, the world’s only 7-star hotel and an icon of Dubai’s extravagance.
Shaped like a billowing sail and set on its own private island, the Burj Al Arab is a symbol of luxury and innovation.
From the photo point, you’ll get the perfect view to capture this architectural masterpiece against the sea and sky.
Ending Point
We will drop you back safely at your hotel or any convenient location in the city.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Local Tour Guide
Luxury Private Vehicle
Access Passes - Traditional Abra Ride
Entry/Addmission - Municipality Museum (Working Days)
Hospitality
Pick-up & Drop-off
Food & Drink
Personal Expenses
Souvenirs
Tour Important Information
- We are flexible and love to tailor the tour even at last minute notice.
- This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- We’re here to assist you 24/7.
Important message from the supplier
UAE is your home and you are welcome to the land of hospitality.
We’re here around the clock to tailor your experience and accommodate last-minute requests, ensuring a seamless and personalized journey.
Can't wait to see you!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Rafiq M.
Welcome to UAE, the land of hospitality; where timeless heritage meets modern luxury.
I’m Muhammad Rafiq Al Faisal, a name that means “Friend” in English, and I lead a team of licensed, multilingual tour guides. Together, we bring many years of experience in delivering exclusive, luxury, private, and fully customized tours across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, and the wider UAE.
As a dedicated team of certified professionals, we combine expertise, local insight, and personalized service to ensure your journey is seamless, enriching, and unforgettable, crafted exclusively for you.
With an MBA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, I specialize in designing refined travel experiences that blend the UAE’s rich heritage, iconic landmarks, and hidden local treasures.
We're passionate about sharing the country’s history, vibrant urban lifestyle, and cultural traditions with every guest.
Allow us to introduce you to the land where ‘impossible’ simply doesn’t exist.
From serene camel rides across red dunes to soaring in flying taxis, from tents to the world’s tallest building, all tours thoughtfully curated for you in a flexible, friendly way.
Every itinerary is crafted individually around your travel style, interests, and pace, ensuring a seamless, immersive experience. Whether you’re seeking futuristic skyscrapers, architectural masterpieces, wandering the red dune deserts, authentic local cultural experiences, or discovering unique hidden gems, we craft tailored experiences that make your UAE journey truly unforgettable.
Your satisfaction is our top priority, so we focus on comfort, insightful storytelling, and expert guidance, safe transportation with hassle-free pickup and drop offs, allowing you to explore the UAE with confidence and seamless.
Looking for something unique or have a personalized request? feel free to reach out.
We’re here to make it happen. Let us host you in your home away from home!
Muhammad Rafiq
MBA (Tourism & Hospitality Management)
Reviews
Sharon G.
“Abu Dhabi Daytrip ”
We had booked a private tour by, ‘Tour by Rafiq’. From the moment we booked the tour, our queries were promptly dealt with, we were constantly informed of any updates and he personalised the tour to accustom our needs. Mr Rafiq had over exceeded our expectations, from pickup he welcomed us with joy, lovely clean car accompanied with lots of bottled water for a family of four and customised the itinerary on the day for Abu Dhabi and even stopped at a The Burj Khalifa on the way. We couldn’t be more pleased, the hospitality was excellent, his constant engagement and exemplary attentiveness, will never be forgotten and I would highly recommend him to anyone visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From Sharon & Family (UK)
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Rafiq M.
Hi Sharon, Thank you sincerely for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and generous review. It was truly a pleasure and an honor to host you and your family. I am delighted to know that your experience not only met but exceeded your expectations. Your kind words mean a great deal to me and are deeply appreciated. I sincerely look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Warm Regards, Rafiq
Susan B.
“Full day with our guide Saif”
Our guide Saif was very conscientious. He was very nice about taking us to see things in the order we wanted to see them even though it was not the usual order. He made sure that we saw everything on our list and more, even though that made a very long day for him. We really appreciated that. But do note that if you get this program through Go With Guide and think you are picking Raffiq specifically as your guide, that is not true. The info is only about Raffiq but he apparently runs an agency that assigns a guide to you and you are told the name of your guide right before the pick up day. We had a good time, but we should have been told that info up front as it is very misleading
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Rafiq M.
Thank you sincerely for your kind and generous review. It was an absolute pleasure having you on the tour, and we’re thrilled to know it surpassed your expectations. Regarding guide assignment, please note that in our GoWithGuide biography we mention: "As a dedicated team of certified, experienced, and multilingual tour guides, we bring a deep passion and intimate knowledge of this extraordinary region, ensuring your journey is as enriching as it is seamless." This means we are a group of highly professional and experienced guides. All of us bring extensive knowledge, professionalism, and local insights to make your tour exceptional. We apologize for any inconvenience this caused and truly appreciate your understanding. Looking forward to welcoming you again on your next visit! Warm Regards, Muhammad Rafiq
Nigel F.
“Great guide and driver Very professional”
Felt very safe all thru Tour, Rafiq was so knowledgeable and explained everything clearly.. Note Tour of Burgh Khalifa queuing to lifts is over one hour. Full on 8 hours well worth the money paid. Great Guide.
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Rafiq M.
Hi Nigel, Thank you so much for your kind review! It was an absolute delight having you on the tour. I truly look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit. Warm Regards, Rafiq
$140/ per group
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