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
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
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre 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
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
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
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.