United Arab Emirates·8 - 14 November 2026

Sands of Grace A Women’s Journey Through the Emirates & Oman

Experience the Gulf Beyond the Horizon

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Overview

There is a moment just before sunset in the Arabian desert when everything turns gold. The sky deepens into amber, sand grains glow softly beneath your feet, and even the silence seems touched by warmth. It is a moment that asks nothing of you but gives you everything. What might happen if you allowed yourself to experience moments like these? The Arabian Gulf is often imagined as a place of extremes. Shimmering skylines or endless deserts, modern luxury or ancient tradition. Yet behind these contrasts lies something beautifully elusive. Something quieter, more mysterious, that only reveals itself when you slow down enough to notice. This journey invites you into that quieter place. We will wander neighborhoods that existed long before the skyscrapers, guided by women whose stories open a door to the heart of their world. We will sit together beneath desert stars, learning the language of stillness. In Abu Dhabi, we will explore spaces that bridge past and future, and in Oman, find a coastline where the mountains whisper to the sea. Every stop along the way has been carefully chosen. A contemporary hotel rooted deeply in Dubai’s pulse. A desert camp where the world fades, leaving only space, sand, and sky. A seaside retreat in Muscat, fragrant with frankincense and cooled by ocean breezes. This is not about seeing landmarks or completing lists. It is about traveling differently. Slower. More intentionally. Allowing yourself to be moved, surprised, and perhaps quietly changed. It is about discovering places you never expected, and reconnecting with a part of yourself you have always known was there.

Highlights

Discover Dubai’s roots through food, history, and heritage

Discover Dubai’s roots through food, history, and heritage

 See the city from above and explore future-focused design

See the city from above and explore future-focused design

Create, heal, and dine under desert stars

Create, heal, and dine under desert stars

 Hear local stories and see traditional crafts in action

Hear local stories and see traditional crafts in action

Tour the Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi

Tour the Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi

Restore during a mini-women’s wellness retreat on Zeem Island

Restore during a mini-women’s wellness retreat on Zeem Island

Shop the Gold & Spice souks

Shop the Gold & Spice souks

Cruise on a Dhow in Oman on the Optional Extension

Cruise on a Dhow in Oman on the Optional Extension

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Press the "<" and ">" buttons below to scroll through each day.

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Day1

Dubai, UAE

Day 1: Sunday, November 8th, 2026

After breakfast or upon arrival, we’ll check into The Dubai EDITION, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Known for its minimalist design and strong architectural lines, the hotel is part of a boutique collection developed by Ian Schrager and Marriott, blending luxury with urban style. It’s just steps from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

You’ll have time to settle in, rest, or take a short walk around the neighborhood. Later, we’ll gather for a welcome cocktail in the lounge—an easy start to the journey and a chance to connect with the group.

Dinner will be at Abd El Wahab, a well-known restaurant overlooking the Dubai Fountain. From the terrace, we’ll have clear views of the Burj Khalifa while enjoying Lebanese dishes that have become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Included

Dinner

Welcome cocktail

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Dubai, UAE

Day 2: Monday, November 9th, 2026

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Al Fahidi neighborhood, one of the oldest parts of Dubai. At the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, we’ll share a traditional Emirati breakfast while engaging in open conversation about local customs and daily life. It’s a chance to ask questions and learn from the source.

We’ll continue with a guided walk through the Al Fahidi Historical District, known for its narrow lanes, wind towers, and restored courtyard homes. The area offers a glimpse into Dubai before the skyscrapers.

Later, we’ll visit the Museum of the Future, a striking building shaped like a hollow ellipse. Inside, immersive exhibits offer a vision of how technology could shape the next 50 years across science, space, and society.

Lunch will be at 3 Fils, a small restaurant in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour that’s gained international recognition for its creative Asian dishes and waterfront setting.

The late afternoon is free for you to rest or explore Downtown Dubai. In the evening, we’ll meet local food guide Arva Ahmed for a Frying Pan Adventures tour, where we’ll walk through lesser-known neighborhoods and sample regional dishes that reflect the city’s multicultural roots.

Included

All meals

Guided walking tour of Al Fahidi Historical District

Evening culinary walking tour

Entrance to the Museum of the Future

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Dubai, UAE

Day 3: Tuesday, November 10th, 2026

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin the day with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. From the observation deck, the views stretch across the city to the desert and sea—an iconic perspective on Dubai’s rapid transformation.

Next, we’ll head to Dubai Creek, the original center of commerce and daily life before the city expanded outward. We’ll cross the water by abra, a traditional wooden boat still used by locals. Along the way, our guide will share stories about the early trading days that shaped Dubai.

Lunch will be at Arabian Tea House, set in a restored heritage home with whitewashed walls and turquoise benches. The menu features classic Emirati dishes in a relaxed setting.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Al Shindagha Museum, where exhibits trace Dubai’s history through pearl diving, shipping, and oral traditions. We’ll finish with time to wander the Gold and Spice Souks, where the air is rich with the scent of cardamom, rose petals, and frankincense. Jewelry shops, textiles, and handcrafted goods line the busy alleyways.

Dinner is at Shimmers, located on a stretch of private beach with direct views of the Burj Al Arab. The menu focuses on Mediterranean dishes, and the sound of the water is never far off.

Included

All Meals

Visit to the Burj Khalifa

Abra ride across Dubai Creek

Tour of Al Shindagha Museum

Day4

Dubai, UAE

Day 4: Wednesday, November 11th, 2026

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a quiet morning at the hotel. Whether you want to revisit a favorite corner of Downtown Dubai, relax by the pool, or take one last stroll near the Burj Khalifa, the time is yours.

By late morning, we’ll leave the city behind and drive into the dunes. Our destination is Nara Desert Camp, a private retreat set in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Known for its refined Bedouin-style setup and peaceful location, the camp offers an immersive desert experience without sacrificing comfort.

We’ll begin with a guided painting and expression session, using the landscape as inspiration. A casual picnic lunch will be served as we work, with the sound of wind in the dunes as our backdrop.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll take part in a sound bath therapy session, designed to ground and center us in the quiet of the open desert. Dinner will be served under the stars in a traditional Bedouin setting, followed by time for stargazing. Far from the lights of the city, the night sky reveals a different side of the UAE.

Included

All Meals

Guided painting and expression session

Sound bath therapy session

Day5

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Day 5: Thursday, November 12th, 2026

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Abu Dhabi. The drive takes about ninety minutes, moving us from desert landscapes to the capital’s more expansive coastline.

Our first stop is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. With its white marble domes, reflective pools, and intricate floral inlays, the space feels both monumental and serene. A guide will walk us through the architecture and meaning behind its design.

From there, we’ll check into The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, a five-star beachfront property located on a protected stretch of the Arabian Gulf. The resort is known for its wide sandy beach, spacious rooms, and easy access to both nature and city sites.

Lunch will be served at Sontaya, the hotel’s Southeast Asian restaurant set in floating pavilions overlooking the water.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum that presents global art in a series of light-filled galleries beneath a vast steel dome. The architecture is as compelling as the collection, which spans continents and centuries.

Before we leave, we’ll pause at the Art Lounge, the museum’s rooftop bar, for a drink at sunset. As the light filters through the dome’s perforations, the view across the water becomes something to remember.

Dinner will be at Buddha-Bar Beach, located nearby on Saadiyat Island. The atmosphere is relaxed and coastal, with a focus on fresh flavors and music that eases us into the evening.

Included

All Meals

Guided visits to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Louvre Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi, UAE

Day 6: Friday, November 13th, 2026

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day with a conversation over coffee led by an Emirati woman in leadership. Her story offers a firsthand perspective on the country’s evolving roles for women, from tradition to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Next, we’ll visit the Women’s Handicraft Centre, a quiet compound where local artisans continue the practice of embroidery, weaving, and other traditional crafts. We’ll have time to observe the work, ask questions, and learn how skills are passed down across generations.

Lunch will be followed by a visit to Kintsugi Space, a women-only wellness retreat on Reem Island. The center combines sound, light, and wave-based therapies in a calming environment designed to support emotional and physical balance. It’s a place to pause and reflect before the journey’s end.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at Talea, the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Known for its handmade pastas and elegant simplicity, it’s a fitting close to our time in the UAE.

Included

All Meals

Guided visit to the Women’s Handicraft Centre

Wellness Session at Kintsugi Space

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Muscat, Oman

Extension - Day 1: Saturday, November 14th, 2026

This morning, those continuing on to Oman will take a short flight to Muscat. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to The Chedi Muscat, a five-star beachfront retreat known for its minimalist design and peaceful setting. The property sits along the Gulf of Oman and is recognized for its long reflecting pools, traditional Omani architecture, and world-class service.

Our first stop will be the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a striking example of Islamic architecture. Inside, we’ll walk beneath its enormous chandelier, across handwoven Persian carpets, and through quiet marble corridors.

From there, we’ll head to Salaam Space for a bracelet-making workshop led by local artisans. Through this hands-on experience, we’ll learn about Omani design and symbolism while creating a keepsake of our own.

Lunch will be hosted by the Sidab Women’s Group, a local collective working to support and empower women through education and entrepreneurship. We’ll be welcomed into their space for a home-cooked meal and conversation.

In the afternoon, we’ll stop by Al Alam Palace and Al Mirani Fort—two historic landmarks that reflect Oman’s royal past and its ties to Portuguese maritime history.

As evening falls, we’ll board a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise along Muscat’s coastline. With the mountains behind us and the open water ahead, it’s a quiet way to take in the rhythm of this place.

Dinner will be back at the hotel at The Beach Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and open-air setting right by the shore.

Included

Lunch - Dinner

Bracelet-making workshop

Sunset dhow cruise

Cultural and historic visits

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Muscat, Oman

Extension - Day 2: Sunday, November 15th, 2026

After breakfast, we’ll head to the marina for a morning boat trip to the Damaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve off the coast of Muscat. Known for clear waters and coral reefs, the area is ideal for snorkeling and wildlife spotting. Dolphins are often seen nearby, and the pace here is unhurried. Whether you want to swim, float, or simply take in the horizon, this is a time to be carried by the sea.

Light refreshments will be served onboard, and we’ll return in time for lunch at The Restaurant at The Chedi. The menu blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in a setting that looks out over the resort’s gardens and pools.

The afternoon is dedicated to rest. The Chedi Spa offers a range of treatments rooted in Omani tradition, from rose water massages to frankincense-infused rituals. You may choose to spend time in the infinity pool, the hammam, or your own private space.

For our final evening, we’ll come together at Al Angham, a restaurant located near the Royal Opera House that specializes in Omani fine dining. Over rich flavors and carefully prepared dishes, we’ll mark the end of our journey in the best way possible through shared stories and a meal made with care.

Included

All Meals

Morning boat trip

Day9

Muscat, Oman

Extension - Day 3: Monday, November 16th, 2026

We’ll wake to one last morning by the sea. After breakfast, we'll travel to Muscat International Airport. 

As we part ways, we carry more than souvenirs, memories of open skies, shared conversations, and the steady rhythm of discovery that brought us closer to ourselves and each other.

This may be the end of the itinerary, but it’s not the end of the journey.

Included

Breakfast

Private transfers to Muscat Airport

You'll Be Staying Here

The Dubai EDITION

The Dubai EDITION

Situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, The Dubai EDITION offers 5* guest rooms and suites with expansive windows providing stunning city views. The hotel features multiple dining options, including Duomo and Sumosan, as well as a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool. Its prime location places guests within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.

Nara Desert Camp

Nara Desert Camp

Located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Nara Desert Camp provides an exclusive desert experience with a range of activities such as camel rides, sandboarding, and desert safaris. The camp offers a unique setting for you to immerse yourself in Emirati culture and traditions amidst the serene desert landscape.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Overlooking the pristine Saadiyat Beach and the Arabian Gulf, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort features 5* rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can enjoy five pools, a vast athletic club, and dining options including MAZI and Buddha-Bar. The resort is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District.

The Chedi Muscat

The Chedi Muscat

Set on a private beachfront, The Chedi Muscat combines traditional Omani architecture with modern 5* luxury. The resort boasts a thirteen-suite Balinese spa, plus three swimming pools, including a Long Pool. Guests can dine at six distinct restaurants and indulge in facilities like a health club and tennis courts.

Hosts

Doni Belau

Doni Belau

Doni Belau is the creator and founder of Girls' Guide to the World. She is an inveterate traveler, having been to over 85 countries (and counting). She comes alive when exploring and seeing, tasting and feeling something or somewhere new. She loves to help other women experience this sensation as she truly believes it helps us see a larger world of possibilities within ourselves. 

gg2theworld

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$10,995

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$9,805

Optional Trip Extensions

3-Day Trip Extension to Oman - Private Room

3-Day Trip Extension to Oman - Private Room

Join us on a three day, two-night trip extension to Oman

FROM$4,745.00/pp

3-Day Trip Extension to Oman - Shared Room

3-Day Trip Extension to Oman - Shared Room

Join us on a three day, two-night trip extension to Oman

FROM$4,115.00/pp

Add Ons

Pre-Trip Night in Dubai

Pre-Trip Night in Dubai

Includes one night and breakfast at the Dubai Edition

PRICE$785.00

ADD THIS

From the glamour of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the soul-stirring beauty of Oman, let every step captivate you

Feel the magic of the Middle East

From the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai to the cultural richness of Abu Dhabi and the ancient souks and desert landscapes of Oman, this journey blends modern luxury with timeless tradition. Explore grand mosques, sail on traditional dhows, and sleep under starlit desert skies—an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Arabian Gulf.

Feel the magic of the Middle East

What's Included

What's Included

Everything specified in the itinerary

All meals (except where indicated), including beer & wine with dinner

Accommodations at unique, 4-star or better hotels

All transportation during the trip (except where indicated)

Expert guides and trip leaders

A small group experience

Welcome cocktail

Guided walking tour of Al Fahidi Historical District

Evening culinary walking tour

Entrance to the Museum of the Future

Visit to the Burj Khalifa

Abra ride across Dubai Creek

Tour of Al Shindagha Museum

Guided painting and expression session

Guided visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi

Guided visit to the Women's Handicraft Centre

Wellness session at Kintsugi Space

Any spa treatment desired

Travel and medical insurance (required)

All personal souvenirs

Additional wine, beer, and/or spirits beyond what’s offered at meals

Round-trip airfare to Dubai

FAQs

You should fly into Dubai International Airport (DXB). It's approximately 14 kilometers from Downtown Dubai, where your accommodation, The Dubai EDITION, is located. The journey by taxi takes about 13 minutes, while the metro ride is around 25 minutes. 

The trip officially starts on November 8th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Dubai, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and get settled. If you do decide to arrive early you can book directly on the website under the Add On's button. We will make sure that you are kept in the same room that you will be in for the trip.

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.

In November, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat experience warm, sunny days with average highs around  88°F (31°C), cooler evenings near  66°F (19°C), and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration.

Inquire about this trip

Sands of Grace A Women’s Journey Through the Emirates & Oman

United Arab Emirates· 8 - 14 November 2026· 6 nights

FROM$10,995/pp