Enter Petra through the narrow Siq gorge to witness Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), carved 2,000 years ago into living rock by Nabataean artisans
Jordan UAE Deserts Skyscrapers: Experience the ultimate contrast on this 10-day Jordan & UAE luxury tour. Private planning and local support included.
Continue planning with our UAE tours, and consult the official Jordan Tourism Board for current destination information.
From 2,000-year-old Nabataean tombs to the world's tallest building in a single journey. The Deserts to Skyscrapers tour is the ultimate contrast experience, designed for travelers who refuse to choose between ancient wonder and modern spectacle. Begin in Jordan, where Petra's Treasury glows rose-red at sunrise and Wadi Rum's desert silence has inspired poets and filmmakers for generations. Sleep in a luxury Bedouin camp beneath a canopy of stars untouched by light pollution. Then fly to Dubai, where the Burj Khalifa pierces the clouds at 2,700 feet, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque dazzles with 82 domes and 1,000 columns, and the Lahbab Desert offers dune bashing adventures that rival any Jordanian safari. This is a journey of extremes: the oldest and the newest, the quietest and the loudest, the most natural and the most engineered. Jordan Journey coordinates every detail including the Amman-Dubai flight, ensuring your transition from desert camp to penthouse suite is as seamless as your border crossing. For travelers who want it all, and want it now.
Key details for planning this private journey experience.
Enter Petra through the narrow Siq gorge to witness Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), carved 2,000 years ago into living rock by Nabataean artisans
Sleep beneath the stars in a luxury Wadi Rum Bedouin camp with ensuite bathroom, hot shower, and gourmet desert dining
Soar above Dubai from the Burj Khalifa's At The Top observation deck on the 148th floor, 1,800 feet high
Walk beneath 82 white marble domes at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, home to the world's largest hand-knotted carpet
Experience dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding in Dubai's Lahbab Desert on a 4x4 safari with Bedouin-style camp dinner
Cruise Dubai Marina at sunset, seeing Ain Dubai (world's largest Ferris wheel) and the illuminated skyline from the water
Explore Al Ain, the 'Garden City': lush date palm oases, ancient Hili Gardens tombs, Jebel Hafeet mountain drive, and traditional camel market
Single-point booking: Jordan Journey includes Amman-Dubai flight, all transfers, and coordination across both countries
A simple view of what is covered in this journey and what should be planned separately.
Jordan Journey representative meets at arrivals hall with branded sign.
Hadrian's Arch, Oval Plaza, Colonnaded Street, Temple of Artemis.
Check into 5-star hotel in Abdoun or Sweifieh.
Amman Citadel and Roman Theater.
panoramic view across Jordan Valley.
St. George's Church with 6th-century mosaic map.
Site orientation with specialist guide.
Treasury reveal at 3:45 PM with archaeological briefing.
Treasury in solitude.
850 rock-cut steps, 45-minute ascent to 148-foot facade.
Lunch at Wadi Musa restaurant.
Nabataean suburb with painted frescoes.
Rest.
Petra by Night (Mon/Wed/Thu): candlelit Siq walk.
Transfer to 4x4 open-back vehicles.
Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon (ancient inscriptions), Red Sand Dunes.
Bedouin zarb (underground barbecue) in desert shade.
golden hour photography over rust-colored dunes.
Private tent with ensuite bathroom.
Stargazing with telescope.
Brief Red Sea coastal drive.
UAE partner DMC meets with branded sign.
Madinat Jumeirah (photo stop with Burj Al Arab), Al Farooq Omar Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Road.
ride traditional abra water taxi. Walk through spice souk and gold souk.
Dubai Mall shopping, Dubai Aquarium, or hotel pool.
1-hour boat ride seeing Ain Dubai, Cayan Tower, and illuminated skyline.
Transfer to Abu Dhabi (90 miles, 1.5 hours).
82 white marble domes, 1,000 columns, world's largest hand-knotted carpet (60,000 square feet), 24-carat gold chandeliers.
views of Arabian Gulf and skyline.
360-degree views from 74th floor observation deck.
cultural site with exhibitions on UAE governance, Great Hall with mirrored archways.
pool, spa, or Dubai Mall.
Welcome with Arabic coffee and dates.
4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser ride over red sand dunes.
Falcon demonstration.
barbecue, salads, bread, traditional desserts. Belly dancing and tanoura show.
mountain drive to summit (4,000 feet) with panoramic views of Oman border and Al Ain oasis.
Bronze Age archaeological site with 4,000-year-old beehive tombs.
artifacts from the region's earliest settlements.
largest in the UAE. Watch dealers buy and sell racing camels.
3,000-acre UNESCO site with 147,000 date palms and ancient falaj irrigation.
Last-minute shopping at Dubai Mall or Gold Souk for spices, gold, perfumes, and dates.
UAE partner DMC assists with check-in.
Everything important for planning, comfort, access, timing, and on-the-ground expectations.
Arrival: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Amman. Jordan Journey representative meets at arrivals with branded sign.
Departure: Dubai International Airport (DXB). Transfer arranged by UAE partner DMC.
Inter-Country Transfer: Aqaba (AQJ) to Dubai (DXB) by commercial flight (3 hours direct, or via Amman). Jordan Journey books, issues tickets, and coordinates check-in. Transfer time including airport procedures: 5-6 hours total.
UAE Domestic Travel: Dubai to Abu Dhabi by private vehicle (90 miles, 1.5 hours). Dubai to Al Ain by private vehicle (90 miles, 1.5 hours). All road transfers in GMC Yukon or Toyota Land Cruiser.
10 Days total (fixed for optimal pacing). Jordan portion: 4 days (Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum). UAE portion: 6 days (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, desert safari). This duration balances ancient and modern experiences without rushing either. Optional 2-day extension available for Musandam Peninsula dhow cruise or Ferrari World.
Private tours: 2-8 passengers in Toyota Land Cruiser or Mercedes Vito with dedicated driver and guide
Small groups: 9-16 passengers in Mercedes Sprinter with second support staff
Wadi Rum: Local 4×4 open-back vehicles with Bedouin drivers (6-8 passengers per vehicle)
UAE portion: Air-conditioned GMC Yukon or Toyota Land Cruiser for desert driving. Mercedes Viano for city transfers.
Dubai Marina cruise: Shared or private yacht depending on group size and package level
Moderate. Petra main trail: 5-6 miles on uneven stone with 650-foot elevation gain. Monastery trail (optional): 850 rock-cut steps, 45-minute ascent. Wadi Rum: minimal walking, primarily 4×4 travel. Dubai and Abu Dhabi: extensive walking at malls, souks, and museums (3-4 miles daily). Desert safari: dune bashing involves sharp turns and bumps. Not recommended for those with motion sickness or back problems. Not suitable for wheelchair users due to Petra terrain. Minimum recommended age: 8 years.
| Group Size | Base Package | Enhanced (+$250) | Signature (+$600) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pax | From $5,250/person | From $5,500/person | From $5,850/person | Private vehicle/guide |
| 4 pax | From $4,150/person | From $4,400/person | From $4,750/person | Shared vehicle |
| 6 pax | From $3,550/person | From $3,800/person | From $4,150/person | Minibus |
| 8 pax | From $3,150/person | From $3,400/person | From $3,750/person | Minibus |
Child policy: Under 12 years at 50% of adult price. Infant under 2: free (no separate seat). Burj Khalifa SKY deck upgrade: add 50 USD per person. Musandam Peninsula extension (2 days): add 550 USD per person. Prices in USD, subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Single supplement: add 35%. UAE tourism tax (7%) and municipality fees included.
October-April: Ideal weather (68-86°F) in both countries. Peak season: book 90+ days ahead. Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February): hotels fill quickly.
May-September: Hot (95-110°F in UAE, 85-100°F in Jordan). Lower prices, indoor-focused UAE itinerary. Book 45 days ahead.
December-January: Christmas and New Year peak in Dubai. Book 120+ days ahead.
Ramadan: Reduced restaurant hours in UAE. Evening iftar experiences available. Book 60+ days ahead.
Booking: 50% deposit at confirmation, balance 21 days before departure.
Cancellation: 100% refund more than 45 days, 50% refund 21-45 days, no refund less than 21 days.
Wadi Rum camps: Non-refundable within 14 days due to limited luxury tent capacity.
Aqaba-Dubai flight: Subject to airline cancellation policies. Name changes may incur fees.
Desert safari: Not recommended for guests with serious back problems or motion sickness. Pregnant women should consult physician.
Travel insurance: Mandatory with medical evacuation coverage.
Petra: Not wheelchair accessible due to uneven stone paths, steps, and narrow Siq sections. Alternative: horse-drawn carriage to Treasury (40 USD). Wadi Rum: 4×4 vehicles accommodate most mobility needs. Luxury camp has paved walkways and accessible bathroom. Dubai and Abu Dhabi: All major sites (Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre, Qasr Al Watan) have full wheelchair access, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Desert safari: Not suitable for wheelchair users due to sand terrain. Vision-impaired: Guide assistance throughout. Hearing-impaired: Written materials provided. Dietary: Vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free options widely available in UAE with advance notice.
Ramadan: Reduced restaurant hours in UAE. Some attractions close early. Evening iftar experiences available at hotels.
Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February): Hotels fill quickly. Book 120+ days ahead.
Summer heat (June-September): Outdoor site visits limited to early morning. Afternoon itinerary focuses on indoor attractions.
Photography: Drones prohibited in UAE without special permits. Respect restrictions at Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Dress code: Modest dress required at Sheikh Zayed Mosque and traditional souks. Beachwear only at pools and beaches.
Border/flight documentation: Passport must have 6+ months validity. UAE visa on arrival for US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian citizens.
Health: No mandatory vaccinations. Tap water safe in UAE but bottled water provided. Heat exhaustion risk in summer: stay hydrated.
Useful labels that help compare this journey with other Jordan Journey experiences.
Clear answers before you reserve your journey.
Yes. The domestic/regional flight from Aqaba (AQJ) to Dubai (DXB) is included in all package levels. We book economy class with 20 kg checked baggage per person. Premium economy or business class upgrades available on request (additional 350-750 USD depending on season). Jordan Journey handles all bookings, issues e-tickets, and coordinates airport transfers on both ends.
Yes. Dubai is ideally positioned for extensions. Add 2-3 days in Doha, Qatar (Louvre, Souk Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art). Or extend to Musandam Peninsula, Oman (fjord-like coastline, dhow cruises). Or fly to Riyadh for Saudi Arabia's Ancient Kingdoms Trail. We design custom extensions with seamless flight connections.
Strict modesty required. Women must cover hair, arms, and legs. Abayas and headscarves are provided free at the mosque entrance if needed. Men must wear long pants and covered arms. No transparent clothing. Photography is permitted but respectful behavior is essential. Our guide provides a pre-visit briefing and ensures all guests are appropriately dressed.
Yes, when conducted by licensed operators. Our UAE partner uses experienced drivers with specially modified 4x4 vehicles (roll cages, upgraded suspension, safety equipment). All passengers wear seatbelts. Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, and those with severe motion sickness should skip dune bashing and enjoy the camp activities instead. We offer alternative desert walks and camel rides.
UAE Dirham (AED) is the official currency. USD is widely accepted at tourist sites but change is given in Dirhams. Credit cards accepted everywhere. We recommend carrying 100-150 USD equivalent in Dirhams for tips, small purchases, and souk bargaining. ATMs widely available. Your guide assists with exchange.
In Jordan, alcohol is available at hotels and licensed restaurants. In the UAE, alcohol is served at hotel bars, licensed restaurants, and desert camps. However, public intoxication is illegal. During Ramadan, alcohol service is restricted to evening hours in some venues. We ensure all dining venues on your itinerary are licensed if you wish to enjoy wine with dinner.
Absolutely. Dubai is exceptionally family-friendly. Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Parks and Resorts, LEGOLAND, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and the Dubai Fountain show are perfect for children. Our guides adapt commentary and pacing for families. Minimum age for this tour is 8 years due to Petra walking demands. Younger children can be accommodated with private vehicle and adjusted itinerary.
Most Dubai packages start and end in the UAE. This tour combines the ancient world (Petra, 2,000 years old) with the hyper-modern (Burj Khalifa, 2010). The emotional contrast is profound: standing in Nabataean silence one day, then dining in a Michelin-starred Dubai restaurant the next. Jordan Journey's single-point coordination means you do not book separate Jordan and UAE operators. One DMC handles everything.
