Day 1: A Taste of Dubai
Morning: Grab a takeaway breakfast khameer from Mama Tani in Jumeira, and eat it on one of the area's fabulous beaches, such as Jumeirah Open Beach.
Afternoon: Soak up the sun on Jumeira's free beaches, or pay just Dhs.5 at Jumeirah Beach Park or Mamzar Beach Park and use the superb facilities. 
Evening: Head to Karama for an authentic - and cheap - Indian meal. Soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere, and shop for cheap trinkets. 

Day 2: Life's a Beach
Morning: Head to The Beach at JBR and take in the buzzing atmosphere of this city beach. Splash around in the shallows with Marsa Dubai's stunning skyscrapers forming a back drop. 
Afternoon: Go along to one of the five-star hotels along the beachfront and rent out a kayak for an hour. 
Evening: Stroll along Marina Walk and eat at one of the many affordable cafes that line the waterway. Spend the evening with a shisha at Reem Al Bawadi and watch the promenaders. 

Day 3: Window shopping
Morning: Get the Metro to The Dubai Mall, and spot the city's landmarks along the way. 
Afternoon: After a cheap lunch in one of the mall's food courts, spend the afternoon wandering around this enormous mall. Marvel at the enormous aquarium window, which is free to passing shoppers, stand and listen to the Waterfall, and have a peek at SEGA Republic indoor theme park. You can pay for rides individually here, which is great for those on a budget.
Evening: Join the crowds lining Burj Lake to watch the Dubai Fountain, or splash out on one of the overlooking cafes and and enjoy the show from there. Wi-fi is free throughout Downtown Dubai, so you can send your stunning pictures to your friends and make them jealous. 

Day 4: Culture Vulture
Morning: Take a tour of Jumeirah Mosque followed by a visit to the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding for a traditional Emirati lunch.
Afternoon: Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai Museum, then take an abra across Dubai Creek to haggle in the souks.
Evening: Grab a shawarma - Dubai's favourite street food - for as little as Dhs.5, and wander along both sides of Dubai Creek by night.

Day 5: Out of Dubai
Morning: Head out of Dubai and into neighbouring Sharjah. Start with some tasty Lebanese food at Zahr El Laymoun at Al Majaz Waterfront, and wander round Al Maraya Art Park. 
Afternoon: Stroll around Khalid Lagoon, taking in the beautiful Al Noor Mosque, and end up in the Heart of Sharjah heritage area. Visit Sharjah Heritage Museum, Sharjah Art Museum and Al Eslah School Museum.
Evening: Soak up the atmosphere in the UAE's oldest souk, Souk Al Arsah.