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A Week of Family Fun in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Friday, September 29: Arrival in Dubai

Welcome to Dubai! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and settling in. In the morning, head to the Dubai Mall, where you can explore the world's largest shopping mall, visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and marvel at the iconic Burj Khalifa. In the afternoon, take a desert safari tour to enjoy thrilling activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and belly dancing. End the day with a delicious dinner at a traditional Bedouin camp. Estimated cost: $$$$, Time spent: Full day.

  • Dubai Mall: $$$, Full day
  • Desert Safari: $$$$, Full day
Saturday, September 30: Exploring Dubai

Start your morning with a visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning floral paradise with over 50 million blooming flowers. In the afternoon, head to Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, where you can enjoy thrilling water slides and interact with dolphins at Dolphin Bay. In the evening, take a stroll along Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Walk, lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Estimated cost: $$, Time spent: Full day.

  • Dubai Miracle Garden: $$, Half day
  • Aquaventure Waterpark: $$$, Half day
  • JBR Walk: $$, Evening
Sunday, October 1: Excursion to Abu Dhabi

Today, take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Visit the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques, known for its stunning architecture and intricate details. In the afternoon, explore the cultural hub of Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, where you can visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi and enjoy the beautiful beach. End the day with a visit to Yas Island, home to Ferrari World, an indoor amusement park with thrilling rides. Estimated cost: $$$, Time spent: Full day.

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Free, Half day
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi: $$, Half day
  • Yas Island (Ferrari World): $$$, Half day
Monday, October 2: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend a full day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, a mega-theme park destination. Start your day at Motiongate Dubai, where you can experience the world of movies and enjoy thrilling rides based on popular films. In the afternoon, head to Bollywood Parks Dubai, a Bollywood-themed park with live shows and interactive experiences. End the day at Legoland Dubai, a paradise for Lego lovers with exciting rides and attractions. Estimated cost: $$$, Time spent: Full day.

  • Motiongate Dubai: $$$, Full day
  • Bollywood Parks Dubai: $$$, Half day
  • Legoland Dubai: $$$, Half day
Tuesday, October 3: Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah

Start your morning with a visit to Dubai Marina, a luxurious waterfront area. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride or explore the shops and restaurants along the marina promenade. In the afternoon, head to Palm Jumeirah, an iconic man-made island. Visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm, where you can see marine life up close. End the day with a visit to The Pointe, an outdoor waterfront dining and entertainment destination. Estimated cost: $$, Time spent: Full day.

  • Dubai Marina: Free, Half day
  • Palm Jumeirah (Lost Chambers Aquarium): $$, Half day
  • The Pointe: $$, Evening
Wednesday, October 4: Dubai Creek and Old Dubai

Start your morning with a visit to Dubai Creek, the historic heart of the city. Take an abra (traditional boat) ride across the creek and explore the vibrant souks (markets) of Deira, where you can shop for spices, gold, and textiles. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort to learn about the city's rich history. End the day at Al Seef, a charming waterfront district with traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants. Estimated cost: $, Time spent: Full day.

  • Dubai Creek: $, Half day
  • Dubai Museum: $, Half day
  • Al Seef: $, Evening
Thursday, October 5: Farewell to Dubai

On your last day, indulge in some retail therapy at the Mall of the Emirates, home to over 600 stores. In the afternoon, visit Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort where you can experience winter activities in the desert. End your trip on a high note with dinner at one of Dubai's many fine dining restaurants, enjoying the stunning city skyline views. Estimated cost: $$$, Time spent: Half day.

  • Mall of the Emirates: $$$, Half day
  • Ski Dubai: $$$, Half day

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, visit the Dubai Miracle Garden during the evening to see the colored lights illuminating the beautiful flower displays. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Dubai Garden Glow, an enchanting park with glowing installations and interactive exhibits. Locals love spending time at Jumeirah Beach Park, where you can relax on the sandy beach, have a picnic, and let the kids play in the playgrounds.

For a taste of local culture, visit the Al Fahidi neighborhood in Old Dubai. Explore the narrow, winding streets lined with traditional houses, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Don't miss the chance to try traditional Emirati cuisine at one of the local restaurants, where you can savor dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat) and luqaimat (sweet dumplings).

Remember to check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.com before planning your trip!

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