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7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Explore the best of Dubai and Abu Dhabi with this 7-day family-friendly itinerary. Enjoy a mix of cultural experiences, thrilling adventures, and fun-filled activities that will create unforgettable memories for everyone.

Sunday, October 15: Arrive in Dubai

Start your trip by arriving in Dubai and checking into your hotel. Take the afternoon to relax and adjust to the time change. In the evening, head to the Dubai Marina Walk, a beautiful waterfront promenade with stunning views of the city's skyline. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

  • Dubai Marina Walk: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • A popular breakfast spot near the Dubai Marina is Eggspectation, offering a variety of egg dishes and delicious breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is around AED 50 per person.
  • For lunch, head to The Cheesecake Factory at the Dubai Marina Mall. They serve a wide range of American dishes and their famous cheesecakes. The average cost for a meal is about AED 100 per person.
  • In the evening, dine at Pierchic, a romantic seafood restaurant located at the end of a pier in the Dubai Marina. Enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Gulf while indulging in their fresh seafood offerings. The average cost for a meal is around AED 400 per person.
Monday, October 16: Dubai City Tour

Embark on a full-day city tour of Dubai. In the morning, visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck. Afterward, explore the Dubai Mall, an extravagant shopping and entertainment destination. In the afternoon, take a traditional abra (water taxi) ride across Dubai Creek to visit the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi. End the day with a visit to the bustling Gold Souk to admire the stunning jewelry on display.

  • Burj Khalifa: Cost: AED 149-349 (depending on the time and level chosen), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Mall: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
  • Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Gold Souk: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Baker & Spice located in Dubai Mall. They offer freshly baked pastries and breads, along with healthy breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AED per person.
  • For lunch, try Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. They serve traditional Emirati and Arabian cuisine in a charming courtyard setting. Average cost for a meal is about 80 AED per person.
  • For dinner, indulge in Middle Eastern and Lebanese delicacies at Al Nafoorah in Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. They offer a luxurious dining experience with breathtaking views of the palace. Average cost for a meal is about 200 AED per person.
Tuesday, October 17: Desert Safari Adventure

Experience the thrill of a desert safari adventure. In the morning, explore the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve on a guided nature drive. Learn about the unique desert ecosystem and spot wildlife like Arabian oryx and gazelles. In the afternoon, embark on a heart-pumping dune bashing experience and try sandboarding. Enjoy a traditional Arabian BBQ dinner under the starry night sky and watch a mesmerizing belly dance performance.

  • Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: Cost: AED 300-400, Time Spent: 4-5 hours
  • Dune Bashing and Sandboarding: Cost: AED 200-300, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
  • Arabian BBQ Dinner and Belly Dance Show: Cost: AED 150-250, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Wednesday, October 18: Abu Dhabi City Tour

Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. In the morning, visit the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Explore the stunning architecture and intricate details of this iconic landmark. Afterward, head to Yas Island and visit Ferrari World, an indoor amusement park with thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. Return to Dubai in the evening.

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
  • Ferrari World: Cost: AED 295-600 (depending on the ticket type), Time Spent: 4-5 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Jones the Grocer located in Yas Mall. This trendy café offers a wide selection of delicious breakfast options such as avocado toast and eggs benedict. The average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
  • For lunch, try Nolu's Downtown in Abu Dhabi. This charming restaurant specializes in Afghan cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy flavorful dishes like kebabs and curries. The average cost for a meal is about AED 80 per person.
  • For dinner, visit Pierchic in Dubai. This romantic seafood restaurant is located on a private pier offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes like lobster and oysters. The average cost for a meal is about AED 400 per person.
Thursday, October 19: Aquaventure Waterpark

Cool off and have a splashing good time at Aquaventure Waterpark, located at Atlantis, The Palm. Spend the morning enjoying thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and relaxing pools. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can explore the mythical city of Atlantis and marvel at the marine life. In the afternoon, head to the Palm Jumeirah Beach for some sun, sand, and sea.

  • Aquaventure Waterpark: Cost: AED 200-300, Time Spent: 4-5 hours
  • Lost Chambers Aquarium: Cost: AED 100-150, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
  • Palm Jumeirah Beach: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Friday, October 20: Dubai Miracle Garden

Spend the day exploring the magnificent Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest natural flower garden. Marvel at the impressive displays of colorful flowers, unique sculptures, and stunning floral arrangements. Get lost in the Butterfly Garden, home to thousands of beautiful butterflies. Take a leisurely walk and capture Instagram-worthy photos amidst this floral paradise.

  • Dubai Miracle Garden: Cost: AED 50-100, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Saturday, October 21: Dubai Creek Cruise

End your trip with a relaxing cruise along Dubai Creek. Hop on a traditional dhow boat and enjoy a scenic journey while feasting on delicious Arabian cuisine. Admire the illuminated skyline of Dubai and soak in the charming ambiance of the creek. Get entertained by live music and traditional dance performances on board. It's the perfect way to bid farewell to this magnificent city.

  • Dubai Creek Cruise: Cost: AED 100-200, Time Spent: 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Dubai Butterfly Garden, a magical indoor garden filled with thousands of colorful butterflies. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Dubai Frame, an architectural marvel that offers panoramic views of the city's old and new areas. For a taste of local culture, explore the Alserkal Avenue arts district in Dubai, where you can discover contemporary art galleries, cafes, and creative spaces.

Check out Kayak to find the best hotel and flight prices for your trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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