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A Week in Dubai: Family Friendly Itinerary

Friday, November 24: Arrival and Dubai Marina

Start your trip by arriving in Dubai and checking into your hotel. In the morning, explore the iconic Dubai Marina, a bustling waterfront area lined with skyscrapers and luxury yachts. Take a leisurely stroll along the marina promenade, enjoy breakfast at a waterfront café, and soak in the stunning views. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Marina Mall for shopping and entertainment. In the evening, take a relaxing dhow cruise along the marina, admiring the city's skyline.

  • Dubai Marina: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Dubai Marina Mall: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
  • Dhow Cruise: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Aqua Dining: Enjoy a delicious breakfast with stunning waterfront views at Aqua Dining. Indulge in a variety of breakfast options such as eggs benedict, pancakes, and fresh fruit. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
  • The Cheesecake Factory: For lunch, head to The Cheesecake Factory at Dubai Marina Mall. Feast on their extensive menu featuring American classics, pasta dishes, and of course, their famous cheesecakes. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
  • Pier 7: For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Pier 7, a multi-story tower with seven different restaurants. Choose from a range of cuisines including Mediterranean, Asian, and Italian, while enjoying panoramic views of Dubai Marina. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Saturday, November 25: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Start your day by visiting the magnificent Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls. Explore its vast range of shops, from international brands to local boutiques. In the morning, head to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located within the mall, and experience a close encounter with marine life. Afterward, grab lunch at one of the mall's many restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and enjoy breathtaking views from its observation deck. In the evening, watch the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show outside the mall.

  • Dubai Mall: Free entry, cost varies for activities, 4-6 hours
  • Burj Khalifa: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Fountain: Free, 30 minutes
Sunday, November 26: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Embark on a thrilling day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, an entertainment complex featuring multiple theme parks. Start your morning at Motiongate Dubai, where you can experience rides and attractions inspired by Hollywood movies. Afterward, head to Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park, perfect for a day of family fun with exciting rides and water slides. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the themed restaurants within the complex.

  • Motiongate Dubai: Cost varies, 5-6 hours
  • Legoland Dubai: Cost varies, 4-5 hours
  • Legoland Water Park: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Monday, November 27: Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village

Start your day by visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning floral paradise featuring intricate designs and vibrant displays. Explore the various themed gardens and take memorable family photos amidst the colorful blooms. In the afternoon, head to Global Village, a cultural and entertainment destination showcasing pavilions from different countries. Experience diverse cuisines, shop for unique souvenirs, and enjoy live performances. In the evening, watch the fireworks show.

  • Dubai Miracle Garden: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
  • Global Village: Cost varies, 4-5 hours
  • Fireworks Show: Free, 30 minutes
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to The Farm Restaurant, a charming countryside eatery located near the Dubai Miracle Garden. Indulge in a delicious farm-to-table breakfast with options like fresh eggs, baked goods, and organic produce. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
  • For lunch, try Zahr El-Laymoun, a Lebanese restaurant situated in Global Village. Enjoy authentic Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma, grilled meats, and mezze. The average cost for a meal here is about $20 per person.
  • For dinner, visit QD's Restaurant at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Set against the backdrop of Dubai's skyline, this waterfront restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring international cuisine. Savor dishes like steak, seafood, and pasta while enjoying stunning views. The average cost for a meal here is about $40 per person.
Tuesday, November 28: Dubai Creek and Old Dubai

Explore the historic side of Dubai by visiting Dubai Creek and Old Dubai. Start your day with a traditional abra boat ride across Dubai Creek, taking in the sights of the city's skyline and traditional dhows. In the morning, visit the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort to learn about the city's heritage. Afterward, explore the bustling streets of the Al Bastakiya district, known for its traditional architecture and art galleries. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving authentic Emirati cuisine. In the afternoon, spend time at the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you can shop for unique treasures. In the evening, dine at a waterfront restaurant along Dubai Creek and savor stunning sunset views.

  • Dubai Creek: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Museum: AED 3 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Al Bastakiya: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Gold Souk and Spice Souk: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
  • Waterfront Dinner: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • Ahmed Tea House: Start your day with a traditional Emirati breakfast at Ahmed Tea House, located in the heart of Old Dubai. Indulge in dishes like balaleet (sweet vermicelli with saffron) and chebab (Emirati pancakes) while enjoying the charming ambience. Average cost for a meal is about AED 40 per person.
  • XVA Café: For lunch, head to XVA Café, a hidden gem nestled in the Al Fahidi district. This artsy cafe offers a delectable selection of Middle Eastern and vegetarian dishes. Don't miss their signature za'atar halloumi wrap and refreshing mint lemonade. Average cost for a meal is about AED 60 per person.
  • Al Fanar Restaurant and Café: Experience a taste of Emirati cuisine at Al Fanar Restaurant and Café for dinner. This restaurant provides a warm and cozy atmosphere with its traditional decor and Emirati dishes such as prawns machbous and lamb salona. Average cost for a meal is about AED 120 per person.
Wednesday, November 29: Aquaventure Waterpark and Palm Jumeirah

Immerse yourself in aquatic adventures at Aquaventure Waterpark, located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Spend your morning enjoying thrilling water slides, relaxing in lazy rivers, and interacting with marine life at the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Afterward, head to one of the palm-fringed beaches on Palm Jumeirah for some sun, sand, and relaxation. In the afternoon, visit the upscale shopping destination, The Pointe, and indulge in a delicious meal at one of its waterfront restaurants. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, enjoying panoramic views of the Dubai Marina skyline.

  • Aquaventure Waterpark: Cost varies, 5-6 hours
  • Lost Chambers Aquarium: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
  • The Pointe: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
  • Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk: Free, 1-2 hours
Thursday, November 30: Desert Safari and Evening Entertainment

Experience the beauty of the Arabian desert on a thrilling desert safari. In the morning, embark on a desert dune bashing adventure in a 4x4 vehicle, followed by sandboarding and camel riding. Enjoy a traditional Emirati lunch at a desert camp and explore the stunning desert landscape. In the evening, indulge in a magical Arabian night with a desert dinner buffet, live entertainment including belly dancing and Tanoura shows, henna painting, and stargazing.

  • Desert Safari: Cost varies, 6-7 hours
  • Desert Dinner and Entertainment: Cost varies, 4-5 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Victorian Tea Room. Indulge in a traditional English breakfast with a variety of freshly made sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Average cost is about AED 50 per person.
  • For lunch, head to Arabian Barbeque Restaurant for a flavorful Middle Eastern feast. Enjoy dishes like shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats served with aromatic rice. Average cost is about AED 60 per person.
  • End your day with a memorable dinner at Al Hadheerah Restaurant. Experience a taste of Arabia with a lavish buffet of Arabian and international dishes, live cooking stations, and traditional entertainment. Average cost is about AED 250 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites in Dubai

While exploring Dubai, don't miss out on some off the beaten path attractions and local favorites. Visit the Dubai Butterfly Garden, a serene oasis filled with colorful butterflies and tropical plants, perfect for a peaceful family outing. For a cultural experience, head to Alserkal Avenue, an arts district showcasing contemporary art galleries, creative spaces, and unique pop-up events. Families with children can also enjoy a visit to Dubai Dolphinarium, where they can watch dolphin and seal shows.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices on KAYAK.

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