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A Week of Family-Friendly Fun in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Friday, December 22: Arrival in Dubai

Welcome to Dubai! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and freshening up. In the morning, head to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, where you can see an impressive array of marine life. In the evening, explore the Dubai Mall and watch the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show.

  • Burj Khalifa: Cost Estimate - AED 165 ($45); Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Cost Estimate - AED 120 ($33); Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Mall: Free; Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Saturday, December 23: Discovering Old Dubai

Start your day by visiting the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi, also known as Bastakiya. Explore the narrow lanes and traditional houses, and visit the Dubai Museum to learn about the city's rich history. In the afternoon, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek and visit the vibrant spice and gold souks. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the Deira area.

  • Al Fahidi (Bastakiya): Free; Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Museum: Cost Estimate - AED 3 ($0.8); Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Abra ride across Dubai Creek: Cost Estimate - AED 1 ($0.3); Time Spent - 1 hour
Sunday, December 24: Family Fun at Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, an entertainment complex featuring three theme parks and a water park. Start with Motiongate Dubai, where you can experience rides based on popular Hollywood movies. After lunch, head to Legoland Dubai, a paradise for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. In the evening, cool off at Legoland Water Park with its exciting slides and wave pools.

  • Motiongate Dubai: Cost Estimate - AED 245 ($67); Time Spent - Full day
  • Legoland Dubai: Cost Estimate - AED 245 ($67); Time Spent - Full day
  • Legoland Water Park: Cost Estimate - AED 245 ($67); Time Spent - Full day
Monday, December 25: Adventurous Day at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi and visit Yas Island. Start by exploring the thrilling Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, a theme park with exciting rides and attractions. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Yas Waterworld, a water park with numerous slides and pools. End the day with a peaceful stroll along Yas Marina, where you can admire the beautiful yachts and waterfront scenery.

  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Cost Estimate - AED 310 ($84); Time Spent - Full day
  • Yas Waterworld: Cost Estimate - AED 245 ($67); Time Spent - Full day
  • Yas Marina: Free; Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 26: Dubai Desert Adventures

Embark on an exciting desert safari in Dubai. Start the day by enjoying dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, followed by a visit to a traditional desert camp. Try activities like camel riding, sandboarding, and henna painting. In the afternoon, feast on a delicious BBQ dinner while watching traditional entertainment such as belly dancing. End the day with stargazing in the peaceful desert.

  • Desert Safari: Cost Estimate - AED 250-400 ($68-$109); Time Spent - Half day
Wednesday, December 27: The Palm Jumeirah and Aquaventure

Visit the iconic Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Begin the day with a visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm, where you can marvel at the marine life. Enjoy lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants and then head to Aquaventure Waterpark, where you can experience thrilling water slides and relax on the lazy river. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk.

  • Lost Chambers Aquarium: Cost Estimate - AED 119 ($32); Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Aquaventure Waterpark: Cost Estimate - AED 320 ($87); Time Spent - Full day
  • Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk: Free; Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 28: Shopping and Farewell

Spend your last day in Dubai by indulging in some retail therapy. Start at the traditional markets, such as the Textile Souk and the Perfume Souk, where you can find unique items. In the afternoon, visit the Mall of the Emirates and explore its vast array of shops, including the famous Ski Dubai indoor ski resort. End the evening with a farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

  • Textile Souk and Perfume Souk: Cost Estimate - Variable; Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Mall of the Emirates: Free; Time Spent - 3-4 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning floral paradise with vibrant displays that change throughout the year. Another hidden gem is the Green Planet, an indoor rainforest where you can learn about and interact with a variety of wildlife. Locals also love Kite Beach, a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline perfect for picnics, beach volleyball, and kite flying.

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