7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for United Arab Emirates in October 2023

1. Day 1: Dubai Mall
   20 minutes (12.7 km) from Dubai International Airport

   Visit the largest mall in the world, featuring over 1,200 retail outlets, an aquarium, an ice rink, and an indoor theme park. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants before heading to the observation deck of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

2. Day 2: Dubai Miracle Garden
   35 minutes (29.7 km) from Dubai Mall

   Stroll through the world's largest flower garden, featuring over 45 million flowers arranged in stunning patterns and designs. Enjoy lunch at one of the on-site cafes before heading to Global Village, an outdoor cultural and entertainment destination featuring pavilions from over 75 countries.

3. Day 3: Sharjah Aquarium
   25 minutes (19.9 km) from Dubai Miracle Garden

   Discover the marine life of the Arabian Gulf at Sharjah Aquarium, featuring over 150 species of fish, sharks, rays, and turtles. After lunch, visit the nearby Al Noor Island, a serene oasis featuring botanical gardens, art installations, and a butterfly house.

4. Day 4: Al Ain Zoo and Jebel Hafeet
   1 hour 30 minutes (147 km) from Sharjah Aquarium

   Explore the wildlife of the Arabian Peninsula at Al Ain Zoo, featuring over 4,000 animals across 200 species. After lunch, drive to Jebel Hafeet, the second tallest mountain in the UAE, for panoramic views of the desert landscape.

5. Day 5: Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and Yas Island
   1 hour 30 minutes (147 km) from Al Ain Zoo

   Get up close and personal with these majestic birds of prey at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, where you can learn about their history, habits, and healthcare. After lunch, head to Yas Island, a popular entertainment destination featuring attractions such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld.

6. Day 6: Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island
   30 minutes (23.4 km) from Yas Island

   Discover a rich collection of art and artifacts from around the world at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an architectural masterpiece designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. After lunch, explore Saadiyat Island, a cultural district featuring museums, galleries, and performance venues.

7. Day 7: Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach
   1 hour (33.8 km) from Louvre Abu Dhabi

   Take a leisurely stroll along Dubai Marina, a picturesque waterfront promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and luxury yachts. After lunch, head to Jumeirah Beach, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing with views of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.

Recommendations

Other notable family-friendly attractions in the UAE include Ski Dubai, KidZania, Legoland, and Motiongate in Dubai, as well as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi. For a unique experience, consider a desert safari or a hot air balloon ride over the desert.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dubai Mall (4 hours, free)
• Burj Khalifa (2 hours, 149 AED for observation deck ticket)
• Dubai Miracle Garden (2 hours, 55 AED for adult admission)
• Global Village (4 hours, 15 AED for adult admission)
• Sharjah Aquarium (2 hours, 25 AED for adult admission)
• Al Noor Island (2 hours, 35 AED for adult admission)
• Al Ain Zoo (4 hours, 55 AED for adult admission)
• Jebel Hafeet (2 hours, free)
• Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (2 hours, 170 AED for adult admission)
• Yas Island (8 hours, varies by attraction)
• Louvre Abu Dhabi (3 hours, 63 AED for adult admission)
• Saadiyat Island (4 hours, free)
• Dubai Marina (2 hours, free)
• Jumeirah Beach (3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: 550 AED per adult (excluding attraction costs on Yas Island)