10-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai

Dubai, UAE

1:00 PM

Check-in at Budget Hotel

After arriving in Dubai, check into the budget-friendly Ibis Styles Hotel, conveniently located near the metro station for easy access to attractions.
Metro to Al Rigga Station
AED300, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Dubai Mall

Explore one of the world's largest shopping malls, where families can enjoy the Dubai Aquarium and the indoor ice rink, even if shopping isn't on the agenda.
Take the Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station
Free, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Water Fountain Show

Watch the captivating Dubai Fountain show set to music, right outside the mall.
Walk to the fountain area
Free, 30 minutes

7:15 PM

Dinner at Roti Rollers

Enjoy an affordable meal of Dubai's famous rotis, perfect for families on a budget.
Inside Dubai Mall
AED60, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Dubai

Dubai, UAE

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Savor a traditional Emirati breakfast with halwa and tea to start the day.
Metro to Al Fahidi Station and a short walk
AED80, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Dubai Museum

Discover the city's rich history at the Dubai Museum, located in the historic Al Fahidi Fort.
Walking distance
AED3, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Al Seef District

Stroll along the charming waterfront in Al Seef, with many shops and cafes displaying local culture.
10-minute walk
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bait Al Wakeel

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with waterfront views and affordable traditional dishes.
Walk along Al Seef
AED70, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Dubai Frame

Take an iconic picture at the Dubai Frame for stunning views of old and new Dubai.
Taxi from Al Seef (cost-effective to the frame)
AED50, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Park Day at Zabeel Park

Relax at Zabeel Park, with a children’s playground and walking paths, perfect for downtime and family fun.
Walk from Dubai Frame
AED5, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Al Mallah

Indulge in quick, tasty Lebanese wraps and grilled items at this popular budget eatery.
Taxi from the park
AED60, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventure Day

Dubai, UAE

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Croissant and Co.

Enjoy freshly baked croissants and coffee in this cozy café to fuel up for an adventurous day.
Walk from hotel
AED50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Dubai Marina

Take a stroll along the Marina Walk and enjoy the scenic view of yachts and skyscrapers.
Metro to DAMAC Properties Metro Station
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at KFC

Kids enjoy a classic meal at KFC, conveniently located at the Marina.
Within Marina
AED80, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Jet Ski Rental

Rent jet skis at Dubai Marina for a thrilling family outing on the water.
Marina Beach
AED400 for 2 jet skis (1 hour), 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax at JBR Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the sun at the known Jumeirah Beach Residence.
Short walk from Marina
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Visit The Walk at JBR

Explore The Walk, a beachfront promenade with shops and cafes, perfect for family browsing.
Walk along the beach
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Shake Shack

Savor burgers and shakes at this family-friendly dining hotspot, located at The Walk.
Inside The Walk
AED100, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural and Historical Exploration

Dubai, UAE

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy included breakfast at your budget hotel before heading out for the day.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Jumeirah Mosque

Take a guided tour of this stunning mosque and learn about Emirati culture, offering insights into Islam.
Taxi from hotel
AED30, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Wander through this vibrant souk filled with shops and cafes, while enjoying views of the waterways.
Taxi from mosque
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Souk

Eat at a local eatery with authentic dishes offering a taste of Arabian cuisine for the whole family.
At the Souk
AED80, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Atlantis The Palm

Snap photos and explore the stunning architecture of this hotel, with a look at the aquarium as well.
Taxi to Atlantis
AED30 (for public beach access), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at the Beach

Enjoy beach time at an Atlantis-adjacent beach allowing kids to play and swim.
From Atlantis
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Head back to the hotel for a simple dinner at their restaurant.
Take taxi back
AED70, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Abu Dhabi Journey

Abu Dhabi, UAE

8:00 AM

Breakfast in Dubai

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Abu Dhabi

Take a bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for an economical and comfortable ride.
Close to your hotel, bus station
AED30 per person, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Check-in at Budget Accommodation

Arrive in Abu Dhabi and check into the budget-friendly Center Ville Hotel, strategic for your itineraries.
A short taxi ride from the bus station
AED300, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Automatic Restaurant

Try some delicious Middle Eastern dishes and platters at this budget-friendly eatery.
Within walking distance
AED70, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Explore one of the most magnificent mosques globally, known for its stunning white architecture.
Taxi from restaurant
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Qasr Al Watan

Explore the Presidential Palace with a chance to learn about Emirati heritage in an imposing building.
Taxi from the mosque
AED60, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Lebanese Mill

Savor wonderful Lebanese cuisine at this very popular and affordable restaurant.
Taxi back to city center
AED70, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Abu Dhabi Highlights

Abu Dhabi, UAE

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your budget hotel to fuel up before a day of exploration.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi

Discover the incredible art collections and architecture at this stunning cultural landmark.
Taxi to Louvre
AED63 (kids under 18 free), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at the Louvre Café

Grab a quick bite at the on-site café with budget-friendly options for families.
At the museum
AED80, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Relax at Saadiyat Beach

Unwind and soak up some sun on Abu Dhabi's beautiful beaches, great for families.
Taxi to the beach
AED25 (entry fee), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Corniche Beach

Explore this scenic beachfront with playgrounds, cycling paths, and family-friendly areas.
Taxi from Saadiyat Beach
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Al Dhafra

Enjoy traditional dishes at this popular restaurant, perfect for families looking for authentic flavors.
Taxi to restaurant
AED75, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Theme Park Day

Abu Dhabi, UAE

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel to prepare for an exciting day ahead.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Warner Bros World

Make your way to the thrilling Warner Bros World for a long day of excitement.
Taxi from hotel
AED40, 30 minutes

9:00 AM

Enjoy Warner Bros World

Spend the day enjoying rides and attractions featuring beloved characters, a real adventure for the family.
N/A
AED295 per person (kids under 3 free), Full Day

12:30 PM

Lunch in Warner Bros World

Grab a family lunch at any of the dining options available within the park.
Inside the park
AED100, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner Back at the Hotel

Head back to your hotel after a long, fun-filled day and enjoy some rest with a light dinner.
Taxi back
AED70, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Relaxation and Leisure

Abu Dhabi, UAE

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out for a relaxing day.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit the Emirates Palace

Explore the opulence of this iconic hotel and try their famous gold cappuccino.
Taxi from hotel
Free entry, AED55 for cappuccino, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Corniche

Visit one of the local eateries along the Corniche for an affordable and tasty lunch.
Walking distance from Emirates Palace
AED60, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore the Heritage Village

Immerse yourself in Emirati culture with craft demonstrations and traditional architecture.
Taxi from lunch
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Al Ain Oasis

Enjoy the serene environment and lush green date palms, a perfect family-friendly escape.
Taxi from Heritage Village
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Al Hadeerah

End your day with a traditional dinner featuring a buffet of Middle Eastern dishes under starry skies.
Taxi from Al Ain Oasis
AED150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Dubai

Dubai, UAE

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel in Abu Dhabi.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel Back to Dubai

Take a bus back to Dubai, enjoying the comfortable ride as you transition back.
Taxi to bus station
AED30 per person, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive and check into your budget hotel in Dubai for the last days of your trip.
Walking distance from bus station
AED300, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Manousheh

Enjoy a delicious Lebanese breakfast featuring manousheh (flatbread) at this local spot.
Walking distance from hotel
AED50, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Global Village

Spend a fun afternoon at this multicultural festival park featuring shops and cultural shows.
Taxi from lunch
AED15, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Gazebo

Dine at Gazebo for some amazing North Indian cuisine, a perfect way to end your Dubai trip.
Taxi from Global Village
AED100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure Day

Dubai, UAE

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Take advantage of the last breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Dubai Miracle Garden

Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Miracle Garden, featuring stunning floral displays.
Taxi from hotel
AED75, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Wild Honey

Relish modern comfort food in this friendly and laid-back atmosphere for your final meal in Dubai.
Taxi to restaurant
AED90, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Pack and Check Out

Head back to your hotel to pack and check out for your departure.
N/A
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Airport Transfer

Arrange for a taxi to take you back to Dubai International Airport for your flight.
Taxi from hotel
AED60, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability