Family-Friendly 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary in Dubai: Nature and Culinary Adventure

Day 1: City Exploration

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of Emirati dishes in this charming, rustic café.
Make your way to the café located in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood, just 15 minutes from the city centre.
AED50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa

Explore the iconic Dubai Mall and ascend to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa for breathtaking views.
A 10-minute drive from Arabian Tea House, parking is available at the mall.
AED200 per adult, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Food Court in Dubai Mall

Enjoy a variety of cuisines at the Dubai Mall food court, perfect for the picky eaters in the family.
Located inside the shopping mall, just a short walk from the observation deck.
AED100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Explore the wonders of marine life; kids will love the interactive displays and impressive shark tunnel.
Located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall; follow the signs to the attraction.
AED130, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Dubai Creek

Take a peaceful stroll along the waterfront at Dubai Creek and watch the traditional dhows sail by.
10-minute drive or taxi from the Dubai Mall.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Bice Mare

Dine on exquisite Italian seafood while enjoying the beautiful waterfront views.
Located in Souk Al Bahar, a 5-minute drive or metro ride from Dubai Creek.
AED350, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature Escape

Musandam, Oman

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel before your scenic drive to Musandam.
Head out early to avoid traffic, taking the E311 highway.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Musandam

Set off for Musandam, a gorgeous region known for its stunning fjords and rugged mountains.
Expect a 2-hour drive through picturesque landscapes and border control at Oman.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Dhow Cruise in Musandam

Enjoy a half-day dhow cruise, spotting dolphins and taking in the dramatic scenery of rocky cliffs.
Cruises usually depart from Khasab, which is accessible by car from the border.
AED250 per person, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch on-board the Dhow

Savour a delicious traditional Omani meal served on board, complete with grilled meats and local spices.
Provided by the cruise operator while sailing.
Included in cruise cost, 1 hour

3:00PM

Snorkeling in Musandam

Dive into the pristine waters to explore coral reefs—perfect for a fun family activity!
Snorkeling gear is usually provided on the cruise.
Included in cruise cost, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to Dubai

Head back to Dubai after a day of adventure, reminiscing about spectacular views.
Reverse your earlier route to the Dubai border.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Indulge in a variety of American dishes and some of the best cheesecakes in town.
Located in Dubai Mall; easy access after your day trip.
AED250, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure Day

Hatta, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast to energize for an adventurous day in Hatta.
Depart from Dubai around 8 AM, taking the E44 highway.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Hatta

Enjoy the stunning mountain views as you make your way to the Hatta region.
Drive will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hatta Dam

Explore the beautiful turquoise waters at Hatta Dam, perfect for kayaking and paddle boating.
Follow signs to Hatta Dam once you arrive in Hatta.
AED60 for kayaking rental, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hatta Wadi Hub

Savour a hearty meal at a family-friendly restaurant while enjoying stunning views of the rugged landscape.
A 10-minute drive from Hatta Dam to the Wadi Hub.
AED150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hatta Mountain Bike Trail

Experience the thrill of mountain biking along scenic trails suited for all skill levels.
Rent bikes at Hatta Wadi Hub before setting off on your adventure.
AED60 per bike, 2 hours

4:30PM

Hatta Heritage Village

Explore the restored traditional village to learn about Emirati heritage and culture.
Located just a short scenic drive from the Wadi Hub.
AED10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Drive back to Dubai

Return to Dubai, reflecting on a wonderful day in the mountains.
Reverse direction via the E44 highway.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Zaytinya

Enjoy a delightful meal of Eastern Mediterranean dishes; perfect for unwinding after the day.
Located at the Ritz-Carlton in Dubai.
AED300, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Journey

Al Ain, UAE

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast before heading to Al Ain.
Depart from Dubai by around 8 AM, taking the E66 highway.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Al Ain

Enjoy a scenic drive through desert landscapes as you approach Al Ain, the 'Garden City'.
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Al Ain Zoo

Discover a variety of wildlife at one of the largest zoos in the UAE—perfect for the kids.
Follow signs to Al Ain Zoo from the main road.
AED50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Al Ain Oasis Café

Enjoy a light and refreshing lunch in the picturesque Al Ain Oasis, surrounded by palm trees.
Located inside the oasis, just a quick drive from the zoo.
AED100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Al Ain Oasis

Stroll through the serene oasis, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and historical falaj irrigation system.
Managed pathways make it easy to navigate through the oasis.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Jebel Hafeet Mountain

Drive up Jebel Hafeet for stunning panoramas of Al Ain, ideal for family photographs.
A scenic drive that takes approximately 30 minutes from the oasis.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive back to Dubai

Return to Dubai after a fulfilling cultural excursion.
Take the E66 back towards Dubai.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Dubai Frame Café

Enjoy dinner with a view at The Dubai Frame Café that overlooks the city's skyline.
Located in Zabeel Park; a short drive from your hotel.
AED200, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Winding Down

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Royal Starbucks

Start your last day with your favourite coffee and pastries from one of the city’s premier locations.
Located in Downtown Dubai, perfect for a city vibes send-off.
AED80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Dubai Miracle Garden

Immerse your family in a vibrant world of flowers; kids will love the arrangements and designs.
Drive 20 minutes from the café to the garden.
AED55, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Wings & Rings

Savour delicious chicken wings and rings in a casual family atmosphere.
Located nearby Dubai Miracle Garden, just a 5-minute drive.
AED130, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Global Village

Explore pavilions representing different countries, packed with entertainment and cultural experiences.
Take a 15-minute drive from lunch to Global Village.
AED15, 3 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Kite Beach

Unwind at the beach, letting the kids play while you enjoy stunning views of the Burj Al Arab.
A 25-minute drive from Global Village to Kite Beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bu Qtair

Conclude your trip with a taste of local seafood served right at this beachside eatery.
Located a short ride away from Kite Beach.
AED200, 1.5 hours
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