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

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Dubai Marina Walk

Start your adventure at Dubai Marina Walk, with its stunning views of the skyscrapers and yachts nearby.
Take the Metro to DAMAC Properties station.
0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Breakfast at Aubaine

Enjoy a French-style breakfast at Aubaine overlooking the marina.
Walk to Aubaine along the Marina Walk.
60AED, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Dubai Mall

Wander through the world's largest shopping mall, with affordable tastes of retail and entertainment.
Take the Metro from Damac Properties to Dubai Mall Station.
Free, 3 hours

4:00PM

Burj Khalifa View

Catch breathtaking views of the city from the outside of the Burj Khalifa.
Walk from Dubai Mall to Burj Khalifa.
0, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Shake Shack

Enjoy a casual dinner at Shake Shack, offering tasty burgers without breaking the bank.
Head back to Dubai Mall.
50AED, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Day

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Savor a traditional breakfast at Arabian Tea House, experiencing local flavors.
Take the Metro to Al Fahidi Station.
50AED, 1 hour

10:30AM

Dubai Museum

Discover the city's rich history and culture at Dubai Museum, set in the historic Al Fahidi Fort.
Walk from the tea house to the museum.
3AED, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Al Ustad Restaurant

Dig into some of the best Middle Eastern food at local favorite Al Ustad.
Walk from the museum.
45AED, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Al Bastakiya

Stroll through the charming alleyways of Al Bastakiya, featuring art galleries and cafes.
Walk to Al Bastakiya.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Abra Ride on Dubai Creek

Enjoy a short, scenic boat ride across the creek for just a few dirhams, soaking in the city views.
Head to the nearest Abra station.
1AED, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ravi Restaurant

Finish the day with a delicious budget-friendly dinner at Ravi, known for its authentic Pakistani cuisine.
Walk to Ravi Restaurant.
40AED, 1 hour
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Day 3: Desert Adventure

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Breakfast at Project Chaiwala

Fuel up with chai and snacks at Project Chaiwala in Al Seef before your desert adventure.
Take the Metro to Al Ghubaiba Station.
30AED, 1 hour

9:30AM

Desert Safari Tour

Embark on a budget desert safari tour that includes dune bashing and camel rides.
Pickup from your accommodation will be arranged by the tour provider.
150AED, 5 hours

3:30PM

Return to Dubai

After an exhilarating desert adventure, you will be dropped off back in Dubai.
Included in the safari package.
0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Snacks from L'eto Caffe

Grab some sweet treats or light snacks from L'eto Caffe at Dubai Mall.
Take the Metro to Dubai Mall Station.
40AED, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Al Bahar Beachfront

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with views at one of the budget-friendly eateries along Al Bahar.
Head to Al Bahar Beachfront.
60AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Beach and Parks Day

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Sum of Us

Indulge in a cozy breakfast at The Sum of Us, known for its fresh pastries.
Take the Metro to Trade Centre Station.
50AED, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Jumeirah Beach

Spend your morning soaking up the sun and enjoying the public beach facilities.
Take a taxi to Jumeirah Beach.
20AED, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kite Beach Shack

Delight in a casual lunch at Kite Beach Shack, with local favorites available.
Walk along the beach.
50AED, 1 hour

3:00PM

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the afternoon exploring Dubai Parks & Resorts, looking for budget-friendly activities.
Take the Metro to Jebel Ali Station, and then a taxi.
60AED, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shake Shack

Return to Shake Shack for a satisfying meal after a day of fun.
Head back to Dubai to the nearest Shake Shack.
50AED, 1 hour
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Day 5: Global Village and Culture

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Enjoy breakfast yet again at the delightful Arabian Tea House to kickstart your day.
Take the Metro to Al Fahidi Station.
50AED, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Global Village

Explore Global Village, celebrating cultures from around the world with pavilions and foods.
Take a taxi to Global Village.
20AED, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Global Village

Enjoy a variety of international street food at Global Village for lunch.
In the Global Village complex.
60AED, 1 hour

3:00PM

Cultural Shows at Global Village

Experience exciting cultural shows and performances at Global Village.
Located within Global Village.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Bikanervala

Indulge in Indian vegetarian cuisine at the affordable Bikanervala back in Dubai.
Head back to Dubai by taxi.
50AED, 1 hour
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Day 6: Aquatic Adventures

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bouchon Bakery

Grab a delicious breakfast at Bouchon Bakery, perfect for families with kids.
Take the Metro to Mall of the Emirates Station.
60AED, 1 hour

10:30AM

Aquaventure Waterpark

Spend the day at the Aquaventure Waterpark enjoying affordable day passes with thrilling rides.
Public transport or taxi to Atlantis The Palm.
350AED, 6 hours

5:00PM

Return to Dubai

Head back to Dubai after a splashing day.
Return to Atlantis Metro or taxi.
20AED, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Arabian Barbecue

Enjoy a fantastic fixed-price dinner buffet at the Arabian Barbecue restaurant.
Find the nearest restaurant from your return.
100AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Shopping and Sightseeing

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Food Lab

Savor a hearty breakfast perfect before a day of shopping at Food Lab.
Take the Metro to Al Jafiliya Station.
50AED, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Gold Souk

Explore the bustling Gold Souk to witness how gold is traded in Dubai.
Take the Metro to Al Ras Station.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Al Mallah

Enjoy cheap and delicious Lebanese street food at Al Mallah.
Walk from Gold Souk.
30AED, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Spice Souk

Right next to the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk offers a wonderful array of aromas and colors.
Walk from Al Mallah.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Spend an afternoon leisurely exploring this picturesque market with canal views.
Take taxi or Metro to Mall of the Emirates Station.
20AED, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

End the day with dinner at Il Borro for reasonably priced Italian dishes in a picturesque setting.
Take the Metro to the venue.
70AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Adventure Day

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Start the day with fresh, organic dishes at Baker & Spice.
Take the Metro to Souk Al Bahar Station.
60AED, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Ski Dubai

Enjoy indoor skiing or snowboarding at Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates.
Walk over from Baker & Spice.
290AED (Mini pass available), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pide Hut

Refuel at Pide Hut, known for its delicious Turkish pide (flatbread).
Located in Mall of the Emirates.
50AED, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Dubai Aquarium

Marvel at the marine life in the giant aquarium located in the Dubai Mall.
Take the Metro from Mall of the Emirates to Dubai Mall.
80AED, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pancho's

Wrap up the day with a hearty Mexican dinner at Pancho's.
Walk over to Pancho's from Dubai Aquarium.
70AED, 1 hour
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Day 9: Family Fun Day

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Wild and the Moon

Savor a wholesome breakfast at Wild and the Moon, renowned for its healthy options.
Take the Metro to Al Quoz Station.
60AED, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit KidZania

Let the kids learn through fun and play at KidZania in Dubai Mall.
Take the Metro back to Dubai Mall.
250AED, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Dubai Mall Food Court

Enjoy various budget-friendly food options at the Dubai Mall food court.
In Dubai Mall.
60AED, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the VR Park

Experience virtual reality rides and games that are fun for the whole family at the VR Park.
Located in Dubai Mall.
100AED, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Saffron

Indulge in a variety of international dishes at Saffron for a family-friendly dining experience.
Walk from VR Park.
120AED, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Relax and Reflect

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tavern

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Tavern, with an inviting family atmosphere.
Take the Metro to Mall of the Emirates.
50AED, 1 hour

10:30AM

The Dubai Fountain Show

Experience the magical Dubai Fountain show at the Dubai Mall before departure.
Walk to the fountain area from the mall.
Free, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Visit the Dubai Frame

End your trip with a visit to the Dubai Frame for incredible views of both old and new Dubai.
Take the Metro to Al Jafiliya Station.
50AED, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zaatar w Zeit

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Zaatar w Zeit, perfect for quick bites.
Take a taxi to Zaatar w Zeit in Al Wasl.
50AED, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping at Dubai Mall

Wrap up your Dubai journey with browsing last-minute souvenirs in the Dubai Mall.
Return to Dubai Mall.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Departure from Dubai

Head to the airport with memories of a family-friendly adventure filled with fun and culture.
Commute to the airport via taxi or Metro.
60AED, 1 hour
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