The United Arab Emirates marries Bedouin roots with headline‑making modernity. In Abu Dhabi, reflective domes and mangroves frame the skyline; in Dubai, wooden abras glide past spice‑scented souks while the world’s tallest tower pierces the clouds. Together they make a compact, family‑friendly escape where culture, theme parks, and easy logistics align.

Expect winter sunshine (October–April is prime), air‑conditioned everything, and cuisines from Emirati to South Asian, Levantine, and beyond. Dress modestly for mosques (ankles, shoulders covered; women wear headscarves inside), carry water, and plan indoor breaks—museums, malls, biodomes—during midday heat. The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), and tap water is generally safe in major cities.

For this 3‑day itinerary, you’ll arrive in Abu Dhabi, spend a culture‑rich first day, then transfer to Dubai for big‑ticket views, kid‑pleasing experiences, and waterfront time. It’s paced for families on a mid‑range budget, with plenty of optional splurges.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi blends serenity and scale: the snow‑white Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the art‑forward Louvre Abu Dhabi, palatial Qasr Al Watan, and the sea breeze along the Corniche. On Yas Island, families dive into Ferrari World speed, Warner Bros. World characters, and Yas Waterworld slides.

Food here skews generous and family‑style. Try Emirati classics (luqaimat, machboos) at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe; Levantine grills and mezze at Lebanese Flower (great value); and modern Emirati bites at Meylas on Al Muneera. For coffee and breakfast, Joud Cafe is a local favorite; Sanderson’s on Al Seef serves wholesome bowls and kid‑friendly plates.

• Where to stay (mid‑range first): Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre (excellent value, family rooms, pool); Yas Island Rotana (near theme parks, free Yas shuttle); splurge picks: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi or Emirates Palace.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Abu Dhabi | Hotels.com Abu Dhabi
• Getting in: Fly into AUH or DXB and transfer. Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. Taxis and ride‑hailing are plentiful; child seats can be requested.

Day 1: Arrival, Grand Mosque glow, and Corniche sunset

Morning: Travel day. Aim to land mid‑afternoon at Abu Dhabi International (AUH). Grab a quick airport snack or coffee to go.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and head to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a serene introduction to the Emirates. Time your visit for late‑afternoon light across the marble courtyards and reflective pools. For a guided, family‑friendly overview that also includes the royal palace and skyline views, consider this tour:
From Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower

Evening: Stroll the Corniche promenade for playground stops and sea views, then dinner nearby. Good picks: Lebanese Flower (casual, superb shawarma and grills) or Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe (heritage decor, Emirati classics—order the machboos with shrimp). If energy allows, swing by Qasr Al Watan for palace views; check on the nighttime light show schedule.

Dubai

In Dubai, tradition sails alongside innovation. Meander the wind‑tower lanes of Al Fahidi, barter for saffron and oud in the souks, then shoot skyward to Burj Khalifa’s observation decks. Families love Dubai Aquarium, The Green Planet biodome, and the easy beach‑to‑dining circuit at JBR and Marina.

Eating is half the fun: start with Emirati breakfast at Arabian Tea House, savor old‑school kebabs at Al Ustad Special Kabab, feast on Pakistani comfort food at Ravi Restaurant, or pick your fish at seaside staple Bu Qtair. For specialty coffee, try Nightjar in Alserkal or The Sum of Us near Trade Centre.

• Where to stay (family/mid‑range first): Rove Downtown Dubai or Rove Downtown (walkable to Dubai Mall/Burj, great for kids). Splashy splurge: Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure access) or Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Dubai | Hotels.com Dubai
• Abu Dhabi → Dubai transfer (morning departure): By car/taxi in ~1.5 hours (about AED 250–350/$70–95). Intercity buses run ~1h40–2h from Abu Dhabi Bus Station to Dubai (AED ~25/$7 per adult). No practical train or flight between the two for this hop; if you’re flying into/out of the UAE, compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Day 2: Old Dubai stories, Dubai Mall wonders, and Burj Khalifa

Morning: Travel to Dubai and drop bags at your hotel. Dive into Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for shady lanes and museums; ride an abra across Dubai Creek to the Spice and Gold Souks. Brunch at Arabian Tea House (regag bread, balaleet) or Al Khayma Heritage for Emirati platters kids can share.

Afternoon: Head to Dubai Mall for kid‑approved stops: the aquarium windows on the ground level are free to view, with ticketed exhibits inside; soft‑play areas abound. Time your ascent at Burj Khalifa for late‑afternoon light—standard “At The Top” 124/125 levels are great for families and more budget‑friendly than premium lounges.
Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access

Evening: Watch the Dubai Fountain shows outside every 30 minutes in the evening. Dinner ideas near the lake: Al Hallab (Lebanese, great for families; order mixed grills and fattoush) or Social House (global menu, kid‑friendly). If you prefer a breezy harbor setting, pencil tomorrow’s yacht cruise.

Day 3: Marina morning on the water, nature escape, and departure

Morning: Cruise past the city’s icons on a shared yacht—fun for kids and relaxed for parents. Morning departures often include a light breakfast and cooler temps.
Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ

Afternoon: Pick one before your flight: The Green Planet biodome (tropical learning for kids), or beach time at JBR with playgrounds and showers. Quick, delicious lunch: Bu Qtair by the fishing harbour—choose your fish and prawns, fried or grilled, with curry sauce and paratha. Head to the airport 3 hours before an international flight; compare options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If your departure is later, cap the trip with a desert‑camp evening another day, or keep it low‑key with Marina walk ice creams and playground time. For a quick, quality dinner near the airport corridor, Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) serves crowd‑pleasing biryani and curries at wallet‑friendly prices.

Family add‑ons and smart swaps (Abu Dhabi)

• Art-meets-tech wow: Teamlab Phenomena Abu Dhabi Tickets (Saadiyat Cultural District; immersive, air‑conditioned, perfect for kids and teens).

  

• Theme‑park day (cooler months): Yas Island 2 or 3 Parks Combo tickets for Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld. Expect from about $120–$160 per person for 2–3 parks.

  

Budget and logistics tips: Dubai’s Metro and tram are clean and stroller‑friendly; a Nol day pass starts around AED 22 (~$6). Many attractions offer family bundles; book timed entries (Burj Khalifa, theme parks) for the coolest parts of the day. For dining, share platters—mezze, mixed grills, and biryani stretch budgets without skimping on flavor.

Optional Abu Dhabi hotel picks by range: Value: Al Diar Mina Hotel. Upscale icons: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.

Optional Dubai upgrade: If your family adores waterparks and aquariums, Atlantis, The Palm bundles on‑site fun with dining and beach time—handy for one‑resort days.

With a graceful mosque at golden hour, creekside souks, sky‑high city views, and a morning at sea, this 3‑day UAE itinerary layers culture with play. You’ll leave with sand in your shoes, new favorite dishes, and a family album of skyline sunsets.