The United Arab Emirates rewrote the modern city playbook—where Bedouin heritage meets superlatives like the world’s tallest building and a luminous white-marble mosque. In one week, you’ll walk spice-scented lanes in Old Dubai, conquer waterslides on The Palm, and wander galleries beneath a geometric dome in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai rose from a modest trading creek to a global hub; Abu Dhabi transformed oil wealth into cultural powerhouses, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the spellbinding Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Families love the easy logistics, spotless beaches, and theme parks that run from gentle to heart-thumping.

Plan for warm, dry weather October–April (hot May–September). Dress modestly for mosques (ankles, arms covered; women need headscarves). The UAE weekend is Saturday–Sunday. Taxis and ride-hailing are affordable; tap water is safe; and during Ramadan, attractions remain open with small schedule shifts—be considerate around daytime eating in public.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles—golden deserts, futuristic skylines, and pocket-sized historic quarters that whisper pearling-era stories. It’s tailor-made for families: shaded playgrounds along Kite Beach, kid-pleasing food halls, and air-conditioned museums when the sun blazes.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek abra rides, The Palm Jumeirah, Kite Beach, Museum of the Future.
• Eat & drink: Al Khayma Heritage (Emirati), Arabian Tea House (breakfast-in-a-courtyard bliss), Bu Qtair (legendary fish fry by the beach), SALT (beachside burgers), Nightjar (Third Wave coffee).
• Fun facts: Dubai Mall houses a 10-million-liter aquarium; abra boats have ferried people across the Creek for a century; The Palm is visible from space under perfect conditions.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks):

• Budget-smart downtown: Rove Downtown Dubai (pool with Burj views, playful design, great value).
• Resort splurge with waterpark: Atlantis, The Palm (on-site Aquaventure, marine habitats, kids’ club).
• Iconic stay-for-a-night experience: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
• Compare more stays: VRBO Dubai | Hotels.com Dubai

Getting here: Fly into DXB (most convenient) or DWC. Search deals on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s cultured elder sibling—serene corniches, the radiant Grand Mosque, and Saadiyat’s museums poised to define the region’s arts future. Families base on Yas Island for theme parks and beaches, then slow down under the Louvre’s “rain of light.”

• Top sights: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace), Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld), the Corniche.
• Eat & drink: Al Fanar (homestyle Emirati), Lebanese Flower (reliable, great for groups), Sanderson’s (healthy café plates), Joud Coffee (best-in-class brews), The Lighthouse at Yas Bay (stylish, kids’ menu).
• Fun facts: The Grand Mosque’s main prayer hall holds one of the world’s largest hand-knotted carpets; Ferrari World’s Formula Rossa is among the fastest rollercoasters on earth.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks):

• Great value in the city: Al Diar Mina Hotel.
• Yas Island convenience for parks: Yas Island Rotana.
• Beachfront luxury and kids’ club: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi or palace grandeur at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
• Budget-wise near ADNEC: Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre.
• Compare more stays: VRBO Abu Dhabi | Hotels.com Abu Dhabi

Getting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Morning departure recommended. Drive time ~1.5 hours via E11; taxi/private transfer typically AED 250–350. Public bus E101/E102 runs ~1h45–2h (about AED 25 per adult). No intercity trains yet.

Day 1: Arrive in Dubai, Downtown Icons & Fountain Night

Afternoon: Land at DXB and taxi (~20 minutes) to your hotel. Shake off the flight with an easy loop through Dubai Mall’s aquarium viewing panels and the Souk Al Bahar pedestrian bridge for lake views. Grab a casual bite at Social House (global comfort food) or Al Hallab (Lebanese grills and mezze; kid-friendly).

Evening: Time your ascent for sunset at the world’s tallest tower. Book Burj Khalifa At The Top tickets for levels 124/125 (or 148 for lounge access) to watch the city turn to constellations below.

Afterward, catch the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes in the evening) and an easy dinner at Din Tai Fung (xiao long bao are a kid-pleaser) or P.F. Chang’s with lake views.

Day 2: Old Dubai Souks, Creek Abra & Emirati Flavors

Morning: Breakfast at Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi (fluffy khameer bread, fragrant karak tea). Stroll the wind-tower lanes and pop into the Coffee Museum. Ride an abra across Dubai Creek (AED 1 coin fare) to Deira.

Afternoon: Join the story-rich Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings—families love the spice tastings and gold-souk lore, plus guidance on fair prices.

Lunch at Al Khayma Heritage (try machboos chicken and luqaimat). Pick up dates, saffron, and oud as gifts.

Evening: Head to Al Seef for a waterfront stroll blending heritage facades and modern cafés. Dine at Arabian Tandoor (butter chicken, naan theatrics) or Doors Freestyle Grill (if you want a splurge).

Day 3: The Palm Splash Day at Aquaventure

Morning: Fuel up at The Sum of Us (pastries, great flat whites). Taxi to The Palm (30–45 minutes). Hit Aquaventure early to nab loungers close to Splashers kids’ zones.

Afternoon: Conquer family-favorite water rides with Aquaventure World: Waterpark Day Pass. Teens love Poseidon’s Revenge; little ones can spend hours at Splashers Lagoon & Cove.

Evening: Stay on The Palm for dinner at Wavehouse (family arcade, bowling, casual pizzas and steaks) or Seafire Steakhouse (older kids). Back in the Marina, The Cheesecake Factory at JBR is a reliable hit.

Day 4: Beach Morning, Red-Dune Desert Safari Evening

Morning: Kite Beach time—playgrounds, soft sand, and views of the Burj Al Arab. Snack on SALT burgers or Park House. Coffee people: Nightjar or Leen’s in Jumeirah.

Afternoon: Pool siesta. Light lunch at Bu Qtair (fried sheri or prawns with parotta—go early, it gets busy). Pack scarves and a light jacket for the desert after dark.

Evening: Get collected for the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ—a family favorite with gentle camel rides, sandboarding, and a plentiful dinner under the stars.

Day 5: Transfer to Abu Dhabi, Grand Mosque & City Highlights

Morning (travel): Depart Dubai around 8:30 a.m. Drive or taxi ~1.5 hours (AED 250–350). Bus E101/E102 runs ~1h45–2h from Dubai (about AED 25). Check in near the Corniche or on Yas Island depending on Day 6 plans.

Afternoon: Join the guided From Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower to cover the Grand Mosque (dress code enforced), Qasr Al Watan’s regal halls, and skyline views from Etihad Towers.

Evening: Dine on the Corniche. Family-friendly picks: Lebanese Flower (mezze, grills, fresh juices) or Al Fanar (heritage décor and Emirati classics like qabuli and regag).

Day 6: Yas Island Thrills at Ferrari World

Morning: Breakfast at Joud Coffee (excellent pastries) or Sanderson’s (healthy bowls). Head to Yas Island; arrive at opening.

Afternoon: Spend the day with your Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Ticket. Little ones love Family Zone coasters; brave riders try Formula Rossa and Flying Aces. Breaks are easy at Il Podio or Mamma Rossella.

Evening: Sunset at Yas Bay Waterfront. Dinner options: The Lighthouse (Mediterranean and kids’ menu), Hunter & Barrel (wood-fired steaks/burgers), or Akiba Dori (Tokyo-style pizza). Gelato stroll after.

Day 7: teamLab Phenomena & Saadiyat Morning, Depart

Morning: Sip % Arabica at Mamsha Al Saadiyat, then step into interactive art-science at Teamlab Phenomena Abu Dhabi—mesmerizing for all ages.

Optional add-on time permitting: a quick architectural wander under the Louvre Abu Dhabi dome (reserve earlier slots if you want to see the galleries). Light lunch at Art Lounge (sandwiches, salads) or Aptitude Café along the waterfront.

Afternoon (departure): Head to AUH (20–35 minutes from Saadiyat/Yas). Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you crave a last treat, stop by Joud Coffee (airport branch often has fast service).

Family Dining Shortlist (Save for Later)

• Dubai breakfasts: Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi), The Sum of Us (Trade Center), Tom & Serg (Al Quoz).
• Dubai lunches: Al Khayma Heritage (Emirati), Bu Qtair (seafood fry), Project Chaiwala (karak + street snacks).
• Dubai dinners: Social House (lake views), Wavehouse (arcade + eats), Al Safadi (Lebanese).
• Abu Dhabi cafés: Joud Coffee (multiple), Sanderson’s (Al Seef Village), Brunch & Cake (Al Bateen).
• Abu Dhabi dinners: Lebanese Flower (citywide), Al Fanar (Emirati), The Lighthouse (Yas Bay).

Budget & Practical Tips

• Budget level ~50/100: Mix free/low-cost fun (beaches, Al Fahidi, abra rides) with 3–4 paid headliners (Burj Khalifa, Aquaventure, Ferrari World, teamLab). Share plates and eat earlier to avoid surcharges.
• Transport: Dubai Metro covers key areas; taxis/ride-hailing are family-friendly and well-priced. No intercity trains (yet); Dubai–Abu Dhabi is a road trip or bus hop.
• Mosque etiquette: Shoulders/legs covered; women bring a scarf. Rentals available onsite; arrive 15–20 minutes early for security.

Optional add-ons if you have more time: Dubai Marina shared yacht cruise with breakfast, the Museum of the Future, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, or an evening dhow along Dubai Creek.

In a single week, you’ll sample the UAE’s greatest hits—record-breaking towers, timeworn souks, family waterparks, a glowing mosque, and art that invites you to touch and play. It’s a trip that balances action with ease, made for curious kids and happy parents.