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Dubai rose from a humble creek-side trading post to a gleaming metropolis in just a few decades. Today, it fuses Old Dubai’s spice-scented souks with record-breaking icons like the Burj Khalifa and the palm-shaped island you can spot from space. For families, it’s a playground of beaches, desert dunes, and world-class food—easy to navigate, spotless, and endlessly surprising.

Expect sunshine most of the year, immaculate public spaces, and a famously safe environment. Emirati cuisine leans on fragrant rice, grilled meats, and slow-cooked stews; you’ll also find every global flavor under the sun. The city’s weekend is Saturday–Sunday, dress is relaxed at beaches and resorts, and conservative in mosques and historic districts.

Getting around is simple: the Metro rides the spine of Sheikh Zayed Road, while taxis and ride-hailing fill in the gaps. Bring a Nol transit card, drink water constantly, and plan outdoor time for mornings and evenings in the hotter months. With this 7-day itinerary, you’ll balance sea and sand, culture and cuisine, and a full-day Abu Dhabi excursion.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with superlatives—tallest tower, vast malls, man-made islands—but its soul still lingers along Dubai Creek, where wooden abras ferry locals as they have for generations. Between JBR’s beach cafés and the labyrinthine Gold and Spice Souks, you’ll hop eras in a single afternoon.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi Quarter, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, Palm Jumeirah, JBR Beach, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Why families love it: Clean beaches, safe streets, easy transport, and a deep roster of activities—from yacht cruises to dune bashing—that suit mixed interests and energy levels.
• Food scene highlights: From Emirati meals in courtyard homes to Michelin-recognized bistros, Dubai is a culinary atlas: 3Fils, Orfali Bros Bistro, Al Ustad Special Kebab, Bu Qtair, Arabian Tea House, Kinoya, and Pierchic are standouts.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks):

• Value-smart downtown: Rove Downtown Dubai (walk to Dubai Mall; bright rooms; great for mid-range budgets).
• Iconic beach resort: Atlantis, The Palm (on-site Aquaventure waterpark; restaurants for every palate).
• Bucket-list splurge: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (seven-star icon, private beach, and outrageously good service).
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com or family apartments on VRBO.

How to get there: Fly into DXB (20–30 minutes by taxi to Downtown; Metro Red Line also serves Terminal 1/3). Compare airfare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxis are plentiful; the meter starts modestly and fares are reasonable for families.

Day 1: Arrival, Downtown Dubai Icons, and Fountain Night

Afternoon: Land, check in, and shake off jet lag with a leisurely stroll through Dubai Mall’s airy atriums. Grab specialty coffee and a light bite at The Sum of Us or Common Grounds; both are reliable for fresh salads and sandwiches.

Evening: Time your ascent of the world’s tallest building for sunset and blue hour.

Do this: Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access — soar to the observation decks and watch the city glow.

Afterward, enjoy the Dubai Fountain show every 30 minutes in the evening. For dinner, choose Time Out Market Dubai (local chef-led stalls—great for families with varied tastes) or book Kinoya for excellent ramen, robata, and izakaya plates. Nightcap with panoramic views at Level 43 Sky Lounge (adults only).

Day 2: Beach Morning, Yacht Cruise, and Harbor Eats

Morning: Hit Kite Beach early for soft sand, lifeguards, and jogging tracks. Refuel at The Surf House’s café or The Lime Tree for smoothies and fresh-baked pastries. Optional: walk the boardwalk toward iconic Burj Al Arab viewpoints.

Afternoon: Head to Dubai Marina for an easygoing cruise that shows off the skyline from the sea—Palm Jumeirah, JBR, Atlantis, and more.

Cruise: Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ — a comfortable, guided spin past coastal landmarks, great photos, and sea breeze.

Evening: Wander the Marina promenade and Bluewaters Island for people-watching and family-friendly vibes. Dine at 3Fils (reservations recommended; creative Asian plates and seafood by the harbor) or nearby The Lighthouse for Mediterranean dishes. For dessert, track down a local kunafa or pistachio gelato at d3 or JBR.

Day 3: Abu Dhabi Day Trip — Grand Mosque, Palace, and Skyline Views

Full-day guided tour: See the UAE’s capital in one sweep—expect a 90-minute drive each way, comfort stops, and a curated route through the city’s stars. Required mosque attire: modest clothing; women will need to cover head, arms, and legs (on-site abayas often available).

Book this: Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower — includes Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Etihad Towers Observation Deck.

Back in Dubai, keep dinner relaxed: Al Ustad Special Kebab (beloved Persian grills since the 1970s) or Ravi Restaurant (Satwa’s Pakistani comfort classics). Both are wallet-friendly and big on flavor.

Day 4: Old Dubai, Creek Abras, and Emirati Cuisine

Morning: Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood’s wind towers and shady lanes. Pop into the Coffee Museum and galleries, then settle into Arabian Tea House for a traditional breakfast—khameer bread, labneh, and karak tea in a leafy courtyard.

Afternoon: Ride a wooden abra across Dubai Creek (about AED 1–2) to Deira. Wander the Spice and Gold Souks; practice light bargaining and enjoy the aromas of saffron, cardamom, and frankincense. If you’re curious about heritage, the nearby Al Shindagha Museum tells Dubai’s origin story with evocative exhibits.

Evening: Stroll Al Seef’s waterfront promenade (heritage-meets-modern architecture) and dine at Al Khayma Restaurant for slow-cooked lamb and Emirati rice dishes. Sweet tooth? Try luqaimat (date syrup-drenched doughnuts). If energy remains, swing by Dubai Frame for nighttime views split between “Old” and “New” Dubai.

Day 5: Museum of the Future, Pool Break, and Desert Safari

Morning: Visit the Museum of the Future—its Arabic calligraphy-clad torus houses hands-on showcases of tomorrow’s tech and sustainability. Timed tickets are popular; book in advance. Grab light bites at The Sum of Us or Tom & Serg in Al Quoz after.

Afternoon: Rest at the hotel pool or stroll City Walk’s cafés. Save your energy: tonight is for dunes.

Evening desert adventure:

Book this: Dubai Red Dunes ATV, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ Al Khayma Camp — quad-bike the red dunes, try sandboarding, meet camels, and end under the stars with a barbecue and cultural performances.

This is a family-favorite evening: cooler temperatures, stellar photos, and a generous dinner included—great value for a group of four.

Day 6: Hatta Mountains — Nature, Kayaks, and Heritage

Morning: Self-drive east to Hatta (1.5–2 hours; consider a compact SUV). Paddle across Hatta Dam’s emerald reservoir by kayak or pedal boat; mornings are serene and photogenic. Pack sun protection and water.

Afternoon: Explore Hatta Heritage Village to see restored stone houses and falaj irrigation channels; then pop to Hatta Wadi Hub for ziplines and trail walks (seasonal activities vary). Lunch at a local café such as Hatta Wild or Al Hajarian (simple, hearty fare).

Evening: Return to Dubai for a celebratory dinner at Orfali Bros Bistro (playful, Middle Eastern-inspired plates with global technique) or Reif Kushiyaki (chef-driven Japanese street food—perfect for sharing).

Day 7: Palm Views, Souk Madinat, and a Seafood Farewell

Morning: Head to Palm Jumeirah for a beach session at Palm West Beach (calm water, sunbeds) or consider The View at The Palm for a final panorama. If you prefer slides and lazy rivers, Aquaventure at Atlantis fills a whole day—families love it.

Afternoon: Browse Nakheel Mall’s Depachika Food Hall for a casual, gourmet lunch. Then drift through Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s canals and boutique-lined corridors with postcard views of Burj Al Arab.

Evening: Go big on your last night: Pierchic (overwater seafood), Zuma (modern Japanese with a lively room), or 3Fils if you couldn’t fit it earlier. For one last skyline look, CÉ LA VI’s terrace is a stunner.

Practical Tips and Best Practices for Dubai

• Visas & entry: Many nationalities receive visa-on-arrival; check current rules before you fly. Passports must have 6+ months’ validity.
• Local laws: Drinking is allowed in licensed venues; the legal drinking age is 21. Public intoxication, offensive gestures, and PDA can draw fines.
• Dress code: Beachwear at beaches/pools; modest attire in mosques and historic neighborhoods. Mosques may borrow or require specific coverings.
• Money: Currency is AED (dirham); ~3.67 AED = 1 USD. Cards widely accepted; small cash helps in souks and for abras.
• Transport: Get a Nol card for Metro/trams; fares are budget-friendly. Taxis and Careem are reliable; seat belts are mandatory.
• Health & heat: Hydrate often, use SPF, and plan outdoor activities in mornings/evenings during hotter months. Ramadan shifts dining hours; most venues still serve discreetly in the day.
• Connectivity: Airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs/eSIMs (Du, Etisalat, Virgin Mobile) with generous data packages.
• Tipping: 5–10% is appreciated in restaurants; small change for porters and drivers is welcome.
• Family budget tips: Balance splurges (signature dinners, observation decks) with value days (beaches, souks, abras). Many attractions have discounted online pre-booking rates.

Optional Swaps and Add‑Ons

• Seasonal bloom: Dubai Miracle Garden (Oct–Apr) is a riot of floral artistry—pair with Global Village’s cultural pavilions at sunset.
• Adrenaline indoors: Try indoor skydiving at iFly Mirdif, or hit Ski Dubai for slope time when it’s hot outside.
• Balloon photos: The tethered balloon near Palm Jumeirah offers dramatic skyline shots; aim for early morning.

Getting There and Around — Quick Links: Compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Browse stays on Hotels.com and VRBO.

Why this plan works for your family: It alternates energetic days (desert, Abu Dhabi, yacht) with lighter ones (beach, souks, pool), includes nature in Hatta, and prioritizes unique dining—from Emirati courtyard meals to award-winning modern kitchens. With built-in downtime, everyone gets a favorite day—and a few big shared memories.

In a week, you’ll traverse Dubai’s contrasts: dunes to marinas, wind towers to futuristic skylines, street grills to white-tablecloth seafood. It’s a city built to wow—and this family-friendly itinerary makes sure you see its best angles without rushing.