Dubai grew from a fishing village on Dubai Creek to a global crossroads in a single generation. Oil wealth lit the spark, but trade, tourism, and an audacious vision built the megacity you see today—home to record breakers like the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah.

For families, Dubai is remarkably easy: spotless metros, well-marked attractions, and plenty of shaded spaces and malls for hot afternoons. The best value comes from mixing free highlights—beaches, fountain shows, old souks—with one or two “big ticket” moments like a desert safari or views from the Burj.

Practical notes: Mumbai–Dubai nonstop flights take ~3 hours. Indian passport holders usually need a UAE e-visa unless eligible for visa-on-arrival; confirm latest rules before booking. A Silver Nol card (~AED 25 with AED 19 credit) keeps Metro, tram, and bus fares low (typically AED 4–8.5 per ride), and an abra boat across the Creek costs roughly AED 1–2—one of the best bargains in the city.

Dubai

Dubai is equal parts heritage and hypermodern: spice-scented alleys in Al Fahidi, dhow boats on the Creek, then sky-piercing glass and a fountain show choreographed to music. It’s also very family-friendly; you’ll find clean beaches, playgrounds, and kid-approved dining at every price point.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall & Fountain, Old Dubai (Al Fahidi, Creek, Gold & Spice Souks), JBR Beach & Marina, Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, Bluewaters.
• Fun facts: The Burj Khalifa’s tip can sway up to 1.5 meters. Abra boats still ferry locals across the Creek as they have for decades.
• Budget wins: Free beaches and fountain shows, AED 1–2 abras, Metro day passes, and mid-range eateries like Al Ustad Special Kebab, Al Mallah, and Ravi Restaurant.

Where to stay (budget to splurge):

• Wallet-wise and central: Rove Downtown Dubai (great family value, short walk to Dubai Mall metro; on-site laundromat and a pool).
• Iconic splurge options (for one special night): Burj Al Arab Jumeirah or Atlantis, The Palm.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Dubai | VRBO: Dubai

How to get there from Mumbai: Nonstop flights (Emirates, IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, flydubai) take ~3 hr. Typical round-trip fares booked 6–8 weeks out: ~₹18,000–28,000 per adult; school holidays run higher. Compare prices on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. In-city, use the Metro Red Line for Dubai Mall/Marina and trams around JBR/Marina.

Day 1: Arrive, Settle In, Dubai Mall & Fountain Night

Morning: Fly Mumbai to DXB (~3 hr). For best-value fares, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Grab a Nol card at the airport; Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall stop keeps costs low.

Afternoon: Check in at Rove Downtown and rest. Stroll Dubai Mall’s indoor sights (Dubai Aquarium viewing panel is free, KidZania for kids if you want a paid activity). Snack ideas: Project Chaiwala for karak tea, Home Bakery for cookies.

Evening: Time your visit for the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes after sunset; free). For a “wow” start, book Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket (typical “At The Top” from ~AED 179–259; sunset sells out).

Dinner: Al Ustad Special Kebab (old-school Iranian grills; generous platters, wallet-friendly), or Al Mallah (Shawarma, fresh juices). Both are great for kids.

• Chat-sheet card: Map pins: Dubai Mall, Fountain, Burj Khalifa. Photo ideas: Fountain show reflections, mall waterfall wall. Transport: Metro Red Line.

Day 2: Old Dubai—Al Fahidi, Creek, Souks

Morning: Explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood’s wind towers and galleries. Visit the Coffee Museum or the Al Shindagha Museum (Heritage + Perfume Houses) for context. Breakfast at Arabian Tea House (traditional breads, labneh, mint tea) or XVA Café (quiet courtyard, Middle Eastern plates).

Afternoon: Ride an abra (AED ~1–2) from Bur Dubai to Deira. Wander the Gold Souk and Spice Souk—kids love bargaining for camel-milk chocolate and colorful spices. Cool down with laban or saffron ice cream at the Creekside kiosks.

Evening: To see it with a guide and tastings, book the Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai & Tastings—a fun, affordable way to cover a lot in one go.

Dinner: Al Bait Al Qadeem (heritage courtyard, Emirati specialities) or Bu Qtair (simple, fresh fried fish and prawns by the harbor; go early and expect a queue).

• Chat-sheet card: Map pins: Al Fahidi, Abra Station, Gold & Spice Souks. Photo ideas: Wind towers, spice sacks, abras at sunset. Budget tip: Keep small change for abras.

Day 3: Beach Morning + Premium Desert Safari Night

Morning: Relax at JBR Beach (free showers and changing rooms). Walk the Marina promenade and watch yachts glide by; the tram loops the area cheaply. Brunch on a budget: Operation Falafel (Manakish, hummus, fresh bread) or Eggspectation (kid-pleasing menu).

Afternoon: Rest at the hotel pool. Pack light layers for the desert (temps drop after sunset), and closed shoes for sandboarding.

Evening: Head out on the Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp. Expect dune bashing, short camel rides, sandboarding, henna, and a hearty BBQ with shows—great value for families.

Dinner: Included in the safari (veg and kid options usually available). If you return hungry, grab late-night shawarma at Al Mallah.

• Chat-sheet card: Map pins: JBR Beach, Dubai Marina, Desert pickup point. Photo ideas: Golden-hour dunes, camel silhouettes, Marina skyline.

Day 4: Modern Icons on a Budget—Hop-On Hop-Off + Bluewaters

Morning: Use the Big Bus Dubai Hop-On, Hop-Off to cover far-flung sights cheaply in one 24-hour pass (family-friendly commentary and AC!). Start at Dubai Mall, loop to Jumeirah Mosque (photos outside) and Kite Beach playgrounds.

Afternoon: Hop off at Palm Gateway and take the monorail (paid) for views of the fronds; walk the Palm Boardwalk (free). Budget lunch at Din Tai Fung (Nakheel Mall; kids love the dumplings) or Manoushe Street (quick Lebanese pies).

Evening: Bluewaters Island for seafront strolling and street performances. Note: Ain Dubai observation wheel remains closed; it’s still a great photo backdrop at sunset. Dinner: Pick from budget-friendly spots along The Beach at JBR (Shake Shack, Operation Falafel) while kids play in the sand.

• Chat-sheet card: Map pins: Dubai Mall stop, Palm Gateway, Bluewaters. Photo ideas: Palm skyline from the monorail, sunset at Bluewaters boardwalk.

Day 5: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi (Grand Mosque + Qasr Al Watan)

All day (with hotel pickup): See Abu Dhabi’s crown jewels on Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower. Highlights include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (dress modestly; abaya/scarf for women, shoulders/knees covered for men), Qasr Al Watan’s dazzling library and halls, and skyline views from Etihad Towers.

Meals: Most tours stop at a mall food court (budget-friendly). Back in Dubai, late dinner at Ravi Restaurant (Karachi-style curries; order chicken handi, mutton karahi, and tandoori roti).

• Chat-sheet card: Map pins: Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Etihad Towers. Photo ideas: Mosque reflective pools, palace courtyards.

Day 6: Free Choice—Gardens, Museums, or More Views

Morning: If visiting Nov–Apr, Dubai Miracle Garden is a colorful hit with kids (floral castles, giant teddy). Off-season, consider The Green Planet (indoor biodome rainforest) or Al Shindagha Museum for an air-conditioned culture fix.

Afternoon: Cool off back at the hotel. Coffee break: % Arabica (JBR or Dubai Mall) or Stomping Grounds (Jumeirah) for specialty brews; fresh juices at any cafeteria keep costs down.

Evening: If you skipped Day 1’s ascent, this is a good night for Burj Khalifa At The Top. Or opt for a creekside stroll and cheap abra at twilight. Dinner: Al Ijaza Cafeteria (old-school Dubai sandwiches and juices) or Bait Al Luban (if craving Emirati fare; try machboos and luqaimat).

• Chat-sheet card: Map pins: Miracle Garden/The Green Planet, Dubai Mall or Creek. Photo ideas: Floral arches, night skyline.

Day 7: Souvenirs, Last Bites, Fly Home

Morning: Pick up souvenirs: saffron, dates, bakhoor, and Arabic coffee sets in Deira; or budget fashion deals at Dubai Outlet Mall. Breakfast: Milky Ice Cream (kunafa ice cream) as a treat, or a classic paratha and karak at a neighborhood cafeteria.

Afternoon: Check out and head to DXB. Compare return options or same-airline round-trip on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Keep your Nol for the next trip—it’s reusable.

Evening: If your flight is late and the family has energy, a quick final lap at Dubai Mall’s indoor sights or a last abra ride is a low-cost way to end.

• Chat-sheet card: Map pins: Deira markets, DXB Terminal. Photo ideas: Creek abras by day, date shops and spice displays.

Optional swap: Morning Desert Safari (Day 3 or 6)

If your kids do better early, choose a morning ride like Dubai: Half-Day Desert Safari, Camels, Quad Bike & Refreshments—cooler temps and you’re back by lunch.

Family budget tips in one glance:

• Metro + tram for long hops; walk short sections. Grab a Silver Nol card day pass if you’ll ride 3+ times.
• Free hits: Dubai Fountain, JBR Beach, Palm Boardwalk, Marina Walk, Al Fahidi lanes.
• Best value eats: Al Ustad, Al Mallah, Ravi, Operation Falafel, Manoushe Street, Arabian Tea House (share plates; portions are big).
• Plan one or two paid “wow” moments (Burj, desert, or Abu Dhabi); keep everything else free/low-cost.

Quick “chat-sheet images” summary (save/share-ready):

• Iconic Dubai (free/cheap): Fountain show (free), abra ride (AED ~1–2), JBR Beach (free), Marina Walk (free).
• Big moments (book ahead): Burj Khalifa At The Top; Desert Safari & BBQ; Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque day trip.
• Food map: Old Dubai—Arabian Tea House; Downtown—Home Bakery; JBR—Operation Falafel; Satwa—Al Mallah; Karama—Ravi.

With thoughtful planning, Dubai delivers high-impact sights without high prices—especially when you mix souks and beaches with one or two showstoppers. This 7-day plan balances easy transport, low-cost classics, and family-friendly meals so everyone returns happy, rested, and inspired.