Dubai rose from a modest pearling port to a global city in just a few decades, where wind-tower alleyways meet the world’s tallest tower. Families come for the safe streets, spotless beaches, mega-malls with aquariums and skating rinks, and easy English signage. The winter months (October–April) bring perfect park-and-beach weather; summers are hot but blissfully air-conditioned.

Expect an enticing mix of Emirati heritage and cosmopolitan flavors—shawarma stands and Iranian kebabs sit alongside Japanese street eats and Lebanese seafood. Modest attire is appreciated in historic areas and mosques; swimwear is for beaches and pools only. Public transport is clean and efficient, and taxis are plentiful and metered.

Practical notes: Purchase a Nol card for the metro and trams. Tap water is desalinated and generally safe; carry a reusable bottle. During Ramadan, many restaurants still serve discreetly in daylight; join locals at sundown for atmospheric iftar feasts.

Dubai

Dubai dazzles with blockbuster attractions—Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and the Palm—yet its soul still hums along Dubai Creek. In Al Fahidi, coral-stone houses and wind towers shade lanes where spice traders once bartered saffron and frankincense.

For families, the city is a playground: waterparks, dhow rides, kid-friendly beaches, and immersive museums. Evenings are for fountains, souks, and shawarma; nights glow along Dubai Marina’s skyline.

• Top sights: Burj Khalifa, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Creek abras, Dubai Mall Aquarium, Dubai Frame, Kite Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Global Village (seasonal).
• Good to know: Friday is a popular brunch day; weekend is Sat–Sun. Alcohol is served in licensed venues; rideshares and taxis are widely available and family-friendly.

Where to stay (family + mid-range focus):

• Great-value hotel steps from Dubai Mall and Burj views: Rove Downtown Dubai (smart rooms, pool, on-site cinema).
• Waterpark-on-your-doorstep splurge: Atlantis, The Palm (Aquaventure access; superb for kids).
• Iconic bucket-list stay: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (for a once-in-a-lifetime night).
• Apartment-style stays for space and kitchens: Browse Dubai vacation rentals on VRBO or compare hotels via Hotels.com.

Getting there and around:

• Search flights into DXB or DWC: Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Nonstops from London are ~7 hours; from New York ~12–13 hours; fares vary by season.
• From DXB to Downtown: Metro Red Line (~25–35 minutes, ~AED 6–8.5) or taxi (~15–25 minutes, ~AED 45–70 depending on traffic).

Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Mall, and Fountain Night

Afternoon: Land, settle in, and stretch your legs at the Dubai Mall. Kids love the Dubai Aquarium tunnel and the waterfall with diver statues. Coffee pick-me-up at % Arabica (smooth single-origin espressos) or The Sum of Us (house-roasted beans, good pastries).

Evening: Catch the Dubai Fountain shows outside at Burj Lake (every 30 minutes after sunset). Dinner options: Social House (global comfort food with lake views), Al Hallab Bab El Bahr (Lebanese seafood mezze and grills), or Time Out Market Dubai (handpicked local vendors—try Reif Kushiyaki’s chicken katsu sando and Scoopi for gelato).

Day 2: Downtown Icons and At The Top

Morning: Easy breakfast at Baker’s Kitchen (German breads, kids’ menu) or Bait Al Qadeem Express for Emirati chebab pancakes. Explore Souk Al Bahar footbridge for skyline photos and pop into Dubai Opera Plaza.

Afternoon: Let the kids run in Burj Park, then early dinner nearby at Al Safadi (excellent Lebanese—fattoush, mixed grill, fresh juices).

Evening: Rise above the city lights at Burj Khalifa’s observation decks. Pre-book here: Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access. Aim for sunset for golden hour plus night sparkle.

Day 3: Old Dubai, Creek Abras, and Souks

Morning: Step back in time in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Join a guided walk that bundles tastings, stories, and souks: Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings. Kids enjoy the spice jars and an abra ride across the Creek.

Afternoon: Lunch at Arabian Tea House (shady courtyard; try the chicken machboos or luqaimat). Browse the Textile Souk and peek into the Coffee Museum. Hop the abra back for the Gold and Spice Souks. Bargaining is expected; keep it friendly.

Evening: Sunset at Dubai Frame for citywide views, then dinner at Al Ustad Special Kebab (old-school Iranian kebabs, wallet-friendly) or Al Khayma Heritage in Al Seef (Emirati thareed stews; outdoor seating by the Creek).

Day 4: Marina, JBR Beach Day, and Skyscraper Coast

Morning: Head to JBR’s The Beach for playgrounds, shallow water, and shaded loungers. Breakfast at Eggspectation (pancakes and omelets) or Operation Falafel (pocket-friendly Middle Eastern classics).

Afternoon: Stroll Dubai Marina promenade and watch superyachts glide by. Smoothie stop at Acai Spot or ice cream at Amorino. If the family wants a narrated cruise, consider a shared yacht outing another day.

Evening: Casual seafood at Bu Qtair near the fishing harbor (order-by-weight fish and prawn fry; picnic tables, kids love the no-fuss vibe). Post-dinner, wander Bluewaters Island for lights and arcade fun at Brass Monkey (bowling and games; families welcome earlier in the evening).

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah Splash Day at Aquaventure

Spend the day at the Middle East’s blockbuster waterpark with rapid rivers, kids’ zones, and record-setting slides. Book your passes in advance: Aquaventure World: Waterpark Day Pass (with options for Aquarium). Arrive at opening for gentler queues; younger kids adore Splashers Lagoon and Cove.

Lunch inside the park (Shark Bites for salads and grills). After the park, grab an early dinner on Club Vista Mare: Ibn AlBahr (Lebanese seafood, sea views) or Ría (Mediterranean plates) before turning in early.

Day 6: Kite Beach Morning and Heritage Desert Safari

Morning: Chill at Kite Beach with views of Burj Al Arab. Rent bikes on the boardwalk or let the kids loose at the splash and play areas. Easy lunch at SALT (wagyu sliders and soft-serve) or Freez for crepes and karak chai.

Afternoon–Night: Swap skyscrapers for dunes on a culture-rich desert adventure that suits families. Book the Dubai: Heritage Desert Safari in Vintage Land Rover with Dinner. Glide across the reserve, learn about falconry, sip Arabic coffee, and enjoy an open-air Bedouin-style dinner with traditional performances under the stars.

Day 7: Future Focus and Farewell

Morning: If time allows, visit the striking Museum of the Future for immersive exhibits that wow kids and adults alike. Coffee and cardamom buns at Bageri Form in Dubai Design District, then pick up last-minute souvenirs at Al Seef or Dubai Mall.

Afternoon departure: Grab a quick lunch—Raju Omlet (spiced Indian egg dishes), Din Tai Fung (basket of xiao long bao), or Paul Bakery for easy sandwiches—before heading to the airport. Taxis are quickest; budget ~AED 45–70 to DXB from Downtown.

Food and snack map for the week (mix and match):

• Breakfast/Coffee: The Sum of Us (roastery + pastries), Common Grounds (healthy bowls), % Arabica (precision espresso).
• Lunch: Arabian Tea House (Emirati), Operation Falafel (budget-friendly wraps), Din Tai Fung (dumplings kids love).
• Dinner: Al Safadi (Lebanese), Al Ustad Special Kebab (old Dubai staple), Ibn AlBahr (beachside seafood), Bu Qtair (no-frills, fresh catch).
• Treats: Scoopi or Bloom Gelato; karak chai at Project Chaiwala.

Essential logistics and money-savers

• Get a Nol Silver card for metro/tram; most journeys cost AED 3–8.5. Kids under 5 or under 90cm typically travel free.
• Taxis are regulated and metered; car seats can be requested via some ride-hailing apps, or bring a travel booster.
• Free or low-cost gems: Dubai Fountain shows, abra across the Creek, beach time at Kite Beach, Al Fahidi lanes at dawn or dusk.
• Book peak sights ahead (Burj Khalifa, waterparks, desert safari) to secure times and better pricing.

Handy booking links: Flights: Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Stays: Hotels.com or VRBO. Key activities in this plan are pre-linked above for easy booking.

Included Viator activities in this itinerary:

• Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access
• Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings
• Dubai: Heritage Desert Safari in Vintage Land Rover with Dinner
• Aquaventure World: Waterpark Day Pass

Seven days in Dubai deliver a balanced rhythm—historic alleys in the morning, beach or mall breaks when the sun peaks, and a skyline that turns every evening into a show. With kid-loved meals, straightforward transport, and a mid-range budget, this plan keeps stress low and smiles high.