Family Travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi – A Unique UAE Experience
09.16.2025
Looking for a family trip that combines modern attractions and cultural traditions? Explore Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a unique itinerary: admire the breathtaking Burj Khalifa, experience a desert safari on golden dunes, visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and discover world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. A perfect family holiday in the UAE, offering adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories for children and adults alike.
When we decided to spend a week in April exploring the United Arab Emirates as a family, we quickly realized that this family trip to Dubai would be full of wonderful surprises. We had already seen photos of the Burj Khalifa and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, but experiencing them in person truly exceeded all our expectations. Between magical moments of wonder and peaceful family time, this journey to Dubai and Abu Dhabi will remain etched in our memories forever.
Dubai, the City of Contrasts and Wonders
Burj Khalifa: The Ultimate Must-Visit Attraction in Dubai
From our very first evening, we wanted to admire the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world rising 828 meters in the heart of Dubai. Seeing it illuminated at night was simply breathtaking. A few days later, we went up to the “At The Top” observatory, offering a spectacular 360° view of the city, the desert, and the Persian Gulf. Whether by day or by night, visiting the Burj Khalifa is a must-do experience in Dubai—perfect for families, couples, or friends
Sleep Under the Stars: A Desert Overnight Experience in Dubai
One of the highlights of our family trip to Dubai was a one-day and one-night excursion into the desert. The camp, located just 40 minutes from the city, sits in the heart of the dunes.
We spent the night in an air-conditioned Bedouin-style tent, the perfect mix of comfort and authenticity. On site, we enjoyed a camel ride and captured unforgettable photos with falcons.
For adventure seekers, a 4×4 desert safari in Dubai is also an option.
In the evening, a buffet of local specialties delighted our taste buds, followed by traditional shows with music and oriental dance.
To end the night, we gazed at the stars through telescopes set up in the camp, while an astronomy expert shared fascinating insights.
This desert experience in Dubai offered a complete contrast to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
However, the Dubai desert is far from empty. This area is home to small villages and farms, with roads crossing the dunes to connect them to major cities. Visitors discover a living desert, where authentic Bedouin life meets modern development—an unforgettable part of any family trip to the UAE.
Where Modernity Meets Tradition
What we especially loved about Dubai is the mix of futurism and authenticity:
The historic Al Fahidi district takes visitors deep into the emirate’s past with its traditional alleyways. We crossed the creek on an abra, a typical wooden boat, to reach the spice and gold souks. Quieter than those in Morocco or Istanbul, Dubai’s souks still offer an authentic and pleasant visit, especially at sunset.
The Museum of the Future in Dubai is one of the most innovative landmarks in the world. Recognizable by its futuristic ring-shaped architecture, it embodies the United Arab Emirates’ vision for tomorrow. Inside, we were immersed in interactive exhibits combining artificial intelligence, robotics, space, ecology, and technological innovations. A truly engaging experience for the whole family—and a perfect cultural and air-conditioned break during the hottest hours!
Palm Jumeirah, the man-made island shaped like a palm tree, is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. Here, you’ll find luxury hotels like Atlantis The Palm, private beaches, and stunning villas. We chose to visit The View at The Palm, an observatory offering a 360° panoramic view of the Palm—and more! Before reaching the panoramic deck, visitors pass through several exhibits explaining the construction and monumental engineering behind Palm Jumeirah.
For thrill-seekers, Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer numerous family-friendly theme parks. We visited Wild Wadi Waterpark, located at the foot of the iconic Burj Al Arab. The park stands out for its high-speed slides and spectacular views of the landmark hotel.
In comparison, Atlantis Aquaventure impresses with its grandiose settings and family-oriented attractions.
We also benefited from a great deal by visiting the park on a Monday and paying with a Visa card.
Whichever park you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience with family or friends, filled with laughter, thrills, and aquatic fun.
Shopping in Dubai is a true experience, blending futuristic malls with traditional markets. The city is world-famous for its giant shopping centers, such as the Dubai Mall—the largest mall in the world—and the Mall of the Emirates, known for its indoor ski slope. Shopping is truly a way of life in Dubai, so it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
We also admired the stunning Dubai Mall fountain show at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. The best time to watch it is in the evening, when the fountains are illuminated, creating a truly spectacular display.
Abu Dhabi: A Blend of Peace and Cultural Wonders
Abu Dhabi is just about an hour’s drive from Dubai, so we took a day trip. You can also easily spend several days exploring this culturally rich city.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Stunning Architectural Masterpiece
In Abu Dhabi, the pace slows down. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque deeply moved us. Its dazzling white exterior, 82 domes, 1,000 columns, monumental Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and the enormous hand-woven Persian carpet—the largest in the world—left the entire family in awe.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the UAE’s most iconic landmarks, making it a must-visit. Inaugurated in 2007, it honors Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the country.
Visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi: A Family Art Experience
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in 2017, is a must-visit stop on any trip to Abu Dhabi. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, it stands out with its massive perforated dome, which lets light filter through—a true artistic and technical marvel.
Inside, we admired artworks from around the world, alongside exceptional loans from the Louvre Museum in Paris, among others. For younger visitors, the Louvre Abu Dhabi also features a dedicated Children’s Museum.
A stroll along the waterfront offers stunning views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline, adding an extra dimension to the visit.
Yas Island is an entertainment paradise for all ages, featuring attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World, and the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit (freely accessible by car up to the grandstands).
Abu Dhabi Corniche is a long seaside promenade, perfect for walks, beach outings, and watching the sunset.
Essential Family Travel Tips for Visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Clothing: Bring a scarf or a light shirt when visiting religious sites. For example, when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, men, women, and children must be covered from head to toe. Affordable abayas are sold at the mosque’s shopping gallery—also a great opportunity to pick up a small souvenir.
Ideal Duration: 7 days to fully enjoy both cities at a relaxed pace.
Recommended Period: November to March, to avoid the extreme heat.
Accommodation: We chose to rent an Airbnb near the Burj Khalifa for the first half of our stay and another near the Marina for the second half. Since restaurant prices are similar to those in Europe, having the option to cook in our accommodation was very convenient, especially in the evenings.
Transportation: We decided to rent a car for our entire stay. Rental and fuel prices are unbeatable. However, be prepared for traffic comparable to Paris’ ring road during peak hours. Alternatively, Dubai offers a well-developed metro system and very affordable taxis.
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