Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze with its blend of modern attractions and cultural experiences. We spent seven incredible days exploring the best it had to offer while staying at the Arabian Dreams Hotel, booked through our Club Mahindra timeshare. Getting around was easy with Careem taxis and the Dubai Metro, making our travel smooth and hassle-free. Here’s a breakdown of our journey, filled with excitement, adventure, and some helpful tips for fellow travelers.
Day 1: Arrival & Ibn Battuta Mall
We arrived in Abu Dhabi on Etihad and took a bus ride to Dubai. We got off at Ibn Battuta Mall and spent a few hours exploring the mall and having lunch. Afterward, we headed to the hotel to relax and settle in for our adventure ahead.
Day 2: Dubai Frame, Aya Universe & Dubai Mall
We started the day with a visit to the Dubai Frame, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Next, we explored Aya Universe, an immersive digital art experience, though we felt it was underwhelming compared to similar attractions like TeamLab in Abu Dhabi. Later, we visited Dubai Mall, including the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. We wrapped up the day with a delightful dinner at Jamie’s Italian and watched the stunning Burj Khalifa light show and Dubai Fountain.
Day 3: Museum of the Future & Desert Safari
The day began with an early morning 10km run for me from our hotel to Zabeel Park (Dubai Frame) and back. After freshening up and breakfast, we visited the Museum of the Future, a fascinating showcase of technology and innovation—tickets sell out months in advance, so booking early is a must! After a delicious South Indian lunch, we rested before heading out for an adventurous evening. We went on a Desert Safari, including a thrilling quad bike ride and dune bashing in a packed Land Cruiser. The evening concluded with dinner, belly dancing, and fire shows before returning to the hotel.
Day 4: Miracle Garden & Global Village
We explored the stunning Miracle Garden, featuring vibrant floral displays and unique installations. Afterward, we visited the Mall of the Emirates before heading to Global Village in the evening. At Global Village, we explored pavilions from different countries, indulged in delicious food, and visited Ripley’s Believe It or Not, making for a fun-filled day.
Day 5: Speed Boat Ride & Palm Jumeirah
We took an Xclusive Yacht speed boat ride from Dubai Marina to see Atlantis and Burj Al Arab—an exhilarating experience that kids will love. This was truly the highlight of our trip! Afterward, we explored Marina Mall, strolled around the boardwalk, and later visited Palm Jumeirah. In the late afternoon, we relaxed at the beach by the Jumeirah Residences and ended the day with dinner at Allo Beirut before heading back to the hotel.
Day 6: A Fun Day at Motiongate Dubai
We spent the entire day at Motiongate Dubai, enjoying thrilling rides and attractions inspired by Hollywood movies. An excellent place for families and movie lovers alike!
Day 7: Kite Beach & Departure to Abu Dhabi
We started our last day with a morning walk at Kite Beach, guided by a friend, and a delicious breakfast at a local bakery (Thank you Deepali). After returning to the hotel, we packed up and checked out, then took a taxi to Abu Dhabi for the next leg of our journey, which we will cover in another post.
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips
Dubai is a fantastic destination for families, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss the speed boat ride—it’s an absolute must! Using Dubai Metro and Careem makes travel convenient, and planning your days well helps cover more places efficiently.
We also highly recommend booking attraction tickets in advance through Klook and GetYourGuide to skip long lines and secure entry to popular places like the Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, and Motiongate Dubai.
Stay tuned for our Abu Dhabi experience, and feel free to drop any questions in the comments if you’re planning a trip to Dubai!
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