Some trips are just holidays. This one was a dream come true, and not only mine 🤍
In December 2024 I took my mom and my sister to Dubai for a week. It was their first trip abroad ever. After we lost my dad, my mom often talked about Dubai. She had explored the city for years through YouTube videos, so she already knew the names of half the places before we landed. Watching her see them for real is one of my favourite memories.
On top of that, I met a close college friend after seven years, and I finally did a skydive I had been dreaming about for 13 years.
This post is our 7-day Dubai itinerary, day by day, with what things cost us, where we stayed, how we got around, and the tips I’d give anyone planning a family trip to Dubai, especially with parents who are travelling abroad for the first time.
Prices are what we paid or saw in December 2024. Prices and rules change, so always check before you book. Some links are affiliate links; see my disclosure.
Planning a family trip to Dubai: the basics
Do you need a visa for Dubai?
It depends on your passport. Many passports, including EU, UK and US passports, can enter for a short stay without arranging a visa in advance. For other passports, including Indian passports, the rules depend on things like which other visas or residence permits you hold. Rules change, so check the official UAE government portal for your nationality before you book anything.
How to get to Dubai
We flew Air India. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways also fly to Dubai from many cities, and they often run sales. My tip: sign up for airline newsletters a few months before your trip and book when a sale comes. If you’re flying with parents, a direct flight is worth a little extra. Fewer connections means less stress for everyone.
Best time to visit Dubai
November to March is the most comfortable time, with daytime temperatures around 20 to 26°C. That’s also peak season, so prices are higher and places are busier. Summer is much quieter, but often above 40°C, which is hard, especially for older parents. April and October can be a good middle ground for better prices with still-manageable weather. We went in early December and the weather was perfect for sightseeing.
Where to stay in Dubai with family
We stayed at Swissôtel Al Murooj near Downtown Dubai. It was a splurge, but this trip was special. Being close to Downtown also meant short rides to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, which helped on long days.
If you’re on a tighter budget, areas like Deira and Al Barsha have more affordable hotels and good metro connections. My advice for travelling with parents: choose location over luxury. Short travel times matter more than a fancy lobby.
Getting around Dubai
Dubai has a clean, easy metro. Buy a Nol card and top it up; it works on the metro and buses. For taxis, we mostly used the Careem app. It was simple to use and not expensive. Try to avoid road travel during rush hour, as traffic can be heavy.
Our 7-day Dubai itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and settling in
We landed in the evening and went straight to the hotel. On the drive, my mom couldn’t stop looking out of the window at the skyline she had seen so many times on her phone. We kept the first evening free. With a long flight and a new country, you don’t need to fit in sightseeing on day one, especially with parents.
Day 2: Dubai from the top
We started at the Sky Views Observatory, then went up the Burj Khalifa to floors 124, 125 and 148. The views are unreal, and there’s something special about watching your mom see the whole city below her for the first time.
We ended the day at Dubai Mall with the free things: the aquarium you can see from outside, and the Dubai Fountain show in the evening. The fountain show is free and honestly one of the most beautiful things in the city.
Tip: book Burj Khalifa tickets online in advance. Tickets started from about AED 159 when we booked. We booked a Burj Khalifa Level 148 and Sky Views combo ticket.
Day 3: Flowers by day, the world by night
In the morning we visited the Miracle Garden, full of flower sculptures and colour. My mom took hundreds of photos 😄 Go in the morning, before it gets too warm, and wear comfortable shoes because there’s a lot of walking.
In the evening we went to Global Village, with pavilions from countries all over the world, food stalls and live shows. It’s a great place for parents because there’s something to see in every direction, and you can sit down whenever you need a break.
What it cost: Miracle Garden entry was about AED 75 and Global Village about AED 18 per person. We booked Miracle Garden with a hotel transfer, which made it easy.
Day 4: An old friend and a 13-year-old dream
This day was extra special. I met a close friend from college after seven years. He took the day off to show us around, including the Dubai Frame and the Dubai Outlet Mall, where some luxury brands had discounts of up to 50%.
And then I did something I had wanted to do for 13 years: I jumped out of a plane over The Palm. A tandem skydive, with the whole coastline below me. I can’t fully describe the feeling. During the free fall my mind went completely quiet. Worth every second.
Watch the Reel
My skydive over The Palm
The free fall, and what went through my mind.
If skydiving is your dream too, I booked a tandem skydive at The Palm. For something more budget-friendly, zip lining at Dubai Marina or dune bashing in the desert are fun too.
Day 5: A night in the desert
On day five we did a desert safari: dune bashing, a camel ride, and dinner with a show under the stars. My mom’s favourite part was the camel ride. If your parents are not big on adventure, tell the driver before dune bashing; they can usually drive more gently.
What it cost: group desert safari packages started from about AED 150 per person. We booked a desert safari with quad bike, camel ride and dinner.
Day 6: Gold, beach and old Dubai
We started at the Gold Souk. My mom loved walking past all the shop windows full of jewellery. Then we relaxed at JBR Beach, and in the evening we walked around Al Seef, the heritage area by Dubai Creek, before a dhow cruise dinner on the water.
Tip: Al Seef is free to walk around and lovely in the evening. Dhow cruise dinners started from about AED 120 per person when booked in advance.
Day 7: Saying goodbye
On our last day my mom couldn’t stop talking about everything we had seen. She called the trip a dream come true. Honestly, it was mine too. Being able to give her this trip meant more to me than any view from any tower.
How much did our Dubai trip cost?
Here’s a quick overview of the activity prices from our trip, per person. Flights and hotels depend a lot on your dates, so I’ve left those out.
| Activity | Price per person (Dec 2024) |
|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa (online, from) | about AED 159 |
| Miracle Garden | about AED 75 |
| Global Village | about AED 18 |
| Desert safari (group, from) | about AED 150 |
| Dhow cruise dinner (from) | about AED 120 |
| Dubai Fountain, Al Seef, public beaches | free |
Tips for travelling to Dubai with parents
- Keep mornings busy and afternoons light. Plan outdoor things early, and use the hottest part of the day for malls, the hotel pool or a rest.
- Don’t overplan. One or two big things a day is plenty. Leave space for sitting, eating and just enjoying.
- Pick a central hotel. Short travel times save energy for the fun parts.
- Book popular tickets ahead. Burj Khalifa and desert safaris fill up in peak season.
- Let them choose one thing. My mom had her own list from YouTube. Including her wishes made it her trip too, not just mine.
Good to know for a first visit to Dubai
Dress modestly in public places like malls and markets; swimwear is fine at beaches and pools. Carry a light scarf, which is useful for mosques and for cold air-conditioning. Alcohol is only served in licensed places like hotels. At the souks, bargaining is normal, so don’t accept the first price. And don’t miss the free things: the Dubai Fountain, Al Seef and the public beaches are some of the best parts of the city.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Dubai?
We had seven days and it felt relaxed, even with parents. Four to five days is enough for the main sights if you are travelling at a faster pace.
Is Dubai good for a first trip abroad with parents?
For us, it was perfect. It’s safe, clean, easy to get around, and there’s a lot for every age, from the Burj Khalifa to the souks and the desert.
Is skydiving in Dubai worth it?
For me, absolutely. It was a 13-year-old dream and one of the best experiences of my life. It’s a big expense, so book it if it truly excites you.
Have you ever taken your parents on their first trip abroad? Tell me about it in the comments 👇
