One Week Family-Friendly Fall Trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Beaches

• Soul beach at Saadidat island (Abu Dhabi)- Amazing crystal clear, and vibrant turquoise water. This is a paid private beach that includes beach chairs and umbrellas. Enjoy anytime, however there can be a wait on weekends.

• Kite Beach Dubai - Great for kite surfers, runners, beach volleyball and swimming. Active and local beach. Best time to visit is early or late in the day and during the week.

• Sufouh beach - Directly in front of Jumeriah Beach Hotel, great for children, safe for swimming with gorgeous clear blue water.

Museums and Cultural sites

• Museum of the Future - Reservations in advance are recommended.

• Dubai Heritage Village - Free to visit for a walking tour.

• Louve Museum Abu Dhabi - Amazing and perfect place to spend a hot day.

• Qasr Al Watan - The Presidential Palace. Must see in Abu Dhabi. Go early to avoid crowds. Dress code.

• Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi - Best time to go is during the week and avoid Fridays. Dress code.

Waterparks

• Wild Wadi - Attached to Jumeriah Beach Hotel.

• Aquaventure - At Atlantis, The Palm.

• Legoland Waterpark - Dubai.

• Yas Waterworld - Abu Dhabi.

Amusement parks

• Warner Bros World - Abu Dhabi.

• Legoland - Dubai.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure - Dubai.

• Ferrari World - Dubai.

Safaris

• Desert Safaris and Arabian Adventures - Both operate out of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Indoor Skiing

• Ski Dubai

Other Activities

• Top of the Burj and fountains - Reserve online and go at sunset!

• ATV riding in the desert

• Skydive Dubai

• Camel racing - Seasonal

• F1 race - Yas Island every November

• Dubai Aquarium - Dubai Mall

• The Lost Chambers Aquarium - Atlantis

• Fry Pan Adventures - Walking food tours for local eats in Bur Dubai

Shopping and Malls

• Dubai Mall

• Emirates Mall

• Yas Mall

• Dubai Souq

• Gold Souq

• Souq Madinat - Amazing restaurants and an abra boat tour.

Day Trip

I highly recommend staying at a desert hotel for a night. The sunsets are amazing and there is a special energy that you can't describe unless you are there.

Breakfast

• Arabian Tea House - This is a must try in Bur Dubai, they have a traditional breakfast served family style. Must try the hummus, falafels and fresh lemon mint juice. It's best to go during the week because it is very busy on the weekends.

Lunch

• Salt - Burger bar on Kite Beach. A local favorite for burgers!

• Operation Falalel - The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).

Dinner

• Bab Al Mansour - Morrocan Restaurant. Make reservations far in advance for this unforgettable experience. Excellent food and a unforgettable experience.

• Pad Thai - Get the restaurant by abra (water taxi) through Souq Madinat. Great Thai food and ambiance. Reservations are necessary.

• Shimmers - Relaxed beach restaurant. Reserve in advance. This idilic beach setting is a great for the whole family.

• Zuma - Amazing sushi. This upscale sushi restaurant is both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, must make reservations in advance.

Sunset views

• Shimmers

• SOBE Rooftop Bar - At the W Dubai the Palm. Kids are allowed until 8 pm.

• Any Restaurant Patio on any restaurant in Pier 7- Catch the sunset in the Dubai Marina.

• The Beach Bar and Grill - At the One and Only Royal Mirage.