This past Christmas, our family took an incredible 10-day trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and we’ve been buzzing about it ever since! It was the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Here’s a glimpse into our favorite moments and tips if you’re planning a similar getaway.

How We Got There

So many questions about the flights! We flew Emirates Airlines direct from Miami to Dubai and flew economy – the seats have a tiny bit more legroom, but not much. The seats do recline more than regular airline seats. The flight there was 14 hours, and our return flight was 16 hours. Emirates only allows one personal item to come on board with you, so a small carry on or backpack, but not a large purse and a carry on. You may, however check two bags per person, up to 50 lbs each.

Our flights each had three meal services, two full meals and one snack. Plus beverage service throughout, and they also have snacks/coffee/water/etc available throughout. The food was good, service was great, and the entertainment system on the flight was great, too. Honestly, no complaints! Give yourself plenty of time at the airport.

Our flight out of Miami took off at 12:15 am and we arrived in Dubai around 11:15 pm, which meant that entire day was a travel day. Because the flight takes off at midnight, we were all tired once we got on and the kids fell asleep pretty quickly. Once they woke up, they were fairly entertained with a combination of iPads, books, and the plane’s entertainment system. It honestly was not as bad as I thought it would be!

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Mövenpick Jumeirah Village Triangle, and it turned out to be an ideal home base. The rooms were spacious, there was a small waterpark that the kids loved, and breakfast was an easy add-on. It was the most affordable hotel we found (we were there during peak season and probably waited a little too long to book our hotel). It’s about 15 minutes from The Palm and JBR, so it’s convenient without being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Plus, it was close to family we were visiting, which made it even better!

If you want to be closer to the action, I’d recommend a hotel near the Dubai Marina or JBR. A hotel in the Palm would be amazing if you are planning on staying in the Palm for most of the time – it does take a while to get in and out of the Palm, so that is something to consider!

How We Got Around

We rented a car for some of the days that we were there. When we booked, we were given the option to have the car dropped off to us at our hotel, and they picked it up there, too. We found that parking was easy to come by – at many restaurants even valet parking is validated.  When we didn’t have a rental, we used a service called Careem, which is very similar to Uber. It is fairly inexpensive and easy to use. (You can also use Careem to order basically anything and have it delivered – think grocery items, food from restaurants, etc.)

Top Family Experiences in Dubai with Kids

1. Desert Safari with Noble Adventure Tours

This was hands down one of our favorite experiences. We were picked up from our hotel and started with a 4×4 buggy ride in the desert (totally worth the extra cost). Next came the dune bashing, which was thrilling but a bit rough—if you get carsick, definitely take something beforehand! The evening continued with camel rides, sandboarding, henna tattoos, a BBQ buffet, and a show with eight acts. It was nonstop fun, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat.

2. Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Aquarium

We booked our Burj Khalifa tickets in advance (a must to avoid long lines). The views were absolutely breathtaking! The kids were fascinated watching the city from that high up. Afterward, we wandered through Dubai Mall and marveled at the massive aquarium—even from the outside, it’s impressive. We also grabbed some premium dates at Bateel—if you’re a fan of dates, this place is a treat!

3. Dubai Fountain and Time Out Market

The Dubai Fountain show starts at 6 p.m., and it’s worth seeing. After having dinner at Time Out Market, we found a spot at with a great view and caught the show from the balcony. It was such a fun, relaxed way to enjoy it without fighting crowds.

4. Bluewaters and the Drone Show

We loved walking around Bluewaters, especially when the drone show lit up the sky at 9:30 p.m. We snagged a table at a restaurant for drinks and apps with a clear view. Heads up—check if the place serves alcohol before settling in, as not all do.

5. JBR Promenade and Zouzou

The JBR promenade was buzzing with energy. We booked some beach chairs to relax before grabbing a casual Mediterranean lunch at Zouzou JBR—delicious and perfect for a laid-back day.

6. Old Dubai and the Spice Souk

We started the morning with breakfast at Arabian Tea House (the Arabic breakfast and coffee were fabulous) and then explored Old Dubai and the Spice Souk. The vibrant spices and colors were a feast for the senses, and we picked up some unique souvenirs.

7. Atlantis The Royal

We couldn’t miss seeing Atlantis The Royal in person—it’s stunning! The lobby alone left us in awe. We had lunch at Nobu by the Beach, which lived up to the hype. But there’s no shortage of dining options here, so if sushi isn’t your favorite, there are plenty of other options.

8. West Palm Walk

The Palm West Beach was such a peaceful contrast to some of the busier areas. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet stroll with beach clubs and plenty of restaurants to check out.

9. Dubai Miracle Garden

Yes, it’s crowded, but the Miracle Garden is worth it. The sheer creativity and colors of the floral displays are amazing. It isn’t open year round, and you can purchase tickets in advance, but we purchased them onsite.

10. Madinat Souk Christmas Market

Since it was Christmas, we got to experience the Souk Madinat Christmas Market. It’s free to enter, with lots of food and activities to enjoy. The Souk itself is open year round and is indoors. Lunch at Beefbar in Jumeirah Mina A’Salam was a treat before heading to the market.

11. At.mosphere

We splurged on dinner at At.mosphere on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa. The views? Unbeatable. The portions? Tiny. It was definitely a one-time experience—beautiful, but not one we’d rush to repeat. I also would not bring the kids to this – we did this on our own while the kids stayed with family.

What We Missed (But Will Return For!)

Even with 10 days, we didn’t have time for everything on our wish list. Here are a few things we’ll be back for:

• Mermaids of Arabia (for the kids)
• Global Village
• Atlantis Waterpark
• Ski Dubai
• Aura Skypool (adults only)
• Dinner at Amazonico (adults only)
• Lunch at Shimmers
• Tea at Burj Al Arab
• Museum of the Future
• A boat ride around The Palm
• Dinner at Trove

Should I Visit Dubai with Kids?

Dubai exceeded all our expectations. From racing over dunes to dining in luxury, it was a trip full of adventure, beauty, and family bonding. We stayed there 8 nights and we definitely felt we could have stayed longer. If Dubai is on your travel radar, don’t hesitate—it’s an experience you won’t forget!