5 Day Dubai Itinerary: A Family-Friendly Luxury Escape in the UAE
This 5 day Dubai itinerary and Abu Dhabi itinerary is the perfect place to start. From the souks of Old Dubai to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and sunset yacht rides along the Palm Jumeirah, this trip was truly unforgettable.
Night Arrival in Dubai
After a late-night arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB), we checked into The Dubai Edition, a sleek, design-forward property located in Downtown Dubai. The hotel’s modern interiors, impeccable service, and proximity to top attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall made it an ideal starting point for our trip.
Read my full hotel review here: The Dubai Edition Hotel Review
Day 1: Old Dubai Charm and Downtown Views
We started the morning with breakfast at The Edition before heading out to explore Old Dubai, including the Al Fahidi Historical District, Dubai Creek, and the bustling Gold and Spice Souks. It’s a must-do for anyone wanting a glimpse of the city’s roots.
By midday, we returned to the hotel for some poolside downtime, then dressed up for dinner at Third Avenue Restaurant inside The Dubai Mall. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the fountain and the Burj Khalifa, making it a beautiful way to start a family trip to Dubai.
Day 2: Road Trip to Abu Dhabi and Go-Karting Fun
After breakfast, we drove about 1.5 hours south to Abu Dhabi and checked into The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, the world’s first Warner Bros.-themed hotel. It’s vibrant, playful, and full of movie-inspired details that both kids and adults will love.
We had lunch at the hotel, followed by a relaxed afternoon by the pool. Later, we explored Downtown Abu Dhabi and ended the night at Yas Marina Circuit for go-karting under the lights, a highlight for my family and an unforgettable experience for racing fans.
Day 3: Culture, Thrills, and The Palm
We began the morning with a guided tour of the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a must-visit for its stunning architecture and serene beauty. After lunch back at The WB, we spent the afternoon at Ferrari World, where the thrill rides and family attractions made for an exciting day.
From Yas Island, it’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes back to Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, where we checked into the elegant Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. This resort feels like an oasis, calm, beachfront, and beautifully designed.
READ MORE: Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah Review
Dinner that night was at the hotel’s Asian restaurant, where we enjoyed fresh seafood and views of the city skyline.
Day 4: Shopping, Yacht Ride, and Dinner Downtown
We spent the morning at The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations in the world. Between the Dubai Aquarium, luxury shops, and endless dining options, there’s something for everyone.
We planned to visit the Burj Khalifa observation deck, but due to a bit of sand and dust in the air, we decided to admire it from below instead. After lunch, we headed back to the Waldorf Astoria for some pool and beach time, followed by a private yacht ride on the Arabian Sea to catch the sunset, one of the most memorable moments of our trip.
Dinner that evening was near the Burj Khalifa, soaking up the city lights one last time.
Day 5: Resort Relaxation and Departure
Our final day was spent enjoying the Waldorf Astoria’s amenities, from beach cabanas to the kids’ club and spa. We had a late checkout before heading to DXB Airport for our 1 a.m. flight home, wrapping up an incredible UAE adventure.
Booking Drivers and Tours with Viator
Throughout our journey, Viator was our go-to for all our transportation, tours, and transfers. Their seamless service made navigating Dubai and Abu Dhabi a breeze. Whether it was our private driver to Abu Dhabi, our guided morning tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, or transportation to the Palm Jumeirah, Viator handled everything with ease.
I’ve used Viator for years and love how easy it is to browse tours by destination, read verified reviews, and instantly secure confirmed bookings. It’s especially convenient when traveling with family since you can arrange private car services, skip-the-line tickets, and family-friendly excursions all in one place.
If you’re planning your own trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, I highly recommend exploring tours and drivers on Viator here.
Why This Trip Is Perfect for Families
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are both designed to cater to families, offering an ideal combination of culture, adventure, and luxury. With world-class resorts, family attractions such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, and beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation, every day of your trip will be enjoyable for the whole family.
All three hotels, The Dubai Edition, The WB Abu Dhabi, and Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, are part of Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy, offering a range of family-friendly amenities. This means you can earn points and enjoy exclusive member benefits such as free breakfast, room upgrades, and late checkout, making your stay even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Plan Your Trip
Hotels
- The Dubai Edition – Downtown luxury near the Burj Khalifa
- The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton – Fun, family-friendly, and full of character
- Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah – Sophisticated beachfront escape
Tours and Transfers
- Book Drivers and Tours with Viator – Reliable and family-friendly options across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Best Time to Visit:
October through April for mild weather
Airports:
- DXB (Dubai International)
- AUH (Abu Dhabi International)
Final Thoughts
This 5-day Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary perfectly combines culture, relaxation, and family adventure. Whether you’re exploring the souks of Old Dubai, relaxing at a five-star beachfront resort, or enjoying theme parks on Yas Island, it’s a trip that everyone in the family will remember.
