Dubai is the ultimate family destination that combines futuristic attractions, pristine beaches, world-class shopping, and Arabian culture. This 5-day Dubai itinerary is designed specifically for Indian families traveling with kids, covering everything from thrilling theme parks to desert adventures. With its proximity to India, excellent infrastructure, and Indian-friendly amenities, Dubai makes for an unforgettable luxury family vacation.
This comprehensive guide includes day-by-day plans, luxury accommodation options, exact costs in INR, visa information for Indian passport holders, and insider tips to make your Dubai family trip seamless and memorable.
Visa Requirements for Indian Passport Holders
Indian citizens need a visa to enter the UAE. You can apply for a 30-day tourist visa online through VFS Global or via airlines like Emirates and Air India. The visa costs approximately ₹8,500-₹10,500 per person and is typically processed within 3-5 working days. Children under 18 traveling with parents use the same process. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
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Compare flights on Skyscanner →Getting There: Flight Costs from India
Dubai is exceptionally well-connected to major Indian cities with multiple daily flights:
- Delhi to Dubai: ₹18,000-₹35,000 per person (economy), ₹65,000-₹1,20,000 (business class). Flight time: 3.5 hours. Airlines: Emirates, Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet.
- Mumbai to Dubai: ₹15,000-₹32,000 per person (economy), ₹58,000-₹1,10,000 (business class). Flight time: 3 hours. Airlines: Emirates, Air India, Vistara.
- Bangalore to Dubai: ₹16,500-₹33,000 per person (economy), ₹62,000-₹1,15,000 (business class). Flight time: 4 hours. Airlines: Emirates, Air India Express, IndiGo.
For a family of four, expect to budget ₹1,20,000-₹2,40,000 for economy round-trip flights during peak season (November-March). Book 2-3 months in advance for best rates.
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Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Dubai
Morning: Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Dubai International Airport and clear immigration (usually 30-45 minutes). Take a pre-booked private transfer to your hotel (₹3,500-₹5,000 for a sedan, ₹6,000-₹8,000 for an SUV). Check into your luxury hotel and freshen up. Most hotels offer early check-in for families.
Afternoon: Dubai Mall and Aquarium
Head to the iconic Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping destination. Visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (tickets: ₹2,800 per adult, ₹2,200 per child for standard experience; ₹6,500 per person for VIP experience with glass-bottom boat ride). Kids will be mesmerized by the 10-million-liter tank housing 140 species. Allow 2-3 hours here.
Lunch at The Cheesecake Factory (₹2,500-₹3,500 for a family of four) or PF Chang's (₹3,000-₹4,000) – both offer familiar flavors and kids' menus.
Evening: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
Visit Burj Khalifa At The Top (Level 124 & 125): ₹3,200 per adult, ₹2,600 per child (ages 4-12) for standard entry. Prime hours (3pm-6:30pm) cost ₹4,500 per adult, ₹3,600 per child. Book online in advance. The sunset views are spectacular, and kids love spotting landmarks from 452 meters high.
After descending, watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain show (free) at 6pm, 6:30pm, and every 30 minutes until 11pm. Grab dinner at Thiptara (Thai, ₹8,000-₹12,000 for four) with fountain views, or head to Carnival by Trèsind for contemporary Indian cuisine (₹6,000-₹9,000).
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Search hotels on Booking.com →Day 2: Theme Park Adventure at Dubai Parks and Resorts
Full Day: Motiongate Dubai or Legoland
Dubai Parks and Resorts, located in Jebel Ali, is a 45-minute drive from Downtown. For families with kids aged 3-12, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park are perfect. For older kids and adults, Motiongate Dubai (Hollywood-themed) offers thrilling rides.
Tickets: Single park passes: ₹5,500 per adult, ₹4,800 per child. Two-park passes: ₹7,200 per adult, ₹6,500 per child. Family packages available for ₹20,000-₹24,000 (for four members, two parks). Book online for 20% discount.
Spend the entire day exploring Lego-themed rides, Miniland (featuring Dubai landmarks in Lego), Build-A-Raft River, and wave pools. Lockers cost ₹400-₹600 for the day. Lunch inside the park: ₹3,500-₹5,000 for a family (various cuisines available).
Evening: Return and Relax
Return to your hotel by 6-7pm. Let kids splash in the hotel pool while adults unwind. Order room service or dine at the hotel restaurant. Most luxury hotels offer excellent international buffets (₹3,000-₹5,000 per person) with kid-friendly options.
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Day 3: Desert Safari and Cultural Experience
Morning: Relax and Pool Time
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel. Have a late breakfast at the hotel buffet. Let kids enjoy the pool or kids' club facilities available at most luxury hotels.
Afternoon: Desert Safari Pickup
Most desert safari packages include pickup around 3pm. Book a premium family-friendly desert safari package: ₹8,500-₹11,000 per adult, ₹6,500-₹8,500 per child (ages 3-11). This includes private 4x4 transfers, dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, falconry, henna painting, BBQ dinner, and entertainment shows.
Top-rated tours in Dubai
Browse experiences on Viator →Evening: Arabian Desert Adventure
Experience thrilling dune bashing (request the driver to go easy if kids are sensitive). Visit a traditional Bedouin-style camp where kids can ride camels (included), try sandboarding, get henna tattoos, and dress in traditional Emirati clothing for photos. Enjoy a lavish BBQ buffet dinner (₹2,500-₹3,500 value included) with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, Indian dishes, Arabic mezze, and desserts. Watch mesmerizing belly dance and Tanoura shows. Return to hotel by 9-10pm.
Day 4: Beach Day and Palm Jumeirah
Morning: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm
Head to the world-famous Aquaventure Waterpark. Tickets: ₹6,500 per adult, ₹5,500 per child (includes access to Lost Chambers Aquarium). Super Pass with fast track: ₹9,500 per adult, ₹8,000 per child. The waterpark features 105 slides and attractions including Aquaconda (world's largest waterslide tube), Leap of Faith, Splashers kids' play area, and a private beach.
Afternoon: Lost Chambers Aquarium and Lunch
After the waterpark, explore Lost Chambers Aquarium within Atlantis. Walk through underwater tunnels showcasing 65,000 marine animals. Lunch at Saffron (international buffet, ₹4,500-₹6,000 for a family) or Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay (₹6,000-₹9,000).
Evening: The Pointe and Palm Views
Visit The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah, an open-air dining and entertainment destination. Watch the Palm Fountain show (free, runs every 30 minutes from 6pm). Enjoy dinner with views at Masti (contemporary Indian, ₹5,000-₹7,500) or The Cheesecake Factory. Walk along the boardwalk – perfect for family photos with Atlantis in the background.
Day 5: Modern Dubai and Shopping
Morning: Dubai Frame and Zabeel Park
Start at Dubai Frame, a 150-meter-high picture frame offering stunning views of Old and New Dubai. Tickets: ₹800 per adult, ₹400 per child (ages 3-12). The glass-floored walkway on top is thrilling for kids. Adjacent Zabeel Park (entry ₹80 per person) has playgrounds and gardens perfect for kids to run around.
Afternoon: Global Village or More Shopping
If your trip falls between October and April, visit Global Village (₹300 per person, children under 3 free). This multicultural festival park features pavilions from 75+ countries, rides, shows, and global cuisines. Plan 4-5 hours here. Alternatively, return to Dubai Mall or visit Mall of the Emirates (₹3,500 per person for Ski Dubai snow park).
Evening: Gold Souk and Traditional Dubai
Take an Abra ride across Dubai Creek (₹80-₹100 per person for traditional crossing, or ₹2,500 for private 1-hour tour). Visit the famous Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira – a great cultural experience for kids. Have farewell dinner at Arabian Tea House (traditional Emirati, ₹3,000-₹4,500) or Purani Dilli (authentic North Indian, ₹3,500-₹5,500).
Where to Stay: Luxury Family Hotels
For luxury family travel, these hotels offer exceptional facilities:
- Atlantis The Royal: ₹55,000-₹95,000 per night. Ultra-luxury with multiple pools, kids' club, direct Aquaventure access. Newly opened in 2023.
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel: ₹38,000-₹65,000 per night. Beachfront, free unlimited Aquaventure and Lost Chambers access, Sinbad's Kids Club, family suites.
- Ritz-Carlton Dubai: ₹32,000-₹55,000 per night. Private beach, excellent Ritz Kids program, spacious family rooms, JBR location.
- Address Downtown: ₹28,000-₹48,000 per night. Connected to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa views, rooftop pool, central location perfect for families.
- One&Only The Palm: ₹45,000-₹75,000 per night. Exclusive beach resort, KidsOnly club, private beach, butler service, ultra-spacious rooms.
For 5 nights, budget ₹1,40,000-₹4,75,000 for luxury accommodation. Book directly or through hotel websites for best rates and family packages (often including breakfast and kids stay free offers).
Getting Around Dubai
Dubai is easy to navigate with family:
- Private Car Rental: ₹3,500-₹6,000 per day for SUV. Recommended for maximum flexibility with kids. International driving permit required (get from India).
- Taxis: Abundant and affordable. Meter starts at ₹40, approximately ₹15-₹20 per km. Dubai Mall to Atlantis: ₹650-₹850.
- Uber/Careem: Widely available, often cheaper than taxis. Estimate ₹500-₹1,200 for most routes.
- Dubai Metro: Modern, clean, efficient. Red Line covers major attractions. Day pass: ₹180 per person. Not ideal with very young children or strollers during peak hours.
Budget ₹15,000-₹25,000 for 5 days of transportation (excluding airport transfers).
Money-Saving Tips for Luxury Travelers
- Book attraction tickets online in advance through official websites for 15-25% discounts
- Many luxury hotels include theme park access – check before booking separate tickets
- Use your hotel concierge for restaurant reservations to access exclusive offers
- Download Entertainer app for 2-for-1 deals at high-end restaurants (₹1,500 for Dubai edition)
- Shop during Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February) or Dubai Summer Surprises (July-August) for mega deals
- Use international credit cards with zero forex markup (HDFC Regalia, SBI Elite) to save 3-4%
- Pre-book desert safari and theme park tickets through GetYourGuide or Viator for better rates than walk-in
Best Time to Visit Dubai with Family
The ideal time for families is November to March when temperatures range from 20-30°C – perfect for outdoor activities and beach time. December to February is peak season (higher prices but perfect weather). Avoid June-August when temperatures exceed 40°C, though indoor attractions offer respite. Consider visiting during Diwali week (October-November) when many hotels offer special celebrations for Indian families, or during UAE National Day (December 2) for spectacular fireworks and events.
What to Pack
Essential items for Dubai family trip: Lightweight cotton clothes, modest wear for cultural sites (covering shoulders and knees), swimwear, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses and hats, comfortable walking shoes, light jacket for heavily air-conditioned malls, kids' medications and first-aid kit, power adapter (Type G, same as India), copies of passport and visa, travel insurance documents.
Total Budget Breakdown (Family of 4: 2 Adults, 2 Kids)
- Flights (economy round-trip): ₹1,20,000-₹2,40,000
- Visa (4 persons): ₹34,000-₹42,000
- Accommodation (5 nights, luxury): ₹1,40,000-₹4,75,000
- Food and dining: ₹60,000-₹90,000
- Attractions and activities: ₹80,000-₹1,20,000
- Transportation: ₹15,000-₹25,000
- Shopping and miscellaneous: ₹50,000-₹1,00,000
Total estimated cost: ₹4,99,000-₹11,92,000 for a luxury 5-day Dubai family vacation.