Instead of a typical first birthday party for our daughter, we decided on a family trip abroad—something memorable for everyone, including grandparents on both sides. After some research—and with plenty of valuable advice from friends and booking help from pickyourtrail.com—we settled on a 7-day itinerary covering Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We balanced sightseeing with enough downtime for kids and elders.
Day 1: Arrival in Dubai & Dhow Cruise
Arrival & Check-In
- Landed at Dubai Airport around 12:30 p.m.
- Visa checks were quick and smooth.
- Short 20-minute drive to our hotel (Hyatt Place).
Dhow Cruise at Dubai Marina
- Evening activity with a buffet dinner and live entertainment.
- Great views of the Marina’s skyline, though the music got a bit loud toward the end.
- A pleasant start, but quite tiring after the flight.
Day 2: City Tour & Global Village
Morning: Dubai City Tour
- Bus tour covering Bastakiya, Spice & Gold Souks, Jumeirah Mosque, Zabeel Palace, Dubai Frame, Burj Al Arab, and a drive through Palm Jumeirah.
- Enjoyed the guide’s trivia and brisk pace.
Evening: Global Village
- A fair-like venue with pavilions for different countries.
- Stunning structures, but the food was overpriced and hit-or-miss.
- Kids enjoyed exploring; a worthwhile visit for first-timers.
Day 3: Palm Views & Desert Safari
Morning: View at Palm Jumeirah
- 360° lookout and a short show about the island’s construction.
- Not crowded during non-peak hours.
Evening: Desert Safari
- Picked up in a 4×4 for dune bashing—driver took it easy for elders and kids.
- Ended at a desert camp with a buffet, entertainment, and camel rides.
- A relaxed, fun day overall.
Day 4: Dolphinarium, Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa
Morning: Dubai Dolphinarium
- Dolphin and seal show (VIP tickets for great seats).
- Followed by an exotic bird show—kids loved it.
Afternoon & Evening: Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa
- Explored the Dubai Aquarium, then headed up Burj Khalifa.
- Amazing view, but the long queues (about an hour up and down) were draining.
- Consider VIP tickets if you prefer shorter waits.
Day 5: Miracle Garden & Transfer to Abu Dhabi
Morning: Miracle Garden
- Picture-perfect floral displays, great for photo ops.
- Leisurely stroll in slightly sunny weather.
Afternoon: Drive to Abu Dhabi
- Stopped at BAPS Mandir (a traditional Hindu temple) midway—lengthy registration but serene environment.
- The cafeteria food was a pleasant surprise.
- Checked into Centro Yas Island, greeted by a birthday cake for our daughter.
Day 6: Abu Dhabi Tour & Beach Time
Morning: Quick Abu Dhabi Tour
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace (drive-through), Qasr Al Watan, Corniche, and a short visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Kept it brief to avoid burnout.
Afternoon & Evening
- Relaxed at Cyan Beach—peaceful and kid-friendly.
- Some final shopping at Yas Mall; found good deals on fitness accessories.
Day 7: Warner Bros. Theme Park & Farewell
Morning & Afternoon
- Checked out, then headed to Warner Bros. World.
- Family-friendly rides and character interactions were perfect for our kids.
- Ended with a thrilling rollercoaster, then headed to the airport for a late-night flight home.
Travel Tips
- Huge thanks to our friends who gave valuable itinerary advice, and pickyourtrail.com for helping with seamless bookings.
- Niyo Global Debit Card: Great for nearly zero currency conversion fees—used it on local food delivery apps like Careem, Noon, and Talabat. (No affiliation to any of these)
- Phone/Sim: We opted for an international roaming pack on our existing Indian number (despite getting a free SIM upon arrival).
- Kids’ Food: We brought a small rice cooker for emergency meals, but most places had Indian restaurants nearby. Delivery apps are user-friendly and accept international cards easily.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day itinerary gave us a balanced mix of iconic attractions and downtime—perfect for celebrating our daughter’s first birthday with the whole family. If you’re planning something similar, feel free to adapt this schedule. Let us know in the comments if there’s anything we missed or if you have any questions. Safe travels!
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