Dubai & Abu Dhabi on a Budget: The Best Family Travel Hack in the UAE
Did we find the best money saving secret in the UAE? - we think so, but you’re going to need to read on to find out! Dubai, more so than other destinations can be somewhat polarising, with everyone seeming to have their opinion - for us we had the best week of winter sun with endless amounts of fun for the kids and unbeatable service and hospitality. We split our time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi with only a 90 minute drive between the two. Read on for our best tips and advice for planning your trip.
📍 Where is Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - a collection of seven emirates, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia to the west and and Oman to the south east. Dubai lies on the northern coast of the UAE, while Abu Dhabi, the capital of the country, is about 90 minutes southwest by car. Both cities are incredibly modern, clean and safe - they are vibrant hubs known for luxury, cutting edge architecture, and rich culture. While the UAE has a long and rich history, much of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi you see today has been constructed in the last 4 or 5 decades.
✈️ Which Airport Should I Fly Into?
Dubai is has two international airports; the main Dubai International Airport (DXB) as well as Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), with Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) handling flights into the southern emirate. DXB is main hub for Emirates, while AUH is the home of Etihad, both airlines offer among the most comprehensive schedules to destinations across the globe from their central UAE bases.
The good news? It doesn’t really matter which airport you fly into when visiting the UAE. The two cities are well-connected by road and public transport, and many visitors tend to explore both during their trip. If you're planning to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you can fly into either airport based on better flight times, prices, or airline preferences.
Which airlines to fly to Dubai?
Dubai, and the UAE in general has become one of the main air passenger hubs of the world over the recent years, and there are no shortage of options for accessing the middle east - from wherever in the world. Its position is central to almost everywhere with direct flights possible to and from every corner of the globe. The flight time from the UK is around 7 hours on a direct service.
From the UK, many major airlines operate daily services to DXB (Dubai International Airport), including:
Emirates – Dubai’s flagship airline, offering multiple daily flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. Widely considered one of the best long-haul airlines in the world.
British Airways – offer regular direct flights from London Heathrow.
Virgin Atlantic – offer a seasonal schedule with daily direct services to Dubai from around Oct-Mar, check with Virgin for specific schedules.
Budget travellers may also find good value options through airlines like Wizz Air or flydubai, particularly when flying from secondary airports or during off-peak times.
No matter your budget or origin location, flying to Dubai has never been easier!
🚗 Should I rent a car in Dubai?
While travelling around and between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is possible without a rental car, we would advise getting one to make things more convenient, less restricted and more budget friendly. The availability of taxis and coverage on apps such as Uber or Careem (the local Uber equivalent) make getting around a breeze, but the cost of these services would add up over the course of your stay. Of course, its all situation specific but based on our experience we calculated that the cost of our rental car for the week, as being equivalent to trips to and from the airport, and one trip to the mall and back via Uber. The saving, based on the driving we did during our time in the UAE, vs making the same journeys via taxi, ran into hundreds of £££!
🏨 Where to stay in Dubai?
Think of Dubai and you undoubtedly picture the Palm Jumeriah, the incredible Dubai skyline - adorned with some of the worlds tallest and most luxurious buildings, stunning white beaches, blue sky and endless sunshine. Rumour has it “there is no such thing as a bad hotel in Dubai”, so what ever your budget there’s certainly a number of incredible hotels to choose from.
As we had a car and we wanted a family friendly hotel that did not have a high price tag we opted to stay further out of the city and found a gem of a hotel - the Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai.
The Centara Mirage opened in late 2021 and is located on a new development on Deira Islands Dubai. The resort is one of best hotels in Dubai for families - designed and styled on a fusion of Thai influence and Arabian opulence.
Brand new with spacious modern family rooms - offering either city or sea views, endless amounts of outdoor family entertainment - including the lazy river, several pools, kids water play and climbing equipment areas, as well as a games room and kids club. The resort is set on a stunning beachfront, and offers a range of excellent cuisine and wide ranging drinks menu.
Its location only around 20 minutes from both the main DXB airport, and Dubai Mall make it an excellent choice for families looking to get the most out of their Dubai vacation at an affordable price. The Centara Mirage was one of a small number of hotels in Dubai which offer all levels of package from room only to All Inclusive - we opted for a half board package, permitting us to 2 meals per day, the only change we’d make would be to add the drinks package on if we stayed again.
Best things to do in Dubai with kids
Dubai Mall
We visited Dubai Mall every day of our 4-day stay in Dubai - and still got lost each time! It’s more than a shopping centre; it’s a full entertainment hub with dining, cinemas, an aquarium, and even an ice rink. Dining al fresco by the fountains along with the Burj Khalifa was our highlight!
The Frame
We drove past the frame on the way to the mall and we were completely blown away by its imposing gold presence - its unlike anything we’d seen - standing tall between old and new Dubai. We had to visit! We bought tickets on the day as a walk up and joined the short queue - tickets for a family of 4 were around £30. Once inside, theres an opportunity learn about Dubai’s history with a short interactive walkthrough depicting the transformation from past to present, before transported to the top to enjoy epic city views from one of the best vantage points. Not for the faint hearted or people scared of heights - a large section of the floor is glass, where you can see right down to ground level below! The experience probably lasts around 1 hour, with drinks and snacks available at the top so you can sit and enjoy the view.
Burj Khalifa – To the Top!
No trip to Dubai is complete without heading to the top of the world’s tallest building - the Burj Khalifa. Since this is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai, we knew tickets book up fast, so we secured them in advance for the ‘At the Top’ observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors, and the views are absolutely worth it. It is possible to access the higher observation deck on 148, but this comes at a much higher cost - which we didn’t think was worth the extra. From 125, and assuming you get a clear day - you can see the desert, ocean, and the full stretch of Dubai’s skyline. Regular ticket prices are already high in our opinion - at around £125 for a family of 4 but if you’re going to do it (and assume its a one and done!) we’d recommend spending a little extra and going around sunset for the most dramatic experience.
We booked with Get Your Guide (as we always always do!) using this link
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the most scenic areas in the city and offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a touch of glamour. Its one of the most walkable areas of the city and we enjoyed strolling the promenade and admiring the yachts. The vibe around the marina area is noticeably different to other parts - it feels more laid back and stylish, where the city meets the sea. It caters for both locals and tourists with trendy cafes and restaurants adorning the Dubai Marina waterfront.
The Atlantis Hotel
Located on The Palm Jumeirah, the Atlantis Hotel is an iconic destination and home to a number of attractions. Many will visit for Aquaventure waterpark but we went for food and entertainment. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you’re able to make reservations at the many restaurants within the complex - we opted for Bread Street Kitchen, Gordon Ramsey’s flagship Dubai restaurant. Ahead of our dinner reservation we had around 90 minutes to explore and had great fun in WAVEHOUSE - an gaming arcade and kids softplay area.
Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future is a stunning architectural wonder located on Sheikh Zayed Road, shaped like a silver torus with Arabic calligraphy carved into its shell. Inside, you’ll explore futuristic exhibitions on space exploration, AI, climate change, and wellness, all with interactive and immersive storytelling. It’s educational, inspiring, and really unlike any museum we've visited before. Great for older kids and adults who love science, tech, and thinking about what’s next. We recommend booking ahead, as this place can sell out quickly!
🫰How Expensive Is Dubai for Families?
In short, its all about being savvy! Although flights and some of the five star hotels in peak season can be pretty expensive, we actually found Dubai to be cheaper than expected on balance. We mainly ate in restaurants (such as PF changs! IYKYK) - which in terms of price - were largely inline with the UK, if not a little cheaper. As we had our half board hotel package it made overall food and dining costs very manageable. Attractions and things to do can be spread out, which is our justification for hiring a car - this again saved time, hassle and money while on the ground moving between locations. Entry to certain attractions (particularly Burj Khalifa) is perhaps higher than expected - but we’d recommend tailoring activities to your group needs and using platforms like getyourguide to book combo tickets and tours, or finding those unique experiences.
📆 When is the best time to visit Dubai?
We think Virgin Atlantic’s flight schedule tells you everything you need to know about the best times to visit Dubai (and the UAE generally) - peak season here is between November-April, as this is when temperatures are at their most pleasant. Deals and incentives are available for those willing to travel in the hotter months (May-September), and while we have never done it, we know others have had very enjoyable visits at comparatively lower overall prices.
| Season | Months | Avg. Day Temp (°C) | Avg. Night Temp (°C) | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec – Feb | 23 – 26°C | 14 – 17°C | Occasional | Most pleasant season; great for outdoor activities and tourism. |
| Spring | Mar – May | 28 – 38°C | 18 – 25°C | Low | Starts mild, gets hotter by May; clear skies, occasional sandstorms. |
| Summer | Jun – Sep | 38 – 45°C | 30 – 35°C | Very Low | Extremely hot and humid; limited outdoor activity advised. |
| Autumn | Oct – Nov | 29 – 35°C | 20 – 26°C | Low | Heat eases off; popular time for events and tourism resumes. |
🧳 What Should Tourists Wear in Dubai?
A common question among visitors to the UAE is: What should I wear? While Dubai is a Muslim city, it’s also very modern and forward thinking, so the dress code is more relaxed than many people expect. You’re not required to cover your head or wear traditional clothing. I (Alissa) wore shorts, t-shirts, and summer dresses when visiting malls, restaurants, and attractions, and so did most other tourists. The key is to be respectful — avoid anything too revealing or see-through, especially in places like mosques and other public places. Locals wear their traditional attire, and from our experience, they were incredibly warm and welcoming. We never once felt judged or out of place.
🚘 What Was It Like to Drive in Dubai?
Driving in Dubai was not an issue at all. The roads are wide and well-maintained, signage is in English and Arabic, and both Google and Apple Maps worked perfectly. Most drivers are fast and confident, so be alert, but if you're used to driving in busy cities, you'll be fine. There’s plenty of parking in malls and the main tourist spots, and rental cars are easy to arrange.
🚘 How to Drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Getting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is straightforward and takes around 90 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The route is a straight, well-maintained highway through the desert, with service stations along the way. It’s an easy and scenic drive, it can even be done as part of a day trip.
🇦🇪 ABU DHABI
Where should I stay in Abu Dhabi?
This depends entirely on who’s going and what you’re looking for, each area of Abu Dhabi has its own identity and offers something different, our top recommendations for areas to stay in Abu Dhabi are:
Yas Island - an entertainment hub packed with plenty of things to see and do. Yas Island can appeal to the budget conscious travellers or those looking to grab a bargain (see below for more details!)
Saadiyat Island - caters more toward the couples luxury getaway market than the family holiday, offers easy access to attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Soul Beach, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. With high end resorts such as The St. Regis and Park Hyatt
We stayed at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and it was perfect for our needs as a family of 4 with young kids.
Top Things to Do in Abu Dhabi with Kids
From a pure entertainment perspective Abu Dhabi has to be up there with the best organised entertainment destinations in the world; in terms of proximity and ease of access between main attractions and hotels, especially on Yas Island. The following attractions are on Yas Island and within 5 minutes of all major hotels:
Yas Waterworld
Yas Marina Circuit
Ferrari World
Yas Links Golf Club
Warner Bros Theme Park
Seaworld Abu Dhabi
Yas Mall
Yas Beach
Etihad Arena
🤫 So whats the big secret - how can I save a money when visiting Abu Dhabi?
Ok - so if you plan on visiting some of main attractions in Abu Dhabi - think, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, Warner Bros Theme Park, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi - you may want to look at staying in one of the following hotels as they offer packages than can save hundreds! Of course please check with each hotel prior to booking as we found these deals and schemes not to be well advertised when we booked, but;
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
The WB Abu Dhabi
Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
… each offer a free attraction ticket per person, per night stay. Therefore if you stay for 3 nights, as a family of 4 - for example, you will all be entitled to free entry into each of Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros and Seaworld Abu Dhabi (these are the three we did, and in our option the best) - over the duration of your stay, and this will save around £750 total, in entry fees to these attractions!
How Can I Get Around Abu Dhabi Without a Car?
If you’re visiting Abu Dhabi without a car, don’t worry — there are several convenient ways to get around the city.
Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle
This is probably the best public transport option for tourists. The Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle is a free hop-on-hop-off style service that connects many of the city’s major attractions, including museums, malls, beaches, and cultural sites. It’s easy to use, and the routes are designed with visitors in mind.
Yas Express (Yas Island Only)
If you're staying on Yas Island or planning to visit attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, or Warner Bros. World, the Yas Express is a free shuttle service that circulates only within the island. It’s a great way to move between theme parks, hotels, and the Yas Mall without needing a car.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber & Careem)
Uber and Careem (the local equivalent) are both readily available throughout Abu Dhabi and are relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. They’re especially convenient if you want door-to-door service or plan to travel during the hotter parts of the day.
☀️ Have we given you the inspiration to book your Dubai or Abu Dhabi trip? Let us know in the comments below! 🇦🇪