Dubai remains the most-booked international destination for Indian families, and for good reason. Visa is easy, flight is short, vegetarian food is everywhere, and there's literally something for every age. Here's the checklist we give every family before they fly.
1. Get your visa right
Indian passport holders need a tourist visa for UAE. Don't believe anyone who says "visa on arrival" — that's only for Indians with valid US/UK/Schengen visas. For everyone else, apply at least 7 days before travel through a travel agent or directly via Smart Dubai/GDRFA portal.
Cost: ₹6,500 – ₹7,500 per person (30-day single entry tourist visa).
Processing time: 3-4 working days normally, can be expedited to 24 hours for an additional fee.
Documents needed: passport scan (6+ months validity), recent photo, flight tickets, hotel confirmation, last 3 months bank statement.
2. Pick the right month
Dubai weather is brutal in summer. Like, "you cannot walk 100 metres without medical danger" brutal. Here's the honest month-by-month:
- November to March: Perfect. 20-28°C, sunny, comfortable. This is peak tourist season — prices are highest but experience is best.
- April & October: Shoulder season. 28-35°C. Manageable if you avoid mid-day outdoor activities.
- May to September: Avoid unless you're a die-hard mall/indoor person. Daily highs of 42-48°C. Yes, really.
3. Book the right number of days
For first-timer family: 5 nights / 6 days is the sweet spot. Less than that and you'll miss key experiences. More than that and you'll exhaust the family-friendly activities. Itinerary should typically be:
- Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain show
- Day 2: City tour (mosque, frame, souks) + Burj Khalifa at sunset
- Day 3: Desert safari (the highlight for kids)
- Day 4: Atlantis Aquaventure OR IMG Worlds OF Adventure (full day)
- Day 5: Dhow cruise + Miracle Garden + last-minute shopping
- Day 6: Departure
4. Choose your hotel area carefully
Dubai is big. Where you stay matters more than which hotel. Three good zones for families:
- Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa area): Walking distance to Dubai Mall, Fountain. Slightly expensive. Best for shopping families.
- Dubai Marina / JBR: Beach access, walkable, lots of restaurants. Best for relaxed families.
- Deira / Bur Dubai: Old Dubai, cheaper hotels, good for budget travel. Less polished.
Avoid: Dubai International Airport area (everything is far), Dubai South (still developing).
5. Vegetarian food — actually easy
Dubai is the easiest international city for Indian vegetarians. Every mall has Indian restaurants. Highlights:
- Saravana Bhavan (multiple locations) — pure South Indian veg
- Bikanervala — Indian sweets & chaat
- Khazana — fine dining Indian
- Soul Food Cafe — Mediterranean veg
Even non-Indian restaurants have clearly marked veg options. Jain food is easily available — just ask.
6. The one mistake first-timers make
They try to fit in too much. Dubai has 50+ attractions. You cannot do them all in 6 days. Pick 6 things and do them well. Save the rest for your next trip (because there will be a next trip).
Specifically — skip these on your first trip:
- Ferrari World (it's actually in Abu Dhabi, 90 min each way)
- Sky Diving Dubai (₹50,000+ per person, kids won't relate)
- Multiple malls (one is enough — Dubai Mall)
7. Budget planning honestly
Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 kids, 6 days, mid-range):
- Flights (Delhi-Dubai-Delhi): ₹85,000
- Hotel (4-star, Downtown area): ₹65,000
- Visa: ₹26,000
- Burj Khalifa + Desert Safari + Dhow Cruise + Aquaventure tickets: ₹38,000
- Food (lunch + dinner): ₹35,000
- Local transport (taxis/metro): ₹12,000
- Shopping & misc: ₹40,000
Total: ₹3,01,000 for the family (₹75,000 per person).
This is honest middle-class spending. You can do it cheaper (₹50K-60K per person, hostels and street food). You can do it lavishly (₹1.5L+ per person, Atlantis Royal, helicopter tours).
8. Smart packing checklist
- Light cotton clothes (full-sleeve for mosque visits)
- One formal outfit (some Burj Khalifa restaurants have dress codes)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll do 12,000+ steps daily at Dubai Mall alone)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (even in winter)
- Refillable water bottle
- Universal adapter (UK 3-pin sockets)
- Sunglasses + hat for kids
9. Insurance — actually important
UAE healthcare is excellent but expensive. A hospital visit can cost ₹15,000-50,000 even for minor issues. Travel insurance with medical coverage of $50,000+ is essential. Costs ₹600-1,200 per person for 6 days. Get it.
10. The local currency & payments
UAE Dirham (AED). 1 AED ≈ ₹23. Carry $300-400 cash in AED. Otherwise — Indian credit cards work everywhere except small souks. Use multi-currency cards (Niyo, Wise) to save on conversion fees.
Ready to plan?
We've planned Dubai trips for over 8,000 Indian families since 2010. We can build your perfect 6-day itinerary in 24 hours — flights, hotel, all attractions, transfers, visa. Just call or WhatsApp. Or use our holiday package builder.
Family travel should be easy. We're here to make it easier.
