Planning a Perfect Family Road Trip in Dubai

Taking a family road trip in Dubai is a dream as Dubai is a stunning city that contains a blend of cultures, breathtaking architectural wonders and the endless golden sand dunes. Car rental in Dubai is not enough to secure your family road trip in Dubai. You must plan and prepare before heading out and select a reputable company like https://rent.cars/. 

Below are some of the top tips to help you on a family road trip in Dubai.

Tips for a Perfect Family Road Trip

Proper Road Route and Attractions Research  

Plot out places to take breaks and tourist attractions along your way.

List popular tourist sites in Dubai and factor the days into your road trip tour.

Ensure you utilise GPS or a navigational app throughout the tour.

Remember to adjust your schedule in your travel program to cater to unexpected delays due to roadblocks or other.

Pack In-Car Essentials

Healthy snacks and water: Ensure you pack non-sticky healthy snacks for your family and plenty of water to keep the family energised and hydrated.

Kids entertainment: Do not forget to add books, games or child-friendly tablets, portable DVD players, and movies for when your kids are bored. 

Comfortable items: get your families the required comfort such as pillows, blankets, and neck supports to find your trip pleasurable.

First Aid Kit: get a complete first aid kit in case one of your family members gets hurt.

Car Charger: To keep your gadgets charged throughout the journey.

Spare Clothes and Towels: In case of unexpected spills or emergencies.

Pick the right Rental Car

Go for a car that seats your family comfortably and still leaves room for luggage.

Look for a car with duplex safety features or statistics that you can rely on. e.g. Airbags, ABS, Brake Assist Systems and the rearview camera. 

Inspect your rental car before driving off and take some time getting used to some of its features. 

Navigate Dubai’s Traffic

In Dubai, weekdays during busy hours are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and in the evenings from 5:00 PM till about 8:00 PM; all should be in place to avoid being caught in traffic.

Use real-time traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps to monitor traffic conditions and help find alternate driving routes.

Patience is an inborn virtue; thus, allow for more driving time for unforeseen delays due to traffic.

Safety First: Drive Responsibly

Comply with all traffic laws and enforce speed limits.

Stay attentive-definitely avoid distractions while behind the wheel.

Be certain to buckle every occupied seat in the car.

Do not leave any children or pets unattended in your vehicle.

A fuel tank gauged at one-quarter capacity is most valued by the accomplished traveler.

Iconic Dubai Landmarks

No family road trip in Dubai is ever complete without a visit to its iconic landmarks. Here’s a sample itinerary for ease in visiting world-famous attractions:

Burj Khalifa

Start your Dubai voyage with a visit to its tallest building-the Burj Khalifa. Customers should arrive early to avoid long queues leading to the observation deck on the 124th or the 125th floor. For that alone, a ride in the high-speed elevator is one that the family shall cherish. The family can then feast their eyes on breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. This is the ‘At The Top, Burj Khalifa’ experience, and it does include a super-cool interactive presentation with facts about the building’s history and construction.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Having descended from the Burj Khalifa, this nearby aquarium in Dubai Mall will delight parents and children alike! A must-do is to head over to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which houses numerous marine creatures, including sharks and rays. This gigantic aquarium has an underwater world that dazzles many. One mustn’t miss the 270-degree acrylic tunnel; however, you could also have some upgrade fun by indulging in thrilling activities, such as glass-bottom boat rides, shark encounters, and cage snorkelling. 

Dubai Fountain

End your first night in Dubai with a marvellous show at the Dubai Fountain. Located on the Burj Khalifa Lake, spanning an area of 30 acres, it is the largest fountain in the world that performs. It performs miracles synchronised to a mix of classical, Arabic, and world music. With water jets shooting up to 150 metres, a splendid display of light and colour enthrals the senses. Stop at one of the nearby restaurants for dinner or take a picnic right by the lake to complete this prime Dubai experience.

Desert Adventure

From a pristine natural haven, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) conserves the exclusive desert ecosystem in Dubai. 

After touring the scenic drive from the city, you enter red sand dunes stretching an expanse that need to be explored. Join in on a sensational guided 4×4 safari tour for an exhilarating ride over the rugged terrain while charged drivers conquer the challenging landscape with ease. Along the way, you will have time to experience dok-in-the-sandboarding and the pure exhilaration that sliding down the slopes of sand on a board brings. 

As the sun sets, the welcome awaits you at a traditional Bedouin camp. Within the comfortable seating area filled with soft cushions and low tables, enjoy a traditional Arabic lunch prepared by local chefs. Indulge your taste-buds in Middle-Eastern flavours, starting from the delightful mezze and continuing through succulent grilled meats against a scintillating desert backdrop.

After lunch, engage in local cultural activities like henna painting, falconry, or camel riding, providing a unique insight into the rich history and traditions of the Bedouin people. As the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, retire to the comfort of your accommodation, carrying with you the memories of a truly enchanting desert adventure.

Explore Dubai’s history

Immerse your family in Dubai’s fascinating history and culture with this road trip itinerary, designed to take you through the city’s past and present:

Al Fahidi District

Begin your historical journey in the heart of Old Dubai at the Al Fahidi District. This beautifully preserved historic neighbourhood is a living museum, showcasing Dubai’s rich heritage and architectural legacy. Stroll through the winding alleyways lined with wind towers, traditional courtyard houses, and art galleries, offering a glimpse into Dubai’s pre-oil era. Don’t miss the popular Coffee Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of coffee and even sample a traditional Arabic coffee.

Dubai Museum

After exploring Al Fahidi, head to the nearby Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, one of the city’s oldest buildings. Interactive museums offer fascinating insights into Dubai’s transformational history, from the early fishing village to the emerging modern city. Discover the hilarious history of the city, Bedouin lifestyle and influence the oil industry through the elaborate exhibits and artefacts.

Spice Souk and Gold Souk

Take an abra (water taxi) across the Dubai Creek to reach the famous, authentic Spice Souk and Gold Souk, among the most emblematic markets of all. Traverse the narrow alleys of the Spice Souk, where sellers display their colourful mounds of spices, incense, and exotic herbs, all while inhaling the perfumed scents. Be awed by the display of gold and precious stone in the Gold Souk, which is one of the largest retail gold markets in the world. Bargain with the native vendors and maybe treat yourself to a piece of India’s golden past.

Madinat Theatre

If you want to finish the day exploring Dubai’s history in the style of a family-oriented show, the Madinat Theatre is an excellent place for you. Located in the Madinat Jumeirah resort, this state-of-the-art theatre accommodates a variety of shows, from classical Arabian dance and music to international acts and comic performances. Have the theatre schedule already, and book tickets to end the evening with an entertaining presentation on Dubai’s diverse cultural scene!

In brief, planning a perfect family road trip in Dubai requires careful reckoning, painstaking detail, and the artistic touch of enterprising spontaneity. Such preparation allows the visitor to guide their way across the city’s roads, with a blend of tourist attractions and communal cultural experiences confidently and delightfully. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready to create lasting memories as you embark on an incredible family road trip in the enchanting city of Dubai. Happy travels!