Planning a trip to Dubai with three girls aged 2 to 9 and 14 adults sounds like a dream-until you realize how quickly costs add up. This isn’t a romantic getaway. It’s a logistical puzzle with strollers, snacks, naps, and a whole lot of sunscreen. You’re not just paying for flights and hotels. You’re paying for peace of mind. And yes, that includes knowing where to find clean changing tables, kid-friendly pools, and places that won’t glare at your toddler running through the lobby. The good news? It’s doable. The bad news? Most travel blogs don’t tell you the real numbers.
Some people search for escort dibai when they think Dubai is only about luxury and nightlife. But that’s not why you’re here. You’re here because you want your kids to see the Burj Khalifa light up at night, because you want your nieces to ride the world’s longest roller coaster, and because you want your parents to finally relax in a place where everything is clean, safe, and easy to navigate. This trip isn’t about indulgence. It’s about connection.
Flight Costs: The Biggest Surprise
Round-trip flights from Australia to Dubai for 17 people? Expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,500 per adult. Kids under 2 usually fly free on most airlines if they sit on your lap. But here’s the catch: you’re not going to want to hold a 9-year-old for 14 hours. So plan for 3 seats per child under 12. That adds $5,400 to $7,500 just for the kids’ tickets. Total flight cost? Around $35,000-$45,000. That’s before baggage fees. Emirates allows 30kg per adult and 20kg per child. If you’re bringing strollers, car seats, and enough diapers for a small army, you’ll need to pay for extra bags. Budget $200 extra for checked luggage across the group.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Is Non-Negotiable
You don’t need a penthouse. You need a suite with two bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a pool. Stay near Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach. These areas have supermarkets, pharmacies, and playgrounds within walking distance. Avoid Downtown Dubai unless you’re okay with a 20-minute taxi ride to the nearest grocery store. A 2-bedroom apartment at a serviced residence like Rove or Rotana costs $250-$350 per night. For 14 nights, that’s $3,500-$4,900. Add a third apartment for the kids’ caregivers or grandparents-another $2,500. Total accommodation? $6,000-$7,400. That’s less than half the cost of booking 17 hotel rooms.
Food: Eat Like a Local, Not a Tourist
Dubai isn’t cheap, but you don’t have to eat at Burj Al Arab’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour have fresh fruit, bread, cheese, and ready-made meals for under $10 per person. Buy breakfast and lunch supplies daily. For dinner, hit local shawarma spots or Indian restaurants in Deira. A full meal for a kid costs $5. For an adult? $12-$15. Plan for 3 meals a day. That’s 17 people × 3 meals × 14 days = 714 meals. At an average of $10 per meal? $7,140. Add $500 for snacks, juice boxes, and ice cream. Total food budget? $7,640.
Transportation: Skip the Rental Cars
Dubai’s metro is clean, air-conditioned, and kid-friendly. But it doesn’t reach all your destinations. Taxis are cheap-$10-$15 for a 10-minute ride. Book 3-4 taxis per day for your group. That’s $40-$60 daily. For 14 days? $560-$840. You’ll also need a car seat for each child under 12. Most taxis don’t provide them. Rent a minivan with 3 car seats from a company like First Class Car Rental. It costs $60/day. Total transport? $1,400-$1,700.
Attractions: Prioritize What Matters
Here’s the truth: kids under 5 don’t care about the Dubai Mall. They care about the fountain show, the indoor ice rink, and the giant slide at KidZania. Adults want the Burj Khalifa. Split your days. One day: Burj Khalifa (tickets $55 per adult, $40 per child 4-12, free under 4). Second day: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo ($45 adult, $35 child). Third day: IMG Worlds of Adventure ($70 per person, unlimited rides). Fourth day: Dubai Miracle Garden (free for under 3, $15 for kids 4-12, $25 adult). Fifth day: Desert Safari with kids’ activities (book a family-friendly tour-$120 per person). Total for attractions? $3,800-$4,200. Skip the aquarium at Dubai Mall-it’s overpriced and crowded. Go to the one at City Walk instead.
Hidden Costs You Can’t Ignore
Diapers? $500 for 14 days. Baby food? $200. Medication? $100. Sunscreen? $80. A lost stroller replacement? $150. A missed flight? $300. Travel insurance? $1,200 for 17 people. You’ll need it. Dubai’s healthcare for tourists is excellent-but expensive. A single ER visit can cost $500. Don’t risk it. Total hidden costs? $2,430.
Putting It All Together
Flights: $40,000
Accommodation: $7,000
Food: $7,640
Transport: $1,600
Attractions: $4,000
Hidden costs: $2,430
Total: $62,670
That’s $3,686 per person. It’s not cheap. But if you plan smart, it’s not impossible. You’re not spending on souvenirs or fancy dinners. You’re spending on memories. On a 3-year-old seeing snow for the first time. On a 7-year-old laughing on a camel ride. On 14 adults finally sitting down after months of planning, tired but happy.
Pro Tips That Save Money
- Buy a Dubai Pass-it includes entry to 5+ attractions and saves up to 30%.
- Use the metro for airport transfers. It’s $3 per person.
- Book everything online before you leave. Prices jump once you’re in Dubai.
- Ask hotels for free breakfast. Most will give it if you ask.
- Bring refillable water bottles. Tap water is safe. Bottled water costs $2 each.
- Use Google Maps offline. Download Dubai maps before you fly.
What Not to Do
Don’t try to do everything. You’ll burn out. Don’t book a hotel without a pool. Don’t rely on ride-sharing apps without checking if they carry car seats. Don’t assume your kids will sleep on the plane-they won’t. Bring headphones, tablets, and snacks. Don’t fall for the myth that Dubai is a desert wasteland with no shade. Every park, mall, and attraction is air-conditioned. You’re not camping. You’re traveling in comfort.
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Final Thought: It’s Worth It
This trip will cost more than your annual vacation budget. But in five years, your kids won’t remember the price tag. They’ll remember the glittering tower. The camel ride. The ice cream in the desert. The way their grandma cried when she saw the Burj Khalifa for the first time. This isn’t a luxury. It’s a legacy. And it’s possible-if you budget like a pro, not a tourist.
