The Ultimate Guide for a Family Holiday in Dubai

Dubai is the perfect choice for families who want luxury, adventure, and unforgettable, family-friendly experiences all rolled into one.

The heart of the Emirates really does cater for everyone with its year-round sunshine, ultra-modern amenities, world-class attractions, pristine beaches and theme parks. There are so many things to see, you’ll have an incredible time if you choose to holiday in Dubai.

I wrote a blog recently about the best family hotels in Dubai if you’re interested!

Why visit Dubai as a Family?

Whether you’re travelling with a toddler, or trying to keep the hard-to-impress teens occupied, here’s what makes Dubai so good for families:

• Safety and cleanliness: Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and well-maintained public spaces. The safety and cleanliness make it a dream destination, particularly for those travelling with their children for the first time.
• Wide-ranging activities: The family-friendly city offers a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation, meaning all-round entertainment for both kids and adults! You could be on the beach one minute, and skiing indoors the next.
• Family-friendly accommodation and amenities: Dubai has an endless number of family-friendly hotels, resorts, parks and beaches designed with children in mind. KidZania at The Dubai Mall is ideal for little ones and most family-friendly hotels have kids clubs, restaurants to suit everyone and a great selection of pools.
• Unique experiences: Whether it’s a desert safari, a waterpark adventure, or an indoor snow park (yes, you can ski in Dubai!),  there are so many things to see and Dubai offers experiences that are hard to find in one place elsewhere.
• Convenience and accessibility: With state-of-the-art and efficient public transport, family-friendly taxis with car seats, and a well-connected airport, getting around Dubai is a total breeze.
• Fantastic weather: The sun always has its hat on! It’s warm, hardly ever rains and guaranteed sunshine. Perfect if you want some Winter sun to escape the awful British weather.  

Things to be aware of in Dubai

Dubai is an extremely popular holiday destination so you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s no different to visiting popular European destinations like Spain or Greece. 

But there are some important things you need to be mindful of before visiting Dubai. 

• Dress modestly: While Dubai is modern, it is a Muslim country and deeply rooted in cultural traditions. Visitors are expected to respect the dress code in public. Whilst you aren’t expected to wear a full burqa during your trip, women are expected to dress modestly outside of their resort and shopping malls will often have dress codes that you are expected to adhere to. This usually means men shouldn’t walk around topless (away from the beach) and women should cover shoulders. 
• Avoid PDAs: Public displays of affection are a big no-no in Dubai and there have been cases of people being arrested for kissing in public. 
• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption is limited to licensed venues like hotels, and being drunk in public is illegal.
• Weather considerations: Dubai’s summer months (June to August) are extremely hot, which can make outdoor activities unenjoyable. The best time to visit is between November and April when the weather is cooler. I wrote more about the best times to visit in another blog about Dubai.
• Religious holidays: If you happen to travel during Ramadan, dining options may be limited during daylight hours as eating and drinking for Muslims during the day is strictly forbidden.

Best areas to stay for families

The hotel you choose can make or break your family holiday. The right area should provide a stress-free stay with kid-friendly amenities and family-oriented activities. Luckily, Dubai has these in abundance!

• Downtown Dubai: The downtown area in Dubai is home to various landmarks, shopping malls and leisure attractions so it’s ideal for families who want to be close to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain.
• Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR): JBR is a great destination for families because of its lively atmosphere, a beautiful beach, and plenty of amenities.  “The Walk” is a promenade with a tonne of shops, restaurants, and cafes and there’s lots of play areas, and family-friendly activities.
• Palm Jumeirah: The Palm oozes luxury and is home to resorts like Atlantis, The Palm, which offers kid-friendly facilities and private beaches.
• Dubai Marina: The Marina has a relaxed but lively vibe with a bustling promenade, beach access, family-friendly dining and entertainment options. 
• Deira: Deira is a budget-friendly option near historical attractions such as the Dubai Creek and traditional souks.

Top 5 things to do in Dubai as a family

Narrowing this down to the top five things to do is so hard! If I had to pick the must-do activities for families, I’d have to go with:

Dubai Mall and  Dubai Aquarium

I know – going to a shopping mall for the day with kids doesn’t usually scream fun! But Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping centres where the fun just keeps on coming – you could easily spend a whole day there and not be bored. Dubai Mall has an ice rink, KidZania (a role play activity with over 80 games kids can play) and the mesmerising Dubai Aquarium  which is like nothing you’ve seen before!

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm

 This is the world’s largest waterpark with over 105 slides! There’s also an immersive themed aquarium in the hotel and a lazy river. Visiting this impressive hotel, if just forthe day, is a must!

Desert Safari

Experience dune bashing, camel rides, sand boarding and traditional performances in a family-friendly authentic desert adventure.

LEGOLAND Dubai

A must-visit for families with young children as most of the rides and activities are for kids aged between 2-12. There are loads of interactive rides and themed attractions in the theme park and the waterpark has a bunch of fun activities like the Joker Soaker, build your very own LEGO® raft or go on a splash safari. 

Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future is one not to be missed! It’s a fascinating, futuristic experience for kids and adults across three floors with various activations and experiences. It shows what the world will be like 50 years from now.

You can book activities in advance using Getyourguide. See some suggestions below!

Tips for a Dubai Family Holiday

There’s so much to love about Dubai. If you’re heading there with your family, here’s our top tips on having a stress free stay.

Transport: Dubai has some of the most diverse and efficient transportation options in the world. The Metro is the fastest and most efficient way to travel. We got a day pass for around £4 each. But there’s also buses, taxis (all taxis are licensed by the Government and there’s ladies’ taxis with pink roofs and female drivers too! The Dubai Tram, water taxis (abras), and family-friendly Ubers with car seats.)

Budget tips: If you’re trying to be budget conscious whilst you’re in Dubai, you can save money by:

• • Using the Metro
  • Finding cheaper places to eat at the Mall
  • Visiting public beaches for free like Kite Beach and JBR Beach
  • Check the Dubai Mall app for discounts on attractions like KidZania
  • Traveling during off-peak seasons (June to August) can offer cheaper accommodation rates, but be prepared for extreme heat

Packing tips: Dubai is warm all year round so you’re definitely not going to need your thermals! Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must, as is SPF, hats, and sunglasses. You’re likely to be doing a fair bit of walking and exploring so comfortable footwear is essential. Don’t forget to take modest clothing or cover ups for when you’re out and about and you need to quickly cover your shoulders. No matter when you travel, you’re going to need to keep hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water. Carry water bottles with you and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces when needed.

Why Dubai is a fab choice for a family holiday

I can’t recommend Dubai enough for families – there really is something for everyone and every age. It’s perfect for families looking for some winter sun and you’ll never be short of things to see in Dubai. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teens, there’s an abundance of family-friendly hotels, with a range of activities and restaurants to enjoy. I wrote more about the different options in our blog here so you can find the best stays for your holiday!

Dubai offers an unparalleled blend of modernity and tradition, making it an ideal destination for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences which you should soak up in all its glory. So if you’ve not been before, what are you waiting for?!

Don’t forget, you can use our ‘DIY Trip Builder’ to easily find a DIY holiday to Dubai. If you prefer a package holiday, you can save time researching because we’ve handpicked the best family-friendly resorts in Dubai for you.

If you’ve never been to before, I hope this blog helps you to plan your family holiday to Dubai!