I love coming to Dubai; that's no secret. Where I used to go to Dubai with my girlfriends, I now go there for a vacation with my family. In my experience, this is the perfect destination for both kids and their parents, since there is really a lot to do, the weather is always nice, and the food is amazing. Is there anything else you need really? I sometimes hear from people that this destination does not appeal to them. I do understand that, considering it is not a very cultural destination. Wondering what you can do there? I'll give you my tips!
Dubai Mall
Highlights⚡️
- Child friendly; I always feel very welcome everywhere with the kids. In shops or restaurants, the employees always came to play with them. On the beach, people offered us to help with the children, or to watch the baby for a while, so that we could swim together (we didn't do that, but I thought that it was very sweet!).
- If you want to do something alone with your partner, you have the option of registering your child at a kids club in the more expensive 5-star hotels, or hiring a nanny.
- Baby food, baby care and toys; everything (including Nutrilon and Pampers) can be found in the large supermarkets, such as the Carrefour. I had neatly brought everything from the Netherlands, but in hindsight that was not necessary at all. You also have many places in the malls where you can change diapers.
- You can rent your own car quite cheaply with a child seat. Gasoline prices are low in Dubai since the United Arab Emirates is rich from oil. They drive like crazy there, so I prefer to take a taxi myself.
- There is plenty to do for all ages. See my tips below. Take a good look at the website of your 'activity' to see what the conditions are (for example, minimum age or height in a waterpark).
What to do with small kids 👶🏽
- Legoland en Lego Waterpark (theme park and waterpark - you can buy a ticket that combines both, so you don't have to choose between one of them)
- Dubai Safari Park (zoo)
- Miracle Garden (park full of flowers)
- Zabeel park (park with a lot of playgrounds)
- Kite beach of Jumeirah beach (beach with beach clubs (my favorite beach club with the kids is DoubleTree by Hilton), small playgrounds, boulevard, shops and restaurants)
What to do with older kids 👧🏽
- Atlantis waterpark (Waterpark, as a part of the famous Atlantis hotel - it is pricey though and the waiting lines for the attractions are long)
- Wild Wadi waterpark (cheaper then Atlantis)
- Motiongate (theme park with different famous animations)
- Dubai Frame (highest frame in the world, with a see-through floor!)
- Museum of the Future (exposition where innovative ideas for the future are presented)
What to do in the evening 🌇
- Dubai Mall (fontain show, Burj Khalifa and Dubai aquarium) or Mall of the Emirates - which is less busy then the Dubai Mall and that's where they have Ski Dubai!)
- Global Village (different cultures come together, with a lot of nice places to grab a bite, shows, attractions and shops)
- JBR the Walk (small fair, view on the ferris wheel, boulevard and some nice restaurants)
- Dubai Garden Glow (glow garden)
- Boat trip on the canal
DoubleTree by Hilton Jumeirah Beach
DoubleTree by Hilton Jumeirah Beach
Nikki Beach
Lowlights 😔
- If you decide not to rent your own car, you are dependent on public transport and taxis. In principle, you can get everywhere by public transport, but you usually have to walk a bit (e.g. from the metro stop of the Dubai Mall to the Dubai Mall is about a 15-minute walk). In the taxi you do not have a child seat and therefore it is less safe. Uber has a child seat option, but it's almost never available.
- If you go to the mall with a stroller or wheelchair, you have to wait for the elevator to get to the next floor. You can easily wait for about 20 minutes there, because the lines are often very long.
- The temperature can rise quite a bit and that's why you can't really stroll around. With the elderly or the little ones, you are always at the sea, the swimming pool or a mall during the day.
- Some beach clubs do not allow children. We had quite a bad experience at Nikki beach, where the website stated that children were welcome, but upon arrival they were not allowed in the pool. We have had very good experiences at the Doubletree by Hilton. You can spend the entrance fee for a beach pass on food and drinks - we think it's a great place!
- Dubai is not necessarily a destination for doing something cultural. It's all very new. In the old part of Dubai you do get some more feeling of the cultural, for example when you walk around the souks. Personally, I think it is a really busy place and therefore less pleasant with small children.
Time Out Market
Location and transportation 🚕
When you go with a large group or with your family, it is smart to rent an apartment. You will have your own kitchen where you can at least make breakfast, because having breakfast at restaurants every day is quite expensive, I can tell you.
I personally always choose a hotel and preferably including breakfast. Our last time in Dubai we stayed at the Marriot Marquis hotel. The breakfast was very extensive with seven (!) kitchens, the service was top notch, there was a free shuttle bus to the Dubai Mall and it has a gym and sports bar. Well, of course it comes with a price tag.
The most central districts are Downtown Dubai or Al Barsha. But if you can find an affordable accommodation at JBR the Walk, I would definitely go for that. JBR the Walk is located in a lively area with a boulevard, beach and many nice restaurants. The advantage is that you are commuting less with public transport or taxis (and that saves costs). Are you planning to do everything with public transport? Then make sure you book an accommodation near a metro station. Places where I personally wouldn't want to stay again are 'Bur Dubai' and 'Deira'. These are the older neighborhoods in Dubai, where it is quite busy and there are also slightly stricter rules for covering shoulders and knees.
Having dinner with the family 👨👩👧
Because Dubai is very child-friendly, you can actually eat anywhere with your children, but I must say that I have a very strong preference for eating at the food courts with the kids. A food court is a place where several take-away restaurants are located with a public seating area. You can usually find them in the mall. It's cheap and you feel a little less uncomfortable if your child suddenly throws a tantrum or starts throwing food.
Time Out Market is also a favourite! This food hall (same principle as the food courts, but slightly more trendy and therefore more expensive) can be found opposite the Dubai Mall. I also definitely recommend going to Global Village for dinner - this place is seasonal, so check the website in advance to see if it's open.
But I also understand that you just want to go out for a nice dinner; after all, you are on vacation. I give you my top 20 kid-friendly restaurants in Dubai.
Top 20 kid-friendly restaurants in Dubai 🍜
Just a little tip for people who eat halal: Dubai is located in an Islamic country, so in principle you eat halal everywhere. NB; some restaurants also serve pork dishes.
JBR the Walk
Dubai Mall
JBR the Walk
Good to know before you go 🙋🏽♀️
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With an average temperature of 28 degrees, the weather is always nice. Avoid the summer, as the temperature can reach 50 degrees!
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With a Dutch passport you do not need a visa
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For a family vacation I would recommend 6-11 days
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Download the app 'Kidzapp' for an overview of activities and discount vouchers and 'Careem' or 'Uber' to arrange a taxi
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Pocket money really depends on how much you are going to do. We spent 2500 euros in 9 days (2 adults 2 children), but it can also be cheaper or more expensive
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Safe destination: penalties for crime are very high
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Check when Ramadan (one month of daily fast from dawn until sunset) is before booking. Some shops are closed and eating and drinking in public is less appreciated
Are you planning a night out without the kids, or are you looking for a more luxurious holiday? Then read this blog: Luxury holiday in Dubai; sky bars, beach clubs and parties. You can combine these two blogs, or not at all! Anyway, I'm sure you're going to have a great vacation.
Salaam,
Nathalie
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