WITH wide open beaches, rolling deserts, year-round sunshine and plenty of space for getting away from it all, Dubai is a brilliant holiday spot for the whole family.
And with peace-of-mind health and safety protocols in place, you can start planning a great family adventure.
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Water-lotta-fun families
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Dubai has the perfect beach for everyone, from sporty sorts to aqua babies. La Mer has private cabanas and sunbeds to rent, an inflatable playground to bounce around on, and the Inventing Room, a Willy Wonka-inspired ‘science lab’ dessert bar where you can try space foam and miracle fruit. Head to much-loved Kite Beach for picture-perfect views of the Burj Al Arab, wide open stretches of sand, and an opportunity to try your hand at kitesurfing. Just look for the yellow school bus parked on the beach – it’s home to Kitesurf School Dubai. And if you want to spend the night right on the water, beachside Anantara The Palm boasts three huge swimming lagoons and the only over-water villas in Dubai.
All-together families
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The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is a great introduction to local life for everyone from the grandparents to history-buff kids. Try a Cultural Breakfast and enjoy traditional Emirati food as you chat with your local host about the culture and customs of the UAE. You won’t believe your eyes at the nearby Museum of Illusions, a mind-boggling visual and sensory world where you’re sure to snap plenty of unique family photos. And for an unforgettable experience for the whole family, try Platinum Heritage’s overnight desert camp and sunrise hot-air balloon flight. There’s nothing like seeing the sun come up over the vast rolling sands from 4,000 feet. Definitely worth a splurge.
Adventure-loving families
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The palatial Atlantis, The Palm has taken kids’ activities to the next level. It’s the perfect place for aquatic adventures, with exciting waterslides at Aquaventure water park, surfing lessons at Wavehouse and the Lost Chambers Aquarium to explore. Parents will also appreciate the supervised ‘evening adventures’ that keep the little ones busy while they enjoy a relaxing dinner. For a challenge out in the wide open spaces of the desert, a morning safari with Arabian Adventures takes you on an exciting dune drive and lets you test your new-found surfing skills with a spot of sand-boarding.
Time-travelling families
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Rent your own private abra boat for a brilliant tour of Dubai Creek with its historic buildings dating back more than a century. The photogenic alleys of the Al Fahidi heritage area are great for a stroll with their small museums, cafes and galleries. XVA Gallery, along with its lovely courtyard and art exhibitions, is worth a detour before heading for a taste of Emirati food at Al Fanar Restaurant with local favourites, such as koftat samak fish cakes and sweet leqaimat dough balls, on the menu.
Thrill-seeking families
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Dubai is theme park heaven, and there’s something here for children of all ages. IMG Worlds of Adventure offers both ‘thrill rides’ and ‘chill rides’ so that even the littlest ones are guaranteed a fun day out. Hollywood-themed Motiongate Dubai offers rollercoasters for all ages, from the gentle Smurf Village Express to the exciting Madagascar Mad Pursuit and the scary Capitol Bullet Train. Older kids will love the VR Park in Dubai Mall. Virtual and augmented reality experiences here include Dubai Drone, a ride in a drone taxi that spins out of control. Not for the faint-hearted!
Wild-about-nature families
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A night spent at Damani Lodges in the mountains of Hatta really brings the great outdoors to life. Kayak on the peaceful waters of Hatta Dam, tackle the trails on a mountain bike, or enjoy the natural scenery from atop a beautiful Arabian horse. Another favourite of local nature-lovers, Al Qudra Lakes are home to flocks of flamingos, and you might even spot a wandering gazelle or two. Don’t miss the Love Lakes, two intertwined heart-shaped lakes perfect for romantics and Instagrammers alike. And for a completely unique thrill, why not snorkel with thousands of red-bellied piranhas at the Green Planet? Perhaps the ultimate ‘what I did on holiday’ story to share with friends back home.
Dreaming of Dubai? Find your perfect family holiday in Dubai with TravelUp
Dubai is following a high standard of safety and hygiene measures, earning it the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp. This includes the Dubai Assured programme, where inspectors visit hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions every 15 days.
