While Dubai may conjure up images of glamorous beach clubs and glitzy hotels, it’s also an amazing place for a family vacation. In fact, there is so much to see and do that you might find it hard to put everything away.

Not only is there sun all year round, a hilly desert, and beautiful (and safe) beaches, but there are also world-class theme parks, kid-friendly hotels, restaurants, and cafes, and entertainment galore.

From toddlers to teenagers, that’s why Dubai guarantees unforgettable family vacations …

Sun, sea and sand

Getting to one of the beaches that dot the Arabian Gulf is a great way to start a Dubai vacation.

The city has the perfect stretch of sand for everyone from sportsmen to water babies, and there are often marked safe areas for swimming.

The popular Kite Beach offers a perfect view of the Burj Al Arab and offers the opportunity to try their hand at stand-up paddle boarding and kitesurfing, while at JBR Beach families can snorkel on a banana boat or do some kitesurfing. of the camel.

La Mer combines sun and sand, shopping and entertainment. Private cabanas and lounge chairs are available for hire, as is the Laguna Water Park and plenty of cafes to relax and people-watch.

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Fun theme park

Dubai is also a theme park paradise, and there are plenty for kids of all ages. Dubai Parks & Resorts is home to no less than three theme parks: BollywoodParks, Motiongate and Legoland.

Younger ones will love Legoland, where they can experience adventurous rides and roller coasters as well as Lego building experiences and interactive games in different areas.

Hollywood-themed Motiongate Dubai features areas based on films like Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon and The Smurfs, while BollywoodParks takes inspiration from Bollywood blockbusters, with rides, stunt shows and performances.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park, where big-screen entertainment like Marvel comes to life with ‘thrill rides’ and ‘relaxing rides’, and kids can meet characters like Spiderman, Thor and the Powerpuff Girls.

There are also many water parks to cool off. Thrill seekers should head to Aquaventure and Wild Wadi for adrenaline-pumping slides and ziplines, while families with young children can enjoy gentler rides at Legoland Water Park.

Back on dry land, Expo 2020 will delight children with dazzling shows and fascinating pavilions from around the world, as well as a wide range of gastronomic delights.

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Local attractions

A family trip to Dubai wouldn’t be complete with a visit to the tallest tower in the world – Burj Khalifa. Pre-book your tickets to head for the clouds and take in the awe-inspiring views.

If your kids don’t have vertigo, stay on dry land and watch the light show at the nearby Dubai Fountain – it has a water, music and light show twice a day and every 30 minutes in the evening between 6 and 11 p.m.

Incredible shopping centers

Next to Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall, which is packed with entertainment for kids under one roof, including Kidzania’s sprawling indoor playground, a VR park, and the overflowing Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. marine life, including sharks and rays.

At the Mall of the Emirates, kids can try their hand at skiing or bobsledding at Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort.

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Take some culture

In addition to the excitement of world class attractions, Dubai also has tons of culture. A great way for families to explore it is to board an Abra, a traditional wooden boat, and cross Dubai Creek.

It’s a great way to see the spectacle of old and new Dubai, passing commercial cargoes and wooden dhows, and seeing traditional houses, wind towers, and minarets.

This way, you can also get to the most famous and lively souks in the city, including the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. Children will be captivated by the sights and smells – and will be spoiled for choice as to where to spend their pocket money.

Direction the desert

If you have the time, a trip to the desert surrounding the city is sure to create magical memories for children. Arabian Adventures offers tours to suit any itinerary – from morning trips to overnight stays. For a bit of fun, you can even book a hot air balloon flight at sunrise.

Child-friendly hotels

Children are welcomed with open arms at hotels in Dubai – including Atlantis The Palm, Rove Downtown, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Polynesian-themed Lapita Hotel Dubai and JA Palm Tree Court – which cater for young people with family rooms, clubs for children, playgrounds, menus for juniors and babysitting.

Many hotels, renowned the world over for their first-class service, have their own stretches of golden sand.

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Food and drink

Eating out is also easy to do with toddlers, from casual lunches at Social House in Dubai Mall and healthy bites at Lime Tree Cafe & Kitchen to dinners at Beachcombers, overlooking the Arabian Sea, or even restaurants. buffet meals at The Talk Restaurant.

The kids won’t even be bored while waiting for their flight home. Dubai Airport has an area dedicated to families and children, including a playground, TVs with children’s cartoons and interactive games. And did we mention Nutella coffee?

Dubai follows high standards of safety and health measures, which has earned it the Safe Travels seal of the World Travel and Tourism Council. This includes the Dubai Assured program, where inspectors visit hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions every two weeks..