Family Holidays: Dubai family holidays and breaks

Take the Family holiday rating 4 stars out of 5

Why

Dubai is an increasingly and deservedly popular winter sun destination for family holidays, with fine beaches and some astonishing hotels. Until a hundred years ago there was very little to Dubai. Over the twentieth century it became a magnet for trading and has more recently become a popular tourist destination, both for people stopping off on their way to or from other destinations, and for those spending time in Dubai alone. Aside from beaches and hotels, Dubai is a popular destination for shopping and a variety of desert based and fun activities. Families are welcomed, and for those travelling with younger children, baby changing facilities are commonly available.

Outside of the winter months younger children may find the heat too unpleasant. Also take into account that it's a seven hour flight. UAE has a national policy that promotes exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and continued and sustained breastfeeding for up to 2 years and beyond, though a little discretion may be appreciated. Nudity (amongst young children) in public is fine, although a no no for adults, and there is currently substantial construction activity.

Top left: Horse Racing in Dubai
Top middle: Wild Wadi Water Park
Top right: Camel Riding

Bottom left: Spice Souk
Bottom right: Dubai Beach

When

Between April and October daily temperatures above 40 degrees are the norm, (peaking in July), which is far too hot for tots. So instead enjoy a break in Dubai during the winter when the weather's terrific, with a daily maximum of 24°C in January, but for wind and occasional heavy rain.

How

take the plane

There are several flights a day between the UK and Dubai. Travel directly on British Airways, Emirates and a number of other airlines. It's a seven hour flight. Dubai time is four hours ahead, which means some jet lag suffering is likely. Check flight deals with partners Ebookers and Expedia.

from the airport

Your hotel is likely to be within an half hour drive from Dubai's airport and you are unlikely to need to rent a car during your stay.

Stay

Apart from Las Vegas, hotels stand out to be such an attraction in their own right in few other places. One of Dubai's key landmarks is now Jumeira's Burj al-Arab (Arabian Tower) that rises out of the water. If you're one of the majority of families who cannot afford to take out a floor of suites there, your family can at least enjoy the views of Dubai and the sea from the top of the tower. Dubai's hotels offer suprisingly good value given the level of service you'll find there. We recommend Aspire Holidays if you are seeking a luxury family holiday. Take a look at our favourites including, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Le Royal Meridien Hotel and Resort, The Ritz Carlton, and The Palace at Royal Mirage. We are also big fans of Virgin Holidays for families, plus they offer up to 5% savings for booking online and seasonal offers.

Do

Most people visit for the sea, the amazing hotels, the shopping and the desert. There are several beaches, Jumeirah Beach is the most famous and popular with soft white sand and shallow warm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, (many of the larger hotels located on the beach will have their own private strip), or there is a public beach at Al Mamzar Park on the Deira side of the Creek. The public facilities include playgrounds, barbecue sites, food kiosks, and picnic areas for families. Watersports, including jet skiing and water skiing are readily available.

If your kids want even more water there’s the 12 acre Wild Wadi Water Park, which pumps two million gallons of water daily up and down 23 interconnected rides including the Jumeirah Sceirah!!! Since the fastest reaches 80 kmh it’s safe to assume that not all are optimal for infants. There are 90 lifeguards on duty.

Take a trip to the Souks, in particular the spice Souk and see the Creek from a boat in the early morning for the best insight into this bustling trading port.

Stroll in the parks, most of which are lush and have children’s play areas.

Camel racing is Dubai’s main spectator sport. Races generally take place in the early morning on a Friday. You can also arrange a tour of the desert in a 4x4 for your family to race up and down sand dunes. On the way out to the desert you'll invariably drive past some absolutely vast estates.

Dubai is famous for shopping and most shopping centres have nurseries or play areas for children. If you visit during the Dubai Shopping Festival there are generally a wide range of activities laid on for children.

Spot British footballers. Eleven of the squad made an estate agent very happy indeed by chipping in a million each for an unbuilt pad on an artificial island off Dubai’s coast.

For further information you can visit the official Dubai tourism site.

Eat

Your decision to visit Dubai with your family is unlikely to be influenced by food. Nevertheless, take comfort that you'll find ‘everything’ on offer here from local specialities through a range of Middle Eastern fare to fast food and chains and every other permutation of Western meal. Most hotels offer extensive and childrens menus. Venturing out of your hotel you can choose from expensive restaurants, (alcohol is only available in hotel restaurants), to local cafés. Fresh fish from the Arabian Gulf is always good – try lobster, crab, shrimp, or grouper, tuna, kingfish, red snapper, grilled, stuffed, or fried with spices. Overall, and as you would expect from Dubai, the food is generally good and the standard of service is predictably high.

Cost

Considering the high standard of accommodation and long flight Dubai is actually a reasonably priced destination for your family to consider. Even in our winter. And, if you are a shopaholic, there are great bargains to be found here.