The Ultimate Travel Guide to Planning a Family Holiday in Dubai
Dubai is the ideal place for a family holiday. With attractions that will make every member of the family happy, the city has everything from unique shopping experiences, relaxing venues, and thrilling parks. Planning a family holiday in Dubai is exciting, and our tips will help you out.
For Mom
1. Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall
There’s no better place in Dubai to shop than the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world with 1,200 retail outlets. From international labels to regional boutiques and luxury to ready-to-wear, this mall has everything. While parents are shopping, the kids check out the aquarium, or be dropped off at KidZania to play safely.
Dubai Mall, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, +971 4 438 8888
2. Gold and Spice Souks
Market
For Dad
3. Emirates Golf Club
Emirates Golf Club
For dads looking to have a day off and relax, Emirates Golf Club is the perfect destination. Opened in 1988, it was the first championship golf course in the Middle East, which makes golfing here a historical experience of its own. Emirates Golf Club’s Faldo Course also offers night golfing, for a unique night out.
Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2, +971 4 417 9999
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTOpE5vjpbG/?taken-by=emiratesgc&hl=en
4. The Irish Village
The Irish Village
This one of the best places in Dubai to just chill and have a beer outdoors. The Irish Village mimics a traditional Irish bar and is a favorite among Dubai’s expats. At this pub, parents can sit and sip a pint of beer while the kids run around the vast outdoor space. As Dubai is safer than most cities around the world, this is a perfect place for parents to relax and drink without worrying about their children. Additionally, this is where the annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship takes place, giving visitors the chance to rub shoulders with some of the biggest tennis players in the world.
The Irish Village, 10 31 A Street, Al Garhoud, +971 4 282 4750
For the Kids
5. Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts
The recently opened Dubai Parks and Resorts is every child’s dream playground. With several different parks in one, children can spend their whole day here and still not have time to go on all the rides. Visitors can purchase tickets for one of the three parks — Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai or Bollywood Parks Dubai — as well as a multi-park entrance for all three venues. Putting amusement parks everywhere to shame, Dubai Parks is the perfect place to let the kids run around and have the time of their lives.
Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheik Zayed Rd, Jebel Ali, +971 800 2629464
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRqAT-VjFHj/?taken-by=dubaiparksresorts&hl=en
6. Wild Wadi Waterpark
Park
For All
7. Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai
This indoor skiing slope offers fun for the entire family. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai provides visitors with the chance to ski or snowboard while in the desert! It’s ideal for all ages, as it offers skiing classes for the youngsters and two different slope heights, for beginners and more advanced, as well as a ramp to jump over. There’s also a winter cafe inside the slope for a nice break with some hot chocolate. Ski Dubai also has a winter park, where the kids can play, go on slides and have snowball fights. All clothes and equipment are provided at the space, so there’s no need to pack winter gear when visiting the desert.
Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, +971 800 386
Desert Safari
This is one of Dubai’s most unique experiences, as visitors can dune bash and see a replica of a Bedouin camp. Almost every tourism agency offers their own desert safari. Here, families can ride camels, dress in traditional Emirati clothing, try an Arabic barbecue, watch belly dancing shows and get henna done, all included in one package. Desert Safaris are a must when visiting Dubai, as they offer the full experience of what the city was like before it became an international hub.
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