It’s one of the safest cities in the world, packed with fun, child-friendly hotels and activities, so it’s easy to see why Dubai is so popular with parents looking for a holiday all ages can enjoy.
We asked four expat mums living in Dubai to give us the lowdown on where to stay and what to see and do on a family holiday there. From luxury hotels to the best restaurants and days out, read on for their insider tips.
Carmel Harrison
Mother of two young girls – Aviana, seven, and Sienna, six – Carmel Harrison is a Yorkshire-born stylist, plus co-founder and creative director of Second Summer. With arguably the most stylish kids in the city, Carmel knows where to shop for cool Scandi-brands your little ones will love.
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What do you like about raising your children in Dubai?
It’s so safe, and the schools and extra curricular activities are amazing. Plus, they live outside so much: on the beach and in the park.
How is Dubai different from other cities?
I don’t worry about my children’s safety ever. It’s also so clean and everyone helps you wherever you go, especially when you have kids. It’s a really friendly city.
Which hotels should we check into for a family-friendly stay?
My favourite is the Bulgari Resort, they set up a teepee for kids and have lots of activities plus inflatables for the pool. It’s also luxurious for parents. If you want full-on kids overload then I’d recommend Atlantis The Palm, but I prefer to do a day-visit here. I’m more of a laid-back boutique hotel-stayer.
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Where is your favourite place to shop for children in Dubai?
MarMar Land. I’ve been shopping here for years; they stock all the cool Scandi brands that I love, and the staff are also so friendly.
And to shop for yourself?
So Much Trouble, a new vintage store in Dubai. It’s like Aladdin’s cave – you can find the coolest edit of vintage Saint Laurent blazers and one-of-a-kind Hermès bags.
If mums have a few hours sans enfants in Dubai, where should they go?
To Nikki Beach Spa for some R&R. It’s like a sanctuary and feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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What do you recommend we pack?
For yourself, Second Summer of course. We provide the ultimate vacation capsule wardrobe. Also a pair of flats, a pair of heels, a pair of sunnies, a beach tote, a clutch and SPF30. You don’t need anything else.
Maha Gorton
English-Egyptian Maha Gorton is Head of the Women’s Pavilion at Expo City Dubai and a mum of three; to 12-year-old twin boys Faisal and Zayed and teenage daughter Ayah, who is 15. Growing up between the UK and the UAE herself, Maha is proud to call Dubai home for both herself and her children.
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What do you like about raising your children in Dubai?
The safety, the convenience and the weather, which is amazing 10 months of the year. Raising pre-teens and teens in a city that is so safe is such a privilege. As a working, single mum of three, having access to apps where I can order anything from food to medicine, clothes to taxis, all of which will arrive almost instantly, is incredible.
How is Dubai different from other cities?
Dubai moves at lightning speed. There’s constantly something going on, and an abundance of opportunity.
Where should we take children to play?
Kidzania in The Dubai Mall (where was this when I was growing up?) and Kite Beach, or any beach.
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The best things to do and see in Dubai with kids?
Expo City Dubai, the Dubai Mall aquarium and take an abra along the creek. For thrill seekers, try dune biking and sandboarding in the desert.
The place only local or expat parents know about?
Al Qudra Lakes is a desert oasis away from the city, and Alserkal Avenue is the arts centre of Dubai.
Your favourite family-friendly restaurant?
Arabian Tea House for traditional Emirati cuisine. Even the fussiest eaters will love the chebab with honey and cheese.
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Any top tips for visiting Dubai with children?
The temperature can drop quite suddenly in the winter months when the sun goes down. A hoodie over a sundress or T-shirt and shorts with sandals is an easy and quick solution.
What do you recommend we pack?
Linens and cottons for the day. Almost everywhere has AC so definitely your favourite denims. Dubai is incredibly tolerant and cosmopolitan, but a little respect for the culture with regard to modesty is greatly appreciated. If you plan to visit mosques and cultural sites then long trousers and sleeves are a must. In the winter months a light jacket is essential and of course, a gorgeous outfit with fabulous heels is an absolute essential for evenings out to one of the multitude of amazing restaurants.
Louise Nichol
Former Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Harper’s Bazaar Junior, Louise Nichol is a mum of three: Leo, eleven, Fox, nine and Kit, seven. Now juggling life as a freelance journalist and presenter, as well as a spinning instructor at Crank UAE, Louise has raised all three of her children in the city since birth, so has local knowledge of kid-friendly activities.
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What do you like about raising your children in Dubai?
Dubai is incredibly safe, we have access to brilliant and affordable childcare, and Dubai’s beautiful beaches, vibrant city life and adventurous desert or mountain landscapes are generally less than an hour’s drive away.
When is the best time to visit Dubai with children?
November to April are the best months. July, August and September are very hot and pretty brutal, especially when the humidity kicks in. February half term, when summer in the UK seems so far away, is a great time to come.
Which hotels should we check into for a family-friendly stay?
Honestly you are spoiled for choice in Dubai. The Jumeirah group hotels, from Jumeirah Beach Hotel to Al Naseem, have access to the Wild Wadi waterpark and have brilliant kids’ clubs. Likewise The Westin and Mina Seyahi share access to Jungle Bay, a slightly smaller waterpark that’s great for younger children. If your kids are keen footballers, check out Football Escapes which runs family holidays with coaching from premiership footballers.
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Where should we take kids for breakfast?
My kids demolish the ricotta pancakes at Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue and my middle son reckons their scrambled eggs are the best in the world.
What are the sights to see with children?
The Museum of the Future really is the most beautiful building in the world, and great to explore over multiple levels. I always take first time visitors on the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride, it’s an evening abra tour of the Dubai Mall fountains and a beautiful way to see the Burj Khalifa. And try to get out to the desert for that classic family desert photo opp. Kids love running up and down dunes. Camel ride optional.
Where can we take them to play?
OliOli is great for smaller children. Dubai also has loads of trampoline play places such as Street Maniax and Bounce, to burn off excess energy. Wild Paint House in Al Quoz lets kids throw glow-in-the-dark paint around.
The best things to do and see in Dubai with kids?
Definitely the public beaches. Kite Beach is full of life, but go prepared to spend (on bungees, go karts, the aquapark, food trucks). For an option with less temptation, I like Nessnass beach – there is only the one café to distract children from the sea and sand (and save the impact on your wallet). I would avoid the malls and get out of the city to Hatta, Jebel Jais in Ras Al-Khaimah or even drive to Musandam in Oman and spend a day on a dhow watching dolphins.
The place only local or expat parents know about?
Kite Beach Center in Umm Al Quwain for Bali vibes and Maldivian-clear water. Book a two-storey beach hut for the day.
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If mums have a few hours sans enfants where should they go?
Dubai’s beauty salons are famed for their high quality services. I love N.Bar for mani-pedis.
Any top tips for visiting Dubai with children?
It’s always fun to get out onto the water. There are loads of boat charter companies with different options and budgets. We recently booked a houseboat with friends who have a two-year-old and it was perfect for younger children, as there is nowhere for them to fall off. It came with an epic slide, which kept the older kids (and adults) amused for hours. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to beat a boat day and Dubai’s new harbour is stunning.
Jessica Smith OAM PLY
Jessica is a former Australian Paralympic swimmer and now a global disability and accessibility consultant, as well as a children’s book author. She has three young children, a daughter Ayla who is eight and two sons, Reza who is six and Idris who is four.
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What do you like about raising your children in Dubai?
In my opinion Dubai is the best place in the world to raise a young family. There are so many wonderful opportunities for kids here, everything from exploring the natural beauty of the desert and the beaches to learning how to ski at the indoor ski facilities. The true diversity that exists in the UAE is something I’ve not experienced anywhere else. My children celebrate everything from Christmas and Easter to Eid and Diwali. However the most important aspect for me, is the safety. Prior to relocating to Dubai we lived in Australia and spent a lot of time visiting the UK, and sadly neither currently feel as safe as Dubai. The sense of safety is paramount and I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to feel that with my family.
How is Dubai different from other cities?
Dubai is like nowhere else in the world. It is the city of opportunities, it can be anything you make of it. As a young family we enjoy the time outdoors exploring as well as the rich culture and diversity that exists here in the UAE. There is always so much going on, and though it is a fast-paced city, the beach is on our doorstep and in less than a 30-minute drive we are in the tranquility of the desert. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, foods and languages.
Which hotels should we check into for a family-friendly stay?
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Marriot Resort Palm Jumeriah and Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah but there are so many incredible options for families. Dubai is a very family-friendly city.
The place only local or expat parents know about?
Byron Bathers. A restaurant, pool and beach-side hangout on the Palm Jumeirah.
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Where should we take kids for breakfast?
Our favourite places are Tom & Serg and Common Grounds, both have great options for kids and delicious coffee.
What are the sights to see with children?
Driving along Sheikh Zayed Road you’ll be able to spot the Museum of the Future and the Dubai Frame. We also love to visit Kite Beach on the weekend, you can view the famous Burj Al Arab. And of course a trip to the desert to see the local camels – there are plenty of guided tours with Platimum Heritage that teach the kids about the cultural history of the UAE as well as offering insight into the local animals, such as falcons, gazelles and scorpions.
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Why is Dubai a wonderful family destination?
Because it is so family friendly, there are so many options for families and kids of all ages. It takes the pressure off parents as they can relax knowing there are so many wonderful choices.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?