Fabulously family-friendly, and the Middle-East’s major stop-off point for long-haul flights, could dazzling Dubai be the ultimate stopover city? Aleney de Winter and family discover the delights of this amazing destination.
Dubai is so hot right now! Seriously, it’s 40 degrees as we walk out from the sweet sanctuary of the air-conditioned airport. But Dubai is nothing if not a smart city and, with most of its attractions inside or waterside to counter the high temps it’s the only time we really notice the heat on our two-day family stopover.
A startling mix of traditional Arabian culture and fantastically futuristic metropolis, Dubai is a surprisingly family-friendly city. In fact, with phenomenal resorts, desert safaris, camel treks and eye-poppingly enormous malls that, beside endless shopping, boast everything from aquariums, an underwater zoo, theme parks, amusement arcades, cinemas and playgrounds to indoor ski resorts, Dubai is virtually a desert Disneyland.
Where to stay in Dubai with kids
While Dubai is home to some of the world’s most extravagant hotels and resorts, families need look no further than Atlantis, The Palm, a wonderful watery world that is a destination in its own right. Eat breakfast in your room overlooking the Arabian Sea and dramatic Dubai skyline, then pack the kids off to the Atlantis Explorers Club with its impressive adult-free fun – think climbing walls, a tech zone, underwater amphitheatre and arts and crafts.
Make time for a quick swim before dinner at Saffron, the resort’s family-friendly buffet. Offering beautiful international food from 20 live cooking stations, it’s the dessert station with its molten chocolate fountain, tower of toffee apples and heaving counters of sugary goodness that will hold kids captive. Before you leave, make a pit-stop at the Cold Stone Creamery, where you choose from the countless toppings to create gluttonous masterpieces.
Best things to do with kids in Dubai
While it is possible to experience some of the best Dubai has to offer in a couple days, even without leaving Atlantis, The Palm, there’s so much for families that you could easily spend a week without even scratching its very shiny surface!
The Lost Chambers Aquarium
At The Lost Chambers Aquarium we are stunned at the sheer size and beauty of the spectacular 11 million-litre marine exhibit, home to the mythical lost world of Atlantis. We enjoy an underwater adventure in the stunning maze of underground passageways of the Lost Chambers, with its more than 65,000 sea creatures. Raff loves the touch-tanks filled with starfish and sea urchins and, on a back-of-house tour, is thrilled at the opportunity to feed a shark.
Aquaventure World water park
We head to Aquaventure where Raff and his dad enjoy the water cannons and jets as they clamber about the climbing frames of the elaborate Splashers kids’ zones. I head off to explore its beaches, extensive lazy river and Ziggurat temple, with its seven heart-attack-inducing waterslides, two of which shoot me (minus children) through a shark-filled lagoon.
Attractions at The Dubai Mall
More adrenaline-fuelled rides await at Play DXB, a VR amusement park in The Dubai Mall. Don’t miss exploring the underwater world at the city’s second aquarium – the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Next door at KidZania, children from four to 16 years old can explore a child-size city and try their hand at over 40 professions like pilot, doctor or policeman (complete with uniform).
Ski Dubai indoor snow park
Ski (or tumble) down snowy mountains at Ski Dubai – the Middle East’s first indoor snow park – complete with resident penguins and a 150-metre zip wire. Activities include tobogganing hills, a bobsled ride, tubing, ski and snowboarding runs and of course, plenty of space to build a snowman.
Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain stands in the shadows of the world’s tallest building. Its awesome water and light show can be seen over 30 kilometres away.
Desert Safari Dubai
Enjoy a real Arabian adventure at Desert Safari Dubai, a perfect combination of ancient tradition and modern culture.
Try skydiving
Go skydiving in a wind tower at iFly Dubai in Mirdif City Centre mall. Kids as young as three can experience this adventure and it’s ideal for those who aren’t old enough (or brave enough) to do the real thing above Palm Jumeirah with Skydive Dubai.
Dubai fast facts
Best time to go
The best time to visit is from October to April. Avoid June to September when scorching temperatures can top 45˚C and the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.
Getting there
Direct flights to Dubai are available from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
Currency
The currency is the Emirati Dirham (UAD).
Opening image: Panoramic view of Dubai from Palm Island, UAE. ©PureSolution/Shutterstock
