Dubai

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and one of the fastest developing metropoles in the world. Located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, this economical centre is perfect to be visited during holidays with your family between November – April, because the hot Summer months with temperature above 50°C are definitely not ideal...

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and one of the fastest developing metropoles in the world. Located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, this economical centre is perfect to be visited during holidays with your family between November – April, because the hot Summer months with temperature above 50°C are definitely not ideal for small babies. Strolling around Dubai is very challenging due to the lack of pavements, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.

Nevertheless, Dubai is a city full of “number 1s in the world”. Worth mentioning is the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa (828m), the biggest shopping mall – the Dubai mall with its huge aquarium inside, the world’s biggest candy store located in the Dubai mall, the most luxury hotel in the world – the Burj Al Arabia with its seven stars, the longest automatically operated train and an island with the biggest Ferris wheel in the world located on the Bluewaters island (210m).

Explore the old Dubai by visiting the Dubai Fort, the historical village Shindagha heritage area where craftsmen display their art, the Bastakiya quarter – museum of sea trade or the Deir quarter – a historical market place that is still active today.

If your toddler loves trains, try the Dubai Metro network (of course outside the rush hours) and watch the city skyline between the Dubai Marina and the Dubai Mall in front of you. When tired of the fast motion, relax in the Dubai Miracle Garden, full of flowers of all kinds and of course a nice children’s playground. Watch the fountain at the Dubai mall, feed the ducks in the Media City or travel all around the world in the Global Village park - 30 pavilions representing over 75 countries with different cultures.

Entertain your children with animals. Pack up breakfast and head to the flamingo roost in the Ras Al Khor, where you can observe the birds through sharp binoculars. Entry is free of charge. Camel racing at the Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack on the Dubai Al Ain Road is another option (free admission).

With older children you can visit the Desert Palm Riding School with ponies and horse rides designed for children of all ages. Opened daily (except Fridays) the rides are available every morning and afternoon at a cost of AED 10-30 depending on how long your little one wants to ride around. Alternatively, if you feel like spending some time inside, visit the indoor trampoline area – the Bounce in Al Quoz or the Jump Boxx in Mirdiff.

The Dubai international airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and getting to Dubai city will take you approximately 30 minutes by taxi. Traffic practically grinds to a halt and metro trains are packed during rush hours. One cart of each metro train is designated for women and children only, and keep in mind that you can’t chew chewing gum, drink water or take a nap in the Dubai metro (the list is longer). Driving around Dubai is fairly easy however, be aware that close to shopping malls, beaches and family attractions the traffic is very busy on Friday afternoons and on Saturday.