Dubai probably isn’t the first place that you think of when you are planning an affordable family holiday.  It’s a holiday destination that conjures up pictures of huge yachts and luxurious hotels, so it must cost a fortune to go there, right?

Actually, it might not be as costly as you might think.  Dubai has been attracting more and more tourists over recent years and it turns out theres lots of reasons to visit.  We all deserve a touch of luxury in our lives, and at least once in a lifetime we should visit our dream destination.

The Best Things To Do With Kids In Dubai

If you visit Dubai, one tip that everyone is talking about is get your hands on The Entertainer.  It’s packed full of 2 for 1 offers at all the best attractions and waterparks and has reductions for restaurants too.  It costs around 495 AED, but you’ll definitely get your money back on places you visit.

If you like your holidays to be rich in culture, brimming with family friendly activities and full of sunshine, then Dubai could have everything you’ve been looking for, and here’s why:

Go To The Beach

Dubai is blessed with miles of golden beaches and kids love nothing better than playing in the sand or splashing in the sea.  Avoid the fancy beach clubs and head for a free beach like JBR beach.  You’ll find everything you need for a fun day in the sun.  Sun, sea and sand costs nothing and there’s also free changing facilities.  It’s a popular spot with the locals which is always a good sign, and is surrounded by juice bars, burger joints and ice cream huts.  All you’ll need is the suncream!

Dubai beach

Visit Burj Khalifa

There is nothing I like more than being a tourist on holiday.  I want to see and experience what makes a city so special.  As well as Dubai’s unique culture, it’s also famous for some of the most iconic buildings in the world.  Did you know that the world’s tallest man made structure is in Dubai?  I had no idea until very recently.  You have to visit the Burj Khalifa observation deck and enjoy the amazing panoramic views of this stunning city.  It’s going to create some amazing memories for the whole family and give you some photographs to treasure.  Arrange to visit after you have explored the city for a few days so that you know what you are looking at.

dubai-view

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a must for all family visitors going to Dubai.  Be amazed at the extensive marine life collection walking through the spectacular underwater tunnel.  You can even take a boat ride above the water and see the underwater inhabitants from a different angle.  This is possibly one of the best presented family attractions in Dubai, promising hours of entertainment for everyone.

aquarium dubai

Go To KidZania

Pass the Emirates check in desk and collect your boarding passes to enter a world of fun and exploration for kids.  It’s an entire mini city, with everything that you would expect to find in the ‘real’ world.  Your children will be able to help out in the fire department, be doctors in the hospital or even take to the Emirates flight simulator.  They earn money, go to the shops and visit the bank.  Suddenly they are in charge, and they will literally have the best interactive experience available for children in the city.

Dubai Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park

When talking about what to do with kids in Dubai, visiting one of the major waterparks has to be on the list.  Atlantis is listed as the best waterpark in Dubai according to TripAdvisor.  Families can easily spend all day there taking to the flumes together in a dingy or take a more relaxing ride through the underwater tunnels.

Aquaventure Atlantis Dubai

What makes Dubai Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park extra special is the opportunity to meet the dolphins.  For an extra fee, you can join a small group and get up close and personal in the shallow waters with your favourite water mammals.  They are so friendly that you are bound to get a kiss out of them.  Now that’s got to be a once in a lifetime experience!

What would your suggestions be for things to do with kids in Dubai? 

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137 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Dubai twice and I absolutely LOVE the place! One of the best things I have done there was on my first visit when I did a desert safari, which included dinner in the desert, belly dancing and a twilight camel ride! The second time I went I stayed at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and I highly recommend it. This gave us access to the Wild Wadi water park which is a must day out for all the family!

    • Thanks for stopping by. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning we are looking for the best reader comment with what you would like to do in Dubai

    • Thanks for stopping by. Just to remind you. The prize will go to the best reader comment who shares what they would like to do in Dubai. Please do feel free to comment again

  2. Hi my name is Jay
    Me and my partner both work and still struggle with paying bills let alone going to Dubai !
    My small, young family have never been on holiday and it is also my partners birthday coming up on the 24th of May.
    This would be the most amazing birthday present ever 🙂
    Make our dreams come true …
    Please

    Kind regards
    Jay

  3. WOW!! I have never been to Dubai but let me tell you something, if ever the occasion came about where we could go, I certainly wouldn’t be taking my kids!! HA! That waterpark does look fab, but yes, Dubai is a dream holiday for me and one that I would want to be able to enjoy and relax, not with my four screaming the whole time! Fab post though, thank you for sharing. xx

  4. I would love to visit Dubai!
    One of the first things I would do is visit the Burj Khalifa, Wild Wadi Water park – I love water parks and Dubai has the perfect weather conditions!! I would love to visit the Dubai Mall, I watched a documentary about it. I would take a helicopter ride to see the Palm Jumeirah and go out to the desert and ride on the sand dunes!

  5. Oh wow! Dubai looks amazing! I’ve never been. But I think it looks like the perfect family holiday experience! I’d love to take all my boys and get a good paddle in the sea. We can’t do that here in Ireland. It’s always so cold! We could use some heat to warm our bones.

  6. I’ve never been to Dubai but its a place that I’d love to visit I like that its family friendly with loads to do so will be an ideal family holiday.

  7. We would love to visit the Burj Al Arab, the Malls first indoor ski slope in the desert aswell as see the huge indoor Aquarium. I know my husband would especially enjoy the Emirates flight simulator. :0)

  8. Dubai is in my top five bucket list places to visit. My dream is to swim with Dolphins and I never realised you could do it here until I started stalking pinterest for holiday ideas

  9. My best friend from Uni is moving out there today and I would love to be able to go and visit – it looks like the country that quite literally has everything and the opportunities are endless so I know there would be so much that we could do as a family out there.

  10. I’d recommend staying in Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Nearly all the rooms face the gorgeous Burj Al Arab and the beach . The highlight for us was Wild Wadi Waterpark which we visited every day as it was included in the price of the hotel and a 5 minute walk away. There are no steps for the water slides. You sit in a ring at the bottom and the force of the water propels you to the top of the rides. Don’t miss the snow park in Mall of Emirates either. I love Dubai.

  11. Wow ! What a brilliant prize ! I’ve never been lucky enough to be able to go to Dubai, and I would love to be able to take my lovely mum away for a treat after a difficult few years for her x

  12. I watched a television programme with my son several years ago about the construction of the Burj Al Arab hotel. I promised him that one day we would visit Dubai to see that iconic building. We still haven’t managed to get there yet but with competitions like this I may yet be able to fulfil that promise 🙂

  13. This sounds like an incredible place to visit and I must confess to not having been before. However, I have been extremely fortunate to do a lot of travelling in my younger days so I would love to use my comment as an anonymous entry. If it was ever lucky enough to win, find a normal family that is having a rough time and give them this incredible gift as a surprise. Wouldn’t that be fantastic?

  14. Unfortunately for me I’m yet to experience the amazing city that is,Dubai. It’s my dream destination that I have been longing to go to since I was 12, and since I’ve never been abroad I would love it to be my first 😀 I love hearing about other people’s experiences there and hope that one day I will also experience that amazing adventure

  15. This looks amazing!! I’ve never been on a plane before and my partner is constantly talking about holidays and taking our daughter.
    I think we may have to plan a trip to Dubai now

  16. Dreams of Dubai!

    I have never been to Dubai before but I’ve been dreaming of visiting for a few years. Here’s my dream itinerary for a fabulous four day holiday!

    Day One: I always like to spend my first day taking it easy after the journey there and always try to get a feeling for the local area. So we would spend day one having a relaxing swim in the sea and then a exploratory walk. Later, we would take the 90 minute Yellow Boat tour (Dubai RIB Boat Cruise: Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina). It’s an exhilarating ride around the bay for the kids (but not too tiring) and a great way to see the Palm Atlantis, Burj Al-Arab and the royal palaces.

    Day Two: The second day would begin with a once-in-a-lifetime deep-water dolphin encounter at Atlantis The Palm – something all the family would love and remember forever. The dolphin experience also gives you free entrance to the Atlantis’ Aquaventure Waterpark and 25% off your visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, so that’s day two covered!

    Day Three: After a couple of child-focussed activity days, my children are open to a more adult-orientated sightseeing tour so we would spend our third day with Tour Val, a highly-recommended sight-seeing tour of the old and new city so we can learn more about beautiful Dubai.

    Day Four: You can’t visit the desert without riding a camel so we would spend our final day on a Platinum Heritage tour, offering a Camel Safari, followed by a Land Rover Safari, in the desert where you are taken for a meal and entertainment at a bedouin camp!

    You see, Dubai is so magical. You would think you were dreaming, even when you’re there!

  17. Wow! It sounds like an amazing place- somewhere I always thought I’d visit as an adult on my own, but I think the children would enjoy it more than me! It has everything my children love- we could have beach days, see aquarium animals, kiss a dolphin (!), visit a water park, role play at Kidzania then see everything from up high! What an amazing place- it really seems out of this world.

  18. The beaches in Dubai look amazing. I’d have never thought about holidaying with children there but it seems like it has a lot to offer for families.

  19. “Dubai is the place to be,
    there’s lots to do and lots to see.
    Why not sip drinks around the pool
    or watch your dad dance and act uncool?
    The Locals are friendly and helpful too,
    when it’s time to come
    home the kids will boo!
    Take a dip at the Wild Wadi Waterpark
    or swim with a Dolphin at Atlantis.
    Ride a Camel or swim with a Mammal.
    Dubai is my dream place.
    If i won it would put a big smile on my face! 🙂 🙂

  20. Ok, so I’m impressed by the photos of Dubai. There’s no denying that it is an incredible place, both naturally and architecturally. It never, however, struck me as a holiday destination for the family.
    But the beach looks beautiful. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo appears to be far more incredible than anything we’d experience at home. Kidzania looks like such an original idea for a play place – don’t all kids want to act like they’re grown ups? And Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park would be just complete pleasure.
    And there it is. I’m sold on it. Well done – I’m a convert!

  21. I’ve never been to Dubai but it is on my bucket list, I’d love to team it up with another life long dream of a journey in a hot air balloon. I imagine it’s a breathtaking place to see from the skies

  22. Now our Dubai adventure is three years long and we are just coming to the end of our time here. I leave for good in ten days and what a time we’ve had. As well as everything you’ve mentioned with kids, there are new places opening all the time – a trip to watch the mesmerising Dubai Fountains, Mattel Play! Town has just opened, The Journey is an incredible outdoor play area, the miles of beaches, the splash party. The ways to cool off from the intensity of the heat. For us, Dubai will always be about friendships and visiting – new babies being born, best friends growing up. That’s my Dubai. That’s why we would come back time and time again.

  23. This is my dream destination to visit – ever since my children were 6 and 3 they have begged me to go to Dubai and they are now 19 and 16. As a single mum it’s been a struggle over the years and their dad has never helped financially despite driving around in a Jaguar and having luxurious holidays himself. Anyway, my point is that I would love to take my children on that once in a lifetime dream holiday, it would be amazing to bond again through the difficult years wwe’ve had – GCSE’s, hormones etc.

  24. Dubai is a magical place where the biggest, the fastest and the best tantalise the senses. I would love to experience everything this exciting place has to offer, from the glitziest, biggest malls on earth to the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. A visit here would not be complete without a hair raising ride in the world’s fastest lift! Dubai also contrasts old and new, I would love to take a sunset ride in one of the beautiful old boats from Bur Dubai Abra Station on the southern side, and ride across the creek. A desert safari would definitely be on my list of ‘must do’s’ as well as visiting a few restaurants to experience the world class cuisine. I have not yet visited Dubai but it is very high on my list and I have a feeling one visit would not be enough!!

  25. We visited Dubai last year and found it to be totally amazing and family friendly with lots of activities, we stayed just out a bit in the hyatt grand hotel and found the metro really easy and cheap to use. we visited the water park at the atlantis hotel which was a totally different water park to any id been to before, watched the dancing fountains at the burj khalifa ,but our favourite trip was a close up encounter with the penguins at the ski centre – so awesome, love to go back in a flash

  26. We’ve never actually had a holiday in Dubai, although have transited through the airport a few times. It is definitely on my bucket list of fascinating places to visit. Won’t it be wonderful if we were to holiday there this summer! Oh, the things I would like to see and do. From the lazing on the pristine beaches to visiting the Burj Khalifa. Fingers crossed!

  27. I have never been on holiday to Dubai but would love to go with my partner and my 2 babies after the rotten year we have had!

    I would love to take a walk along the beautiful beaches in the morning to watch the sun rise over what is a mesmerisingly beautiful city, take my kids to the aquarium & underwater zoo as i know they will love all the animals. Visit the Burj Khalifa, shop til i drop in the Emirates Mall and finish it all off with a trip to see the Dubai Fountains at night time.

    it really would be a dream come true! 🙂

  28. Isn’t this competition amazing. I have spent days researching Dubai for my own entry, and I am totally hooked. I admit that I wouldn’t have thought of it as a particularly child friendly destination, but I was wrong. The sheer choice available, and the quality of the activities is so impressive. I really struggled to pick 5, as there are about 50 things I would like to do. Good luck to us all. Someone is going to be a very happy blogger!

  29. Dubai sounds an amazing opportunity for families – had the preconception it was shops and more shops. Be lovely to go there with my family and I feel been there already with your lovely guide, just wish we could experience the sights ourselves be a dream come true with so many different amazing things to see and do x

  30. Its a long time since i was in Dubiai 2001 were were on route to get married so stay there for 2 nights didnt get much site seeing done as we had our 1 year old with us . I would love to see how its changed and have a look around all I remember is the shopping lol good luck everyone its a fantastic place and prize

  31. We went to Dubai in 2001 our little one was only 1 so we couldnt do much as it was only a 2 day stopover but can remember the fantastic shopping mall we would love to return and see how much its changed . The hotel we stayed in was fantastic and the beach was to die for . Good luck everyone ita a fantastic prize

  32. This would be the most amazing experience for our little family… I am all for making fantastic memories for us and having the opportunity to visit Dubai would definitely be top of the list! Our three children love aquariums and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo looks like nothing I have ever seen before. I will be envious of the person that wins this wonderful holiday ?

  33. I’ve heard SO many great things about Dubai in the last couple of months and this post is only making me want to go even more!

  34. Dubai has been on my bucket list for years however I wanted to wait until my children were old enough to enjoy and appreciate the amazing architecture this country has to offer. We are now saving to go as the children are old enough but we want to make sure we save enough to explore and make the most out of our holiday as we will probably not be lucky enough to return! We are going to make a start with the Worlds tallest tower the Burj Khalifa at £33 pounds for an adult and £17,00 for a child, this is very reasonable price to pay, although we might not be able to manage a meal there. Next on our list is the Worlds largest Shopping Mall, Dubai Mall, this is a definate must, even if it is to window shop as this Mall is not just about shopping, it has everything from 1200 shops, and indoor theme park, an ice rink, a huge indoor waterfall, an aquarium and an underwater zoo, this is a trip not to be missed and it is close to the Burj Khalifa and the famous worlds only 7 star Hotel the Burj Al Arab which you can go to for a meal or afternoon tea if you cannot afford to stay there. We will be heading to Ski Dubai to cool down and at 50 pounds each for a whole day pass this is also a good deal. We will want to see the old Dubai and have found a 2hr Dinner Cruise and show along Dubai Creek at only £28.00 at sunset to as the evening call to prayer is singing out from the mosque you cant beat tradition. Dubai Marina is also on my list as with the amazing beaches. We have found the most amazing Hotel, Atlantis the Palm which boasts the top Water Park in Dubia, which, if you stay Half Board you get free entry to the Water Park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium which looks amazing, the Hotel is expensive but I would say worth every penny with 23 world class Restaurants, Bars and Cafes to choose from we will be spoilt for choice. Most attractions are open until 11.00pm weekdays and 12.00am at the weekends so I am not worried about squeezing it all in and will definately be heading towards to Mall and City after sunset to see these amazing attractions lit up. This is going to be the holiday of a lifetime for our family, we have another year maybe of saving to do but it will be worth every penny. Good luck to everyone taking part and please make sure you research Dubai before you go to get the most out of your holiday. I look forward to reading all the reviews to see if we have missed any attractions.

  35. Dubai looks and sounds like a great place to visit with kids. I can see my son enjoying the water parks and meeting the dolphins. I would love the chance to view the city from the top of the Burj Khalifa as it looks amazing and you could see for miles. I would certainly consider Dubai for our next family holiday, and will keep my fingers crossed for you, as winning a holiday would be my dream!

  36. I’ve been to Dubai with my children a couple of times and they have thoroughly enjoyed it. Every time we come back they talk about the Wild Wadi, Ski Dubai and the desert jeep safari, they love it. For me though the stand out is the great service and help staff at the hotels and events provide, always with a smile and always willing to help #Giveaway

  37. Before I started looking more closely at what Dubai offers, it just wasn’t on my radar. I put it up there with Vegas – a fancy playground for fancy adults. How wrong I was.

    The variety of family friendly activities is astonishing, and there is no way anyone could exhaust them in four days, even if they never slept.

    I’ve just added the desert safari to my bucket list – it’s absurdly cool by anyone’s standards. I may have to wait a while before then, however, as my littlest one is only two. That also makes him too young for KidZania, which is a shame as my eldest would have the time of his life there.

    Nevertheless, he’s old enough for the (free!) beach, and robust enough for the Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park (OK, maybe not Poseidon’s Revenge!), and I’m pretty sure he’d find the (free!) Dubai Fountain pretty magical too.

    I also love the fact that the time difference in Dubai is only GMT+4h, so jetlag wouldn’t be as bad as, say, Jamaica (tried that with a four year old and did not like it!).

  38. I would love to have a second visit to Dubai, there is so much to do there, I didn’t have the chance to do first time round.

  39. My husband used to live in Dubai, I love it there! I would love to go back but not really for me, I’d love to take my 10 year old nephew. He wants to be an architect when he’s older and he loves iconic buildings, I’d love to take him to the Burj Khalifa and Burj al Arab

  40. Have never been but would love to celebrate my 25 th wedding anniversary in the lap of luxury!!! Would love to ski in the indoor snowdome, ride the water slides in Atlantis, sun on the beach and obviously buy a golden jewellery souvenir. Maybe even have the children witness us renewing our wedding vows on a sunset beach!!

  41. Dubai really is the ‘hot’ destination right now – in every sense of the word! The welcome is so warm as well. You can spend hours just gazing at the fantastic feats of engineering without spending anything at all or splash out on a decadent afternoon tea. It is what you choose to make it and is such a unique destination – I hope you and your family get to experience it. Good luck!

  42. WOW truly stunning, Dubai has something for everyone. My youngest child would love Kidzania as she loves playing vets, doctors etc so she would be in her element. My middle child would love the underwater zoo and aquarium and would sit for hours watching the marine fish. My son and fiancé would love the adventure water park as they both are real thrill seekers, where I would enjoy the lovely beaches, relaxing and eating Ice-cream. sounds fab where’s my passport.

  43. I would love to visit an Arab souk in Dubai, especially the gold souks that the arab world is famous for. Also, swimming with dophins would be another great memory.

  44. I’ve never been lucky enough to visit Dubai, it looks such a fascinating place. Ive seen so many pictures of unbelievable Hotels and landscapes – the man made palm beach is really something. The country looks such an unusual mixture of high tech class and gorgeous relaxating locations. When I read holiday articles Dubai always stands out for this reason. Your piece is definitely right in my case, I have assumed this was a dream destination and we’ll out of our price range! When I read these articles I never dream about pricing it fearing the outcome would be far too disappointing!
    I would absolutely love to visit, hopefully one day. For me, I’d love to see the Palm Beach and iconic buildings. Having read the other comments, in particular the belly dancing and twilight camel rides sound like fantastic and unique experiences that I’d want to see if I had the chance to visit. The Atlantis water park sounds like a day out for all the members of our family, we have a huge age gap between our children thus its not easy to keep them all pleased but I can’t believe they wouldn’t be impressed by this! In fact every location in the article definitely seems to tick all the boxes, I can’t see anything I don’t think they’d love. It all sounds amazing.

  45. I love Dubai. I have been once before but not with the children. We went on a desert safari last time and I’m not sure if i have ever been more terrified in my life. The Jeep parked up, the driver began blasting tunes and then we set off. I think I screamed. LOUDLY, although I could not be heard over the music. When it was all over my partner laughed because the first thing I said was “I’m glad I did it”.

    Good Luck with your entry x

  46. We’ve added the Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park to our list too. It looks so amazing, a day to remember I think x

  47. When I was 15 (I am now 34) I had the chance to go to the Maldives with a 5 day stay in Dubai, my grandparents, aunty and uncle were going to pay for me to go with them! My stupid 15yr old response was “No, I will be bored”!!! When they returned and I saw they had done so many exciting things, jeep safari in the dunes, a traditional arabian night in the desert, I could go on and on, I realised I had made a huge mistake and it has been one of my hugest regrets in my life as I now love to travel, and have been lucky to travel all over the world but I still haven’t visited Dubai, so if you can get me there then I am half way to fixing my biggest regret!

  48. I would love to visit Dubai. It is an international hub of culture, adventure and a little bit of luxury. I would most look forward to dining al fresco, swimming in warm seas and having adventures. Some of the top activities for me and my family would be the beach, the waterparks, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Miracle Garden and the Aquarium. And I couldn’t leave without taking a safari. The world is becoming a smaller place and I love that it means places like Dubai are becoming a much more practical family holiday destination. I have been doing my own research on the Visit Dubai website and they really have listed everything and made it so easy to work out an itinerary before you go, so you don’t miss anything on your ‘must do list.’ Good luck with your competition entry. Whoever wins really is going to have the opportunity to make dreams come true for their whole family.

  49. I haven’t been to Dubai yet, but if I do go – here’s what I’ll do!

    My day in Dubai would be,
    Starting the day at Dubai Ski.
    Universal Studios to have a thrill,
    Wild Wadi Water Park and have a spill!

    See the Grand Mosque whose walls tell a story,
    Visit the Palm in all its glory.
    Swim at Jumeriah Beach but not too deep,
    Then rest at the Burj Al Arab for a good nights sleep. 🙂

  50. I’ve always wanted to visit Dubai as it oozes luxury and grandeur. I have been through Dubai Airport twice for a short transfer. The airport was magnificent but way too big. The whole experience was very stressful! Who would have thought you would have needed to get a train from one end of the terminal to another. Nothing worse than being a sweaty and out of breath from running on the next flight. At least I stretched my legs!

  51. Dubai is one of those places on my bucket list to take the children before they’re too grown up and no longer want to travel with us, as you say its not really a destination that a lot of people think of but our next door Neighbours daughter lives there with her two young daughters and when she visits her mum its great to hear of her adventures, it always sounds so exciting! Id love to visit the aquarium, we’re a big lover of the ocean in our family and the boys will spend literally hours in aquariums if we let them, they’re mesmerised by the fish and our eldest already knows lots of fish names (he can thanks mummy and daddy for being scuba diver for that 😉 )

    We would have to go to the beach as a holiday just isn’t complete without the kids making sandcastles and burying daddy’s feet! The golden sand…. oh yea please! and the water park looks like the best one in the world, theres SO much to do there! Although I don’t think id be able to tackle that gigantic slide… i’m not that brave haha We’d make up for it by going up the Burj Khalifa… We’re going up the Shard in London for the first time in May so that would almost be preparation for the tallest building in the world!

    The thought of the heat in Dubai does bother me a little but knowing that there are indoor activities like Kidzania to do makes it a little easier on the mind.

    We would just love to go to Dubai and make some AMAZING family memories to treasure forever… memories are made from these amazing experiences and those experiences are something i intend to give my children for as long as possible.

  52. I visited Dubai just as they were starting to build the palm island and would like to go back to see finished product

  53. I have never visited an underwater zoo and bet it’s the perfect escape from the Dubai sunshine. I read that they have a 2.4 metre croc! Yikes! I wonder how they got him down there?

  54. I have never been to Dubai but it is a dream destination. I would love to stay at the Burj Al Arab (dreaming, I know!) and enjoy a luxurious stay. I would visit the Textile Souk and wander among all the lovely Fabric which would satisfy my dressmaking addiction. I would take a sunrise balloon rise over the desert which would be amazing and follow this with a horseback ride through the desert. I would visit Wild Wadi for some water fun and then hit the beach. Finally, I would visit one of the Shopping Malls to purchase my mementos and luxury goods to take home.

  55. We spent a few days in Dubai last year as a stopover on our way back from Hong Kong. It was nowhere near long enough and we’re desperate to go back again. Top of my list next time (fingers crossed!) will be the Miracle Garden…. how can this beautiful oasis of flowers even exist in the middle of a desert? Then there are the shopping malls, in one you can ice skate, and in another you can ski! How cool is that when the temperature outside is around 30 degrees C? The malls are full of jewellery shops but they can be quite pricey, instead head to Deira, Old Dubai and visit the gold souk…. but don’t let me stay too long or we’d be bankrupt.

  56. I haven’t been yet though it would be a dream come true. I’m disabled so worry about how my hubby and I would cope with the airports hotels and general getting around. My cousin has been several times and shown me his photos which look absolutely fantastic as do yours. Maybe one day…..

  57. I’ve always fancied going to Dubai to see the Malls and Flash hotels. I’m. Particularly interested in going to their waterproof and indoor ski place too. Everything there is very big and I’d love to experience the whole shabang.

  58. I would love to win with the Stingrays and the Dolphins. I love the diversity of Dubai Zena something to suit everybody, and so much luxury which for us is a huge deal when traveling, coupled with the incredible dining, shopping and activity options its the perfect family holiday, as long as you make time for the gorgeous beaches and lazy rivers too, the best of luck x

  59. My husband and I celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary in March next year and this prize would certainly be a CELEBRATION! I would really like to discover the Dubai away from the materialistic side – more interested in its history and its culture – and visit places other than the obvious. Having said that I would certainly want to see the Burj Khalifa and the other iconic buildings. The Aquarium and Underwater Zoo would certainly be on our list of things to see as would be the beach. The Water Park and Kidzania look fantastic but at our age would probably give them a miss.

  60. Me & my family would experience all that Dubai has to offer & in between try & find a very rich person to buy are football team Leeds united as they need all the help they can get.

  61. I have been to Dubai once. I can highly recommend the 2 large shopping malls, the Dubai fountain at night, and the Dubai museum was fantastic. Next time I go I would like to see the Lost chambers of Atlantis and go to the top of the Burj Kalifa. Thanks for offering a great prize.

  62. Hi Zena,
    I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog about Dubai.
    It’s a destination I have never really considered before, as I thought there wouldn’t be much for our two girls to enjoy, however you’ve proved me wrong.
    We are very much into water, so a trip to the beach, the aquarium and underwater zoo and the Dubai Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park sound right up our street.
    I also really like the sound of KidZania – I’d be really interested to see how our girls act when they are in charge!
    Thank you for opening my eyes to a destination I previous would have discounted.

  63. Fab prize! Always wanted to visit Dubai, crossed off NYC, Havana, Toronto, Milan, Trinidad and Montreal in the last 2 years. Dubai would be an amazing next stop on my travels… I’m an avid photographer, and I love taking picutres in different countries, you learn and see so many different cultures. The photos are a great way to capture this, I would love to capture this.

  64. I admit I always thought that Dubai was really expensive as it is just such a luxurious destination. However I have read so many blog posts recently that have made me realise that while it may be incredibly luxurious it is actually also a lot more affordable then I imagined it to be. JBR beach looks like a little slice of paradise and perfect for a relaxing family day at the beach, the view from the Burji Khalifa looks breathtaking and truly instagram worthy! I just know that any child would have simply the best time at the aquarium and underwater zoo and kidzania and Atlantis aquaventure sound like my toddlers and teens most perfect days ever! Dubai truly sounds like the most magical and perfect family holiday destination and I wish you the very best of luck with your entry xx

  65. If I`m lucky enough to be selected I would love to have fun on the beach with my 2 children and husband, try lots of the local foods and have a relaxing sightseeing walk.

  66. What an amazing prize, right! Dubai has never excited me {as a family holiday destination}, before now! Now all I want to do is hop on a plane, sunbath on that stunning beach, go to the top of the Burj Khalifa to take some wicked selfies with my family and take in EVERYTHING Dubai has to offer. It would certainly be a holiday of a lifetime.

  67. If I had the chance to one thing then it would be to visit The Burj Khalifa, my research tells me it soars to 828M through the clouds and features the highest occupied floor of any building in the world and also the highest outdoor observation deck! How amazing is that!

    On the 124th floor, I would experience an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city, desert and ocean. You go by high speed lift travelling at 10M a second (perhaps sick bag at the ready!). Floor to ceiling glass walls with view of Dubai and beyond. I would probably be holding on to some one if I ventured out onto the air terrace until I found my feet!

    If I could choose two things then it would be to visit Aquaventure an amazing water park. I can imagine the heart thumping and stomach churning slides and water roller coasters rides and after I regained my sea legs (that may take some time!) then I would be tempted by their beautiful beach to relax.

  68. I started to make my Dubai wish list and then had to chuckle at how many things I had planned to do, easily a months worth of solid holiday fun. Hmmmm so I have four days, OK time to prune a bit!
    Start as I mean to go on by taking a 4×4 Dubai Desert Safari with Dune Bashing finishing with a starlight Arabian barbecue.
    Then to relax a visit to Dolphin Bay and on to The Lost Chambers Aquarium. A fishy day (sorry mammally/fishy day)!
    I think the ‘Best Waterpark in the Middle East 2015’ deserves a day to itself. The Dubai Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark promises fun, fun, fun!
    My Dubai Hot Air Balloon Flight is placed last, as to let you in on a secret its something I have always wanted to do and know will be fantastic but am a little nervous about. I may need three days to pluck up courage!

  69. Dubai, is on my to do list, I have not been yet. From the looks of the highest slide. I would dare and double dare just for that alone. I would love to have a look inside the Burj Khalifa (even if it’s just the foyer!) I think this would be on the list of many.
    More importantly as I am in a place were I may be possibly lacking Vitamin D, I would happily love to soak up the natural rays of the sun and go into the sea.

  70. We have never been to Dubai but I have always looked at the brochures for Atlantis, it looks amazing and in such a perfect setting, I would love to see the wow expression on my children’s faces and of course on my own

  71. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Dubai, would really love to visit. Good luck to all who enter this competition x

  72. Wow this looks absolutely stunning. As a family we have been on plenty of UK holidays with our three kids which were great fun, but my three wee ones haven’t yet been on a plane so how amazing it would be for them to experience landing at Dubai for their first trip!!!!

    Good luck with your entry xxx

  73. 1. Miracle Garden. I saw it on Gardener’s World I think and it made a huge impression. (As an aside, that was me tweeting Monty Don about any chance of a programme on Islamic Gardening a few days ago.) It’s not exactly gardening in harmony with nature, more like the triumph of human ingenuity against the odds – truly a miracle. Seems to have world class horticulture for me, and in your face whackiness for the kids.
    2. Dubai Conservation Reserve. Sounds like it has hammering around in a 4 by 4, which my kids would LOVE, combined with the type of natural environment and culture that they have never been lucky enough to experience.
    3. The Malls.
    The Dubai Mall, because, WOW!
    Also The Dragon Mall. Read an article about it in the Economist using it as a microcosm of the interconnected nature and dynamism of world trade. I have a vision of it in my head as being like something from Blade Runner, except not in the dark or raining, or having the underlying feeling of glamorous menace. Okay nothing like Blade Runner except constantly busy and diverse and that is more than good enough for me.
    Goodness, just thinking about it, I would LOVE to go to Dubai!

  74. never visited , friends lived there for a while and have told us amazing tales of their time there so would love to visit.

  75. I have never been to Dubai, although I don’t know why,
    It’s a country that has so much to see, from adventure to shopping sprees,
    It has culture and weather, you can go wherever!

    Out in the Middle East, you could experience quite a feast,
    Of nightlife, as well as wildlife, it could be the time of your life,
    As a newlywed it’s time we went somewhere, just the two of us,
    This is where we want to go, lots of fun and no fuss!

    Fingers crossed for you and me!

  76. Our family loves Dubai and believe it is the best family holiday destination ever! An inspirational place, with so much to see and do, not just its year round sunshine and gorgeous beaches. The warm, unsurpassable hospitality you receive will guarantee it a place in your family’s heart. Dubai has the World’s best of everything, including horse racing, water parks, cuisine, shopping mall – complete with ice rink and aquarium inside, tallest building and must see musical fountain. There’s no poverty, and the public transport is easily accessible and inexpensive. Give it a go; the entire holiday will be the best family thrill ride they’ve ever been on! You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by what excellent value it is.

  77. Dubai looks amazing! I would love the chance to treat my family to a place never experienced before! I have seen/heard so many great things and would most enjoy seeing my childhood friend who now lives there! Good Luck!!!

  78. what a fab competition, would love to take y kids into the clear clear waters there, this would be a ideal dream for me and my kids xx

  79. I would love to visit Dubai, mainly for the incredible architecture, shopping, tourist attractions and amazing weather!

  80. I would love to take my grandsons on a Dream Trip to Dubai – a clean, safe, family-friendly holiday destination, with plenty of activities to choose from for any age range. As well as relaxing on the beautiful golden sand of JBR Beach with its warm, calm and shallow waters we would all enjoy a dune- bashing safari followed by a camel ride and BBQ dinner in a Bedouin desert camp.

    We would visit the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort to learn about life from a bygone era as a contrast to the amazing architecture of the modern city which we could view from the front or rear carriages of the driverless Dubai Metro system and then take it all in from the At The Top observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

    The free and impressive Dubai Fountain water, light and music show can be watched from one of many waterfront cafes just outside the Dubai Mall. The malls in Dubai have many family attractions to choose from. The boys could try ice-skating, helped by the ‘penguin pals’, visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and also see the giant 155 million year old dinosaur skeleton (DubaiDino), all in the Dubai Mall.

    The boys love theme parks and this summer Dubai will open the world’s largest indoor theme park – IMG Worlds of Adventure with four themed zones inside including Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard. This will be completely enclosed and temperature-controlled with 1.5 million square feet of entertainment space!

    Our only problem will be going home with so much more left for us to see and do in beautiful Dubai.

  81. We visited Dubai a couple of years ago and loved it – the boys loved aquaadventure. The Beach at JBR is great too. It had shops and restaurants and by the beach there was a playground. I really liked that you could take a picture of yourself at one of the info boards and e mail it straight home like a postcard! I would love to go back and go to the desert as we didn’t manage it last time. I love the idea of sandboarding. I am hoping it would go better than my snowboarding experience did!

  82. Sitting in the shallow sea is like being in a warm bath – bliss – just make sure you slap lots of SPF50+ on as its like being hit with a hammer once you leave the aircon areas – everywhere has aircon even the bus stops ! The freeway through the middle is stunning, makes the M1 look like a roman road and like something from thunderbirds. Oh and theres the Burj Khalifa is you dont mind heights although not much to see bar Dubai itself and lots of desert. Finally the airport is phenomenal – space age again. Make sure you fly there on an A380, especially with Emirates.

  83. I love Dubai. Its a great stopover, where you can shop till you drop, in the malls and the souks,spend time at the waterparks while being guaranteed good weather and good quality hotels. I have visited twice and can’t wait to go back.

  84. This is a destination we have always wanted to visit as a family, ever since our little boy was small he has loved everything to do with the under water world, now 13 he knows every fish going, loves sharks and would never ever forget a holiday like this!! The Atlantis Hotel is the only place we would want to stay if we came to Dubai and i myself love to take photos to a trip to the desert would be my dream. xxx

  85. I’ve not had the opportunity to visit Dubai. As I grew up with the desert of Saudi Arabia in my back garden whilst my father was working overseas. I would love to take my niece and nephew on a desert safari to let them experience a piece of what me and their mother did. Eating dinner in the desert would just top it off. Sharing cultural experiences with family is always top of my list.

  86. Dubai is a place we’d love to visit, especially as a family. Fantastic weather, amazing architecture, and so much to do! The aquarium is on the list, as is the Burj Khalifa (always go to the top if these buildings, the Empire State and the Eiffel Tower have been conquered, so I need to do this too!) I know my husband would be in his element on all the water slides, he’s a big kid really. Dubai sounds like the perfect family holiday destination, and it would be a dream to get the chance to go and see it for ourselves!

  87. I have never been to Dubai but my best friend lived there for a few years. I have wanted to take my children to see the delights it beholds ever since I first heard her tales and saw the pictures. Visiting “the best mall in the world” with the 3 story aquarium, inspirational kidzania, dancing water and light fountain show, indoor ski slope not to mention the abundance of places to eat, shop and explore would be a must.

    I couldn’t go to Dubai without a trip into the desert. The desert safari would be an adventure to remember for a lifetime. A roller coaster ride in a 4×4 through the sand dunes would be exhilarating and a camel ride would be a sure delight. The fire show and belly dancing would entertain us all and dinner under the stars in the bedouin camp would complete the day perfectly.

    The Aquaventure Waterpark would make a life long dream a reality as we could have an encounter with the incredible dolphins, swimming, dancing and even kissing them! This also includes access to the huge water park that has zip lines, slides through shark-filled lagoons & a splash area for kids.

    I believe if we went we would never want to come home!

  88. I have never been to DUBAI but I am desperate to
    D. DESERT SKI, to visit
    U. UNDERWATER zoos to observe the
    B. BURJ Khalifa and taste the
    A. AROMATIC and tantalising Arabic food, and finally
    I. INVEST in designer style at the Dubai Mall

  89. Dubai looks simply amazing. So much to do, so many different worlds all wrapped up in one gorgeous place. Looking at what Dubai has to offer, I’ve been really impressed by the range of family-friendly options – theme parks, indoor fun sessions, skate parks – as well as sports, stunning beaches, and entertainment. And, of course, that beautiful underwater zoo!

    What I hadn’t realised was how much variety there is in Dubai in terms of food and culture. Our son is a huge foodie, despite being only 10, and would love visiting some of the restaurants and tasting the new flavours.

    As a family we would love to be able to visit Dubai, and experience just a taste of what is on offer. Our elder son loves nature, so would enjoy the different wildlife on show. And dad… well, quad-biking in the sand dunes would suit him perfectly. As for mum… of course Dubai is a shopper’s paradise! And I’m sure we would all enjoy a tour of historic Dubai, as well as the many museums. There truly is something for everyone.

    The hardest part will be choosing what to do. It really does seem that Dubai has it all, a wealth of opportunities to explore and experience.

    Dubai really is the city of possibilities and I want to ‘Discover All That’s Possible In Dubai’.

  90. The Best Things To Do With Kids In Dubai…

    No need Du Bai a guide book and spend hours perusing,
    It’s Zenas Suitcase blog i’ll be using!!

  91. I would love to take my family to Dubai…the beaches, the shopping, the food…My kids really want to go to the waterpark, this is definately top of my wishlist x

  92. Dubai looks like amazing place to visit as a family and create those wonderful moments which will stay in your memory forever.I do think that Dubai is so special and we would love to visit water parks and underwater zoo.my sons would be so excited.there are lot of lovely things to see,tasty food to eat and places to explore .to go away from everyday troubles,duties,worries and chores is pleasure for all of us as we can relax more,spend time together and enjoy life to its full!

  93. Dubai has been at the top of my bucket list for many years now and reading you post has made me want to visit so much more!

    Souks, skyscrapers, sand and sea, Dubai really has something for all the family and the possibility of visiting this incredible city is making me super excited.

    I’d love the opportunity to win our perfect family holiday in Dubai; a holiday for the four of us, that combines unlimited opportunities for fun and adventure. We’d be able to
    escape the ‘day to day’, making memories and recharging our batteries. And it would give us the chance to simply spend our days together as a family, enjoying each other’s company before Jack starts school in September.

    There are so many amazing adventures we’d like to experience, but our top 3 would have to be:

    1// A day of aquatic fun at Atlantis’ Aquaventure Waterpark to cool off in the Dubai heat. Aquaventure caters for all the family with its record-breaking rides and slides for thrill seekers and the Splashers’ Children’s Play Area, which is a haven for little ones with water cannons, slides and climbing frames.

    2 // A once-in-a-lifetime experience at Dolphin Bay. As there’s no age limit, we could enjoy this amazing experience as a family and I can only imagine the joy on the children’s faces when they get up close to these amazing creatures!

    3 // Experience the heady heights of Burj Khalifa. We couldn’t visit Dubai without venturing up the tallest building in the World, and although I’m afraid of heights, I’d still feel compelled to visit the observation deck on the 144th floor. As long as I don’t stand too close to the edge, nor look vertically down, I think I’d actually enjoy it.

    I’m now off to spend the day daydreaming about Dubai and all it has to offer…

    Best of luck with your entry! X

  94. That waterpark is definitely one for Grace! I would love to visit all the markets to experience the culture and Ross would be up for the theatre to take in some of the arts. Good luck with your entry 🙂 x

  95. Wow the Dubai fountain looks absolutely amazing! I would love to go to Dubai just to see that yet there is so much more all in one place – it is almost too hard to imagine so I will have to go there to find out for myself ? The beautiful beach beckons me, incredible concerts and entertainment, retail heaven and then relax and unwind by trying out traditional spa therapies at the hammam! The food in Dubai looks divine and I bet it is delicious. My husband would love the adventure sports, golf courses and falconry. There is something here for everyone. Dubai is my dream destination.

  96. I would love to visit Atlantis Aquadventure Water Park in Dubai. I have never visited yet…… and I would love to see Dolphins up close as its on my bucket list of things to do and where better to do it than sunny Dubai.

  97. I’d love to go to Dubai! It looks like such an amazing place and as you say there are plenty of things for children to do and it need only be as expensive as you make it.

  98. Guaranteed the sun would shine
    On delicious Arabian food I’d dine
    Some golf and riding and the sea
    A trip to Dubai, perfect bliss for me.

  99. I only recently discovered that Dubai had so much to offer families; I don’t think I would have considered it as a possible holiday destination before and what a shame that would be as it looks amazing! Your tips and choices are brilliant; the underwater zoo looks fantastic as does the Atlantis waterpark. Can you even imagine getting the opportunity to swim with dolphins? That would make my children’s so happy!!

  100. Fantastic and Dubai is one of my dream getaways but simply couldn’t afford thank you so much for the chance, i would love to visit the water park xx

  101. What an inspirational and informative blogpost. I loved your sentence about “at least once in a lifetime we should visit our dream destination.” That is such a great truth – We all have a bucket list destination but how many of us actually put things in motion to actually make the dream a reality.

    I love the tips you have given about making the most of a trip to Dubai. After all what’s the point of visiting your dream destination without knowing what the very best things to see and do are. It sounds obvious now you have said it but actually it would be tempting to visit the Burj Khalifa straight away – so I especially loved your tip about seeing some of the sights first so that the amazing view can be more meaningful when you know what you are looking at.

    I’ve loved looking at the Visit Dubai website as it is an incredible resource not just for dreaming but actually getting both the inspiration and the detail you need to plan for a trip to Dubai.

    The aquarium and waterpark would be top of my kids lists of what to do first! I love the sound of the culture, food and relaxation on offer.

    Very best of luck for your entry.

  102. I’d love to visit Dubai. My brother, sister-in-law and niece live there and have made me so jealous when they’ve hit the Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park and the amazing aquarium! I’d love to visit them as I’ve not seen them for 2 years now and miss my niece! It would be a dream come true to spend some time with her some of these awesome sunny adventures!

  103. I’ve never been to Dubai, but these photos are fantastic – They make me want to book a flight today! So much to see and do, it is a modern masterpiece of a tourist destination! From fun activities to fantastic shopping infused with Arabic cultural delights what is not to love?!

  104. Wow Dubai looks and sounds amazing! The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is something I would love to experience. I would love to take my 2year old Grandson who loves fishes and sea creatures. Then of course the Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park, a place where adults can be kids and kids will never be bored, fun fun fun! The weather is fantastic along with the food. A wonderful place to visit for family of all ages.

  105. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater zoo looks amazing! I would love to visit there and my dream is to swim with Dolphins in Dubai and visit Atlantis. Although sitting on a Beach with a cocktail in hand whilst building sandcastles would do me just fine too 🙂

  106. great blog would love to go to Dubai – is on my 5 to visit before I die, have done Canada and Maldives, Dubai, Australia and Tokyo to go xx

  107. That view from the Burj Khalifa is incredible, its hard to beleive how far Dubai has come in such a short space of time, I recently saw a before and after picture of Dubai 20 years ago and today and was astounded.

    The Aquarium looks amazing, my son and daughter loved the tiny(in comparison) Skegness Aquarium a few weeks ago, they would be blown away and I don’t think they would ever forget.

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