This world-class destination is famous for its city-sized malls, bustling bazaars and white sandy beaches, but it’s also a great place to take your family – it’s safe, sunny and fun and has a wealth of activities, amazing waterparks, full-service restaurants and great sights to see. Dubai is a shining jewel in the UAE’s crown and there’s plenty to do for people of all ages – even teenagers! If you’re planning a family holiday this year, here are the top 5 things to do in Dubai.
Here are the top 5 things to do in Dubai:
Relax on the blissful beaches
Dubai’s beaches are dotted with beautiful beach cafes, exciting watersports and miles of golden sand. Soak up the sun with gleaming skyscrapers as your backdrop at the world-famous Jumeirah Beach or mingle with cool kite surfers and watch their amazing moves at the aptly named Kite Beach. The consistently warm waters of the Arabian Gulf make Dubai a great holiday choice at any time of the year.
Dine at world-class restaurants
While Al Dhiyafa Road and Al Seef in Dubai offer a wide variety of delicious, authentic (and affordable) eateries (e.g.: Shawarma, Al Harees, Mehlabiya, Baba Ganoush, Karak Chai (spiced Arabic tea) or Jelab etc.), there are plenty of eateries and fabulous gourmet restaurants as well. From non-vegetarians to vegetarians and even vegans, Dubai has something for every foodie. And the list is so long that you will have plenty of options to choose from. Some dishes will even make you feel at home as they reflect the tradition of their culture. Our top picks are Wakame (Sofitel Downtown Dubai), Atmosphere (Burj Khalifa), Bread Street Kitchen (Atlantis, The Palm), White Beach (Atlantis, The Palm) and Time Out Market.
Also read: Dubai: Your guide to experiencing the best of the world in one city
Old Dubai
Within the Al-Fahidi Fort, you’ll find the Dubai Museum which offers a fascinating glimpse into Dubai’s history and culture. Built in the 1800s, this beautiful building once protected the city from warring tribal communities. Today it stands proudly as the oldest structure in the city, housing a world of ancient wonders. Explore exhibitions about Dubai life at the museum and enjoy the vast display of antiquities. Wandering its historic galleries provides a wonderful cultural day out.
waterparks in dubai
It’s no surprise that Dubai has some of the best waterparks and plunge pools, but Dubai also has the world’s largest inflatable waterpark, the Aqua Fun Waterpark at Jumeirah Beach. This waterpark has an obstacle course with ramps, slides and wiggle bridges, with a capacity of 300 people.
Desert Safari
Drive 30 minutes from downtown Dubai and you’ll reach the golden desert, one of Dubai’s main tourist attractions. There are plenty of activities available here but our favourite is to spend a night under the stars in the luxurious desert camps. A 4×4 will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the city centre. Be warned, it can get a little bumpy as you drive over the dunes until you reach the Bedouin-style camp. Once at the camp, you can enjoy traditional food and drink, belly dancing, aerial dance and fire shows. Our pick: Platinum Desert. The private retreat of one of Dubai’s royal families where you’ll enjoy a fabulous six-course menu. Here you’ll dine in your own cabana surrounded by rolling sand dunes
For people traveling abroad, safety is usually a concern. However, when you are going for a holiday in Dubai, don’t worry, as it is one of the safest cities in the world. High moral standards among residents, as well as strict laws, mean that the crime rate is very low for a city of this size. Therefore, you can holiday in Dubai without any worries.
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