A family-tested guide to where to stay, what to do and how to make Dubai unforgettable with kids.
We first fell in love with Dubai during an unforgettable 15-night stay in October and November 2024. We loved it so much that we returned for another incredible 21-night trip in August 2025 — but even that wasn’t enough. Dubai had completely captured our hearts, and in 2026 we made the biggest decision of all: to make Dubai our home and relocate here as a family.
Our full Dubai Relocation Guide is coming soon.
If you’re considering a family holiday, we highly recommend Dubai. From thrilling theme parks and record-breaking waterparks to golden beaches, desert safaris and exceptional hotels, there is something here for every age.
Everything families should consider before booking, from why Dubai works so well with children to flights, locations and accommodation areas.
Dubai offers an unbeatable mix of adventure, luxury and culture. From world-class theme parks and waterparks to beaches, shopping and family-friendly dining, there is something for little ones, teens and adults.
It is also exceptionally easy to build very different types of family holiday into one trip — relaxation, city sightseeing, resort time and big-ticket attractions.
When researching flights from the UK and Ireland, we wanted the best balance between cost and convenience. Direct flights can be expensive, so it is worth comparing one-stop routes as well as nonstop options.
On one trip we flew Lufthansa via Munich, giving us a short break between flights while saving considerably compared with some direct fares.
Palm Jumeirah is ideal for luxury beachfront resorts, Dubai Creek Harbour combines skyline views with easy access to historic Dubai, while Dubai Parks & Resorts is perfect for theme-park-focused stays.
For younger families, Centara Mirage Beach Resort combines the feel of a beach holiday with an on-site waterpark.
Our personally recommended Dubai hotels and resorts.
We loved the private beach, beach club, pools, world-class dining and the exclusive M Club with complimentary drinks, snacks and panoramic Palm West Beach views.
The location is excellent for Atlantis Aquaventure and exploring the Palm.
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A true slice of paradise with Thai-inspired styling, a golden beach, excellent dining and brilliant family facilities. The Lagoon Access Rooms were the standout for us, opening directly onto the resort’s lagoon-style pool.
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A luxurious beachfront resort with skyline views, excellent dining, a fantastic breakfast buffet and a brilliant position directly on Palm West Beach.
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One of the most visually impressive hotels we have stayed in, with spectacular skyline views, an infinity pool, excellent kids and teen facilities and a beautiful Club Lounge.
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A dream for LEGO-loving families with themed bedrooms, huge play areas, a LEGO pool and direct access to LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park.
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One of our easiest recommendations for younger families, with a lazy river, slides, splash areas, beach activities and plenty of entertainment without leaving the resort.
Check rates & book ›Our favourite Dubai family experiences, from world-famous waterparks and theme parks to desert safaris, shopping and dining.
A full-day family experience combining major water slides, family rides, rapids, lazy-river sections and a private beach.
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The high-speed elevator and observation decks give an unforgettable perspective over Downtown Dubai, the desert and the Arabian Gulf.
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A brilliant mix of DreamWorks, Lionsgate and Columbia Pictures rides, with roller coasters, dark rides, 3D attractions and younger-family areas.
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One of the most unforgettable experiences of our Dubai trips: vintage Land Rovers, desert wildlife, sunset over the dunes, falconry, an authentic Bedouin camp, Emirati food and stargazing.
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Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Seef and Deira’s souks each offer a completely different family shopping and entertainment experience.
A brilliant dining option when you want the view to be part of the experience, with a fantastic Downtown setting beside Burj Lake and the Burj Khalifa.
Reserve a table ›Helpful practical advice before you travel.
Respect local culture; book major attractions early; use taxis and the Metro; stay hydrated; make use of Dubai’s indoor attractions; check current local laws and seasonal guidance; and bargain where appropriate in traditional souks.
Use offensive language or gestures; photograph people without permission; litter or jaywalk; wear beachwear away from pools and beaches; haggle in fixed-price shops; or travel without checking prohibited and restricted items.
Dubai is our ultimate family holiday destination, offering exciting adventures for different ages, budgets and travel styles. With careful planning, a brilliant family trip is absolutely possible.
Thank you for your support!
Sally & Rob