United Arab Emirates
In 2022 we started our year in Dubai, a city that has it all - sunshine, beaches, theme parks and world-class shopping. It's the perfect destination to escape the cold winter weather in Germany, especially when you're traveling with kids. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best things to do with your children in Dubai.
Take a Desert Safari
A desert safari is an exciting adventure that we loved and we are sure you will, too. You'll drive through the dunes in a 4x4 vehicle and experience the thrill of dune bashing. If you are up for it, you can also do sand surfing - although we weren't able to surf in the traditional sense (standing up on the board) because unexpected rain earlier in the day had made the sand too hard, we found a way to make the best of the situation and still have a great time. Alpay explored another exciting possibility by speeding through the sand on a quad bike. In addition to this thrilling activity, there are many other things to experience in Dubai's desert. You can take a leisurely ride on a camel, be entertained by a traditional belly dance performance and savor a delectable Arabic dinner.
2. Enjoy the Beaches
Dubai is known for its beautiful beaches, so spending a day soaking up the sun and playing in the sand is a must-do activity with kids. Some of the most popular beaches include Jumeirah Beach (our absolute favorite!), Kite Beach and La Mer Beach. Some of the beaches have lifeguards on duty and offer facilities such as showers, changing rooms and restaurants.
Jumeirah Beach (JBR) is a top pick for many visitors, including our family, despite its bustling and crowded atmosphere. With an endless selection of restaurants and cafes, there is no shortage of dining options to choose from. Plus, don't miss out on the world's largest inflatable water park, a fun-filled activity for kids and adults alike. While we were initially hesitant about the safety of the water park for our boys, we were relieved to learn that everyone must wear a lifejacket. So dive into the fun and make unforgettable memories at Dubai's gorgeous beaches!
3. Meet penguins!
Yes, you read that right! When people think of Dubai, they often imagine vast deserts and hot temperatures. However, we learned that this vibrant city offers a variety of unique experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions. Two such activities that are perfect for families are meeting penguins and learning to ski. The Ski Dubai indoor ski resort offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with a colony of Gentoo and King Penguins. You can watch these adorable creatures waddle, slide and swim in their habitat and even take a photo with them.This activity was an absolute favorite among the kids - where else can you experience such a memorable encounter?
For those who want to hit the slopes, Ski Dubai also offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for all skill levels. Alpay & the kids are beginners so they took part in a course to learn the basics while Andrea had a blast on the snow-covered hills and slopes. The resort provides not only all the necessary equipment including skis, boots and helmets but also warm snow suits and gloves so you don't need to worry about bringing your own gear. And if you're not into skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy such as tobogganing, snowboarding and even a giant snowball fight!
4. Watch the Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is a spectacular water and light show that takes place every evening in front of the Dubai Mall. The fountain shoots water up to 150 meters in the air and is synchronized to music creating a breathtaking display. Our kids loved watching the water dance and the colorful lights. If you know the iconic Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas - this is nothing compared to Dubai.😱
5. Visit the tallest building in the world
The Burj Khalifa is home one of the world's most impressive architectural wonders. Standing at an incredible height of 828 meters (2,716 feet), the Burj Khalifa has become a symbol of Dubai's modernization and innovation. We were amazed by the outdoor show that was displayed on the facade. But we did skip taking the high-speed elevator to the observation deck on the 124th floor. The Burj Khalifa as well as the surrounding architecture is awe-inspiring. We cannot even imagine what vision must be in place. The structure just like the entire city shows determination to lead the way in innovation and modernization.
We will be back in Dubai for sure as we can’t wait to see how the "City of the Future" will evolve. One of the things we loved most about Dubai was also its incredibly diverse population. The city is home to people from all over the world. We learned that over 200 nationalities are represented among its residents. This diversity is reflected in the city's culture, cuisine and lifestyle, making it a truly unique and cosmopolitan destination. It made us feel like we were part of a global community and it's one of the reasons we can't wait to return to this amazing city.
We can recommend Dubai as a fantastic destination for families with children. With so many things to do and see, you'll never run out of activities to keep yourself entertained. From theme parks to beaches and deserts, there's something for everyone in Dubai. So don’t wait for the weather to make you move but pack your bags and head to this truly exciting city!
