From endless stretches of sand perfect for building sand castles to action-packed attractions and family-friendly hotels unlike anywhere else, a holiday in Dubai has everything you could wish for - and more!

The largest city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, has lots to offer a family vacation filled with activities. Explore the city, take a trip to one of Dubai's fantastic amusement parks or waterparks, or go on exciting outdoor activities like desert safaris and water sports. If you want a more relaxing holiday, head poolside, where kids can race down waterslides, or spend the day with your feet in the sand on Dubai's beautiful white sand beaches.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to planning your Dubai family holidays in 2024.

List Things To Do for Your Dubai Family Holidays

There is something in Dubai for every kind of traveler! Everything is enormous, the biggest, most modern, and outstanding in this interesting city. Dubai is actually one of the world's most family-friendly holiday destinations due to its diversity and what it has to offer.

Take a desert adventure and bash some dunes

Many local tour companies will take you for a day of dune bashing, which includes taking a 4x4 car packed with excited families and hurling it onto hourglass landscapes. Perfect for wearing out adrenaline-loving kids. Fasten your seatbelts as your off-road car speeds across endless, altering landscapes and climbs huge dunes; thereafter, strap on a sandboard to descend steep dunes.

Try an evening desert safari package for the full experience; it usually includes sandboarding, henna painting, camel rides, dune bashing, and a barbecue feast, complete with live music.

Take a desert adventure and bash some dunes

Take in the view from the top of the Burj Khalifa

Ascending the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building is the perfect playground for your children. Standing at an impressive height of 828 meters (2,700 feet), this must-see skyscraper is an incredible vertical metropolis. 

The view is completely dizzying from below, but from the observation deck, which is located on the 148th level and 555 meters (1,820 feet) above, you can enjoy the expansive vistas of Dubai with a calm detachment because you are now so far above the ground that it seems like you are viewing the UAE on Google Maps.

Cool off in wild waterparks

Dubai has elevated chilling out to an art form because the city provides year-round sunshine and dry heat. Dubai provides top-notch waterparks with a variety of waterslides ranging from entertaining and family-friendly to downright terrifying. You can choose to plunge an upright sluice or unwind on a lazy river ride. 

Hang ten at Wild Wadi Waterpark (located beside Dubai’s skyline-defining, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel) where surfing simulators make impressive waves by blasting water into pools at more than seven tonnes per second. Over at Aquaventure Waterpark (situated within the hotel complex of Atlantis, The Palm), the open-air Leap of Faith waterslide plunges down the side of a huge, replica Mayan pyramid in what feels like a near-vertical drop.

Cool off in wild waterparks

Dance to the Dubai Fountain

See the Dubai Fountain show by going downtown to the artificial Burj Khalifa Lake. This intricate 275-meter-long fountain, which is lit by 6,600 incredibly bright lights and 25 projectors, shoots water up to 152 meters into the air. It was designed by the same company that created the fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. 

A range of modern and classical Arabic songs, including Celine Dion's and the more kid-friendly Mission Impossible theme song, accompany the entire spectacular show.

Experience everything at Dubai Mall

During your Dubai trip for family, don't miss out on Dubai Mall, where besides high-end stores, you'll discover a wealth of attractions such as an indoor theme park,  a massive dinosaur skeleton, a full-sized ice rink, an indoor waterfall, and the stunning Dubai Aquarium.

This massive aquarium holds about 33,000 fish from 75 different species and a 48-meter walk-through tunnel. Observe the massive grouper fish, which can weigh up to 360 kg, the largest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world, and black, eagle, and leopard stingrays.

You can view part of this amazing aquarium without even going inside. If you decide to visit the aquarium, plan and purchase your tickets well in advance. The aquarium gets very busy in the afternoon, so go early in the morning.

Experience everything at Dubai Mall

Visa Requirements For Dubai Family Holidays

Dubai welcomes tourists from all over the world,  but it's crucial to check the visa requirements well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. 

Types of Visas

• Traditional visa: Most visitors traveling to Dubai for family holidays can obtain a traditional UAE visa at your local UAE embassy or the Consulate nearest.
• E-Visa: Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa through our official UAE Visa Services website. The e-visa process is straightforward and can be completed online, usually within 1-3 business days.

Requirements

• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Dubai.
• Application Form: Complete the visa application form accurately and prepare all required documents, including passport copies, photographs, and fees.

Planning Your Dubai Family Holidays

The best time to visit

The Middle East's most sought-after family vacation spot is Dubai, which is renowned for its striking blend of modern buildings and age-old customs. November through March is the best time to visit Dubai because of the great weather and abundance of outdoor activities, such as exploring the busy souks and cafes. This is also the most popular period to visit Dubai.

Take note that many travel agencies offer family holiday packages from Dubai, providing convenient and cost-effective options for an unforgettable family getaway.

Accommodation options

Dubai provides a large selection of lodging choices to suit all budgets and preferences. Since kids may participate in water sports and other activities at beachside resorts, families frequently choose to stay there. On the other hand, the city has a large number of opulent hotels in its central districts that provide easy access to eateries, retail centers, and cultural attractions.

Planning your Dubai family holidays     

Budgeting Tips For Managing Your Dubai Family Trip Cost

Planning a family trip to Dubai can be exciting but managing costs effectively ensures that you enjoy your vacation without financial stress. Here are some practical budgeting tips to help you manage your Dubai family trip cost-efficiently:

Accommodation

• Book early: Make sure to reserve your lodging well in advance to benefit from early bird specials and discounted pricing.
• Family packages: Look for family holiday packages from Dubai that include accommodation deals, offering significant savings.

Transportation

• Public transport: Make use of the affordable and well-connected Dubai Metro, buses, and trams to get to all the main attractions.
• Ride-sharing: When traveling with little children, it is more convenient to use ride-sharing services or taxis.

Budgeting tips for managing your Dubai family trip cost

Attractions and Activities

• Combo tickets: Purchase combo tickets for multiple attractions to save money. Many family holiday packages from Dubai offer discounted entry to popular sites.
• Free activities: Your family trip to Dubai cost can be saved by taking advantage of free or low-cost activities such as beach outings, public parks, and cultural festivals.

Travel Insurance

Invest in comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen expenses to protect your budget.

Dubai family holidays in 2024 promise a blend of excitement, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Start planning your Dubai family adventure today and embark on a journey filled with wonder and delight! Apply for a UAE e-visa is the first step on your magnificent journey. Go and start to setting your foot on this beautiful land!