Dazzling Dubai serves up a fabulous feast of fun and excitement for families craving an unforgettable luxury holiday experience in the glorious Arabian Gulf sunshine.

From theme park thrills and aqua park spills to educational attractions and enthralling desert adventures, this spellbinding destination really ticks all the boxes when it comes to creating magical memories that will last a lifetime. Dubai is home to luxurious all-inclusive, family-friendly hotels where kids clubs, splash parks, mini discos, playgrounds, games rooms and special menus for children are among the delights in store. And a world of fun is waiting to be discovered when families venture outside their hotel, with so much to see and do that the only challenge will be trying to fit it all in. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why this sensational city of superlatives is the ideal choice for the ultimate family holiday getaway.

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Awe-inspiring attractions

Opportunities for families to have a great time are everywhere in Dubai – in the city, in the sea, on the beach, in the air and in the beguiling desert. Tots to teens will be wowed by non-stop fun and entertainment at every turn, while parents can snap up the chance to relive their childhood and get in on the action. Spend wide-eyed hours in the city’s myriad of world class theme and water parks, get close to the animals in fantastic zoos, safari parks and aquariums, and check out an array of amusement arcades and giant toy stores. Then there’s the city’s world-beating wonders awaiting, including the world’s biggest Ferris wheel, the world’s largest dancing fountain show and Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The fun continues in the desert where a host of attractions include camel rides and horseback treks, dune-busting jeep safaris, falconry displays, quad biking, sandboarding and the chance to spend the night under canvas in a traditional Bedouin camp.

Unbelievable activities

Dubai is brimming with phenomenal activities which will leave you open-mouthed in disbelief. Out-of-this-world experiences include the chance to glide through a shark tank on a water slide, to dive in the world's deepest indoor pool which features a sunken city and to zipline through the Dubai Fountain. You can also spend a day in the world’s largest indoor amusement park, make a big splash in the largest inflatable water park in the Middle East and even go ice skating or skiing in the middle of summer at Ski Dubai. Children will love getting the chance to swim with dolphins at Aquaventure Waterpark, a helicopter tour offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city and visiting one of the bustling souks gives families a taste of local life. Other amazing activities include laser tag action in a Jurassic-themed arena, role-playing for children in a scaled replica of a real city and the chance to experience the closest thing to flying in Dubai’s indoor skydiving centre.

Splashing fun

A splashtastic time is assured in sunny Dubai, with a host of world-class water parks featuring exhilarating rides and twisting slides. The city’s biggest water park, Aquaventure, is home to white water rapids, the world’s longest lazy river and the Leap of Faith, a terrifying ride that plunges almost 30 metres down a near-vertical slide. Splashers is an adjoining mini-park for smaller kids. Wild Wadi, the city’s original Arabian-themed water park which opened in 1999, is still a family favourite with its 18-metre waterfall, daredevil slides and artificial surfing machines. Legoland Dubai Water Park and Laguna Water Park are other options for a splashing time, while the Lost Chambers is a magnificent 11-million-litre aquarium which is home to 65,000 marine creatures. Hours of fun is also assured on Dubai’s pristine beaches where children can enjoy traditional sandcastle-building sessions, or rides on pedalos, banana boats and glass-bottomed boats.

Theme parks galore

Dubai is a theme park lover's paradise, with more than 40 spectacular attractions to send families into raptures of joy. There's so much more to these kingdoms of fun than thrilling rides, with virtual gaming cafes, activity zones, playgrounds, theatres and eateries among the delights. IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park, is truly amazing, with dozens of rides themed on your favourite Marvel and Cartoon Network shows and characters. Hollywood-inspired Motiongate Dubai really has the wow factor, while Bollywood Parks Dubai is the first theme park in the world dedicated to Bollywood film culture. LEGOLAND® Dubai, which is themed on the famous building blocks, is a favourite with children and consists of a superb theme park and water park, with the option to stay at the adjoining LEGOLAND Hotel. Many families choose to buy a Go Dubai Card which lets them make savings on admission to many of the city's main theme parks.

Food, glorious food

No family will struggle to find somewhere great to eat when hunger pangs kick in after hours of fun in the city’s big attractions. Dubai has a truly international food scene and you’ll discover delicious flavours from around the globe in a plethora of top-class restaurants, while options for informal daytime dining include street food stalls, beachfront BBQs and the big fast food chains. The city is also home to superb food courts in the shopping malls which often feature a host of attractions and activities for young diners. Popular street food spots for tasty treats include Al Habasha in Deira’s Abu Hail area, Sultan Falafel in Deira and Maiz Tacos Food Truck in Downtown Dubai. Most food outlets also have an excellent choice of non-alcoholic drinks, with fresh fruit smoothies providing a winner with the little ones. The city also boasts specialised ice cream stalls and many of the city’s family-friendly hotels have special menus for kids.

Dubai is a dream come true for sun lovers, with fabulous warm weather all-year-round during its distinct tropical desert climate seasons of summer and winter. November to March is a great time to visit when you can avoid the peak of the heat and get out and about to discover the emirate's epic landmarks and world-famous attractions. Lowest average temperatures are around 20°C, with the mercury hovering around 30°C in the summer months of June to August, and sometimes soaring to a stifling 45°C. The summer time is ideal for a beach holiday, with the option for plenty of water sports thrills. The majority of the city's shopping malls, restaurants and indoor family attractions are air-conditioned so they are completely comfortable, even during the hottest weather. Dubai enjoys around 8 to 10 hours of sunshine daily, while rainfall is minimal, averaging a mere 68mm annually.

“Dubai is an unbelievable destination offering something for absolutely everyone."

“When it comes to family-friendly activities, however, I would definitely recommend a desert safari. If you’re travelling with children, you can venture out to explore the dunes in a comfortable 4X4 vehicle, visit an authentic Bedouin camp and enjoy traditional Arabic entertainment and food."

“If you’re holidaying with teenagers, you might feel a bit more adventurous and wish to take to the desert on a camel, a quad bike, a sandboard or in a dune buggy. "

“Whatever you decide, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience, with amazing desert scenery all around.”

Atlantis, The Palm

A World Away From Your Everyday

Dubai

This ocean-inspired destination is truly spectacular, with everything you need for a dream family holiday. It boasts the world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure Waterpark, and the The Lost Chambers Aquarium which is home to 65,000 marine animals. Discover luxurious accommodation from Ocean and Palm View Rooms to sensational signature suites. Then experience more than 32 restaurants, bars and lounges, AWAKEN spa and private beach.

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Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm

Dubai

This opulent retreat next to powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters is a haven of fun for families. World-class restaurants, exquisitely-appointed accommodation, a sumptuous spa and superb leisure amenities are among the delights which await. There's also a stunning 230-metre private beach, plenty of live entertainment and a host of attractions to delight young guests, including a kids club, games room and play area.

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Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection

Dubai

A stylish family beachside resort, the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, sits on the fabulous Jumeirah Beach next to Dubai Marina. Key features include ultra-stylish rooms, connecting rooms ideal for families and suites filled with 5-star luxuries, and boasting spectacular views. Within the resort is the exclusive Elixir Spa and there are superb culinary treats in the exquisite restaurants. Add to this direct private beach access and child-friendly activities for a truly unforgettable holiday.

Check out the Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection