Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyles, is an excellent destination for a family vacation. The thrilling theme parks and adventures provide the perfect level of playfulness to keep the kids entertained, while the high-end malls and awe-inspiring architectural marvels add a touch of glitz and glamour for adults to enjoy. Here are some compelling reasons why Dubai should be your next family holiday spot.

It is impossible not to have heard of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, but hearing about it pales in comparison to actually visiting it. The view from the observation decks, located on the 124th and 148th floors, is mind-blowing and enjoyable for the entire family. The entrance to the top of the Burj Khalifa is located inside the Dubai Mall, but more on that later. Nearby, the Dubai Fountain has scheduled water and light shows daily, where the water moves in rhythmic harmony with the lights and the music. Families can witness it from the boardwalk, or for a more enlightening experience, embark on a traditional Abra boat ride on Burj Lake and get an up-close and personal view of the largest performing fountain of the world. Another iconic landmark is the Dubai Frame, where the juxtaposing views of Old Dubai and New Dubai feel like a journey through time.

Dubai would not be the city that it is without its plethora of exciting theme parks and water parks. Dubai Parks and Resorts spans over 25 million square feet and gives families the chance to explore multiple parks, including Motiongate Dubai (a Hollywood-themed park), Real Madrid World, and Legoland Dubai. The park collectively features over 100 rides and attractions. Renowned water parks in Dubai include the Wild Wadi Waterpark and the AquaFun Waterpark.

One key attraction specifically centred around entertaining and educating kids is OliOli Dubai. It is a children’s play museum with interactive and immersive play experiences. There are galleries, parks, and exhibits, and the best thing? One adult goes free per child!

A desert safari is one of the most exhilarating experiences one can come across in Dubai and will be a core memory for the family for years to come. It starts with a drive across the sandy dunes in a 4x4 vehicle, and this is a bumpy ride for sure. This is followed by a variety of activities such as a camel ride, quad bike driving, and sandboarding. The adventure eases off when the sun sets, and visitors have the opportunity to relax in a pavilion with calmer activities like getting henna drawn, indulging in freshly grilled kebabs and flavourful shawarmas, or witnessing the skill of the traditional belly dancers and fire handlers.

Dubai offers a variety of accommodations that cater specifically to families. Many hotels provide spacious rooms, kids’ clubs, and special amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for families. If you are looking for a family-friendly hotel in Dubai, your options include the Anantara Downtown Dubai.

Dubai is home to some of the most luxurious malls in the world. The Dubai Mall, the largest in the world, has every luxury brand one can imagine within its walls, along with plenty of attractions for kids, including an indoor aquarium, a massive indoor theme park called KidZania, and an ice skating rink. Families can spend hours exploring the various attractions, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience. Another popular shopping destination is the Mall of the Emirates, which houses Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort.