Best Places To Visit In Dubai With Family
Located on the Persian Gulf, Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and a major business centre with a vibrant nightlife. It is known both for its modern skyscrapers and ancient culture, with a combination of luxury, adventure, and relaxation. With its warm climate, a plethora of activities, and numerous family-friendly attractions, Dubai is a great place for a family vacation.
History of Dubai
Originally settled by nomadic Bedouin tribes in the 4th century, Dubai was an important trading port in the early 19th century. In 1833 Dubai was taken over by the Al Maktoum dynasty, which ruled the region until 1966 when Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum took control. In the 1970s and 1980s, Dubai experienced a period of rapid growth due to the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves, which funded infrastructure development and modernization. Today, Dubai is one of the most populous cities in the United Arab Emirates, with over 2.5 million inhabitants.
What to Do in Dubai with Family
Dubai is an exciting city with plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained. From amusement parks and thrilling water rides to cultural attractions and traditional desert safaris, there’s something for every member of the family. Here are some of the best places to visit in Dubai with family:
Cultural Attractions
Dubai is home to many traditional cultural attractions that will give your family an insight into the city’s rich history and culture. One of the most popular cultural attractions is the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), which offers a variety of educational activities and cultural tours. You can also visit the Dubai Museum, housed in an 18th-century fort, to learn about the history and culture of the city through interactive displays and artifacts. The Jumeirah Mosque is another must-see cultural attraction, as it is one of the few mosques in the world that non-Muslims are allowed to enter.
Adventure Parks
Dubai has some of the best adventure parks and water parks in the world, offering plenty of thrilling rides and activities for families. The Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the most popular waterparks in Dubai, featuring water slides, a wave pool, and a river ride. If your family loves thrill rides, visit IMG Worlds Of Adventure for roller coasters and other heart-pounding rides. The park also has several themed zones based on popular cartoons and movies, such as Marvel and Cartoon Network.
Desert Safaris
Dubai is home to some stunning desert landscapes that are perfect for exploring with your family. Desert safaris are available with a variety of tour companies offering different experiences. You can choose from a traditional 4×4 safari, a camel ride through the desert, or an overnight camping trip with stargazing. Most tour companies offer activities such as sandboarding, dune bashing, and belly dancing shows to make your experience even more memorable.
Beaches
Dubai’s beaches are great spots to relax with your family during your vacation. Jumeirah Beach Park is one of the most popular beaches in Dubai, offering beautiful views of the Persian Gulf as well as plenty of activities for visitors such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Kite Beach is another great beach spot for families, offering opportunities for kite-flying as well as other sports such as beach soccer and beach tennis.
Shopping Malls
Dubai is known for its impressive shopping malls, which offer everything from high-end designer stores to traditional souks and handicrafts. Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world and features over 1,200 stores plus a variety of entertainment options such as a cinema, aquarium, and ice rink. The Mall of The Emirates is another popular shopping mall in Dubai with over 520 stores, an indoor ski resort, and several restaurants.
The Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island off the coast of Dubai that was built in the shape of a palm tree. It is home to many luxurious resorts such as Atlantis The Palm and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray as well as several restaurants and attractions. You can take a boat ride around the island or take advantage of the many activities it has to offer such as beach volleyball, jet skiing, zip lining, and more.
Example Tours in Dubai
There are many popular tours available in Dubai that can provide your family with a unique experience. Here are two example tours you can book while visiting Dubai:
Private Desert BBQ Tour
This private desert tour includes a 4×4 drive across the dunes, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, and a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in a luxury 4×4 vehicle for the drive through the desert to watch dusk fall over the dunes. After that you’ll be able to ride camels before trying sandboarding down some of the dunes. Henna painting is also available for those who want to get creative. The tour ends with a BBQ dinner under the stars with traditional cuisine served on wooden tables with cushions for seating.
Book this Private Desert BBQ Tour
Old City Tour
This guided tour takes you through Dubai’s most famous sights including Jumeirah Mosque, Bastakia Quarter, Burj Al Arab Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed Centre For Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), The Gold Souk, and more. You’ll get to explore these historic sites while learning about Dubai’s culture and traditions through your local guide. You’ll also have time to explore each site at your own pace before getting back into your air-conditioned vehicle for transport back to your hotel.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why Dubai has become such a popular destination for families over recent years. From cultural attractions like Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) to thrilling adventure parks and desert safaris, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels or exciting activities, you’re sure to find it in Dubai. So if you’re planning a trip with your family this year, make sure you add Dubai to your list!
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