Dubai with Kids: the Practical Guide

Dubai is one of the easiest destinations there is with children: it is safe, clean, everything works, and the city is built for families — from changing rooms in every mall to kids' menus everywhere. Here is what we tell the families we host all year round.

When to come with children

Where to stay: our straight answer

With kids, space almost always beats location. A two-bedroom apartment with a kitchen changes the logistics: the little one's meals, naps, laundry. That is exactly why our Samana Park Views duplex in Arjan works so well for families: 103 sqm, two real bedrooms, and a private pool with jacuzzi on the balcony — the kids never leave it, right next to the living room, in your sight.

Arjan has another advantage: it is the district of Miracle Garden (the world's largest flower garden, open roughly October to May) and the Butterfly Garden, two outings children remember for a long time. For a very short first trip where you want the Burj Khalifa on foot, our Lofts Downtown (2 bedrooms, 135 sqm) is the city-centre alternative.

Activities that work, by age

• 2-6: Dubai Aquarium (inside Dubai Mall), Butterfly Garden, the playgrounds of Safa Park and Zabeel Park, JBR beach late afternoon.
• 6-12: Miracle Garden, IMG Worlds of Adventure (indoor — priceless in summer), Aquaventure at Atlantis, the 1-dirham abra ride across the creek, KidZania.
• Teens: the top of the Burj Khalifa, indoor skiing at Mall of the Emirates, a desert drive at sunset, indoor skydiving.

The logistics nobody mentions

• Taxis: affordable and everywhere; request a child seat in the Careem app, or bring your own.
• Metro: clean, air-conditioned, with lifts — very stroller-friendly outside rush hour.
• Groceries: Carrefour and Spinneys deliver within hours; everything you find in Europe is here, formula and nappies included.
• Swimming: in our apartments, tell us the children's ages when you book — we will tell you exactly what is secured and what needs an adult eye.

Family budget: the apartment changes everything

The real money-saver of a family trip to Dubai is the kitchen: breakfasts and some meals at home cut the food budget by a third without taking anything away from the trip. Our full budget guide breaks the numbers down line by line.