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Plan an unforgettable family trip to Dubai with this comprehensive checklist. Discover tips on travel insurance, flights, family-friendly lodging, activities, advance ticket purchases, packing for the climate, understanding local culture, public transit options, and staying vigilant against illness and injury. Make the most of your Dubai adventure, creating priceless memories for the entire family.
Dubai tops many global travellers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. This glamorous desert oasis packs in dizzying skyscrapers, world-class shopping, beaches, amusement parks, and cultural sights for an incredible family-friendly vacation.
With prudent planning, you can craft an epic Dubai trip covering iconic attractions plus hidden gems to delight all ages. This step-by-step family travel checklist takes the guesswork out of organising your Dubai holiday for maximum fun and convenience.
Page Contents
- Secure Suitable Travel Insurance Online
- Book Optimal Dubai Flights
- Choose Family-Friendly Lodging
- Map Out A Mix of Activities
- Purchase Advance Tickets
- Pack Properly For Dubai’s Climate
- Understand Local Laws and Culture
- Consider Public Transit Options
- Remain Vigilant Against Illness & Injury
- Enjoy Priceless Family Time
- The Bottom Line
Secure Suitable Travel Insurance Online
Investing in travel insurance for Dubai should be your first priority when organising a family vacation. While unlikely, injuries or illnesses in foreign countries can mean paying exorbitant medical bills out-of-pocket.
Additionally, trip insurance covers costly cancellations from unforeseen circumstances before or during your journey, plus protections for lost baggage, flight issues, travel documentation problems and more.
Comprehensive travel insurance for Dubai brings invaluable peace of mind in case anything goes awry. You can easily compare plans and purchase convenient travel insurance online tailored to your specific trip dates and family needs.
Book Optimal Dubai Flights
Finding budget-friendly flights requires planning in advance, ideally 4-6 months ahead if possible. This expands options across more airlines and dates to discover savings on airfare.
Consider flying into Dubai International Airport (DXB) which operates as a global transit hub with extensive worldwide connections. Searching online booking sites lets you filter various departure points and arrival dates to pinpoint the lowest fares.
Review luggage allowances, add-on costs and routing schedules when selecting flights. Book early once desired Dubai-bound travel is found for your family at agreeable prices.
Choose Family-Friendly Lodging
Dubai’s glittering skyline flanking the Arabian Gulf waters means no shortage of hotels with postcard-worthy scenes. Budget and amenities become top concerns when deciding on lodging for a family trip.
Ideally, look for apartments or properties near main attractions, offering conveniences like kitchens plus kids’ clubs, pools and entertainment. Places along key transit lines prove practical for Dubai sightseeing without a rental car.
For locations, consider Dubai Marina near Jumeirah Beach, Downtown Dubai in the shadow of the iconic Burj Khalifa or Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah Island for beachfront luxury.
Map Out A Mix of Activities
Building a balanced Dubai family trip itinerary lets you experience cultural attractions, amusement thrills, desert ventures and more within your timeline. A 1 week Dubai getaway could include:
Iconic Sights
- Burj Khalifa Observation Deck – Don’t miss panoramic views from the world’s tallest building.
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – One of the world’s largest aquariums right in Dubai Mall.
- Burj Al Arab Luxury Hotel – Possibly the most famous hotel on earth with stunning architecture.
- Dubai Miracle Garden – Vibrant, colourful botanical gardens with flower-themed sculptures.
Water Parks & Beaches
- Aquaventure Waterpark – Slides and rides across Atlantis, The Palm resort.
- Wild Wadi Waterpark – Outdoors water fun with views of Burj Al Arab beside Jumeirah hotels.
- Kite Beach – Popular spot for water sports like kitesurfing and kayaking with dining/retail.
- La Mer Open Beach – Recently opened family-oriented beachfront district perfect for relaxing days.
Desert Safaris & Adventures
- Sundowner Dune Bashing – Time thrill ride over sand dunes, finishing with a barbecue dinner under the stars.
- Camel Trekking – A classic way to explore Dubai desert landscapes led by an experienced guide.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides – Float over Arabian dunes and Dubai landmarks at sunrise for phenomenal views.
Amusement Parks & Entertainment
- Dubai Parks & Resorts – Huge theme park complex including Legoland Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure – Indoor amusement park with Marvel and cartoon-themed rides and attractions.
- Ski Dubai Snow Park – Yes, an actual ski slope and snow park inside the Mall of the Emirates!
Mix must-see landmarks with amusement rides plus beach or desert days for balance. Dubai offers bountiful sights for crafting a family trip itinerary spanning interests and ages.
Purchase Advance Tickets
Huge tourist draws like ascending to [Burj Khalifa’s observation deck] often have formidable queues without booking ahead. Save precious time and guarantee entry by purchasing dated, timed tickets online well before arriving.
The same goes for specific evening desert safari outings, restaurant dining packages or marquee Dubai events you want on fixed dates. Print or download mobile tickets and voucher codes for breezing into attractions upon arrival.
Pack Properly For Dubai’s Climate
Very high temperatures paired with intense sunshine mean packing suitable attire for spending long days touring Dubai. Lightweight, loose clothing in breathable fabrics will keep you coolest alongside hats, UV-blocking sunglasses and sunscreen.
If planning mosque or cultural site visits, pack modest tops, longer shorts/skirts and pashmina scarves to cover skin out of respect. Throwing a cardigan or jacket into bags handles Dubai’s heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces too.
Protective gear like sports sandals and moisture-wicking daypacks also prove sensible for vigorous activities. Visitors unaccustomed to desert heat risk sunburns, fatigue or dehydration without proper precautions.
Understand Local Laws and Culture
While more liberal than elsewhere in the region, familiarising yourself and kids with Dubai’s customs enriches experiences plus conveys respect. This includes trying:
- Wearing culturally conservative styles when appropriate
- Using your right hand only for eating or greetings
- Avoiding public displays of affection
- Not drinking alcohol without proper licenses, only in designated areas
Additionally, snapping photos of people without permission or insulting the Emirates are culturally insensitive behaviours. Explain relevant etiquette to children ahead of visits to mosques and other sacred locales.
Consider Public Transit Options
Navigating Dubai’s extensive metro and tram networks proves reliable and affordable, especially for families. Purchase rechargeable NOL travel cards, eliminating ticket lines upon each ride.
Assess transport needs between your lodging, planned activities and dining spots when mapping out days. Arrange hotel shuttles or book a discount luxury car service for side trips requiring vehicle transportation if needed.
Remain Vigilant Against Illness & Injury
Dubai’s arid desert environment carries risks like heat exhaustion, sunburns, plus dehydration if not careful – heightened with kids. Always carry water and hats while sticking to shaded areas as much as possible from peak afternoon hours.
Frequently washing hands is one of the best protections against contracting any stomach viruses or the common cold making the rounds in a new region. Keep minor medical supplies on hand, too, for promptly addressing headaches, scrapes, allergic reactions, etc.
Enjoy Priceless Family Time
Most vitally, a Dubai family trip presents precious opportunities to bond while discovering somewhere new together. Build in relaxation or pool days between packed sightseeing for recuperation. Go with the flow if kids occasionally need more downtime from rigorous schedules.
Cherish shared moments of wonder, laughter and adventure as you create beautiful lifelong memories. With prudent preparation, Dubai delivers incredible quality time amid bedazzling Emirati culture the entire family can treasure.
The Bottom Line
Planning an epic yet smooth family trip to Dubai just takes strategic preparation. Securing comprehensive travel insurance for Dubai, smart budget flights, plus activity-packed lodging set the stage for success.
Mapping out balanced itineraries across Dubai’s wealth of attractions provides memorable adventures catering to all interests and ages. Booking advance tickets and packing properly for the climate prevents hassles as well. Respecting local culture while remaining vigilant against illness guarantees the most enriching experiences too.
Most vitally, Dubai allows you to bond with loved ones, discovering exotic camel treks through sun-kissed deserts and rollercoasters with skyscraper views side-by-side. This dazzling oasis city delivers nonstop excitement mixed with relaxation when desired.
Use this Dubai family vacation checklist to organise the logistics, then fully immerse yourself in precious time together. Enjoy palm-lined beaches one day and indoor skiing the next during a trip you’ll forever cherish.
