If you’re looking for somewhere new and exciting to take the kids for a winter break then Dubai might well have just the right ingredients to produce the holiday that you’ve all be longing for.
White sand beaches, water parks and the tallest building on the planet all add up to a whole lot of fun for all the family with numerous kids’ clubs and cultural activities to keep your brood happy and excited all day long.
However, with temperatures known to rise above 45C and cultural customs not known for their liberal leanings, is this really a good place to take your children on holiday? Below are just a few of the pros and cons about visiting Dubai with the family and if you’re planning on taking the plunge then just remember to pack your shades as things do tend to get a tad shiny.
The weather
Hey, it’s the United Arab Emirates so expect a fair bit of heat, especially in the summer. Winds can whip across the sand faster than Lawrence of Arabia so make sure you pack or purchase a wind breaker if you’re planning on braving the beach on a particularly blowy day.
January is the coldest month with a chilly average temperature of 24C and if you prefer to steer clear of humidity and too much air-conditioning then opt for the winter and avoid June through to August.
Cultural nuances
Under Sharia law it’s not advisable to hold hands or kiss in public unless you want to get deported and if you’re openly gay with children then you certainly want to think twice about coming to Dubai for a relaxing break. Visitors who aren’t Muslim can freely drink alcohol in licensed premises, usually hotels, but the further you go out of the city the less chance you’ll have of getting a drink.
Also, June and July 2015 and 2016 are going to include the religious month of Ramadan and although exceptions are made for the kids, adults should not be seen eating, drinking or smoking in daylight hours.
Finally, dress code is all about covering up the skin in public places other than swimming pools, clubs and bars so be warned if you’re a fan of shorts, shoulders and sleeveless tops.
Things to do
From the incredible man made fronds of the Palm Jumeirah to the historic narrow labyrinths of Al Bastakiya, Dubai really does represent a rich and varied range of things to do. Explore bustling souks in the morning and dive into the largest shopping mall on earth in the afternoon, whatever your family like to do, Dubai is a city of contrasts and makes for a fascinating adventure if you’re willing to get out and about.
The incredible view from the top of the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, presents a fabulous vision of the shimmering world beyond with an array of theme parks, green fields and the glistening waters of the Persian Gulf stretching as far as the eye can see.
Final thoughts
If you’re willing to respect local customs, visit when the weather isn’t too hot and combine mega malls and theme parks with cultural adventures then, yes, why not, Dubai is a great place to take the kids. Just don’t forget to try anything once!