The United Arab Emirates has become a leading family vacation destination in recent years, offering an abundance of attractions, parks, beaches, and activities suitable for all ages. With a fascinating blend of innovation, tradition, safety, and convenience, the UAE provides an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family. 👨👩👧👦
In this guide, we’ll explore the best family attractions, share useful planning tips, and recommend comfortable and efficient transportation options to help you make the most of your visit. 🚗
Top Family Attractions in the UAE 🎢
Dubai 🌃
1. IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts
These two massive theme parks offer an exciting experience. At IMG, you’ll find zones based on Marvel characters and Cartoon Network favorites, while Dubai Parks offers attractions based on Legoland, Motiongate, and Bollywood. These parks are designed to accommodate both young children and teenagers, with a wide range of age-appropriate rides. 🎡
2. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The aquarium in Dubai Mall is one of the largest in the world and features a breathtaking underwater tunnel that children particularly love. You can upgrade your experience to participate in shark feeding or take a glass-bottom boat ride. 🐠
3. Ski Dubai
An unforgettable experience in the middle of the desert – an indoor snow park with ski slopes, snow sledding, and a snow play area for young children. This is an excellent attraction especially during the hot summer months. ⛷️
4. KidZania
A mini-city where children can “work” in various professions – pilots, doctors, firefighters, and more. This is an educational and fun attraction for ages 4-14 that gives children a glimpse into the adult world. 👩🚒
5. Jumeirah and Kite Beaches
Well-maintained beaches with playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants, and clean, shallow waters. Kite Beach also has a skate park and walking paths, and offers a view of the famous Burj Al Arab hotel. 🏖️
6. Aquaventure and Atlantis Waterparks
Spectacular water parks offering thrilling water slides alongside dedicated areas for young children. At Atlantis, you can also swim with dolphins and visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium. 💦
Abu Dhabi 🕌
1. Ferrari World on Yas Island
The world’s largest indoor theme park, featuring breathtaking roller coasters, rides for young children, and interactive activities themed around Ferrari cars. 🏎️
2. Yas Waterworld
A modern water park with over 40 rides and slides, the world’s first hydromagnetic water coaster, and attractions based on Emirati maritime heritage. 🌊
3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the most magnificent buildings in the UAE, combining traditional Islamic architecture with modern design. The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors and offers free guided tours. The venue is enormous, impressively beautiful, and suitable for touring with children. ⛲
4. Louvre Abu Dhabi
A world-class art museum with a stunning design, featuring a special children’s section with interactive activities and art workshops. 🖼️
5. Yas Island and Abu Dhabi Wildlife Park
On Yas Island, you can tour in jeeps among freely roaming herds of animals, including giraffes, lions, and tigers. A unique experience children won’t soon forget. 🦁
Sharjah and Other Emirates 🏛️
1. Sharjah Aquarium
A quality aquarium showcasing the biodiversity of the Arabian Gulf. It also offers activities such as shark feeding and marine animal care. 🦈
2. Al Montazah Park
A large family park with amusement rides, a miniature train, an artificial lake with paddle boats, and green spaces for picnics. 🚂
3. Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah
A relatively quiet beach with clear waters, a coral reef close to shore, and glass-bottom boats. A great place for family snorkeling. 🐢
Useful Tips for Families Visiting the UAE 💼
1. When to Visit ⏰
- October to April are the ideal months, with pleasant temperatures of 20-30°C (68-86°F).
- Avoid visiting in July-August if possible, when temperatures rise above 40°C (104°F) and outdoor activities become challenging.
- During Ramadan, some attractions may have limited operating hours.
2. What to Pack 🧳
- Modest clothing for public places (covering shoulders and knees), and swimwear for beaches and hotel pools.
- Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen – even in winter, the sun is very strong.
- Light layers such as a light sweater or scarf – air conditioning in shopping malls, restaurants, and public transportation can be too cold for children.
3. Planning Your Day 📝
- Don’t pack too much in – plan one or two main attractions per day.
- Schedule breaks – in the UAE heat, it’s important to plan for rest and refreshment.
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to save time in queues.
- Combine indoor and outdoor activities – early morning and evening are best for outdoor activities, while the hottest hours are perfect for air-conditioned indoor attractions.
4. Communication and Language 📱
- English is widely spoken in the UAE, making navigation relatively easy.
- Purchase a local SIM card at the airport for internet access and navigation.
- Download useful apps like Careem or Uber for rides.
5. Food and Drink 🍽️
- Always carry water bottles – staying hydrated is essential in the hot climate.
- International restaurants that will suit most children are abundant in shopping malls and tourist areas.
- Fast food chains are widespread throughout the Emirates, but this is also an opportunity to introduce children to Arabic food like hummus, falafel, and shawarma.
6. Culture and Customs 🧕
- Teach children basic rules of respect for the local culture.
- Explain that in public places, excessive noise, public physical contact, and rowdy behavior should be avoided.
- Don’t photograph local people without permission, especially women in traditional dress.
Transportation for Families in the UAE 🚙
One of the biggest challenges for families visiting the UAE is moving between attractions. We’re happy to present the best transportation options for families:
1. Private Transfer Services 🚐
Benefits for families:
- Maximum comfort – pickup and drop-off from your hotel directly to attractions.
- Flexible schedule – complete adaptation to your family’s pace, with no need to wait for public transportation.
- Safety – spacious vehicles with advanced safety systems and complimentary child safety seats.
- Local drivers – who know the area, can provide tips and recommendations, and help plan your route.
- Air conditioning – essential especially during the hot summer months.
- Equipment storage – space for strollers, bags, and additional gear that families tend to carry.
2. Dubai Metro 🚇
- Dubai’s metro is clean, safe, and efficient, connecting major attractions including shopping centers and tourist areas.
- Particularly suitable for families with older children, but less convenient with strollers and infants.
- Purchase a Red or Silver Nol card for all family members over 5 years old (children under 5 travel free).
3. Regular Taxis 🚕
- Abundantly available, comfortable, and reasonably priced compared to other major cities worldwide.
- Suitable for small families (up to 4 passengers).
- Typically do not provide child safety seats.
4. Car Rental 🏎️
- A good option for families wanting complete freedom.
- Excellent road system and relatively inexpensive fuel.
- Note that driving in the UAE can be aggressive, and fines for traffic violations are very high.
- Child safety seats are mandatory by law and should be ordered in advance from the rental company.
How to Choose Between Options?
- For families with young children (0-5) – Private transfer services are the most comfortable and safest option.
- For families with school-age children (6-12) – A combination of private transfers and the Dubai Metro can work excellently.
- For families with teenagers – All options are suitable, with car rental providing the greatest flexibility.
Recommended Ideal Family Itinerary
Days 1-3: Dubai
- Day 1: Dubai Mall, Aquarium and Underwater Zoo + Barsha Park
- Day 2: One of the theme parks (IMG or Dubai Parks)
- Day 3: Ski Dubai in the morning, Jumeirah Beach in the afternoon, and an evening walk in Dubai Marina
Days 4-5: Abu Dhabi
- Day 4: Yas Island – Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld
- Day 5: Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the morning, Louvre Abu Dhabi in the afternoon
Day 6: Sharjah or Ajman
- Sharjah Aquarium and Al Montazah Park or Ajman beaches
Summary 🌟
The United Arab Emirates is a wonderful destination for families, offering a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and unforgettable experiences. With proper planning, thoughtful selection of attractions, and appropriate transportation options, you can enjoy a fun and relaxed vacation.
At FastWay, we offer perfect transportation solutions for families visiting the UAE. Our vehicles are spacious, air-conditioned, and equipped with child safety seats at no additional cost. Our professional drivers will be happy to help you plan the perfect route and provide local tips that will enrich your experience.
Book your transportation with FastWay today and focus on enjoying the perfect family vacation in the UAE while we take care of all the transportation details!
Book Your Transfer Now and begin your unforgettable family vacation! 🚗