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Dubai Family Holidays: Beaches, Shopping & the Best Waterparks

Dubai Family Holidays: Beaches, Shopping & the Best Waterparks

Dubai Family Holidays: Beaches, Shopping & the Best Waterparks

If you’re dreaming of a family holiday that combines sun, sea, shopping, and world‑class attractions, look no further than Dubai. This dazzling city has it all: luxurious resorts, golden beaches, sprawling malls, and some of the best waterparks in the world.

In this guide, we’ll show you why Dubai family holidays are perfect for parents and kids alike—covering iconic resorts like Atlantis, The Palm, must‑visit waterparks, beach escapes, and the airlines that will take you there directly from the UK.

Why Dubai Is Perfect for Families

Dubai is one of the safest, cleanest, and most welcoming destinations for families. With year‑round sunshine, kid‑friendly hotels, and endless attractions, it offers something for every age group. Whether you’re chasing thrills in a waterpark, strolling along a beachfront promenade, or shopping inside the world’s biggest malls, Dubai family breaks are packed with fun and ease.

Atlantis, The Palm: The Ultimate Family Resort

Sitting proudly on Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, The Palm is a holiday in itself. Families often choose it as their base—and for good reason:

  • Aquaventure Waterpark – One of the largest waterparks in the world, with record‑breaking slides, lazy rivers, splash zones, and rides designed for every age group.
  • The Lost Chambers Aquarium – A magical maze of underwater tunnels filled with marine life—educational, immersive, and perfect for curious kids.
  • Atlantis Kids Club – Daily activities designed just for children, giving parents some downtime.

Even if you’re not staying overnight, a day pass to Aquaventure or The Lost Chambers is a must on any Dubai itinerary.

Other Waterparks in Dubai for Families

  • Wild Wadi Waterpark – A classic favourite near Burj Al Arab, with iconic views and thrilling rides.
  • LEGOLAND Waterpark – Tailored for children aged 2–12, with gentle slides, a lazy river, and LEGO‑themed fun.

Shopping & Entertainment for All Ages

  • The Dubai Mall – Home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, KidZania, an ice rink, cinemas, and hundreds of restaurants.
  • Mall of the Emirates – Famous for Ski Dubai, an indoor snow park where you can ski, snowboard, or meet penguins.

Beaches & Outdoor Fun

  • JBR Beach & The Walk – Golden sand, shaded areas, cafés, and activities right on the promenade.
  • Kite Beach – A lively spot with food trucks, playgrounds, jogging tracks, and watersports.

Beyond the beach, don’t miss Dubai Frame for panoramic views, or a family‑friendly desert safari with shorter drives, camel rides, and BBQ dinners.

Flights to Dubai from the UK

Getting to Dubai is straightforward, with frequent direct flights and plenty of good one‑stop options.

Direct flights from the UK

  • Emirates – Direct services from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
  • British Airways – Direct London Heathrow (LHR) ⇄ Dubai (DXB).
  • Virgin Atlantic – Direct London Heathrow (seasonal; service restarting for the winter season).
  • Royal Brunei Airlines – Fifth‑freedom direct flights between London Heathrow and Dubai on select dates.

One‑stop flights from the UK

Examples that connect via their hubs (useful for regional UK departures or fare hunting):

  • Lufthansa via Frankfurt (FRA)
  • KLM via Amsterdam (AMS)
  • Air France via Paris (CDG)
  • Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST)
  • SWISS via Zurich (ZRH)
  • Austrian via Vienna (VIE)
  • Pegasus Airlines via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
  • Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH)
  • Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi (Bus Service) 
  • Gulf Air via Bahrain (BAH)

Typical direct flight time is around 7 hours; one‑stop itineraries vary by routing. Schedules can change seasonally—always check with the airline when booking.

Practical Tips for Families Visiting Dubai

  • Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler weather and comfortable beach days.
  • Where to Stay: Atlantis for the full resort experience, or family‑friendly hotels in JBR, Dubai Marina, or Downtown for easy access to attractions.
  • Getting Around: Dubai Metro is clean and stroller‑friendly; taxis and ride‑hailing are plentiful. Plan around midday heat in summer.
  • Dress & Culture: Dubai is modern and international, but modest dress is appreciated in malls and traditional areas.

Final Thoughts

From record‑breaking slides to serene beaches and mega malls, Dubai family holidays deliver the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. With direct flights from the UK and attractions designed for kids of all ages, Dubai makes planning a family city break, shopping escape, or beach holiday refreshingly easy.