We have lived in the Middle East for 12 years, the last 7 in Dubai, UAE. It is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, most people just think of 5* hotels, luxury restaurants and shopping. Dubai is a lot more than that! Living here we have come to know all the tips and tricks of where to go and what to do so read on to find out everything you need to know about Dubai and the UAE.
Dubai is the ideal family holiday destination with so much on offer to keep the everyone busy so it is easy to see why people keep on returning year after year.
Read our best staycations in Dubai for some recommendations on some of our favourite hotels here, use booking.com for the best deals.
Read our advice with 13 tips for a Cheap Holiday in Dubai to keep costs down when visiting Dubai.
We also have a guide on 20 free activities in Dubai which include lots of great family activities.
For all the best attractions in Dubai from The View at the Palm, At The Top Burj Khalifa to Helicopter Rides, Hot Air Balloons etc. check out Platinum List. As well as any shows, festivals or events going on around Dubai.
Hotels in Dubai and UAE
- Park Inn Motor City – Great budget hotel in Dubai
- Anantara the Palm Dubai – Best family hotel in Dubai
- Radisson Blu Hotel – Best Family hotel in Fujairah
- Overview of some of our favourite hotels in the UAE
Read about the best coffee places in Dubai. Many great options for coffee and breakfast around the city.
Booking.comMake sure to include an old Dubai tour when in Dubai – our most favourite part of the city!
Don’t miss the sunset when you’re in Dubai, it is amazing! Here is a list of the Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Dubai.
If you’re looking for a brunch in Dubai then check out our post here for lots of options to fit every style and budget.
Scroll down for everything you need to know about Dubai and the UAE:
Adventure and Outdoor Activities in Dubai
We love to be outdoors and explore as much as we can especially in the winter months (October – March) when the weather is best. Car hire is relatively cheap and cars are automatic so easy to drive. If you want to see some more of the UAE we would recommend checking out this list of 50 activities in the UAE for some ideas.
Outdoors Family Events in UAE
- Family Hikes in UAE – Check our list of family friendly hikes around the UAE
- Hiking and Camping in Dibba – a guided night away starting with a hike ending with camping on a secluded beach.
- 10 Day Trips from Dubai – If you’re looking to escape Dubai and have some adventure check out these suggestions.
- Old Dubai – the traditional Al Bastikya or Al Fahidi neighbourhood along the creek.
- Wadi Shawka – road trip – 1 hour drive from Dubai to Ras Al Khaima – beautiful hike along rocky mountains in a valley.
- Al Qudra Lakes – a desert oasis 30mins outside Dubai – check out number 4 on this list.
- Hatta Sedr Trailer Park – road trip – 1hr from Dubai – a caravan in the rocky mountains of Hatta.
- Beaches – Kite Beach and Palace Beach are our favourites – check out numbers 1 and 2 on this list
- Al Seef – an area in Old Dubai alongside the Dubai Creek
- Mleiha – an archaelogical site in Sharjah with a wadi of caves to explore
- Al Awir Plane Crash – a mysterious plane crash site 20mins outside of Dubai in the desert.
If you are looking for more outdoor adventures try a Dubai to Oman road trip and check out 7 stunning places to visit in Oman.
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