Things to do when family visit
Contributed by Emma Coulter; a Mum of 1 who’s lived in Dubai since 2021 and founder of baby and toddler clothing brand, Next of Kin. Check out her podcast by the same name where she shares her expat motherhood and entrepreneurship journey.
I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t make the most of the huge variety of attractions here in Dubai until family visit and I get to feel like a tourist in this city. However, I often get a complete mind-blank when trying to come up with ideas for thing to do with them, so here is a list of everything that we got up to during my family’s recent visit. I hope you can find some inspiration for family-friendly UAE activities.
Nothing screams UAE more than camels, right? For only 50aed per adult you can take a tour, feed and stroke all of the animals at the camel farm, you can even ride a camel if you are brave enough. Here is a quick video of my visit back in October. It’s all outside so best to visit in the cool winter months.
Time Out Market
Watching the fountains with a backdrop of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall is a must-do for every visitor to Dubai. My venue of choice to do this from is Time Out Market in Souk Bahar. It has a cool, pop-up vibe, with kiosks from many of our favourite restaurants. There’s an array of different cuisines to cater to every family member. There is also a bar and often live music. Get there early to secure a spot on the balcony with the best fountain views.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timeoutmarketdubai/
One Degree Desert Café
A 40-minute drive from Downtown you’ll find the One Degree Desert Café open from 5pm during the winter. It is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat, climb to the top of a sand dune and watch the sunset. They also have a playground, some arcade style games and you can take a ride on their resident camel.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onedegree.ae/
Lunch at Cassette and a Stroll Around Al Quoz
Most tourists spend time in the Marina, Palm or Downtown and miss out on the artsy Al Quoz district. Our favourite lunch spot is Cassette and we always work off our lunch by browsing the small stalls like The Collective by Ripe and walk across to Al Serkal Avenue. Of course, you have to end the afternoon with a treat at chocolate shop Ganache.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassettedxb/
Dinner at Cala Vista
We spent the last night of our family’s trip having a delicious dinner, with Mediterranean vibes, at Cala Vista which is located at the Jumeirah Mina A’Salam. If you are bringing the kids along then make sure to book an early dinner sitting because there is a cut-off point for when children are allowed. But the early sitting meant that we caught the most spectacular sunset over the Burj al Arab. I can’t wait to go back!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calavistadubai/
Byron Bathers Club is a family favourite for a bite to eat and kid-friendly beach day. With a minimum spend of 150aed per person (redeemable on food and drink) you can enjoy use of their beach and pool on the Palm. We like to arrive early to enjoy breakfast at the restaurant before lazing on the beach, watching the yachts sail past, before the sun goes behind the buildings around 3 or 4pm.
Kempinski beach day
Our go-to beach and pool day for a luxury five-star experience is Kempinski on the palm. Entry costs 250aed which includes 150aed of credit to spend on food and drinks. We love how calm and quiet this beach feels, and they have particularly comfy beds and great sushi.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kempinskipalm/
Arabian Tea House
If you have the kind of visitors who are keen to explore the local culture and history then head down to the Al Fahidi Historic District where you can experience local cuisine at the Arabian Tea House before catching a traditional 2aed abra boat ride across to the souks.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arabianteahouse/
Day Trip Out of The City
If you’re keen to show your family that there is more to the UAE than the city of Dubai then consider a day trip to Mussandam, Oman to see dolphins or to Hatta for some action and adventure-based activities. I personally enjoy the hike at Hatta or Khorfakkan, but haven’t been brave enough to hike with my toddler in tow yet!