Dubai family holidays

Where to base yourself

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Dubai Marina

The default family choice. Beachfront walking promenade, a metro line, and family-priced dining beyond hotel restaurants. Best for a first trip.

Palm Jumeirah

Private beaches, big resorts, quieter atmosphere. You'll taxi for most non-hotel outings, so budget for that or stick to the resort's own leisure offer.

Deira and Old Dubai

Not the family base of choice, but a half-day trip to the spice souk and a wooden abra crossing at sunset is worth it once.

Waterparks that earn their entry price

Aquaventure at Atlantis is the biggest, and the only one with a proper marine section. Wild Wadi Waterpark is a strong second, with a family-tube network that suits mixed ages. Laguna at La Mer is smaller, cheaper, and enough for a full day with under-8s. IMG Worlds and Motiongate are indoor theme parks that punch above their weight in a heatwave.

When to go

November to March is the family window. Daytime temperatures 24 to 30 degrees, sea warm enough to swim in, and pool days that don't require a heat break. Avoid mid-June to mid-September unless you're air-conditioning-tolerant: 40+ degree days are common and outdoor time is limited to before 9am and after 6pm.

Flight times

Seven hours from London, direct. Emirates, British Airways and Virgin fly year-round. TUI's own direct services from regional UK airports are seasonal and priced sharply against the flagship carriers.

Rough costs

A week B&B in a good four-star in JBR for four in half term is £2,600 to £4,000 all-in, including flights. Five-star Palm resorts jump to £4,500 to £8,000. Waterparks are £45 to £80 per person per day, so budget those in before you land.

What each age gets out of it

Under-fives: quiet beaches and pool days, plus the aquarium. 5 to 11: waterparks, the desert safari at sunset, the At The Top observation deck at the Burj Khalifa. 12 plus: the food scene, skydive spotting, and Dubai Mall as a genuine hangout venue.