Dubai continues to grow in popularity – both as a business and leisure destination – so much so that from March 2025, Emirates will add a fourth daily flight between Johannesburg and Dubai International Airport.
For South African families wanting to keep tots, tweens and teens happy, Dubai is really having its moment in the sun. But does it live up to the hype? Without a doubt.
Planning a family holiday?
Here are our top 10 reasons – in no particular order – why Dubai ticks all the boxes!
- Waterparks
Dubai is awash with waterparks, including Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm; Laguna Waterpark at La Mer; and Legoland Waterpark, but Wild Wadi is the original! With over 30 slides, rides and attractions (not to mention the Middle East’s largest wave pool, Breaker’s Bay) it’s been keeping kids happy since 1998!
Top tip: Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa, says that as Wild Wadi is one of the smaller waterparks, relatively speaking, it is perfect for younger kids. “If you do have younger children, Wild Wadi feels easier to navigate, with a mix of ‘gentle’, ‘moderate’ and ‘thrilling’ rides to keep everyone happy.
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Talking about originals, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of Dubai’s most-loved family hotels. It has a private beach, 5 pools and unlimited access to Wild Wadi waterpark.
Top tip: “Jumeirah Beach Hotel is an iconic landmark. It’s unbeatable position and breathtaking views over the Arabian gulf make it the perfect base to explore the city,” says Turner. “But you’ll also want to build-in plenty of downtime at the hotel itself. It’s beautiful. Think pristine white sand, clear blue water, beach loungers, temperature-controlled pools, and plenty of lifeguards so you can relax while the kids splash.”
- Dubai Mall
Have you got a day to spare? Downtown Dubai boasts the most visited retail and lifestyle destination in the world – complete with an ice rink, aquarium, sports zone, Sky Views Observatory (taking in views across the city), trampoline experience and legendary fountain show.
Top tip: “Don’t underestimate the size of Dubai Mall,” says Turner. “You can easily dedicate an entire day to the Mall, and still want to come back for more!”
- Burj Khalifa
Towering next to Dubai Mall is perhaps the most famous landmark of them all: the 829.80 metre tall Burj Khalifa where visitors can enjoy 360̊ views of the city. Nothing compares to seeing Dubai at night, so consider topping off your visit to Dubai Mall with a sunset trip up the tallest tower in the world.
Top tip: “Book ahead,” says Turner. “More than 17 million people visit the Burj Khalifa each year, and you can skip the queues by booking a slot well in advance.”
- Ferrari World
Thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive, F1 is now one of the most popular sports in the world. Do you have an F1 fanatic in the family? Abu Dhabi is only 140 km from Dubai – and easily accessible by car or the Metro – which means a trip to experience Ferrari World’s signature attractions (including an F1 simulator and Karting experience) is an absolute must!
Top tip: “Ferrari World has the world’s fastest roller coaster, so it’s perfect for adrenaline junkies,” says Turner. “But it lends itself to slightly older kids, with a limited selection of rides for toddlers. But if you’re a Ferrari fan or speed freak, it’s a great day out!”
- Desert Safaris
No trip to Dubai is complete without an adventure in the desert. Think dune bashing (in an SUV or dune buggy), sandboarding, camel rides or sunset dinners in a Bedouin tent.
Top tip: “As you can imagine, Dubai does desert safaris really, really well,” says Turner. “Chat to your hotel or travel expert about the different experiences available, and they’ll be able to tailor a tour to meet your family’s needs.”
- Atlantis, The Palm
Situated on the apex of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah Island, this majestic resort has so much to offer that you’ll never want to leave! In addition to Aquaventure Waterpark (the largest in the world), your kids will love the Lost Chambers Aquarium, pools and beach club – while the resort’s selection of world-class restaurants (including eight celebrity chef restaurants and one Michelin-starred restaurant) makes Atlantis, The Palm one of the top culinary destinations in Dubai.
Top tip: “Definitely take a boat trip around the Palm Islands,” says Turner. “You’ll appreciate Dubai from a different perspective, and the kids will be by thrilled by the luxury yachts moored in front of the city’s impressive skyscrapers.”
- Shop ‘til you drop
There’s no doubt that Dubai has established itself as the shopping capital of the world. But beyond expansive shopping centres like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, you’ll also find a vast collection of traditional souks and markets, which brings something extra special to a Dubai holiday.
Top tip: “Dubai’s shopping precincts can feel overwhelming with kids in tow,” says Turner. “Chat to your hotel and they’ll be able to advise the best places to visit and the best times to go, especially if you want to ditch the bright lights and delve into Dubai’s history and culture.”
- Theme parks galore
We’ve already mentioned Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, but when it comes to theme parks, Dubai ensures your kids are spoiled for choice. Legoland Dubai, Bollywood Parks, Motiongate and IMG Worlds of Adventure are just four examples – with Real Madrid World capturing the title of the first football-themed amusement park in the world.
Top tip: With so much fun to be had, Turner recommends planning your days carefully. “Pay particular attention to each park’s opening hours; some stay open later than others, and you don’t want to be arrive at a park an hour before closing time.”
- Ski Dubai
Honestly, Dubai has more activities and adventures than you can shake a stick at, but for South Africans, Ski Dubai (located in the Mall of the Emirates) is still a favourite. This 22,500 sqm indoor ski complex offers a ski academy, blue, red and black slopes, and plenty of hot chocolate and snow-themed fun.
Top tip: “With so many different activities on offer, it’s worth buying a Dubai Pass or Go City Card which offer discounted entry to top attractions, tours, and activities,” says Turner. “Your travel expert will be able to tell you more!”