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Traveling to Dubai with Kids — Family Guide

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-10

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Eating With Kids

Most mid-to-high-end restaurants (especially in malls and hotels) offer kids' menus with simple options like cheese toasties, chicken nuggets, and pasta. High chairs are almost universally available upon request. Local kid-friendly foods include samosas (often with cheese filling), grilled chicken skewers (shish tawook), and dates (served as snacks or dessert). For picky eaters, supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour stock familiar Western brands (Heinz ketchup, Oreo cookies, Nestlé infant cereal) and have dedicated baby food sections. Waitrose (in Mall of the Emirates) is the best for European-style baby food and snacks. Avoid street food stalls for young children due to hygiene concerns; stick to reputable restaurants like Al Muntaha (Mandarin Oriental) or La Boulangerie (Mall of the Emirates) for safe, familiar options.

Baby Supplies

Diapers, formula, and baby food are widely available at Boots pharmacies (multiple locations, including Dubai Mall), Care Pharmacy (in malls), and supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour. International brands (Pampers, Huggies, Gerber, Enfamil) are stocked but significantly more expensive than local brands (like Al Marjan diapers). Formula is available in 800g tins (local) or 400g (imported) – avoid buying locally mixed formula due to quality control concerns. For international brands, Waitrose (Mall of the Emirates) is the most reliable source. Baby food jars (like Gerber) are available in most supermarkets but lack the variety found in Europe.

Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding

Public breastfeeding is culturally accepted in Dubai, especially in malls and hotels. Most major malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall) have dedicated, private nursing rooms staffed with attendants. Restaurants rarely offer bottle-warming services; parents must bring portable bottle warmers or request hot water (which many staff will provide). Bottle-feeding in public is common but not always welcomed in conservative restaurants; stick to hotel restaurants or malls for ease. Avoid feeding bottles in traditional souks or casual eateries due to cultural sensitivity.

Stroller Access

Dubai is not stroller-friendly outside of new, air-conditioned malls and hotel areas. Cobblestones are rampant in old districts (Deira, Bur Dubai), and many historical sites (like the Dubai Museum) have uneven terrain. Metro stations have elevators but they are often out of order or slow; avoid using strollers on the metro. For walking, a carrier (Ergo, BabyBjörn) is essential – the heat makes pushing strollers exhausting. Newer districts (Business Bay, Downtown Dubai) have smooth sidewalks, but temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F) in summer, making stroller use impractical. Skip strollers for any trip to the desert or heritage areas.

Family Activities

  1. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (Atlantis The Palm): Best for ages 3-10. Interactive touch pools, shark tunnels, and feeding shows. Avoid peak hours (weekends 10am-2pm) for crowds. (Age note: Toddlers under 3 may get overwhelmed by noise).
  2. IMG Worlds of Adventure (Dubai Parks): Best for ages 5-12. Indoor theme park with Marvel and Cartoon Network zones. Air-conditioned, stroller-accessible. (Age note: Avoid for toddlers under 4 due to intense rides).
  3. Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner: Best for ages 4-10. Camel rides, sandboarding, and dune bashing are safe for kids. Only book daytime safaris (9am-12pm) – night safaris are too hot for young children. Avoid "family" safaris with unreliable operators; stick to Desert Safari Dubai or Al Maha Desert Resort for safety.
  4. Children's Museum (Dubai Children's City) (Dubai Hills): Best for ages 2-8. Interactive science exhibits, play zones, and art studios. Open 10am-6pm, requires booking. (Age note: Not suitable for toddlers under 2 due to small equipment).
  5. Wild Wadi Water Park (Jumeirah Beach): Best for ages 5-10. Wave pool and slides are safe for kids. Only visit in winter (Nov-Mar) – summer temps make it unbearable. (Age note: Toddlers need constant supervision near water).
Skip: Dubai Miracle Garden (too crowded, no shade), Burj Khalifa Observatory (no kid-friendly space), and traditional souks (uncomfortable heat, crowds).

Getting Around

Public transport is not ideal for young children. Dubai Metro has free travel for children under 6 (with an adult), but stations have long escalators and limited stroller access. Buses are rarely used with kids. Taxis require car seats for children under 12; always confirm with the driver (companies like Careem or Uber provide child seats for a fee). Walking is feasible only in air-conditioned malls or during winter mornings (7-9am) – outside temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F) year-round, making outdoor walking dangerous for toddlers. For all day trips, rent a car with a car seat (Avis, Hertz) or book a private driver (e.g., UberX with child seat option).

Health & Safety

Honest Challenges