The United Arab Emirates is one of the top holiday destinations packed with entertaining places for families to check out and fall in love with. From modern buildings, malls, beaches, water parks, museums to cultural hot-spots, and a lot of other places that will equally excite the kids, youngsters, and adults.
With the reopening of the malls and private sectors announced in Dubai, it is so vital to observe strictly the rules about social distancing and use of masks and sanitizers particularly when going out.
Prior to visiting any attraction, it is necessary to check inter-emirates travel restrictions if you want to travel from one city to another. Check also the operating hours, and if there is any entry restriction for kids or senior citizens. It is very important to stay updated and keep abreast of all the latest announcements from the authorities.
Check our list of best tourist attractions in UAE:
1. The Dubai Mall
One of the most famous things to do in the UAE is walking through the Dubai Mall. Located at the heart of Dubai, and regarded as the biggest mall in the world, it is a mecca for shopaholics with over 1200 shops that offer a variety of products ranging from clothing to food to electronics and almost everything that you can possibly think of! Kids will certainly enjoy this place as they can participate in various events and activities that take place in the mall all year round. There are a lot of things to do in the Dubai Mall that will keep the entire family busy and happy!
2. Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world and UAE’s most iconic building, the Burj Khalifa is a soaring landmark in Dubai that is a must-see attraction for your family. A trip at “The Top” will take you to the 124th and 125th floor of the tallest building in the world and offers a scenic view of the entire city. “The Top Sky” is a premium tour where you can see what Dubai looks like from 148 floors for a more high flying experience. No matter what you choose, there will be moments in this whole excursion that your family members will cherish for a long time.
3. Kite Beach
Dubai’s favorite beach spot for friends and families, Kite Beach is the best outdoor location famous for watersports such as surfing, kite-surfing & kayaking. It boasts a wide stretch of soft white sand, with gorgeous sights, sounds, and scents of the sea that invites you to let loose and have fun. The Kite Beach is one of the places in Dubai which is adorned by splendid turquoise waters alongside the Arabian Gulf. Apart from this, the place also offers tourists to enjoy with kids on outdoor trampolines and freshly paved Skate Park, jogging track & kids’ play areas. If you just want to lounge under the sun, relax and have fun, Kite Beach is best for you.
4. Al Montazah Parks
Al Montazah Parks is Sharjah’s newest and number one family destination. Spread over 126,000 square meters, it offers thrilling water rides and lush leisure amenities. With its strategic location and easy accessibility from other emirates, Al Montazah has become one of the fastest-growing family amusement sites in the UAE. It provides 500 parking lots, that includes disability bays, and additional facilities also available at Flag Island located opposite. Al Montazah Parks welcomes you with special experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
5. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
One of the best places to visit with kids, it has three main sections that offer endless marine exploration through unique experiences.
Aquarium Tank: Home to thousands of amusing aquatic species, the impressive tank is one of the largest suspended aquarium tanks in the world. This enchanting world is inhabited by sharks, rays, and other vivid marine life that will make the kids excited.
Aquarium Tunnel: the 48-meter long tunnel offers 11 meters of underwater feeling. Here, you can see and learn the intriguing aquatic floras and faunas and be up-close to marine life and learn from sea divers who feed the Rays and Sharks.
Underwater Zoo: this underwater zoo allows you to discover an amazing array of marine animals through 40 different display tanks. Including three distinct ecosystems – Living Ocean, Rainforest, and Rocky Shore– here is your chance to spot amusing creatures like the Humboldt Penguin, Moray Eels, Piranha, Water Rats, Giant Spider Crabs, Lionfish, Otters, and so much more.
6. Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Mleiha Archaeological Centre is a visitor center and exhibition built around the history and archaeology of the areas near the village of Mleiha in Sharjah, UAE. It gives you a first-hand glimpse of old ages. You can experience what it was like to live in the region thousands of years ago. Exhibits, artIfacts, interactive displays, and information points bring history to life, helping you to learn more about the unique archaeological habitat of Mleiha and the pre-historic sites in the Mleiha, Jabal Bu’hais, and Jabal Faya regions of Sharjah.
A visit to Mleiha lets you step back in time and learn a lot of information about the settlers in the region during the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, pre-Islamic, Islamic and modern ages, and exploring their history, rituals, pathologies, trade and commerce, art and jewelry.
7. Kidzania Dubai
Kidzania is a sprawling indoor playground located in Dubai Mall. It is the best place to take your kids while in Dubai where they can play and learn at the same time. Kids can enjoy and engage in tasks from seeing the Kinder chocolate factory to Flight Simulator, and learning real-life activities such as doing jobs, grooming, and honing various life skills that cannot be learned in typical schools. There’s a lot of educational things to do around this place where kids can surely enhance their social skills.
8. Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a massive modern mosque with astounding beauty. With modern design and ancient artistry, the mosque has a unique blend of modern and ancient styles and techniques to create a new rendition of Islamic architecture. A visit here is certainly a must on any UAE itinerary. With its lavish interiors made of gold, mosaic tiles, glasswork, a great amount of marble, and its exterior of splendid white stone that dramatically contrasts the blue Emirati sky, Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque truly never fails to dazzle.
9. Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions in Al Seef, Dubai takes you in an incredible journey into a magical realm. It’s a great place for new experiences and fun for the whole family. It is not only a place for kids to play and learn but also for parents and couples. The exhibit falls under three categories, Optical Illusions, Grand Illusions, and Master Illusions. Created to be enjoyed by all age groups, the museum allows visitors to engage with exhibits and click tons of pictures. The interactive exhibits are amusing and educational as they exert you to discover the science behind them.
The 450 square meter venue includes a collection of holograms, the Mirror Room, Vortex Tunnel, the Chair Illusion, the Ames Room, and the Infinity room. Unlike any exhibits in Dubai, the Dubai Museum of Illusions is a must-visit treat for the locals and tourists.
10. Green Planet Dubai
Explore and interact with the amazing indoor tropical bio-dome that recreates the world of a tropical forest which boasts over 3,000 exotic tropical flora and fauna for you to marvel at. Green Planet is the perfect place for kids and adults to learn and enjoy. Here, You’ll find a number of enchanting animal encounters from sloths, tropical birds, sugar gliders to South American plants, reptiles, fish and insects, or even witness 1,000 piranhas at feeding time – a sight you’ve probably not seen before. Green Planet is indeed a great place for families and guests of all ages.
