There are countless amazing experiences you can have in the UAE that will stay with you for the rest of your life. These are the ones we suggest ticking off before the little ones become grown-ups.
Ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster
Formula Rossa, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
That’s right, the world’s fastest rollercoaster just happens to be located in the UAE at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to be precise. This is properly terrifying, but that’s what makes it so incredible. Reaching dizzying heights of 52 metres and speeds of up to 240 kmph (from 0 kmph in just 4.9 seconds may we add), which is faster than Lewis Hamilton races around the F1 track, it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. You definitely need to do it at least once, so pluck up the courage and go for it. You never know, you might even go back for a second go. If not, at least you can say you’ve ridden the fastest rollercoaster in the world – which definitely gives you bragging rights.
Dhs110. Sun-Wed noon-9pm, Thu-Sat 11am-10pm. Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com (06 005 11115).
Go up the world’s tallest building
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is one of the most impressive feats of human engineering on the planet, and obviously the world’s tallest building has the most incredible views. Even if you don’t really have a head for heights, you need to put aside your nerves and journey into the clouds to the observation deck, which is 555 metres (that’s a dizzying 1,821 feet) up in the air on the 148th floor of the 160 floor skyscraper.
From Dhs135 (At the Top tour on level 124 and 125), from Dh370 (At The Top Sky on level 148 and level 124, 125). Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, www.burjkhalifa.ae.
Book a desert safari
Platinum Heritage
Get a true taste of the deserts of Dubai from the air conditioned comfort of a 4×4 as you go up and down (and back up) the spectacular sand dunes. Give kids an education in local wildlife before ending up at a luxurious Bedouin camp where a brilliant falconry show, flame dancer and camel rides are laid on, alongside a six-course meal brimming with authentic Emirati cuisine.
Dhs595 per person (heritage desert safari and camel desert safari), Dhs1,595 per person (platinum safari). Open daily, 6.30am onwards. Office: Control Tower, Motor City, Dubai, www.platinum-heritage.com (04 440 9827).
Throw yourself out of a plane
Skydive Dubai
Skydive Dubai offers tandem skydives to boys and girls from the age of 12 and above. Little thrill-seekers will take to the skies above the Palm Dropzone, giving them the perfect bird’s-eye view of one of the UAE’s most iconic landmarks, not to mention one of the most unforgettable experiences. Parents need not worry, their precious sons and daughters will be in the very safe and capable hands of the most experienced skydiving instructors around.
From Dhs1,850. Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai, skydivedubai.ae (04 377 8888).
Hit the slopes in a ski dome
Ski Dubai
This is a winter wonderland no matter how hot it is outside. Set foot in an incredible 3,000 square metres of real snow, featuring twin-tracked bobsled runs, tobogganing hills, a snow cavern filled with interactive experiences, and a chairlift from which you can take in a bird’s-eye view of the entire park. You can even make friends with the resident penguins, if that’s your kind of thing.
Open daily 9am-1am. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, www.theplaymania.com/skidubai (800 386).
Play a world-class round of golf
Emirates Golf Club
This club boasts two courses. The Majlis is one of the top 100 courses in the world, while the Faldo has floodlighting for night golf. There is also a Par 3 Academy Course. Why not dine at the tremendous Carine afterwards, which scooped highly commended in the European category at our restaurants awards 2020.
Majlis Course green fees: from Dhs905 (18 holes), Dhs550 (nine holes). Faldo Course green fees: From 675 (18 holes), Dhs410 (nine holes). Emirates Hills, Sheikh Zayed Road, (04 380 1234).
Walk around an indoor tropical rainforest
The Green Planet
Imagine a rain forest right in the heart of Dubai, with colourful flora and exotic birds, animals and insects all existing in an ecosystem expertly put together by botanists, zoologists and scientists – and you’ve got The Green Planet. The indoor bio-dome houses over 3,000 plants and animals including sloths, bats and snakes.
Dhs99 (adults), Dhs74 (kids aged three-11). Open Daily 10am-6pm. City Walk, Al Safa Street, Dubai, www.thegreenplanetdubai.com (04 317 3999).
Visit an iconic museum
Louvre Abu Dhabi
From super cool exhibitions to awesome holiday camps, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a hot pot of learning and fun for inquisitive little minds. With its own museum dedicated to the youngest members of the family, there is always plenty going on to keep even the smallest of visitors entertained. The Children’s Museum hosts family-friendly experiences and workshops in both Arabic and English throughout the year, and the latest one to take residency is “A Costume Adventure” that is running until July 2020 – so catch it before it’s gone.
From Dhs30. Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm. Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
Take to the sea on a paddle board
Kite N Surf Nessnass Beach
Not only is paddling boarding – or SUP as it’s referred to by those in the know – super fun, it’s also good exercise. Spend your morning out on the sea and tone your muscles at the same time. You will fall in, but it’s all part of the fun.
From Dhs100. 9am-7pm. 59 Hadid Street, Dubai, www.kitensurf.ae (055 800 6363).
Slide through a shark-infested lagoon
Aquaventure
Aquaventure at Atlantis is splashing fun for all the family from the tiniest tots up to the biggest kids – we mean you mums and dads! There are so many cool rides offering varying levels of terror, but it’s The Leap of Faith that is on our list. Not only does the water slide mean you fly down a near-vertical drop the equivalent of nine storeys, but the transparent tube also whizzes you through a pool full of sharks.
From Dhs195 (adults, residents), Dhs170 (kids less than 1.2m tall, UAE residents), free (kids under two). Wed-Mon 10am-6.30pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, www.atlantisthepalm.com (04 426 0000).
Eat at a restaurant helmed by a Michelin-starred chef
Social by Heinz Beck
The UAE has plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from, but the one that you need to book a table at before your 18th birthday – or even better, on your 18th birthday – is Social by Heinz Beck. This beautifully sophisticated restaurant serves up fine Italian cuisine and is headed up by three-Michelin starred Heinz Beck.
Daily 6.30am-11am, 6.30pm-10.30pm. Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, www.waldorfastoria3.hilton.com (04 818 2222).
Sail across the Creek
Dubai Creek
Enjoy Dubai from a different perspective when you climb on board a water taxi. Take a traditional abra across the Creek for the bargain price of Dhs1. These tiny, noisy boats are the quickest and most atmospheric way to enjoy the creek, and get from Bur Dubai to Deira and vice versa. They carry about 20 people across the water from various stations along each side, running from 5am to midnight. But, to be honest, it is after dark when the ride is at its most atmospheric.
Dhs1 per person, per trip; Open daily 5am-midnight. Dubai Creek, Deira/Bur Dubai, (800 9090).
Kayak through the mangroves
Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park takes up about 43 square miles of the city’s landscape, and if you head along to the Eastern Mangroves Promenade you’ll find plenty of places to rent a kayak. Noukhada Adventure Company offers tours throughout the day including at sunrise and at sunset, or you can simply hire a single or double kayak for an hour or two and head off and explore this gorgeous area by yourself.
From Dhs57.14. Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Salam Street, www.noukhada.ae (02 406 1462).
Walk under water at Dubai Mall
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Experience the real thrill of the wild while getting close to some of nature’s most beautiful creatures at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Take on a shark encounter, where you’ll be plunged into the depths of the aquarium tank (inside a cage) as 300 of the remarkable creatures swarm around you for feeding time. You can also meet the aquarium’s resident crocodile, regarded as one of nature’s rarest phenomenon and one of the largest reptiles in the world at more than five metres long and 750kg in weight. If that’s a bit too big for you, you can marvel at the piranhas, crabs, water rats and the swarms of fish that inhabit the huge tank inside The Dubai Mall. The Underwater Zoo is also home to regular exhibitions including UAE’s Night Creatures, presenting the experience of nightfall in the desert and the animals that come to life under cover of darkness.
Dhs120 (Aquarium tunnel and Underwater Zoo). Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, www.thedubaimall.com (800 38224).
Fly above water
Dubai Jetski
Soar high – around 19 feet to be precise – above the sea when you strap youself into your water jet pack. The say it takes anywhere between five and 15 minutes to master the flyboard and to stay in the air effortlessly, and once you stop concentrating on trying to master it, you can start to take in the coastline view, which includes the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Dhs350 for 30 minutes. Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour, Umm Suqueim 2, Jumeirah Road, Dubai, www.dubai-jetski.com (050 471 7002).
Buy some valuable jewellery
Dubai Gold and Diamond Park
Filled with countless shops selling precious jewellery and gemstones, this is a great spot to take in the bling. Have a wonder, look in the windows, and make sure you leave with something. A chain with a pendant spelling out your name in Arabic is always a popular choice.
Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 4pm-10pm. Gold & Diamond Park, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, www.goldanddiamondpark.com (04 362 7777).
Indulge in a freakshake
Black Tap
There are milkshakes, and there are Black Tap’s milkshakes. This funky burger joint is famous for its towering shakes that come in a rainbow of vibrant colours. The sugary drinks are more desert than beverage and are guaranteed to give anyone a serious sugar rush.
Various opening times. Various locations including JBR and Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai and Yasl Mall in Abu Dhabi, www.blacktap.com.
Dine with the movie stars
Theatre by Rhodes
Snacks and a great film are enough to put a smile on any mini film lover’s face. But not just any tasty treats, these dishes are courtesy of celebrity chef Gary Rhodes and his team.
From Dhs168. Various locations including City Centre Mirdif, Dubai and The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, www.uaevoxcinemas.com.
