FAMILY EDITION

THE BASICS
To help you hit the ground running the moment you
arrive in Dubai, here’s all the essential information
worth knowing about visas, culture, weather, what to
wear and more.
THE
ESSENTIALS
Currency Visas
The UAE currency is the Dirham GCC Nationals enjoy visa-free
(AED/Dhs). entry to the UAE, while 50+ other
nationalities are eligible for visas
US $1 = AED3.67 on arrival. Transit visas (48 to 96
hours) are also available to all
passport holders. Find out more
by contacting your nearest UAE
embassy or consulate.

Stay connected
Electricity: Power supply is 220/240 volts. Sockets are compatible with
UK-standard three-pin plugs. For US equipment, use a 220V to 110V
transformer.

Phones and Wi-Fi: The country code for the UAE is +971.
Etisalat, du and Virgin Mobile are the local telecom operators. Tourists
get a free prepaid du SIM card at the airport, while free Wi-Fi is widely
available across the city – even on the beach.

Health Weather
If you’re travelling with prescribed Some say hot, we say perfect
medication, bring your doctor’s note beach weather, all year-round.
with you. The Rashid, Latifa and Average temperatures in summer
Dubai Hospitals offer free emergency reach around 41˚C,
services. In case of emergencies, and 23˚C in winter.
please call:
• Police - 999
• Ambulance - 998 41 °C
• Fire Department – 997 23°C
• Coastguard – 996
TOP 10 ARABIC
PHRASES
English is widely spoken in Dubai, but it’s polite to try a few words in
Arabic, the official language of the UAE. You’ll probably see Ahlan
wa sahlan fi Dubai (Welcome to Dubai) when you first arrive, but
why not try these ten common phrases:

MARHABA SHUKRAN AASIF

Hello Thank you Sorry

MAASALAAMAH MA HADHA?
Goodbye What is this?

SABAH MIN BI KAM?

ALKHAYR FADLAK How much?
Good morn-
Please
ing

LAA / NA’AM AS-SALAAM

No / Yes ALAIKUM
Peace be
upon you
TRADITIONS
Arabian culture
Dubai’s famed hospitality stems from our inherent values of integrity and
respect. Islam is the official religion here, and it plays a significant role in
the city’s culture. Pay a visit to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural
Understanding (SMCCU) in the heart of Old Dubai to learn more about our
customs and traditions.

National
dress

WOMEN MEN

Emirati women wear a long, Men wear a long tunic known as

loose black coat called an abaya a kandoora, often with open-
over their clothes and cover their toed leather sandals.
hair with a headscarf (hijab) for
cultural purposes. The ghutrah head-dress may
Some women can also choose also be worn, which was
to wear a face veil known as originally used to protect
niqab, or a traditional face mask the face from the desert
worn over the nose known as environment.
burqa’a. The black rope that sits on top of
the ghutrah is called
the agal.
DID YOU KNOW?
The UAE weekend
falls on Friday
and Saturday.
Dubai demystified
ISN’T IT REALLY EXPENSIVE?
Dubai caters to all budgets with affordable hotels restaurants
and activities, and free parks and beaches.

IS ALCOHOL AVAILABLE?
Non-Muslim adults over the age of 21 can drink alcohol in licensed
hotels, establishments and restaurants around Dubai.

CAN WOMEN DRIVE THERE?

Our culture holds women in very high regard. Both men and
women can drive in Dubai to their hearts’ content.

IS IT OKAY TO HOLD HANDS?

Yes, but tourists are advised to refrain from dramatic
displays of affection while in public.

What can I wear?

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that is a melting pot of diverse cultures and
religious faiths. All attires are generally acceptable.

Swimwear is fine while at

the beach and pool, but not
appropriate in areas such
as business districts and
When you’re out and about,
shopping malls.
especially in summer, make
sure you are protected from
the sun.
It is advisable to dress
conservatively when
visiting historical areas
and cultural sites.
Disclaimer: With new precautionary measures in place, we advise contacting establishments
directly for information on available services.
WHAT’S NEW
IN DUBAI?
There’s always something new and exciting to discover in
Dubai. From fresh experiences the whole family will love to
sky-high venues that make every visit a special occasion,
there’s something to delight all ages.

DEEP DIVE DUBAI

With a surprise-filled
60.02m-deep pool that’s
certified by Guinness World
Records as the world’s
deepest swimming pool for
diving, this is the place to be
for all aqua enthusiasts.

deepdivedubai.com

AIN DUBAI
Located on Bluewaters Island,
this giant observation wheel
stands at a staggering height of
250m, making it the highest and
largest of its kind in the world.

aindubai.com
INFINITY DES LUMIERE
Using the latest in technology,
this digital gallery brings art to
life. Exhibitions spotlight Van
Gogh’s works, visions of Japan by
Hokusai and a cosmos-inspired
journey by Thomas Vanz.
infinitylumieres.com

INSIDE BURJ AL ARAB

For the first time in its 21 year
history, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is
allowing visitors to experience
a guided tour inside. Taking
in the world famous atrium,
glamorous Royal Suite and brand
new Experience Suite, the tour
showcases the vision and history of
this iconic building through stunning
interactive and visual displays.
insideburjalarab.com

THE VIEW AT THE PALM

Enjoy never seen before
panoramas of Palm Jumeirah
and the Dubai skyline from
240m high. The View also has
direct access to Nakheel Mall, a
popular shopping mall.

theviewpalm.ae
THE HAPPY
FAMILIES
An adventure like no other
Come and make memories on a dream holiday
filled with unforgettable days out and once-in-a-
lifetime experiences.

Relax together in family-friendly accommodation,

savour a meal to remember at incredible
restaurants and cafes, and let your little ones’
imaginations run wild in the city’s many theme
parks, natural attractions and adventure zones.
THE HOLIDAY
HOTLIST:
FAMILIES
Check off these top 8 must-do activities

Enter the mind of an artist

Toshi’s Net
The brainchild of celebrated textile artist
Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam, this giant
string-woven attraction at OliOli – the
only one of its kind in the region – sees
children climb, roll and bounce around.

olioli.ae

Camel desert safari

Platinum Heritage
Experience the majesty of Dubai’s desert
with a camel safari. You’ll get to ride on
these ‘ships of the desert’ before enjoying a
delicious feast at an exclusive Bedouin camp.

platinum-heritage.com

Play at a Snow Park | Ski Dubai

Treat your family to a sledge ride down
the icy slopes of Ski Dubai’s dedicated
Snow Park, challenge your loved ones to
a fun ‘zorbing’ race or settle scores with a
snowball fight.

skidxb.com
 Zookeeper for the day
Green Planet
Home to more than 3,000 species of plants,
animals and birds, this indoor tropical rainforest
is a delight. Let your children become a
zookeeper for the day, going behind the scenes
and learning from expert biologists.
thegreenplanetdubai.com

We built this city

LEGOLAND® Dubai
Inspire your little one’s imagination at this
indoor MINILAND where 20 million LEGO
bricks are used to build iconic skyscrapers.

legoland.com/dubai

Downtown views
The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride
Hop aboard a traditional abra boat and glide
along the Burj Lake. Your family will be
rewarded with the best views of the world’s
tallest performing fountain, set against the
backdrop of the record-breaking Burj Khalifa.
burjkhalifa.ae

Drop in
Aquaventure Waterpark
Aquaventure is home to 30 incredible rides
but the daring Poseidon’s Revenge water
slide is a top choice for epic thrills, spills
and surprises.
atlantis.com

Sunny adventures | Kite Beach

Indulge in a quick bite and lounge on the sand
while your children enjoy the beach’s many play
areas, like the adventure course at Wire World.

kitebeach.ae
 2 1

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and
LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2020 The LEGO Group.
LEGOLAND is a Merlin Entertainments brand.

THEME PARKS
Thrilling action
From white-knuckle rides to kids’ favourite characters,
there’s something for every family member at Dubai’s
theme parks. Indoor or outdoor, supersized or toddler-
friendly, take your pick.

4 3

®, TM & © 2020 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc and related companies. All
Rights Reserved.

6 5
1. LEGOLAND® DUBAI
Come explore a world where the LEGO® brick comes to life at
LEGOLAND® Dubai. Set your imagination racing with over 40 LEGO
themed rides, shows and building experiences. It’s the ultimate theme park
for families with kids aged 2-12.

legoland.com/dubai

2. BOLLYWOOD PARKS™ DUBAI

Experience the best of Bollywood. Live, dance and celebrate with over
16 rides and attractions over five blockbuster-inspired zones filled
with themed restaurants, street performances and movie-inspired
experiences for all ages.

dubaiparksandresorts.com

3. MOTIONGATE™ DUBAI
Visit the region’s biggest Hollywood-inspired theme park. Experience
gravity-defying rides like The Hunger Games’ Capitol Bullet Train and
immersive attractions such as Kung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness,
live shows and more – MOTIONGATETM Dubai is a must-visit.
dubaiparksandresorts.com

4. IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE

Dubai’s largest indoor theme park invites you to mingle with The Hulk, The
Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, Iron Man, Spiderman and many more superheroes.
Watch your favourite characters come to life alongside dinosaurs, zombies
and the most thrilling rollercoasters in town.

imgworlds.com

5. VR PARK
Exhilarate your senses at Dubai’s ultimate virtual reality and augmented
theme park. VR Park at The Dubai Mall features over 20 experiences, including
a futuristic drone ride, mazes and more.

vrparkdubai.com

6. DREAMSCAPE
The virtual reality adventures at Dreamscape use special motion sensor
technology so you can roam freely and interact realistically with the settings.
This means you can touch objects, smell and even feel the breeze.

dreamscapeimmersive.com
 AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK
Enter a realm of thrills and spills
with water slides, flying zip lines
and a shark-filled lagoon. Relax in
the lazy river and keep little kids
amused in the Splashers play area.

atlantis.com

WATERPARKS
Slide into fun
Thrilling rides, super slides, lazy rivers and luscious lagoons
are waiting for you and your family at Dubai’s legendary
splash zones. Get set to have endless fun in the sun.

LAGUNA WATERPARK
Surf, slide and more at one
of Dubai’s coolest beachfront
destinations, La Mer. When
you’ve had your fill of fun, relax
and unwind at your own private
cabana.

lagunawaterpark.com
LEGOLAND® WATER PARK
Splash into a world of LEGO® adventures
at LEGOLAND® Water Park, the region’s
only waterpark designed for families with
kids aged 2-12. With 20 LEGO themed
water slides and attractions, it’s the most
splashtastic family day out!
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations,
legoland.com/dubai the Minifigure, DUPLO and LEGOLAND are trademarks of
the LEGO Group. © 2020 The LEGO Group.

WILD WADI WATERPARK

Explore this wet and wild
wonderland with dozens of
attractions from drop slides to
wave pools, surf simulators and
even a splash pad for little ones.

jumeirah.com

AQUAFUN WATER PARK

Floating off the coast of
Jumeirah Beach Residences
(JBR), this inflatable waterpark
is designed to spell out ‘I ♥
DUBAI’. You’ll slip, slide and
scramble back up for more.
aquafun.ae
DESERT WILDLIFE
Explore the fascinating desert eco-system
and spot native species such as Arabian
oryx, gazelles and birdlife at a protected
nature reserve in Dubai.
platinum-heritage.com

NATURE
The call of the wild
Meet the world’s most fascinating creatures and lose
yourself in floral wonderlands at Dubai’s many nature
attractions. The perfect way for inquisitive minds to enjoy
days out that are full of discovery.

THE LOST CHAMBERS AQUARIUM

This cluster of underwater tunnels, themed
around shipwrecks and ruins, is alive with
creatures from the deep.
atlantis.com/dubai

CAMEL RACING
Watch history in action as camels race for
glory at the Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack
during the winter months in Dubai.

dubaicrc.ae

DUBAI SAFARI PARK

Take a walk on the wild side in this
119-hectare park and conservation area full
of rescued lions, bears, monkeys and more.

dubaisafari.ae
 DUBAI BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Bask in an oasis of tranquillity as you wander
among pretty plants and fragrant flowers while
thousands of beautiful butterflies flutter around.
dubaibutterflygarden.com

RAS AL KHOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Marvel at tens of thousands of birds at this protected wetland
known as the ‘Cape of the Creek’. You’ll see flamingos, herons,
osprey and more, just metres from the heart of the city.
rasalkhorwildlife.ae

DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO

Get close to over 30,000 aquatic animals
in a 10 million litre aquarium tank. Feeling
brave? Dive with the resident sharks!

thedubaiaquarium.com

THE GREEN PLANET

Go on a memorable expedition through a
tropical rainforest that’s home to over 3,000
plants and animals.
thegreenplanetdubai.com

@izkiz
DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN
Feast your eyes on over 45 million blooming
flowers in a spectacular range of designs at
this one-of-a-kind wonder world.
dubaimiraclegarden.com
 1 2

PLAY + LEARN
Bring learning and discovery to life
Fun meets education at Dubai’s exciting edutainment
centres. Your children will develop new skills and absorb
interesting information while having fun at the same time.

4
1. KIDZANIA
Under-16s can explore what they want to be when they
grow up in this 80,000sqft mini-city. Learning and fun
collide with over 80 realistic role-playing activities.
kidzania.ae

2. DINOSAUR PARK
Enter a prehistoric world as more than 100 realistic
animatronics take you back in time. Kids can learn about
dinos in a creative and interactive way.
dubaigardenglow.com

3. OLIOLI
Your children’s imaginations can roam free in this
interactive museum with eight galleries and over 40
exhibits inspired by educators, artists and development
psychologists.
olioli.ae

4. MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS
Designed to trick the mind and entertain, each of the museum’s exhibits
are scientifically explained. There’s also a ‘smart playroom’ with brain-
teasers and math games.
museumofillusions.ae
BOUNCE
Defy gravity at this free-jumping playground.
Over 100 interconnected trampolines are
surrounded by circus-grade sponge so the
whole family can bounce around safely.
bounce.ae

FAMILY ADVENTURES
It’s time to be brave
Exploration is in Dubai’s DNA, and you can try new
and exciting activities at every turn. With adrenaline-
pumping activities on land, water and high in the
trees, can you handle the thrill?

CRUISING
Take to the water and enjoy unique views
of the city with your choice of tailor-made
tours. How about a sunset cruise around
Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab?
firstyacht-me.com

VR PARK
Exhilarate your senses at Dubai’s ultimate
virtual reality and augmented reality attraction,
VR Park, located in The Dubai Mall.

vrparkdubai.com

BEACH
Spend the day at one of Dubai’s world-
class beaches, where you can enjoy a
range of watersports and go swimming in
the warm blue waters.
JUMBLE
Solve over 200 fun challenges at this
indoor adventure park that goes beyond
conventional escape room thrills.
jumble.ae

AVENTURA PARKS
Bring out your inner Tarzan as
you play among the trees with 80
exhilarating challenges for the
whole family, including tree-surfing,
zip-lining and rope-climbing.

aventuraparks.com

@eventyrisandet
DUBAI ICE RINK
Hit the ice at the Olympic-sized rink in The
Dubai Mall. It’s perfect for all ability levels,
with penguin and snowmen skating aids if
you’re unsteady on your feet.
dubaiicerink.com

DESERT ADVENTURES
Explore the sand dunes that surround the
city on desert safaris where you can go
sandboarding, ride a dune buggy and more.

arabian-adventures.com

ADVENTURE ZONE
Little adventurers can tackle the 6m and 9m
climbing walls before taking on the skate park,
boulder wall and cable climb.

adventurezone.ae
THE ULTIMATE DUBAI
ATTRACTIONS PASS
Sightseeing made easy. Unlock huge savings with pre-paid access
to top attractions, tours and activities, only with Dubai Pass.

OFFICIAL DUBAI PASS

Choose from the most iconic things to do in Dubai: At the
Top, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, desert
safaris with dinner, Ski Dubai and so much more.
There are four passes to choose from, starting from AED 424.

DUBAI FLEXI DUBAI SELECT

ATTRACTIONS ATTRACTIONS

DUBAI UNLIMITED DUBAI THEME

ATTRACTIONS PARKS

10% DISCOUNT ON THE DUBAI FLEXI ATTRACTION PASS.

Use code on website: Dubai10
dubaipass.ae