Dubai with a baby – a practical guide for parents

Holidays in Dubai with a child

Travelling with a small child may seem difficult. How will a baby cope with high temperatures? Is Dubai's climate suitable for small children? Holidays in Dubai with children can be a wonderful adventure for your whole family, but there are a few important things to keep in mind, as the climate in the UAE is very different from that in Europe. That is why it is a good idea to prepare yourself properly. Travelling with young children helps to build family bonds and also introduces your child to the beauty and diversity of our world. What is more, a holiday with a baby can be cheaper than a holiday with an older child. It is worth noting that many attractions offer special discounts for infants, which makes the cost of tickets much lower than for teenagers. In addition, many attractions offer free admission for children under 3 years of age. Read our guide to holidays in Dubai with an infant and plan your holiday in the Middle East!

Before travelling, you may find a guide for parents in Dubai and not only for parents useful – read our comprehensive guide to Dubai with a sightseeing plan.

Is Dubai safe for children and babies?

Travelling to Dubai with a baby is one of the safest forms of holiday. Dubai is listed in numerous rankings (for example, in the 2023 Numbeo safety index) as one of the safest places in the world. Other Emirati cities, such as Ajman and Abu Dhabi, are close behind in 1st and 2nd place. The entire urban space is safe for children in Dubai, and the only danger is the strong sunlight. This ensures safety for both children and their carers. Entire families can feel very comfortable in Dubai, as confirmed by many convincing arguments:

• Clean and safe public spaces – playgrounds, parks, beaches and other public areas are cleaned regularly. They have also been designed with children's safety in mind, with appropriate safety features and suitable soft surfaces.
• High standard of healthcare – hospitals in Dubai offer the highest quality medical care. They are well-equipped and the staff are world-class. If someone in your family falls ill during your holiday, you do not have to worry about the standard of medical services at the facility you visit.

What documents are required for a child travelling to Dubai?

First and foremost, a child travelling to Dubai must have their own biometric passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the United Arab Emirates. They must also have a free tourist visa, which most nationalities can obtain in their passport at the airport. In extreme cases, if only one parent is travelling with the child or the parents are divorced, a notarised consent form may be required for the child to leave the country. Important: this is checked very rarely and in 99% of cases only when leaving the country. However, there is no need to worry about this, as a simple explanation of the situation without a notarised document should be sufficient.

What to take to Dubai for a baby?

Travelling with a baby to Dubai – how to do it and how to pack easily? Packing for a holiday is always a challenge. The difficulty increases when you also have to pack things for a small child. How to organise your luggage properly so that you don't have to worry about anything during your holiday in Dubai? First of all, don't stress when packing – if you forget something, you can easily buy it in Dubai shops or pharmacies. Remember to pack nappies, changing mats and nappy rash cream.

It is worth having bags for used nappies, which can be disposed of in any rubbish bin. Naturally, your packing list should include bottles (or your little one's favourite feeding utensils), your child's favourite meals, a basic first aid kit, favourite toys and books to read. Of course, the list of necessary items will depend on your child's specific requirements. It is essential that your suitcase contains all the important things that will ensure your baby's comfort during the holiday.

How to survive a flight to Dubai with a baby?

Flying to Dubai with a baby may seem like torture. After all, how can you survive 6 hours on a plane with a baby? I know from experience that it is possible to organise and survive a flight to Dubai with a small child in comfortable conditions. Of course, every child is different and copes differently with air travel, but by taking a few steps, you can ensure a comfortable and quick journey for your baby.

Before departure, book a seat for your baby, which will give you more comfort and freedom. Pack a supply of food, nappies and a change of clothes in your hand luggage so that you have everything at hand. Don't forget your child's favourite toys, which will keep them occupied for longer, and a warm blanket, as it can get cold on the plane. During take-off and landing, breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby to help them cope with the pressure. Many airlines, such as Emirates, offer special baby beds on long-haul flights, which is a great help. Once you land, you will find that Dubai is extremely family-friendly.

Attractions for families with babies

A holiday in Dubai with your child is a great choice. This city has many attractions for families that will provide unforgettable experiences for both children and adult travellers. One of the most important places in Dubai for families is Atlantis Aquadventure, considered one of the most impressive water parks in the world. Even small babies will be delighted with the variety of pools, and parents will be able to relax on a separate beach. Miracle Garden is another extraordinary attraction that is sure to delight both children and adults alike. This huge garden full of floral arrangements is the perfect place to take family photos.

Dubai Safari Park gives children the opportunity to observe wild animals from different corners of the world in their natural habitat. It's not only fantastic fun, but also a lesson in nature. Legoland and Motiongate Dubai are amusement parks that offer many attractions, rides and interactive games dedicated to children. For sightseeing, the best option is a yacht cruise in Dubai, and you can find other ideas on our Dubai attractions page. If you are travelling with older children, you can check out our list of the best attractions in Dubai to visit with children.

What are the best hotels in Dubai for families with babies?

Child-friendly hotels in Dubai – how does it work in practice? You can find a wealth of information online about family-friendly hotels in Dubai and comfortable stays. The experience of tourists and the opinions of visitors confirm that the vast majority of accommodation facilities in Dubai are suitable for travellers with babies. Many travellers, especially from Asia, decide to travel to the UAE with small children. This means that hotels are well prepared for any eventualities or problems related to caring for infants: from appropriate equipment in rooms to medical care and special amenities such as prams or substitute products for parents. It is difficult to choose one hotel that is best for families with infants. Internet users recommend Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai in their reviews, and we have described other facilities in our guide on where to stay in Dubai as a family with children. We also recommend the option of a private apartment with full amenities: a kitchen, playground and swimming pools in the building. Accommodation in Dubai in a private apartment can be booked on the Two Continents website.

Dubai with a child – practical advice

If you are planning a trip to Dubai with a small child, here are some important tips for you:

• Bring a comfortable pushchair or baby carrier – Dubai is a huge city with many attractions worth visiting. Be prepared for a lot of walking.
• Always have something warm for your toddler to wear (or a blanket) in the pushchair or baby carrier. Air conditioning in public transport in Dubai is intense, and you should not expose your child to sudden temperature changes.
• You don't have to take a whole suitcase full of nappies with you – you can easily buy nappies at an affordable price in Dubai supermarkets (e.g. Carrefour).

Questions and answers (FAQ):

• Is it possible to travel to Dubai with an infant?

Yes, travelling to Dubai with an infant is possible and a good idea, as Dubai is a family-friendly destination, offering a high level of safety, facilities at airports and shopping centres, and high-quality medical care. However, remember to visit your doctor in advance to consult about such a trip and be prepared for high temperatures if you are travelling during the warmer months (May to September).

• What attractions in Dubai are baby-friendly?

When travelling to Dubai with a baby, it is worth planning a visit to various theme parks. These include Dubai Safari Park, Motiongate Dubai, Legoland and Atlantis Aquadventure. Also worth mentioning is the Lost Chambers Aquarium, where your little one can see 65,000 different species of fish and other marine organisms. This, as well as the Dubai Yacht Cruise, are definitely baby- and parent-friendly attractions.

• What should you take to Dubai for your baby?

When preparing for a trip to Dubai with a small child, remember that most of the things you need, if you forget them, can be easily bought on site. The key items to pack are nappies, changing mats, nappy rash cream, nappy bags and your baby's favourite bottles and food. Also, make sure you have a basic first aid kit and your child's favourite toys to keep them comfortable during the holiday.