Family Fun in Dubai

As the November darkness crept in at home, our family made the best possible escape, a five-night adventure to dazzling Dubai. With Joe and our two children in tow, we discovered a city that somehow manages to blend world-class luxury with effortless family fun. Our home for the week? The fantastic JA Ocean View Hotel on Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) – a choice that ended up being the cornerstone of a perfect holiday.

Where We Stayed

Opting for full board proved to be excellent value, with plenty of dining choices to suit both parents and energetic children. Our balcony room offered sweeping views over the golden sands of JBR beach—waking up to that view each morning truly set the tone for the day.

The hotel’s thoughtful touches made life easy, just a short stroll to the beach (under five minutes), where we were handed umbrellas and towels for a carefree morning in the sun. Lunch that day in the hotel’s Greek restaurant was fresh and lively—ideal to get recharged for new adventures.

Day 1: Speedboats & Skyline Views

Our first evening took us to Dubai Marina for a thrilling speedboat experience with Exclusive Yachts. Over two hours, we zipped out of the glittering marina, circled the Palm Jumeirah, marvelled at Atlantis The Palm and The Royal, and cruised back beneath the sparkling city lights. Even our youngest couldn’t stop grinning—an unforgettable family highlight.

Day 2: Movie Magic at Motiongate

The next morning, we hopped in a taxi for the short drive out to Motiongate, one of Dubai’s five exhilarating theme parks. Visiting in early November meant blissfully quiet crowds and, much to the children’s delight, almost zero queue times. The park has a fantastic range of rides and attractions—if your family loves theme parks, you could easily spend more than one day exploring them all.

That evening, we ventured down to Dubai Mall. The journey itself is part of the adventure, a quick walk from the hotel to the tram, three easy stops, and then a change to the Metro, arriving in about 25 minutes. Dubai Mall’s new fountain show was nothing short of spectacular—it’s well worth booking a restaurant table (Joe’s Café comes highly recommended) to enjoy it in comfort, as it can get extremely busy.

Day 3: Touching the Sky & Desert Dreams

The next morning brought us back to Dubai Mall for another iconic experience, a trip up to the 124th/125th floors of the Burj Khalifa. Seeing Dubai from the world’s tallest building is an absolute must—watching the city unfurl below put everything into perspective.

After lunch back at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, we were whisked away for a desert safari. About an hour outside the city, we rode camels, held falcons, clambered into dune buggies, and then sped across the sands in a 4x4. The evening ended with a lively show and delicious BBQ beneath a deep desert sky—a true Arabian Night, returning full of stories (and sand) by 10:30pm!

Day 4: Burj Al Arab & Beach Strolls

Our final full day began with a visit to the legendary Burj Al Arab hotel for a two-hour private tour. While a sandstorm meant the views weren’t at their best, being inside such an iconic property was an experience in itself. (I did think, if you’re checking in for a special occasion, it’s worth hoping for clear skies!)

Afterwards, we wandered along the JBR promenade—perfect for soaking up the lively beachfront buzz before our last evening.

Final Thoughts: Why Dubai Won Us Over

This was our first trip to the UAE and it certainly won’t be our last. Dubai strikes a remarkable balance:, t’s luxurious, welcoming, safe, easy to get around, and there’s genuinely something for everyone. The convenience of full board, the blend of beach and iconic urban sights, and the seamless way experiences come together—so much of that comes down to planning and local expertise.

If you’re dreaming of winter sun, a family adventure, or an unforgettable celebration, Dubai is a destination that will never disappoint. I’d recommend it wholeheartedly—and when you’re ready to create your own tailor-made escape, make sure to reach out for insider tips and exclusive service.