Air-conditioned mega-parks for the midday heat, buggy-friendly corniches by sunset, and lots of easy wins (nursing rooms, baby-changing, high chairs) inside malls and museums. This roundup zeroes in on the Gulf, UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with a few tips that make travelling with tiny humans smoother.
Top family must-dos
If you’re visiting the Middle East as a family, here are some of the activities you can’t miss:
- LEGOLAND Dubai and Water Park: Built for ages between two and twelve, with gentle coasters, DUPLO splash areas, and an on-site themed hotel if you want to make it a mini-staycation.
- Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: If you have a bigger age gap between your kids, this is a great option with more than 30 rides, and indoor shows in a climate-controlled park with lands for both cartoon lovers and superhero fans.
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: The massive tunnel inside Dubai Mall is a reliable favourite, and it’s nap-friendly, has air-con, and it’s open 365 days a year.
- The Green Planet Dubai: An indoor rainforest biodome that has over 3,000 plants and animals to explore. Infants under two are free.
- National Museum of Qatar, Doha: Jean Nouvel’s “desert rose” building houses sensory-rich galleries and outdoor play spaces specifically designed for families. Plus, it’s a brilliant cultural visit.
- Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, Kuwait City (Kuwait): One of the world’s largest museum complexes (science, space, natural history) with plenty of hands-on exhibits.
Free things to do with families
Not everything has to break the bank on holiday and the Middle East has plenty of kid-friendly things to see and do. Here are some of our favourites:
- Kite Beach, Dubai: There’s a promenade, play zones, and endless scooters/gelato stops for toddlers and up.
- Souq Waqif, Doha: There are falcons, spices and sweets galore at the Souq Waqif for kids of all ages. But, if you have very small little ones, go at golden hour when it’s cooler.
- Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) grounds: For the older ones, roam a UNESCO site by the sea. All the outdoor areas are free, but the on-site museum has set hours.
- Jeddah Waterfront/Corniche: From public art to playparks along the Red Sea, this waterfront is great for all ages. There’s usually performers or artists at work so every visit is different.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai: Enjoy shady wind-tower lanes, courtyard cafés, little museums, and history with plenty for the kids to see and do.
- Al Shaheed Park, Kuwait City: Kuwait’s flagship urban park has museums and shaded paths as well as a bird aviary and a monument. It’s the perfect picnic spot.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: Buggy-friendly in the courtyards, and a stunning cultural stop. Note there is a dress code for adults.
Need-to-knows for travelling with kids and babies
Travelling to any region has its nuances, but there are some specifics when travelling with kids you need to know:
Fly smarter with infants
Reserve airline bassinets early and check your carrier’s child-restraint policy, for example, Qatar Airways accepts approved car seats on board when arranged in advance to make everything easier.
Know the car-seat rules (and bring yours)
If you’re travelling by car, always check the requirements for the region you’re visiting. Here are a few local laws.
- UAE: Child seats are mandatory up to the age of four. Under 10s/under 145 cm can’t sit in the front seat.
- Saudi Arabia: Child restraints required, and front-seat ban for children under 10 is enforced with on-the-spot fines.
- Qatar: children under 10 may not sit in the front, and a proper child restraint is required. Note that some taxis do not supply these so you may need to pre-book a car or bring your own.
Beat the heat like a local
This is extra important with kids, so switch your plans and do outdoor activities at dawn or dusk. Then switch to indoor attractions between 11am and 4pm. Summer temperature can exceed 45 to 50 degrees, so make sure to keep everyone hydrated and plan plenty of breaks.
Mosques and modesty
Visiting the region’s mosques is free and beautiful to explore the culture with kids. Be aware that women need headscarves, and adults must dress modestly. While there is no official dress code for children, it is expected they dress comfortably but respectfully.
Buggies and strollers
Malls and museums are generally ultra buggy-friendly with lifts everywhere, but for souqs, ruins, and desert edges, a soft carrier may be needed as certain excursions are not accessible.
Feeding and changing
Most of the regions expect discreet nursing but provide plenty of clean, well-maintained rooms to do this in. Particularly in all of the major malls and outlets.
Many families skip the Middle East as a holiday option because of the heat, but there is plenty to see, do, and experience with the little ones that shouldn’t be missed.
