Northeast of the United Arab Emirates, in the Persian Gulf, the beautiful city of Dubai is situated. Dubai is the second biggest emirate, covering 3885 square kilometres (1500 square miles), and the city itself is about 35 square kilometres (13.5 square miles).

Around September and April, when the weather is sunny but not excessively hot, is the ideal time to visit Dubai. During the winter period in the Northern Hemisphere, the city still delights with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.

From May to August, when temperatures spike, fewer people visit, and hotel rates can be lower. If you prefer high temperatures or intend to spend your time in air-conditioned shopping malls, this is a fantastic time to travel.

Regardless of when it occurs during the year, Ramadan is often a quiet period in Dubai. This can make a trip there relaxing and tranquil, but there may be more restrictions in place due to the religious period.

Emirati cuisine features an array of spices, herbs and flavours that make both meat and vegetarian dishes mouth-watering and indulgent. Some of Dubai’s most well-known dishes include:

Margoogat: this delectable meat and tomato-based stew is prepared with turmeric, cumin and bezar (a local garam masala-like spice mixture). The dish can be served with chicken or lamb, or vegetarian with marrow and potato.

Machboos: A staple rice dish prepared with local spices including cardamom and cinnamon and blended with dried lemon. It is simply divine with lamb, chicken or prawns.

Shawarma: a signature street food meal, you can enjoy the succulent flavours of meat such as beef or chicken in a perfectly made wrap adorned with lots of spices, herbs and sauces for a mind-blowing feast.

The city quickly expanded from its modest beginnings as a small fishing community in the 18th century to become a significant hub for the pearl-diving business. Early in the 20th century, the city continued to grow because of its efforts to lower taxes and welcome international traders. Soon after, it was a major hub for re-exporting goods from India and Persia. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Dubai benefited from significant oil wealth and continued to prioritise commerce and industry, investing oil profits in significant infrastructure initiatives like an international airport, dry docks, and a financial center. The city started to diversify in the 1990s, expanding into property, finance, and tourism.

Dubai has a range of fantastic activities for families with children and teens to enjoy. You could have fun with the kids by visiting:

Dubai Safari
At Dubai Safari the whole family can enjoy wildlife encounters featuring almost 3000 animals, live shows and interactive activities such as feeding elephants and other mammals. This 119-hectare sanctuary is the perfect way to spend the day with the family.

Global Village
This open-air space is a fantastic way to experience all the fun that Dubai can offer. Live shows, entertainment, 175 rides, attractions and arcades are waiting to be experienced by young and older guests.

Wild Paint House
What better place to let kids have all the fun they want and create all the paint mess they can get up to? The Wild Paint House is exactly that, a space where kids can enjoy painting and creating art on white walls or on canvases, they can then take home and keep.

Dubai Hill Mall’s Adventure Park
Children can test their flexibility in the Ninja Zone with 10 various experiences including climbing, a trampoline “jump park,” tunnels, and a rope course for plenty of fun. Teenagers will find excitement in the thrilling Storm Coaster, whilst families with small children there is face painting and soft play areas.