All About The UAE With Kids: Important Information To Know

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A mom kisses her young daughter while her husband smiles, the city skyline of Dubai is in the background. — Photo Courtesy: Christine Kim

If you want to know all about United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be tricky, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE), including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end; we also include things to do in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids and the best hotels in United Arab Emirates (UAE) for families. Keep reading for all about United Arab Emirates (UAE) for families!

At a Glance

The Burj Khalifa from across a beach, near the ocean, in Dubai, one of the best places to visit in the UAE with kids. — Photo Courtesy: Darcey Beau

Before you visit United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids, you should learn the basics. Keep reading for local currency, visa information, and more information about United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids. Firstly, UAE is made up of seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. If you need more help planning your UAE vacation with kids, feel free to check out UAE’s official tourism website for more information.

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about United Arab Emirates (UAE) local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the Dirham. It is accepted across all emirates. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are also accepted. In case you need help figuring out how much money to bring with you, use this handy Currency Converter. United Arab Emirates (UAE) operates 8 hours ahead of Eastern Time, in GMT +2. Click here to see the current time in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Official Language & Visa Information

The official language of United Arab Emirates is Arabic, which is spoken by all citizens. If you’re planning an extended trip to United Arab Emirates (UAE) or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn all about the VISA policy in United Arab Emirates (UAE) for families, click here.

Power/Standard Voltage

In United Arab Emirates (UAE), the associated plug type is G. It has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Local Weather

Knowing about United Arab Emirates (UAE) climate will be helpful before you depart. The climate of the UAE generally is very hot and sunny during the day. But at night, it becomes very cold. The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above 50 °C (122.0 °F) on the coastal plain. Most of the year, the weather is simply perfect. Check the current forecast on Accuweather.

Health Information

Two parents snuggle with their toddler while enjoying a boat tour in the marina in Dubai, one of the best things to do in the UAE with kids. — Photo Courtesy: Olga Petakov

Having the correct information about health and safety is an important part of visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE) with young ones? Remember to check if your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on all about United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination, just in case. Some accessible hospitals in United Arab Emirates (UAE) include Emirates Hospital, Mediclinic, and Aster Hospital.

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to United Arab Emirates (UAE) soon, you’re probably wondering about UAE’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of April 15, 2022, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has no travel restrictions or requirements. Please check the Consulate website to keep up to date on United Arab Emirates (UAE) ‘s stay-at-home orders. We suggest ensuring you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids. For vaccination information, click here.

Emergency Services

Boy riding a camel on vacation in Dubai, while on a vacation in the UAE. — Photo Courtesy: Kiki Conomos

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids. This is very important information when learning all about United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids.

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

For emergency services in United Arab Emirates (UAE), dial 999 for the police, 998 for an ambulance, and 997 for a fire.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: Is United Arab Emirates (UAE) safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in United Arab Emirates (UAE) is generally considered to be on the lower side. It is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in The Middle East. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is overall very safe to travel to, even with kids. Even though it can sometimes feel dangerous, the criminal activities that occur only apply to areas considered to be more dangerous within the emirates. These places are rarely frequented by tourists.

You can review the current U.S. Department’s United Arab Emirates Travel Advisory here.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Kids

A hand holds a falcon as part of a desert tour with Platinum Heritage, one of the best things to do in the UAE with kids. — Photo Courtesy: Melissa Nowacki Bourgeois

Visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Take your next weekend adventure to one of these Best Weekend Getaways From Dubai For Families!

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in United Arab Emirates (UAE)? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids. We suggest Marinelys Babysitting or Happy Helpers UAE. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Take a look at the Stroller Spa and Skytots.com to start.

Transportation

A mosque lit up at night in Abu Dhabi. — Photo Courtesy: David Rodrigo

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in United Arab Emirates (UAE) for families, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws

If you plan to ride in a car, all passengers are required to wear seat belts, including those sitting in the rear seat, failing which the driver of the vehicle will be fined AED 400 and slapped with four black points. Children up to four years of age must be provided with a child safety seat.

Transportation Services

The government controls most public transportation in the UAE – whether taxis, buses, metros, etc. – so it’s very efficient. However, there isn’t widespread rail transport throughout the UAE. Though Dubai has a metro with two lines, the Abu Dhabi and Sharjah iterations are still under construction. Dubai is the only emirate with a transport card linking public transport payments, including the metro, tram, buses, and water buses. Buses in the UAE are clean, efficient, and safe. Buses are the most affordable and most accessible form of public transport for families traveling from emirate to emirate.

Taxis are also the preferred mode of transport for families in the UAE. Prices are usually regulated, and bigger emirates such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have their own departments of transport that run the taxi services; taxi fares vary from emirate to emirate. Dubai has the highest price tags. Smaller emirates like Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah don’t have as extensive of a public transport system as larger emirates like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. However, they have taxi services.

Reserve your hop-on hop-off Big Bus tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi here!

Local Airlines

To get into the city, many travelers fly to Dubai International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, or Abu Dhabi International Airport. For more information on transportation in United Arab Emirates (UAE), click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE) with Kids

The decorative columns inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. — Photo Courtesy: Azhar J

Searching for more tips all about United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids? Between tipping customs and important holidays, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn more about United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids!

Tipping Customs

Knowing all about tipping in United Arab Emirates (UAE) can save families a lot of misunderstanding. In United Arab Emirates (UAE), like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you’ve received. Tipping throughout United Arab Emirates (UAE) is usually uncommon. When visiting spas, salons, and other service industries, you can feel free to leave a tip, though it’s not required. At restaurants, bars, or cafes, diners occasionally round up their bills and leave change behind. Families dining at a fancy restaurant can also feel free to leave a small tip, but it’s not expected. However, there’s usually a service charge included in the bill, so be sure to check that first.

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit United Arab Emirates (UAE), you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday – especially ones, like Ramadan, where fasting is common, as this generally means more restaurants and grocery stores will also be closed during the day (reopening after sundown). This can significantly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE). Check out United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Holidays for more information here.

Things to Do in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with Kids

A man and woman ride their own camels on a desert tour in Dubai, one of the best things to do in the UAE with kids. — Photo Courtesy: Sarah Boyd

Once you’ve read our guide covering all the important information you need to know about the UAE and all about United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids, it’s time to see how you can fill your days. From Dubai to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, this beautiful destination offers something for everyone.

Best Things to Do in Dubai with Kids

Enjoy adventures through the desert, delicious food, and other one-of-a-kind attractions in Dubai. Kids will love the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo or the chance to get up close to dolphins at the Dubai Dolphinarium. Of course, when you want to cool down from the heat, nothing beats Wild Wadi Water Park!

Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi with Kids

Abu Dhabi is another popular choice for families visiting the UAE. One of the most popular attractions is Falcon Hospital, where kids can learn all about these fantastic birds and even get to hold one! Other top spots include the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation and the UAE Heritage Village, which offers a glimpse into traditional Bedouin life. Another great activity is to go on a desert safari so kids can see exotic wildlife. Of course, no trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a visit to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Kids will love its beautiful architecture and stunning artwork!

Best Things to Do in Sharjah with Kids

Sharjah tends to be less popular with families, but still features a few fun things to do with kids. One of the best things to do is visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. This museum is full of interactive exhibits that teach kids about the different aspects of Islamic culture. Another great thing to do in Sharjah with kids is to visit the Sharjah Science Museum. Hands-on exhibits teach kids about the solar system, dinosaurs, and the human body.

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Best Tours in UAE for Families

Companies such as Viator or GetYourGuide offer various family-friendly tours in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all over the UAE with a flexible cancellation policy and a book now, pay later option. These companies offer peace of mind for families if they have to cancel for any specific reason. If you like planning your family trip to the UAE and have questions regarding your itinerary, things to do, etc., you can consult a service like Go Ask A Local for tips on Dubai.

Visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE) and need to plan an itinerary? Check out our list of the Best Things To Do In Dubai With Kids!

Where to Stay in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with Kids

A view of the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Residences Dubai, featuring its many pools at night at one of the best places to stay in the UAE with kids. — Photo Courtesy: Grand Hyatt Hotel and Residences Dubai

Book your next stay in United Arab Emirates (UAE) using Hotels.com now!

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Looking for the best places to stay in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with kids? Indeed, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are the most popular destinations in the UAE due to their attraction for all ages. As such, these are also the most popular cities to stay in.

If you decide to stay in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah with kids, check out websites like Hotels.com, Travelocity, Expedia, and more to help save on your trip. Or, you can book directly with your favorite chains, from Marriott to Hilton, etc. If you’re planning to stay at another UAE destination with your family, then we suggest renting a home using Vrbo. There are also various local agencies to help with your rental search.

Best Hotels in Dubai for Families

In Dubai specifically, we recommend kid-friendly options like The Grand Hyatt Hotel and Residences Dubai, Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites, and Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark. For more Dubai hotels for families, consult this list of The 12 Best Family Hotels in Dubai!

Happy Travels!

A young boy points out toward the desert, while a camel rests nearby, in Dubai. — Photo Courtesy: Christine Kim

We hope you liked this article All About United Arab Emirates (UAE) With Kids: Important Information To Know! Between how to get around the city, things to do, and more important information, we’ve compiled everything your family needs to know about visiting this beautiful destination. Enjoy United Arab Emirates (UAE) with your kids!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed or may have reduced services. Please ensure availability before making your decision.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles.

Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk.