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In this blog post we share all the insider info you need when planning your holiday to Dubai. This insider info has been shared with us via our awesome Instagram community.
“Salaam, traveled into the UAE with frozen sausage and cold meats the past weekend. Recommend booking apartments (equipped with everything (crockery, cut, pots ‘n pans, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine) and most things not used a lot and still on good condition, esp savers for larger families – buy additional stock and supermarkets like bulk bottled waters etc. – similar concepts can be applied in any country).
Where did you stay at:
The Hyatt Place – Jumeirah Al Mina Street. Place was huge and really spacious. Large main bedroom with large king size bed (4 small people can seriously sleep on there) bathroom with shower over bath, large 2nd bed with 2 double beds. 1 bathroom with shower, large seating area with dining table (sleeper couch can sleep 2) and open plan kitchen (with stove top, microwave, fridge and freezer, dishwasher and washing machine) – buffet breakfast included. There is a supermarket 500m away outside the main entrance with everything (they even deliver for free to the hotel)
There are so many things one article would probably not be enough. I’m no expert, lived there 4 years ago & went back for holiday in April 2022.
The palm is on the more expensive side, there are some nice water activities (we did a jet ski tour to Burj Al Arab).
Should you stay at Atlantis?
Salaams, it’s best to stay at Atlantis then the parks and aquarium are free. There is also special entry for hotel guests, so no queues. Join their loyalty club and it costs the same as staying at another hotel and paying day entry. Also you can arrive at 8am, they will store your luggage and you have full use of the facilities, instead of waiting for check in. It is by far the best water park in Dubai.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
For Dubai Parks and Resorts, stay at La Pita, and park entry is free for every booked day for every person. Allow yourself a minimum 3 day stay at La Pita.
Warner Bros was expensive and not as great as the other parks.
Best time to travel to the UAE:
The best time weather wise is mid Jan – March.
Water park Atlantis is really nice, can get very crowded. Be mindful of school holiday seasons. Because there is so much to do (and will change constantly within months) I’d strongly recommend Googling, check IG (search IG Handle “cuptaleswithsafia” she has awesome page on great food stops & hidden gems in UAE).
Always Plan Ahead
Plan ahead, make a list of places & activities to do on which days & places can be far apart. Note that the UAE generally is night life because the day weather is too hot even in winter, places close or stay open till the early Am’s. Most of the malls have play areas for kiddies (Mall of Emirates has the snow Arena), La Perle (fantastic show to watch with kids – book seats toward back
Quraan Park
The Quraan park is a nice experience but try to visit late afternoon just check Google for their closing times. And note this is on a far end out of Dubai (but a nice interactive experience).
Global Village
Global village has food and stalls and rides for all ages (a lot of walking) later afternoon, evening, miracle garden (if you into those things but can get very hot morning & mid day)
Tips for Booking:
For families that want to try and go on a budget Bur Dubai and Deira is older part of Dubai for hotel stays will be cheaper but 1-2* (check for high end names for a better quality).. Check for self catering apartments has kitchen facilities to cook your own foods + laundry facilities ALWAYS READ REVIEWS from different platforms (nice cost saver). Buy bulk food items (water and things at supermarkets cheaper), the fast food chain’s quality is way better than SA like x 50! But again the whole world’s places are there so you can go cra cra with where to eat!
Watch out for this:
BE AWARE FOR PLACES LISTED ON BOOKING.COM THAT DOES NOT HAVE AN ADDRESS, CONTACT NUMBER or you cannot find them on Google (PEOPLE RENTING THEIR PLACES PRIVATELY STAY AWAY!) Desert Safari’s are more recommended in Abu Dhabi than Dubai or Sharjah as the Dunes are higher. But really again there is so much to do it all depends on personal preference, budget and length of trip so planning is your best friend.” The writer of this blog post would like to remain anonymous.
We are ever so grateful for our community on Instagram and appreciate and value each and everyone of you guys. We are immensely grateful that you guys help us in co creating so much value for other fellow muslim travellers.