Planning a budget-friendly family trip to Dubai does not have to break one’s back – or the bank! It is a no-brainer that the city is known for its luxurious resorts and high-end shopping in enormous malls but there is a lot that one can do with a limited budget as there is something for everyone in Dubai. Dubai has it all with easy transportation, affordable accommodation, thrilling activities, and amazing dining options. There are many budget-friendly options to choose from to make the vacation equally fun and memorable.
Where to stay?
This summer Dubai is offering a Kids Go Free campaign to all the families coming for the holidays. Many hotels are participating in this campaign and giving free stays for kids accompanying their parents. This can be a big buck-saver!
Children can take advantage of complimentary stays and dining at a range of beach properties, city hotels, and resorts, including world-renowned chains and boutique hotels such as Atlantis The Palm, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers, Le Méridien, Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Habtoor Grand Resort, Kempinski Hotel among others. Many budget chains are offering the same deal including Ibis, Rove Hotels, Savoy Hotel Apartments, Novotel Suites, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments etc. So, there are a range of options to choose from.
What to do in Dubai?
The city offers several noteworthy attractions, and among them is the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Here, the kids can go to the top for free with their parents. In addition, the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain are both free to visit. The family can enjoy the mesmerizing fountain show from either the mall or by taking a boat ride.
See the planet’s most famous faces at Madame Tussauds Dubai, where children under 13 can enter for free this summer (accompanied by a paying adult). The world-famous waxwork museum on Bluewaters Island is home to a huge range of lifelike celebrity figures, from David Beckham to Shah Rukh Khan to Madame Tussaud herself.
Treat the little ones to a magical and memorable experience at AYA Universe, where kids aged 12 and below go free (for every paying visitor). The immersive entertainment park in WAFI City comprises a dozen zones, each telling a fascinating story through the use of high-tech graphics, sounds, and lights.
Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest theme park with more than 100 rides and attractions, has unveiled its new summer offer. For every adult purchasing a ticket, one child aged 13 and under can enter for free. Explore the Hollywood-inspired Motiongate Dubai, enjoy all the fun of LEGOLAND Dubai, and make a splash at LEGOLAND Water Park.
Where to eat in Dubai
Dubai is a top global gastronomy hub. There are several restaurants to choose from that cater to all budgets. One of the highly recommended budget eateries is Ravi Restaurant which is known for its Pakistani street food.
There is an abundance of fast-food chains from all over the world which include Five Guys, Shake Shack, The Cheesecake Factory, Chili’s, and TGI Fridays, all of which are family favorites.
One can also explore Cafe Confetti, and Masha and the Bear amongst many others that feature kid-friendly cuisine, an interactive play area with soft toys, and a jungle gym.
Furthermore, there are numerous food courts in different malls, offering affordable dining choices with a plethora of cuisines ranging from Middle Eastern, Pan Asian, Indian, Mexican, etc. Hop on to the Deira side of Dubai for very economical street food.
Where to shop
Dubai is home to the largest and best malls in the world which include Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, and Nakheel Mall. These malls have something for everyone from high-street brands like Zara, and H&M to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
For the best bargains and deals head over to The Outlet Village where one can find top fashion brands at the best prices.
Dubai’s long-awaited Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) will start on 29 June and end on 3 September, promising an exhilarating lineup that will leave both residents and visitors in awe. It includes the best retail promotions, prize draws, concerts, spectacular entertainment, and much more. Here, the families can take home grand wins, and immerse themselves in competitions, raffles, memorable events, and celebrations.
Dubai is the best place for a super fun summer vacation. With excellent accommodation and shopping bargains, it remains one of the top destinations for Pakistani families with an abundance of activities that are hard to ignore!
