Dubai New Year Travel Guide for Families with Kids

Many have this misconception that a celebration cannot be pulled off when kids are around. Well, we see the opposite because Dubai has the perfect family-friendly New Year ideas with kids that just feel right. And guess what? All the options will keep the little legs rested, tummies happy & everyone comfortable, even the adults. So, keep this family-friendly Dubai New Year guide handy to make your future plans much easier and stress-free.

Best Family-Friendly Places to Watch New Year Fireworks

1. Downtown Dubai

For many families, the Burj Khalifa fireworks are the highlight of their New Year celebration. Now, the tricky part here is that you need to arrive very early to secure your spot. While you can patiently wait for the fireworks, the children are not so patient. What to do in such situations? Well, take them to the Dubai Mall to keep them engaged in the kids’ area and in several activities inside the mall that are perfect for them.

Tip: We advise everyone to book a dining or viewing area rather than relying on comfortable public viewing space if you are with kids.

2. Bluewaters Island

This location gives you a perfect lively waterfront setting with a view of the skyline and Ain Dubai. It is a great option for a family-friendly New Year in Dubai. There is an amazing wax museum and restaurants with arcade games that will keep everyone entertained.

Tip: Waterfront venues are very popular, so make sure that you reserve your restaurant or viewing spot in advance. It is especially applies to you if you are planning to view the fireworks from Ain Dubai.

3. Dubai Festival City Mall

If you want entertainment, food and a fireworks setting in just one place, then look no further than Dubai Festival City Mall. Your kids can enjoy plenty of activities around the mall while you wait for the midnight countdown.

Tip: We will advise families to arrive early and finish dinner before the busiest time.

4. Expo City Dubai

This location is extra special for all the families with younger children. Why? Last year, they gave all the parents the biggest relief with a New Year celebration at 9 PM children’s countdown with confetti & children’s music and projections. Sounds amazing, right? So, make sure to add this to your list.

Tip: Check the latest program before finalizing because event timings can change each year.

5. Atlantis, The Palm

This place offers you accommodation, dining & entertainment in just one, their own resort. While the resort has plenty of things to keep your children occupied during the holiday, it has the additional benefit of keeping your children safely in your room if they sleep early.

Tip: If you are not staying at the resort, make sure you check the latest event access and booking requirements before planning your evening.

Best New Year Activities in Dubai for Families & Kids

There is, of course, a midnight celebration that is special for everyone but why do you need to leave the daytime empty for that? Here are a few activities that you can choose depending on how close they are to your celebration point:

1. Global Village

While you can enjoy exploring the International Pavilions and trying different street foods, the kids will definitely enjoy the carnival rides and games. In addition, there is live entertainment, drone shows & fireworks at different times as per the pavilions.

2. Dubai Mall

This is always considered the best option because you have the chance to shop for souvenirs and look around the biggest mall. And the kids can enjoy looking at the marine animals in the aquarium display in the mall or engage in any other kids’ activities.

3. Expo City Dubai

The Al Wasl Plaza has a lot of interactive pavilions for families and kids. You can also wait for the family-focused evening programme.

4. Dubai Creek & Al Seef

You can arrive here for a beautiful Abra ride and explore the heritage-style lanes. It is also the perfect place if you have booked a Dhow Cruise from this departure point.

Best Family-Friendly New Year Cruises & Yacht Experiences

One of the most popular options for spending a family-friendly Dubai New Year with kids is a cruise or yacht. They have become a very comfortable alternative to the crowded areas of popular landmarks. In addition, they give you a beautiful view of the skyline with not one but several fireworks lighting up the whole skyline. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect from the popular available options:

• Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise: Perfect for skyline views with Palm Jumeirah, JBR, Ain Dubai &Bluewaters Island.
• Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise: A distant view of Burj Khalifa fireworks and the old charm.
• Dubai Canal Cruise: A quieter route with the popular canal view and fireworks.
• Private Yacht: Available in varied sizes and capacities, with customization options.
• Shared Yacht: A budget-friendly option that offers a beautiful skyline view with options to choose one of the three decks.

Where to Stay in Dubai with Kids During New Year

Whether you are traveling with kids or not, the first option is to choose accommodation near your main celebration point. It is especially important because it becomes very hard to get transportation after midnight. So, here are a few options for a hotel with family rooms, nearby dining and easy access:

• Rove Downtown: Budget-friendly
• Aloft City Centre Deira: Budget-friendly
• Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts: Mid-range
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel: Upscale family stay
• Atlantis, The Palm: Luxury family resort

Getting Around Dubai on New Year’s Eve: Metro, Taxi & Parking

This one thing is easily forgotten by a lot of people and ends up giving everyone stress. But a little planning will save you a lot of frustration.

• The metro is useful for major celebration areas but expect heavy crowds and check its timings beforehand.
• Taxis are very convenient with children but you will need to allow extra waiting and travel time because of traffic. You may even expect a bit higher taxi fares.
• If you are traveling in your own car, please do not assume that your usual parking area will remain accessible. You will need to leave early to find parking.
• Please make sure to check the latest RTA announcement for road closures and traffic conditions. Also, avoid changing celebration areas late at night.

Family-Friendly New Year Dining & Celebration Options

There are normal dining options and New Year special menus that operate differently. The right thing to do here will be to choose a dinner according to your family’s pace instead of squeezing in the former gala or fancier dining. You can pick something from here that suits your budget and your children’s routine:

• Masha and the Bear, JBR
• Ribambelle, Bluewaters Island
• The Daily, Rove Hotels
• Breas Street Kitchen, Atlantis
• Saffron, Atlantis
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel
• Global Village

Essential Tips for Families: Crowds, Timing, Weather & What to Carry

• The very first rule of enjoying a family-friendly Dubai New Year with kids is to reach your celebration area early. It can also mean arriving in the late afternoon to get a good spot at a beach or promenade.
• It is always best to keep your hotel address, transport details, tickets, QR codes & event locations saved offline.
• We also advise you to carry a small power bank for your phones.
• Since you are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, dress yourself and your children in comfortable shoes and light layers.
• Always make sure that your return journey to your hotel is already arranged.

Takeaway

You deserve to spend quality time during New Year with your family and Dubai has a lot of options for that. By keeping this guide with you, you will stay informed and be ready at all times on the celebration day. Most importantly, please leave some breathing room in your schedule so that you and your kids can enjoy the midnight celebration to the fullest at the best family-friendly Dubai New Year spots.