April Family Holiday - Dubai

I’d never return to Dubai, but plenty of people seem to enjoy it. For me, I couldn’t unsee the poor treatment of the staff who worked there, and it became more and more apparent each day.

Mumsnetters seem to hate Dubai. But for a family holiday in April it’s ideal. Not cheap though.

All these people saying it’s awful and tacky, have you been? Or just judging from afar? Scratch the surface of most countries and you’ll see corruption and questionable morals. I imagine many of you wouldn’t travel to the US for moral reasons too.

Having said that it doesn’t appeal to me for various reasons but given Easter, we too have been considering it. We almost booked but just couldn’t justify the price. We are back to the drawing board and considering Cyprus instead. I used to live there as a small child so been there a number of times since, and it’s lovely.

I lived in Abu Dhabi for 7 years and would recommend going there over Dubai. Much more family orientated, closer together and loads to do. With the advantage of day tripping to Dubai with just an hours taxi ride. Beaches, boat trips, the grand mosque, emirates palace, the Louvre, water parks, Ferrari world, Warner Brothers theme park, yas marina, desert safaris, the corniche. Just so much to do.

Or as others have suggested, explore Oman as an option. Beautiful country, lovely locals and lots of culture, but on the quieter side.

Tacky tourist attractions built and maintained through slave labour, and rich men who pay to abuse women from poorer countries, to the point their behaviour is common slang. I wouldn't go there for anything.

I think 10 days is too long in Dubai. It's going to be expensive for 5 of you!

There is lots of stuff to do there with kids if you're willing to spend a lot but we felt that a lot of the free things to do are shopping related.

The marina is nice and the area around the Burj with the fountains.

I found it strange that apart from the beach it's very indoors focussed. It wasn't that hot when we went but parks were deserted and the streets were very quiet. No-one seems to do anything outside! I suppose it has to be that way because of the summer temperatures but it just felt odd to me.

Jesus haven’t you seen what is going on in Sudan? Do you not have any morals?

I voted you were being unreasonable but I meant to vote your not being unreasonable. It’s a lot of money to spend on somewhere you don’t really want to go.

If people are recommending Seaworld, you know it’s dire.

If you want to make it more affordable, join one of the travel programmes everyone's raving about! That's what I did - saves a fortune!

I lived in UAE for a number of years. Abu Dhabi is quieter and nicer than Dubai. Weather is nice in April. Lots to do with the kids. Don’t dismiss it

Ras al khaimah has some smashing hotels, mountains, beaches, desert. Very calm and like an hour and half from dubai for day trip. Also bit cheaper

Absolutely loved Le Royal Meridien in Dubai. 7 hours direct from Manchester and a fabulous hotel with great half board offering.
Alcohol is expensive.
There’s enough to do for a week- we did sunrise desert trip, Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, Aquaventure and a look at the Mall.

No - not imaginative but it’s like a theme park! I’d rather see the world that’s not built in a desert. Most people just flop there.

@nixon1976 Morocco is a hive of modern slavery. No one looks at this assist of Morocco and LGBQ? No pda between anyone! It’s not the safest place to travel according to our government.

Are you aware Dubai and the UAE are currently funding and arming the RSF to facilitate the current Sudanese genocide? Thousands of innocents being slaughtered every day so the UAE can continue its gold and diamond hoarding.

I’ve been twice and found hardly any time to flop as there is so much to do.

I'd agree with @bilbodog re Muscat. Or Abu Dhabi, far quieter and you can nip up to Dubai for the day if you wish.

People who say Dubai is boring or just malls and water parks are so unimaginative.

Go to the Creek and take an abra across to the spice souk. Go to Expo City and enjoy the stunning evening projections at Al Wasl. Take a paddle boarding class at Kite Beach and then go for a traditional Emirati breakfast in Jumeirah. Go horse riding at sunrise in the desert. Wake up early and watch the camel racing. Go outside Dubai and stay in a cabin at the adventure hub in Hatta, or do a day hike to Wadi Shawka.

But also go to Legoland, Ferrari World, SeaWorld, Aquaventure, TeamLabs Phenomena, Warner Bros, the Louvre.

April will be staying to get warm but it will still be nice.

From a 15yrs+ UAE resident

If it is warm to hot weather and some things to do, I would look at Kenya or Sri Lanka as alternatives.

Nobody thinks of going to muscat - sultanate of oman on these threads. Its beautiful, just next door to the UAE. Has some beautiful hotels and history but no bling.

@PistachioTiramisu That’s not much of a list though. It’s really about pools and beaches. I did all the things you mention but Dubai really has limitations. It’s just a place to flop!

My family enjoyed Atlantis the Palm, they have large room/suites or we booked two rooms with an interconnecting door.

Have you been to Morocco? It’s the most amazing enchanting place with a rich culture and history

How strange! I wouldn't go to a water park if you paid me! See my post above for things to do. Morocco? Well OK if you want men pestering you all the time, offering to buy you for a couple of camels!!

I find it so grim when people holiday there.