Questions for the Dubai Mums

[AggressiveBunting]

I used to live in Dubai pre-kids but left 5 yrs ago, so will probably barely recognise the place when we come for a family holiday this October. Therefore any advice from current residents would be great. We'll be staying in the Marina area.

• What's the best Friday brunch these days (free flow and good for kids- 6,4, and 2). It's a birthday treat so price not a huge consideration, within reason. Used to love the Al Qasr but are there better ones?

• When is "half term" for schools in Dubai, if indeed there is one?

• What would you recommend for stuff to do with the kids? Not planning on the skiing as too much faff and will definitely go to Aquaventure one day, but any other recommendations welcome. Is it worth going up the Burj Dubai?

• Please dont judge me, but where's the best soft play? My kids are used to heat as we live in HK, but their cousins less so, and sometimes we may need an air con fix.

• Is it still fair to say that covered shoulders/ covered knees is the norm for women in malls etc (i.e. not a vest top and shorts)

TIA

I really love Beachcombers brunch for kids, also Ibn Battuta Gate. Both have good food and a lot more reasonably priced than the likes of Al Qasr/Westin plus not so big so easier to keep an eye on the kids! Mazina at the Address Marina also has a lovely relaxed Saturday brunch, mine are 6 and 4 and that's their favourite so far.

Half term is week beginning Sunday 26th October for my DCs but not all school are off then. There's a 2 days Eid break at the beginning of October too.

I love going up the Burj and watching the fountains and every child we've taken loves it too! Plus the Aquarium in Dubai Mall when you're there, its easy to make a day of it. Also a boat trip from Marina up to the souks? Boat trip around the palm? A wander around the Madinat?

There's a new Cheeky Monkeys opened up in Marina area which is fab, also Extreme Fun in Motorcity which has a good ares for little ones.

Will you have a car? There are some lovely places in Sharjah (Desert park and Discovery centre are both inside and brilliant for the ages you have) but it would be tricky/expensive to get there by taxi....

Oh and I do always cover shoulders and knees but plenty don't!!

Just be aware the traffic in the marina is horrific at the moment with all the building work. True you really won't recognise the place. Just to get into the marina can take 45 mins depending on the day.
My friend lives there and I will not visit her now as it's way too much hassle. Depending on where you are staying plan your days accordingly to be back in the marina for the evening.
Captain Jacks dhow is a great trip for kids going from the marina. Likewise you could push the boat out (groan) and get a groupon voucher for a motorboat trip out around the palm and up to the Burj al Arab, past shk mo's private island. That also begins and ends in the marina.
You could do a beach day at the royal meridian which includes brunch, stuff for the kids and beach/pool access. Beachcombers is lovely but depending on when in October it can still be too hot.
Half term for us is also 26 October, although it's only 2 days.

Thx both. Looks like we will miss Dubai half term. Heavy traffic in the Marina? Glad to know that some things are the same as when we left. Seriously though, thanks for the heads up on that. Really excited to be coming back, albeit only on holiday.

No really bunting it's worse than ever. The new tram system is supposed to start in November so it's all systems go go go.

My youngest love going to Kidzania

Update: tram due to be finished by the end of September. The RTA have made public apologies for the traffic and assured everyone work will be complete by the end of September. So that should help.
Weather is cooling down nicely but it's a little bit humid, steamed up glasses ;-)

Awesome. I knew my complaint letter to Sheikh Mo would work

There is also 'play a round' a new glow in the dark mini golf. They always seem to be on offer on one of the deal sites.

Bounce is a new trampoline place. I haven't been to either as we live at the other end of town but we love the glow in the dark golf at Wafi.

Buying the Entertainer might be worth it, you will make you money back just by using them for Aquaventure.

Thanks- I was going to ask if the entertainer still exists.