Ring in Spring in Dubai!

It’s that time of year again, the sun is out, the kids are gearing up for holidays – and spring break ideas make excellent watercooler conversations. With exciting theme parks, kid-friendly activities and a plethora of shopping and dining options, Dubai is the ultimate destination for a quick getaway with the family before summer rolls in.

Here are some of the top things to do in the city this spring.

1. Shop till you drop at The Dubai Mall

Located right next to the world’s tallest building, The Dubai Mall is a shopper’s paradise! With more than 1,200 retail outlets across 1.1 million square metres, you can find brands from Armani to Zara all under one roof. Take the family to the massive Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, or let the kids loose at Sega Republic and Kidzania while you fulfil every shopping desire – whether it is clothes, books, electronics or candy!

For more information, visit thedubaimall.com

2. Learn the ropes at Aventura Parks

The latest addition to Dubai’s entertainment landscape, Aventura is a one-of-a-kind adventure zone that is fun for the entire family. Whether it’s ziplining, horizontal and vertical climbing walls, having a go at the ‘Tarzan swing’, or trying to get through a rope course challenge, Aventura has all the ingredients of a fun outdoor adventure.

Tickets are priced at AED 150 for adults and AED 125 for children under 1.4 metres. For more information, visit aventuraparks.com

3. Live an Atlantean adventure at Atlantis, The Palm

Dive into a world of excitement at Atlantis, the majestic five-star hotel situated on The Palm. Water babies can swim with dolphins, try out the rides at Aquaventure – one of the best waterparks in the Middle East – or embark on a Shark Safari. You can also discover incredible marine life at the Lost Chambers Aquarium, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the resort’s 23 casual and fine dining restaurants, or relax at ShuiQi Spa.

For more information, visit atlantisthepalm.com

4. Feed the turtles at Jumeirah Al Naseem

Head to the Turtle Lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem, and learn more about the Hawksbill turtle, which is native to the Middle East and an endangered species with only an estimated 8,000 nesting females left worldwide. Situated near the shores of the Arabian Gulf, this is the region’s first purpose-built lagoon for rehabilitating rescued turtles. Having suffered a range of illnesses or traumas, the animals are carefully monitored in the lagoon before being returned back to their native waters.

Turtle-feeding sessions take place every Wednesday at 11am. More information, visit jumeirah.com

5. Enjoy rich flavours at brunch

Tuck into a big picnic hamper with the family at The Picnic Brunch at Al Badia Golf Club as you kick back on a blanket overlooking the lush green course. Enjoy mouth-watering delights from the picnic boxes as well as live cooking stations, followed by a line-up of desserts that is sure to tickle your taste buds. There is also a dedicated children’s play area and plenty of space for the little ones to run around.

Prices start at AED 265 per person. For more information, visit diningdfc.com

6. Conquer the dunes on a desert safari

Explore miles of undulating dunes and clear skies, be introduced to the wonderful sport of falconry, and dine like a Bedouin at a camp site in the middle of the desert for a quintessential Dubai experience. Depending on your preferred time, there are a variety of safari options available including overnight camping, as well as camel trekking for a more authentic experience.

Safari costs vary, but tour operators like Arabian Adventures have bespoke desert trips guaranteed to create memorable experiences. For more information, visit arabian- adventures.com

7. Chase the sun at Kite Beach

What’s a visit to Dubai without a trip to the beach? Dab some sunscreen on and kick off the sandals at Kite Beach, one of the city’s most vibrant beaches with far-reaching views of the Arabian Gulf. With watersport operators available along the sand, adrenaline junkies can rent equipment and take on the waves, while others can relax by the sandy beach or grab a bite to eat at the many restaurants along the stretch.

For more information, visit kitebeach.ae

8. Meet a sloth at The Green Planet

Step into an immersive vertical tropical forest when you visit The Green Planet, the region’s first bio-dome which features more than 3,000 species of plants and animals, including a resident sloth. The enclosed ecosystem offers visitors an expedition into the tropics, inviting them to delve deeper into the secrets of nature and experience the magnificence of one of the world’s oldest living ecosystems.

Tickets are priced at AED 95 for adults and AED 70 for children from 3-12 years. For more details, visit thegreenplanetdubai.com

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)

With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourism’s mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate.

      

Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirate’s commerce sector, and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Convention and Events Bureau, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (formerly known as Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment).

To start planning your own adventurous getaway with your family to Dubai head over to visitdubai.com