The United Arab Emirates is purpose-built for families in 2026—think world-class safety, spotless public spaces, kid-centric attractions, and seamless connectivity through Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From desert adventures and immersive aquariums to indoor snow and blockbuster theme parks, you can design a trip that thrills toddlers, tweens, and teens alike. This guide covers the best family things to do and a clear, step-by-step Emirates Visa process so your holiday is smooth from takeoff to touchdown.

Why the UAE Is a Top Family Destination in 2026

Safe & clean: Family-friendly malls, beaches, and public transit.
All-season fun: Indoor mega-attractions for summer; beaches & parks in cooler months.
Easy stopovers: Short-stay visa options—including 14-day and 96-hour transit—fit quick trips.
Modern infrastructure: Stroller-friendly spaces, baby-care rooms, and plentiful taxis.

Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Dubai

Desert Safari with Kids: What to Expect & Safety Tips

Book a family-oriented tour with gentler dune driving; car seats on request.
Combine with camel rides, henna art, falconry, and a desert BBQ.
Pack hats, sunscreen, and light layers; evenings can be breezy even in warm months.

Snow Fun at Ski Dubai: Tickets, Age Rules & What’s Included

Inside Mall of the Emirates: ski lessons, sledding, tubing, plus Penguin encounters.
Most tickets include winter gear; bring gloves and socks for comfort.
Children under 14 typically require adult supervision—plan your session windows.

Dolphinarium & Bird Show: Show Timings and Add-ons

Expect 45-minute dolphin & seal performances mixed with crowd interaction.
The exotic bird show is a hit with curious kids; arrive early for front-row fun.
Optional experiences (e.g., dolphin encounters) have age/height guidelines—check in advance.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Highlights & Time-Saver Tips

Walk through the tunnel for close-up shark and ray views.
Add the Underwater Zoo to meet otters, reptiles, and the famed “King Croc.”
Book combo tickets and visit early morning to avoid peak crowds.

Dubai Fountain & Burj Khalifa: Best Viewing Spots

Best free views from Dubai Mall Waterfront; consider the Boardwalk for a closer look.
Pair with At The Top (Burj Khalifa) for sunset or night skyline photos.

Theme Parks Overview: LEGOLAND, Motiongate & More

LEGOLAND® Dubai (2–12 yrs): Rides, Miniland, waterpark (seasonal).
Motiongate™: DreamWorks, Lionsgate, Columbia Pictures—great for movie-loving tweens.
IMG Worlds of Adventure: Indoor coasters and cartoon zones, ideal for hot days.

Family Experiences Beyond Dubai: Abu Dhabi & Other Emirates

Louvre Abu Dhabi & Saadiyat Beach for Families

Louvre’s family trails and interactive galleries keep kids engaged.
Follow with a calm afternoon at Saadiyat Beach (gentle waves, lifeguards, facilities).

Yas Island: Waterparks & Edutainment

Yas Waterworld for slides and splash zones; SeaWorld Abu Dhabi for marine edutainment.
Consider a multi-park pass to optimize costs across two days.

Emirates Visa Basics for Families in 2026

Who Needs an Emirates Visa?

GCC nationals typically do not require a visa.
Many nationalities are visa-exempt or visa-on-arrival; others require an Emirates Visa in advance.
Families transiting for a short stop can opt for a 96-hour transit visa if eligible.

Popular Short-Stay Options: 14-Day & 96-Hour Transit

14-Day Emirates Visa: Single-entry short stay—ideal for brief holidays and family visits.
96-Hour Transit Visa: Perfect for stopovers to sample Dubai/Abu Dhabi between flights.
Note: Exact eligibility varies by nationality and airline routing.

Documents Required for Emirates Visa

Prepare clear, color scans:

Passport (valid 6+ months from arrival date).
Passport photo (white background).
Return/onward tickets and basic itinerary.
Hotel booking or host details (where you’ll stay).
ID proof where applicable (e.g., national ID).
Relationship proofs for dependents (marriage/birth certificates) if applying as a family.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for families.

Tip: All non-English/Arabic documents should be translated and, if applicable, attested.

How to Apply for Your Emirates Visa (Step-by-Step)

Choose your visa type (14-day, 96-hour transit, or other short stay).
Gather documents (passport, photo, tickets, stay details, family proofs).
Apply online via Emirates Transit Visa—complete the secure form.
Upload your documents and review all details for accuracy.
Pay using approved methods (card/bank options displayed at checkout).
Verification & processing: most short-stay visas are processed quickly, with express options available.
Receive your eVisa by email, print a copy, and keep digital copies on your phone.

Parents’ note: Ensure everyone’s passports meet validity rules and use consistent spellings across tickets and forms.

Fees, Processing Times & Validity—What Parents Should Know

Processing windows differ by visa type and nationality; express services are available for urgent trips.
Validity vs. stay: A visa’s validity window (to enter) is different from permitted stay (days you can remain).
Children generally follow the same visa type as accompanying parents/guardians.

(All pricing and timelines can vary by nationality and service level; you’ll see exact, transparent fees during checkout.)

Practical Family Travel Tips: Safety, Dress, Transport, Costs

Dress & culture: Modest, breathable clothing is ideal for malls/attractions; swimwear is fine at pools/beaches.
Transport: Metro and taxis are stroller-friendly; always use child seats for dune driving and longer rides.
Meal planning: Book hotels with breakfast; carry snacks/water for attraction days.
Weather: Plan indoor attractions midday; outdoor parks/beaches in mornings/evenings.
Health & safety: Pack kids’ meds and sunscreen; confirm your travel insurance covers the UAE.

Health entry requirements can change in 2026. Always check current airline and UAE entry guidance close to your travel dates.

Avoid These Pitfalls: Common Visa & Travel Mistakes

Incomplete scans (cut corners, glare) causing delays.
Mismatched spellings between passport, tickets, and forms.
Booking non-refundable hotels/flights before visa issuance (unless your route allows).
Relying on unverified agents—risk of rejection, delays, or hidden fees.

Why Apply Through Emirates Transit Visa

Specialized short-stay expertise: 14-day and 96-hour transit options for families.
Fast processing with express availability for time-sensitive trips.
Clear pricing and secure handling of your documents.
Support that understands families: guidance on dependents, proof of relationship, and itinerary basics.

Ready to travel stress-free? Apply for your Emirates Visa through our website and focus on building your family itinerary—not chasing paperwork.

Final Checklist + CTA

Family Visa Checklist (quick scan):

Passports valid 6+ months from arrival.
Recent passport photos (white background).
Return/onward ticket and stay details.
Marriage/birth certificates for dependents (translated/attested if needed).
Travel insurance coverage.

Make it easy: Start your Emirates Visa application now with Emirates Transit Visa. Get clear requirements, fast processing, and responsive support—so your family can spend more time making memories and less time managing forms.

UAE Family Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do with Kids + Emirates Visa Essentials