On both sides of Sheikh Zayed Road lies rows of buildings – typically high-rise. A lot of these towers are office blocks and hotels. There are quite a few of them that are residential apartment blocks, of which many families in Dubai live in. One of these families is Chirag – him and his wife, and two young children, who live opposite the World Trade Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road. He writes about why he feels the area they have called home is suitable for families.

So if you are looking in the area, or choosing a spot to be based at as a tourist, hopefully this will give you some insight of what is around, and life there for a family with young children.

1. Location Location Location 

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We are literally 15 to 20 minutes away from most places.

It’s incredibly convenient and when you have two kids under the age of 5, driving distances play a huge part in the family’s mental well-being as well as maintaining the internal cleanliness of the car! It’s very central. 

2. Amazing Parks and Kids Play Areas Closeby 

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There are a huge number of parks and indoor play areas within 10 to 12 minutes drive – great for birthday parties, bike riding, casual outdoor fun and sport :

• Al Wasl Park
• Al Khazzan Park
• Satwa Park
• Cheeky Monkey’s Downtown
• Block Park @ Dubai Design District  (D3)
• Extreme Fun (Al Bad’aa)

3. Restaurants Galore

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Mummy goes on plenty of ladies’ nights – mostly to get away from Daddy and the kids after running around after daddy and the kids all week.

So when it’s Daddy’s turn to feed the kids – what better way than to order some takeout from a huge number of restaurants around the area, whether its cheaper eats from Karama/Oud Metha, through to more specialty cuisine from Downtown/DIFC/Business Bay. Not going to lie – McDonalds, KFC and Cold Stone are usually a fine dining hit with the kids.

On the rare occasion Daddy gets to go on a Gents’ night – there are plenty of options around too! 

4. Close to Downtown Dubai 

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Burj Khalifa fountain! Kidzania! Cinemas at Dubai Mall…. and Level Shoes for Mummy. What better way to use Daddy’s credit card.

5. Date Night Ideas

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It is important for Mummy and Daddy’s sanity to also take time out for themselves away from the kids.

So when the kids are asleep, Mummy and Daddy can venture out into some of the best restaurants and bars in DIFC, Downtown or Jumeirah –  all within a maximum of 15 minutes drive (or Careem) from home. Some places include:

• Amazonico
• Ninive
• Mint leaf of London
• Coya (Four Seasons Jumeirah),
• Scalini (Four Seasons Jumeirah) to name a few.

The beach is close by too, if a romantic walk on the beach at night is more your thing… 

This is one of a series of posts which forms “Is Dubai suitable for families?“