This past April I had the pleasure of joining @HiroyukiTakisawa on his trip to Dubai (at our own expense, of course). While he was off with the Google and Visit Dubai crew having amazing adventures, Len and I enjoyed exploring the city a bit.
Here are some of my tips for those traveling to Dubai with a baby.
Bring a baby carrier for the airport (and where is my stroller??)
The airport that Emirates Airlines flies into in Dubai is HUGE!
If you have room in your carry-on, I really recommend bringing a sturdy carrier/harness with you to make carrying your baby easier on you. There are strollers available for use along the walk to baggage claim but I found them really difficult to figure out how to put together so my husband and I just ended up carrying our little one the whole walk.
Where’s my stroller?
Emirates didn’t allow us to gate check our stroller so we had to pick it up at baggage claim. The baggage return place for strollers and other special items is different from where you pick up your suitcase. Ask a staff where you can pick up your stroller and they will point you in the right direction.
This may be a no-brainer for anyone who has traveled with a baby before but call the hotel as soon as you can to reserve a crib. You should also call to make sure cribs are available at all before you make your reservation.
We stayed at the Aloft City Centre Deira Hotel which was a beautiful hotel on the airport side of town. The crib at the hotel was very sturdy and very clean and came with crib bumpers, blankets, and a baby pillow.
For breastfeeding, look for a “baby room” or ask a staff
While Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, the culture is still more modest than maybe some other cities. I asked a friend, and he said that while you should avoid openly breastfeeding in public, everyone is usually very helpful and supportive of breastfeeding mothers and will help you out if you ask.
The Malls: At every mall they have at least one designated “baby room” that has a changing table, hot water for making formula, and a private room for breastfeeding. These are often located either near the women’s bathroom or near the women’s prayer room. Just keep your eyes out for the baby sign like in the picture above.
Everywhere else: Outside of the malls there may not be a designated space for breastfeeding but if you tell a staff member of wherever you may be that you would like to feed your baby, most people will help you find a quiet secluded place where you can breastfeed without being bothered.
Use the trains to get around (but avoid rush hour)
The trains are an amazing way to get around the city. They are clean, fast, and very convenient. There are special cars designated for women and strollers that tend to be less crowded than the general cars.
However, I recommend you try to avoid rush hour. All the cars are packed full during rush hour and it can be difficult to get in especially with a stroller.
Taxis: You can always take a taxi but most taxis won’t have car seats for infants on hand. There does not seem to be a requirement that infants traveling in taxis must ride in one but it definitely made me nervous not having one.
Plan outdoor activities for early morning or the evening
Dubai gets HOT and the sun can be harsh. Be sure to carry sunscreen for your little one and try to get to the outdoor attractions like the souks and some of the old museums early in the morning while it’s still cool and visit the malls and other indoor attractions during the hottest time of the day.
Len and I ended up staying out one day until 11am and it was WAY too hot so we had to rush back to the hotel before we got overheated.
If you have a pool at your hotel, take advantage of it! Spending some time in the water is a great way for your little one to stay cool. Don’t forget the sunscreen though.
I found Dubai to be an amazing city and with everyone being so welcoming and accommodating of babies, it is a great place for a family trip no matter how small your little one is.
There are also several places throughout Dubai that are wonderful for toddlers and up! Kidzania, Children’s City, aquariums (like this one here at Dubai Mall), arcades are just a few of the many things you can do with your children in Dubai.
Once Len is older, I want to take him to Dubai again!
@Christine_T thank you for sharing this post with us. Looks like you have a very good time there. I’m sure your tips will be so useful for ones who plan to visit Dubai.
@TorM
Maybe you can go together with your grown babies. I’m sure it would be a fun adventure in a very different way. :))
And thank you for letting me know about the pictures! I tried to fix it and in my browser, they all look alright but if they are still broken, let me know.
Looks like you had an amazing time @Christine_T in Dubai with your son. Thanks for sharing your Baby Traveling Tips in Dubai.
When you were alone wandering around the city, were there other moms or caregivers with their kids coming up to you to chat? I always have this happening to me. I also get some friendly, local #LetsGuide tips either by then sharing with me or me asking.
Also the crib photo is amazing from the Aloft City. Looks so plush. From my travel experiences it has been Pack N Plays (US travel only).
Hello, Thank you very much @Christine_T for this interesting post, it was my pleasure meeting you and @HiroyukiTakisawa , sure and Len You have described the post in excellent way and clarifying the considerations for families travelling with babies In addition to what you have mentioned, sometime family with baby might get a priority, for example, if by chance there is a queue in the airport, there will be a big chance that you will be directed to family lane that will be supported almost immediately and for the car, yes,I can confirm that as per regulation, car seat is needed but not sure if it will be available in taxi or all taxis, it will remain required for infant till age 4 I guess And one more note that in 95% of your way, you will find stroller way next to stairs or around, if not there will be an elevator around which is important for families Once Len grew up a little, you will be surprised of the kids attractions available to visit Hope to see you, Len and @HiroyukiTakisawa again in Dubai Cheers,
@YutaE , I had trouble I finding info when researching about Dubai, especially about breastfeeding, which is one reason I wanted to write something here on Connect.
I hope you get a chance to travel to Dubai with your baby some day
Thank you for the awesome extra tips, @MuhannadK !
When we were at the airport when we were lining up for a taxi we were taken to a different line and given a taxi quickly but I didn’t know that was common. That is so very useful to know!
I hope we can meet you again next time we are in Dubai!
Thank you very much for sharing your experience, @HiroyukiTakisawa good job, no worries @Christine_T we are also here to help anyone, i am in UAE (Abu Dhabi) for 20 years.
@Christine_T thank you for sharing this important experience. I know we read lots of posts here but there’s always this unique information mothers tend to share which is wonderful. I am glad to see my young friend - Len and future Local Guide explore Dubai with you.
I hope airlines, taxis and other service providers will consider more baby friendly policies.
@EmekaUlor
There are so many things I never noticed or ever thought about before I became a mother. Being able for everyone to share their unique experiences and what is important to them is a great way to broaden our own perspectives.
Little Len is looking forward to meeting you again. By that time, he will (probably) be walking and even more ready to go exploring.
will soon go without me there 
… Maybe you can check?
