Children - Tots
Dubai is a great place for children. It is safe, friendly and offers many opportunities for them to have lots of fun.
Prepare your child well for moving to Dubai, there are several kids books available 'Moving house - Usbourne First Experiences'. Show them pictures of their new home etc. Pack their favourite toys etc in hand luggage / suitcases to avoid the unnecessary distress of separation
The wonderful weather in Dubai allow kids to enjoy the outdoors for much of the year, beautifully maintained parks with designated kids play areas are located all across the city. During the hot summer months, there are lots of indoor play areas and entertainment areas to keep kids entertained and stimulated.
Savour the many kid friendly restaurants in Dubai. Kids menus are generally available and restaurants are accommodating of any special dietary requirements your child may have. Inform the restaurant at the time of reservation to avoid disappointment.
Nursery/ Primary education is of a very high standard, there is a high teacher / kid ratio, excellent facilities are provided in schools to help develop their skills, physically, socially and academically.
There are several mother/ baby, mother/ toddler groups available, this gives mums the opportunity to meet other mums and the kids get the opportunity to further develop their social skills.
Their are several support groups for parents whose kids have special needs, every opportunity and support is given to these kids and their parents through the educational system.
The child minder concept does not exist in Dubai, working families rely on their live in domestic help or send their child to one of the many nurseries. Live-in help allows parents to spend a lot more quality time with their kids.
TOP TIP: The Entertainer “kids” is a fantastic book crammed full of amazing vouchers for the best attractions, play centres, kid’s activities and family restaurants. The book gives great ideas and all the vouchers are valid at anytime!
Check out Dubai Kidz www.dubaikidz.biz a website designed to support all families living in Dubai.
The very latest in Kids edutainment arrives in Dubai.
KidZania, first established in Santa Fe in Mexico in 1999 has opened on the 2nd floor of Dubai Mall.
Essentially it is a city, scaled down to kid size, featuring all the business and social components of a bustling metropolis. Paved streets with zebra crossings and traffic lights wind their way between the shops, commercial buildings, fire department, fast food outlets and much more. The frenzy of excitement is broken frequently by an ambulance siren rushing to the scene of an ‘accident’ or that of a fire engine en route to a ‘fire’.
Kids involve themselves in role play and can take on a series of roles, up to 70 in total, ranging from beautician, banker, policeman/woman, fire fighter, doctor to pilot, in fact all favourites and dreams are available. They even get to wear the uniform. In return for taking on this role they get paid – albeit in ‘Kiddos’. Enough ‘Kiddos’ will secure a treat at the KidZania store at the end of playtime or can be deposited in the bank and used on the next visit.
The concept is based on offering children a real life business and social environment and familiarise them with real world careers. It enables them to develop their abilities and attitudes physically and intellectually while stimulating creative thinking and social responsibility.
KidZania provides entertainment for all age groups even us adults … but will certainly fill that space from 5 to 11 years when soft play areas are outgrown but may have not yet entered the sega era.
For more information www.kidzania.ae
