Ever thought about swapping Singapore's city life for Dubai's desert wonders during the November school holidays? It's a place where you can find giant skyscrapers, huge theme parks, and quiet cultural spots all in one city. It's a pretty good mix of adventure and relaxation, perfect for a family with kids of all ages during the Singapore school holidays. Planning a trip like this can feel like a lot, so here’s a guide which we made from our past experiences with families to help you plan everything smoothly.

How do I plan a family trip to Dubai from Singapore?

Planning is probably the most important part. November is a great time to visit since Dubai weather is much cooler than their summer heat, making it pleasant for walking around. And this timing lines up nicely with the school holidays in Singapore, which makes it the ideal place for a memorable family trip.

Is a visa necessary to visit Dubai from Singapore?

If you’re based in Singapore, your visa requirements for Dubai will depend on your nationality. Most travellers don’t need one for short stays, but it’s always best to double check before booking.

Not sure if you need a visa? Let our team handle it for you. We offer visa services for a wide range of nationalities based in Singapore. Visit our visa portal or get in touch.

How long is the flight from Singapore to Dubai?

Flights from Singapore to Dubai typically take 7 to 8 hours, depending on the airline and route. A Singapore to Dubai flight is offered daily by several airlines, like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, among others all departing from Changi Airport.

Since November is a peak holiday period with the Singapore School holidays, its a good idea to book your flights and hotels a few months in advance to save you some money and stress.

Dubai has plenty of family-friendly hotels and resorts with features like kids' pools, family rooms and in-house dining so you don't have to stress about the details. If you'd rather skip the stress, Fayyaz Travels can help with the full package- flights, hotels, airport transfers, and tours, tailored to your budget and family’s needs.

What are the must-see attractions in Dubai?

Burj Khalifa

It’s the world's tallest building, standing roughly at 828 metres, and the view from the top is something else. It is visible from almost anywhere in the entire city and from the observation decks on top, you can see a breathtaking panoramic view that stretches across the desert, the coastline, and the modern cityscape. Visiting at sunset is especially popular, as you can see Dubai transform from day to night, with the city lights coming alive beneath you.

The Dubai Mall

Right next to the Burj Khalifa is one of the world's largest malls. It’s not just for shopping. It has an aquarium, an ice rink, and tons of places to eat. It has over 1200 different types of shops so you can easily spend a whole day exploring it and it still might not be enough.

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain puts on a spectacular show every evening and is located just outside the mall and at the base of the Burj Khalifa. Set on the Burj Lake, the fountain shoots water jets up to 150 meters into the air, choreographed to music and illuminated with colorful lights. The shows run every half hour in the evenings, and each one is slightly different, making it worth watching more than once.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s iconic man-made island shaped like a palm tree, is also a must-visit. It’s a marvel of engineering and one of the most Instagrammable places in the city. The island is home to luxury hotels such as Atlantis The Palm, upscale restaurants, beach clubs, and beautiful stretches of shoreline where you can take in views of the Dubai skyline. You can relax by the water, dine in style, or simply admire the unique design of the island from above.

What are some fun activities for kids in Dubai?

If you or your family aren’t interested in big landmarks, Dubai has plenty of fun activities for your family that makes the trip enjoyable for parents and kids too. At Dubai Mall, your kids will love KidZania, which is an interactive mini-city where the kids can roleplay real-life jobs. They can also enjoy the VR park in Dubai Mall where they can experience thrilling virtual reality games. Our clients have reported that it’s next to impossible to get their kids to leave from these places.

Dubai Parks and Resorts has multiple theme parks and over 100 rides and attractions. It has theme parks like Motiongate, which is the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East, and Legoland Dubai, which is another theme park resort perfect for kids uptil 12 years.

If your kids love waterparks, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm, which has some really thrilling and exciting slides for kids of all ages. And ofcourse, no trip to Dubai is complete without a desert safari, where you can go dune bashing in a 4x4, ride camels, and end the day with a delicious dinner and a traditional cultural show under the desert sky.

And if you’re looking for indoor family activities in Dubai, whether it’s escaping the heat or finding kid-friendly fun in aircon comfort, places like Ski Dubai, The Green Planet, and IMG Worlds of Adventure are popular picks. We’ve got a full list of indoor attractions in Dubai for families here, all planned with our travellers in mind.

What to eat with family in Dubai?

Dubai's food scene is very diverse, so finding something for everyone, even picky eaters, is usually not a problem. You’ll find everything from food courts in the malls with familiar chains to fancy restaurants. 

For a taste of local food, try some traditional Emirati dishes. Things like machboos (a spiced rice and meat dish) and their amazing shawarmas are very popular. Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and you can always find mezze spreads with things like hummus and flatbread. If you need a simple backup, pizza and pasta are easy to find in many food chains located all around the city.

Must-know tips for a family trip to Dubai

Here are a few practical things to keep in mind.

Safety and customs

Dubai is a very safe city. It's also important to be respectful of local customs. For example, dress modestly when you're not at the beach or a resort pool. It is also advisable to wear a modest dress if you’re planning to visit any Mosque.

Packing

For a trip in November, pack light clothing like t-shirts and shorts, but also bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air conditioned indoor spaces. Don't forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Budgeting

Dubai can be expensive, but there are ways to manage your budget. Eating at food courts, using the metro, and looking for free activities can help. We also recommend setting your shopping budget aside and saving your shopping for the last few days so you don’t overshoot it.

Why choose Dubai for your family this November school break?

Dubai has a lot of activities like amusement parks and desert safaris which is enjoyable for both adults and kids. It’s an excellent destination to consider for your next school holiday break and with a bit of planning, this Dubai trip will be something your family will cherish for years to come.

But if the tricky planning part is what you find difficult to manage and want someone else to worry about the details, let Fayyaz Travels take care of everything related to your Dubai tour. We will manage flights, hotels, tours, and transfers so you can simply enjoy your time together.

Our well-experienced team will craft tailor-made Dubai tour packages that keeps the kids entertained and gives parents time to relax. Book your Dubai family holiday with Fayyaz Travels today and turn your November school break into an unforgettable adventure.

FAQs

What is the best way to get around Dubai with kids?

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are convenient for families, especially with young children and strollers. The Dubai Metro is also a clean and affordable option for getting between major attractions and is also what we recommend since taxis can get very expensive.

What are some budget-friendly family activities in Dubai?

You can enjoy several free activities, like watching the Dubai Fountain show, exploring the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, and spending time at public beaches. Eating at food courts in malls can also be more affordable than sit-down restaurants.

What should I pack for a Dubai tour in November?

Pack lightweight and breathable clothing for the daytime. Also include a light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings and heavily air-conditioned indoor areas. Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Are there vegetarian food options available in Dubai?

Yes, vegetarian food is widely available. Most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, especially Lebanese and Indian places which have great mezze and curry options. You can easily find salads, pasta, and pizzas as well.

What is Dubai weather like in November?

Dubai in November has warm, pleasant weather with temperatures during the day ranging around 25°C to 30°C and cooler evenings near 18°C to 22°C. It’s ideal for beaches, outdoor sightseeing, and evening activities without the summer heat, perfect for families.

Can you do a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai?

A day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai is a fantastic way to explore the best of the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The capital city is only about a 1.5-hour drive away, and many popular attractions are accessible in a single day. You can travel by bus, private tour, or taxi, with popular options including visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and seeing the Emirates Palace.