Theme parks and waterparks, camel rides and cave hotels, balloons and Bedouin camps — a surprise-packed family destination, and only ~14 hours from home.
Theme parks and waterparks, camel rides and cave hotels, balloons and Bedouin camps — the Middle East is a surprise-packed family destination, and closer than you think.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have turned family travel into an art form: record-breaking theme parks, waterparks, aquariums, indoor skiing and safe, warm beaches, all wrapped in world-class, kid-friendly hotels. Beyond the Gulf, older children are captivated by Petra and a night in a Wadi Rum desert camp, Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and balloons, and a Nile cruise past the temples of the pharaohs.
Family-run since 1974 — and parents ourselves — Cooee paces family trips just right, with the flights, transfers and downtime all handled.
Thrills, wonder and warm water — something for every age.
UAE · parks, beaches & desert
Theme parks, waterparks, aquariums and indoor skiing, plus safe beaches and a desert safari — the ultimate family stopover.
Jordan · camels & stars
Turkey · balloons & cave hotels
Jordan · the real-life lost city
Egypt · pharaohs & feluccas
Dunes, camels & sandboarding
The set-pieces that turn a holiday into a childhood memory.
IMG Worlds, Ferrari World, waterparks and aquariums across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Nov – MarDune-bashing, camel rides and sandboarding, then dinner at a desert camp.
Oct – AprFloat over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, then explore underground cities and cave churches.
Apr – OctA relaxed cruise past temples and villages — history that comes alive for older kids.
Oct – AprVery — the UAE in particular is one of the world's great family destinations, with theme parks, waterparks, aquariums, safe beaches and family-friendly hotels, all a direct ~14-hour flight from Australia. Jordan and Turkey add adventure and history that older kids love. See our Dubai & the UAE guide.
A Dubai and Abu Dhabi stopover (3–5 days) is the easiest family win — theme parks, beaches and a desert safari. For older children, add Jordan (Petra and a Wadi Rum camp) or a Nile cruise in Egypt. See our itineraries guide.
November to March for the Gulf and Jordan — warm, sunny and comfortable, and lined up well with Australian summer holidays. Avoid the extreme summer desert heat for outdoor activities. See our best time to visit guide.
The UAE, Oman, Qatar, Jordan and Turkey are welcoming, easy and very safe for families, with excellent healthcare and infrastructure. As always, we plan around current Smartraveller advice. See our getting there guide.