The Luxury Family Vacation in the Middle East

Children are adored in Arab culture, and you will feel that welcome everywhere, from hotel staff who remember a child's name to restaurants that happily warm a bottle. The leading resorts treat families as honored guests, with kids' clubs, teen lounges, babysitting, children's menus and interconnecting rooms or villas.

The winter sun is gentle, the Gulf and Red Sea are calm and warm, and distances are short: in the UAE you can combine a beach resort, a desert camp and a world-class theme park in a single week. Our guide to concierge, security and family services covers nannies, private guides and more.

Choose a nonstop flight; the Gulf airlines offer bassinets, children's meals and amenity kits, and our guide to the best airlines compares their cabins. Ask for interconnecting rooms or a villa when you book, and reserve kids' club places for the busiest weeks. Car seats are available from chauffeur firms and rental companies on request.

The sun is strong even in winter: hats, high-factor sunscreen, rash guards and plenty of water are essential. Pharmacies and pediatric care in the Gulf cities are excellent, with many English-speaking doctors; see private healthcare. Pack a light layer for each child, as malls and cars are strongly air-conditioned.