Dubai for Senior Citizens: A Specially Curated Dubai Package

Dubai is a city that has something for everyone. The city is designed to provide attractions and activities meant for kids, adventure lovers, culture enthusiasts, food lovers, couples on a honeymoon, etc. But you may not find many articles talking about Dubai holiday for senior citizens. In reality, Dubai is an elderly-friendly city, where senior citizens can enjoy their holiday in comfort and ease. Here you will find all the information you need to plan a Dubai travel for the elderly.

Why is Dubai an Elderly-Friendly Destination?

• Dubai is a safe city, with almost 0% crime rate, ensuring that tourists, especially senior citizens, do not have to undergo petty crime or mugging.
• The Dubai tour packages for the elderly are slow-paced with lot of breaks to ensure that they do not overtire. These packages come with plenty of options, so that people can opt for activities and experiences as per their level of comfort.
• Dubai offers comfortable transportation options, making sightseeing easy for the elderly. Senior citizens can choose private vehicles that ensure pick up and drop off at all the sites, ensuring minimal walking. Several attractions in Dubai offer buggy ride and wheelchair assistance as well.
• Dubai is home to lavish hotels that offer elevators, comfortable beds, and all the amenities required for a convenient and hassle-free stay. Medical support is also readily available in case of emergencies.
• The city also offers foods that suit the dietary preferences of senior citizens. It is easy to find vegan, low-sodium, and diabetic-friendly foods suitable for the elderly in Dubai.

Best Places to Visit in Dubai for Senior Citizens

Here are some of the tourist attractions in Dubai that are perfect for senior citizens.

Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

A place no one should miss in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa. You can book tickets to visit the observation deck either on the 124^th or 125^th floors or on the 148^th floor. From the top, you get to see a 360-degree view of the city, including the major landmarks, the Arabian Gulf, and the vast desert. There are specialized telescopes that give you a closer view of some of the important buildings in the city. As the building is equipped with the fastest elevators on earth, it is a great tourist spot for people of all ages, including the elderly.

Dubai Fountain Show

Right in front of the Burj Khalifa is the Burj Lake, the largest manmade lake in the world. Every evening, the lake hosts one of the most spectacular events in the city, i.e., the Dubai Fountain Show. This show starts around 6 in the evening and happens every 30 minutes till 11 at night. The Dubai Fountain Show involves a well-choreographed routine performed by the fountain sprays in lieu with world-class music. The combination of jet sprays, LED lights, and music makes it a masterpiece.

Dubai Frame

The biggest photo frame in the world is also another attraction that tourists should not miss. Located in Zabeel Park, Dubai Frame holds the past, present, and future of the city. On one side of the mezzanine floor is a museum that gives you a peak into Dubai’s history through interactive exhibits. As you reach the top of the frame, you get to see the Old Dubai on one side and the modern Dubai on the other. Walking on the glass bridge truly gives goosebumps. Then at the other end of the mezzanine floor is a museum that showcases the future of the city.

Desert Safari

The desert safari is one of the best things to do in Dubai.  However, it may seem too thrilling or adventurous for the elderly. But this does not mean you should skip it. It is possible to go on a desert safari without indulging in dune bashing, sandboarding, and other such activities. Older adults can skip these activities and head to the desert camp where they can indulge in cultural activities, smoke a shisha, watch the performances, and enjoy a scrumptious BBQ dinner. On the other hand, if you or the elders in your group do not have heart problems or chronic back or neck pain, they can definitely take part in the desert adventures.

Dhow Cruise

Another relaxing activity that people of all ages enjoy in Dubai is the dhow cruise. The dhow cruise happens on a traditional wooden boat that has been converted into a classy restaurant. The dhow cruises along the Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina, and you get to enjoy the shimmering sights of these parts of the city. Dhow cruise in Dubai also involves a 3-course dinner where you get to feast on both Emirati and international delicacies. Entertainment in the form of Tanura dancing and music are also available on the dhow.

Burj Al Arab Tour

The Burj Al Arab tour is the one that gives you the chance to glimpse into the world of luxury that Dubai is most renowned for. This tour lasts for 60-90 minutes and takes you on a journey where you can appreciate the opulence and elegance of the sail-shaped hotel in Jumeirah. Your tour guide is a butler who would take you through the atrium, explain the architectural innovations, and give you a tour of the Royal Suite and all its shenanigans. If you want to extend your visit, you can also reserve a table at one of the restaurants to enjoy a meal or high tea.

Jumeirah Mosque

Another attraction that is suitable for the elderly tourists is a visit to Jumeirah Mosque. Built in 1979, this mosque is one of the oldest and the most important mosques in the UAE. It is one of the few mosques that is open to non-Muslims. One of the best ways to explore the mosque is to be a part of the 75-minute guided tour that happens six days a week. During the tour, your guide will tell you about the architecture of the place and also explain the traditions, rituals, and customs of Islam. You also get to know about the cuisine of the area and enjoy some local dates and coffee.

Dubai Beaches

As Dubai is a coastal city, it has numerous beaches that one can visit. While the beaches are most popular for their water sports activities, these are not the only things you can do here. On the other hand, the Dubai beaches are ideal for relaxing. The white sands and the blue waters offer every visitor a serene experience. You can stroll on the sand and enjoy a picnic as well. Watching the sunset is one of the most amazing things to do in Dubai  beaches. Some of the best beaches in Dubai are Jumeirah Beach, JBR Beach, La Mer Beach, etc.

Yacht Tour

A luxurious experience that elder tourists can enjoy in Dubai is a yacht tour. It is possible to hire a luxury boat for a few hours and zip your way along the coasts of the city. The size of the yacht would depend on the number of people in your group. It is possible to customize your tour by adding breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dinner, depending on the time of the day you are going for the tour. Different yacht rental packages are available, and you can choose one according to your requirements and budget.

Dubai Museum

Dubai Museum is also an attraction that should be a part of Dubai itinerary for the elderly. The museum is located inside the Al Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest standing structure in the city. Inside the museum, visitors will get to know about the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the Arabs when they were desert dwellers. The museum has exhibits that showcase the clothes, occupation, markets, homes, etc., of the Bedouins in the past. There is also an audio-visual presentation at the end that shows the rapid development of the city and its future plans.

Tips for Senior Citizens Traveling to Dubai

• Always book your Dubai vacation package through a reliable tour operator. It is best to choose a package that is meant for senior citizens, so that it includes attractions and activities suitable for you.
• Dubai is warm throughout the year, and hence you must pack outfits accordingly. Cotton and linen clothes are your best bet although you must carry a light jacket for the air-conditioned indoor attractions. A sturdy pair of walking shoes is a must.
• Do not forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh effects of sun. Also, you must carry sunglasses and hat. A reusable water bottle is necessary to keep yourself hydrated.
• You must carry all your medical documents in case of emergencies. Do not forget to get all your medicines (and their prescriptions), as you may not be able to buy the same medicines in Dubai.
• Keep all your emergency contacts like local emergency numbers, contact details of your tour operator, details of your hotel, etc., with you at all times.
• Ensure that you have enough breaks in your itinerary so that you do not tire yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

To make a Dubai vacation for senior citizens easy and stress-free, proper planning is required. It is always best to choose a package or itinerary through a reliable tour operator. The operator would take care of all the requirements, including transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, meals, and even special requirements of the senior travelers.