Week 7. One week until the boys start school. Last chance for holiday mode before reality kicks in.
Here's how we packed it in – with all the costs and hidden gems we discovered.
Kite Beach: Our First Real Beach Day
Surprisingly, this was our first proper beach trip since arriving. We'd been so busy sorting logistics, we'd forgotten Dubai has... beaches.
First Impressions
- Views of both Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab from the beach
- Sand temperature: approximately the same as fire 🔥
- Sea temperature: like a lukewarm bath (only "slightly refreshing")
- Wind picked up which actually helped with the heat
The Price That Shocked Us
Beachside food in the UK? Massively inflated. Here?
| What We Got | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 meals (burgers, chicken nuggets, chips, drinks) | ~135 AED |
| In GBP | ~£35 |
For a family of four at a beach location? That's genuinely good value.
The Mystery Sea Creature
Mid-vlog, something surfaced in the water. Like a black swan, but it dived under and traveled about 50 metres underwater before coming back up.
If there are any bird experts watching: what was it?
Sara retreated. I tried to hunt it down for the vlog. Failed.
The Pods at Bluewaters: Hidden Gem Alert
Sara found this one. She's got a natural ability for finding deals.
What Is It?
Individual air-conditioned pods at Bluewaters Island with sea views. Perfect for breakfast with the family.
The Deal
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | 49 AED per person |
| What's included | Fully redeemable on food/drinks |
| Sea view pods | Slightly more expensive |
| Our total bill | 314 AED (~£70) including extra pancakes and drinks |
"Amazing. Special. You'd pay that anywhere for breakfast – let alone being inside a pod with an amazing view. I can imagine it being so nice in the evening with everything lit up."
We spent about 100 AED extra on drinks and extras. The pancakes were worth it.
Car Finance: The WIO Bank Problem
Quick update on our car situation for anyone going through the same thing.
What Happened
- Used Cars24 – service has been brilliant
- Paid 2,000 AED deposit to secure the car
- Finance partner: Emirates NBD
- Problem: WIO Bank doesn't support direct debits
Everything went through quickly – 48 hours – except for this one blocker. WIO is great for a lot of things, but not for car finance direct debits.
The Solution
Opening an account with a more traditional bank (like NBD). Currently exploring:
- Which banks are best
- Salary transfer bonuses (free money for switching)
- Whether I lose that 2,000 AED deposit
Lesson: If you're planning to finance a car in Dubai, check your bank supports direct debits first.
Back-to-School Haircuts: Amongst Few
Found this barber when we visited Dubai a couple of years ago. Best haircuts the boys have ever had.
Details
| Item | Info |
|---|---|
| Barber | Amongst Few |
| Kids' haircut | 75 AED |
| Vibe | Cafe inside, cool atmosphere |
On par with community barbers price-wise. Worth the drive for the quality.
Aquaventure After Dark
Sara discovered this: Aquaventure does special evening openings from 6pm to 10pm.
What's Different
- DJ pumping out music
- Beach games
- No burning sand (finally!)
- Included with annual pass
- Weird but fun to be there when it's dark
How We Used It
We arrived later than planned, so instead of queueing for slides, we:
- Played the beach games
- Went on Raging Rapids (always good)
- Played tag in the river
- Beach football – Riley scored an awesome goal
"Good vibes. Really fun. Weird to be here when it's dark."
Note: This was the last Saturday they were doing it for the year. Check if it's running when you visit.
Top Golf Dubai
Family-friendly competition with stunning night views of the Dubai skyline.
Pricing
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | 200 AED |
| 90 minutes | 300 AED |
Our recommendation: Go for 90 minutes. An hour feels slightly short.
Prices vary based on time of day and day of week – check their website for current rates.
Why It's Worth It
- Great for all skill levels (kids included)
- City skyline lit up at night is beautiful
- Good for family competition
- Boys loved it, we loved it
Quick Mention: Soul Street JVC
We also hit Soul Street at JVC – always good vibes.
One note: They changed the menu and we wish they hadn't. The old menu was epic. Soul Street, if you're watching – bring it back.
Cost Summary: Week 7
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kite Beach lunch (family of 4) | ~£35 |
| The Pods breakfast | 49 AED/person (redeemable) |
| Kids' haircuts (each) | 75 AED |
| Top Golf (90 mins) | 300 AED |
| Aquaventure after dark | Free (with annual pass) |
The Shift Coming
This was our last week of pure holiday mode. Next week: school starts, routines begin, and we figure out what "normal life" actually looks like in Dubai.
We were nervous. The boys were nervous. But also excited.
And we had one more surprise planned for Sunday – something "obscene and special" as a back-to-school treat. Cliffhanger: it involved a Ferrari.
Planning Your Dubai Activities?
- Take the neighbourhood quiz – Find where to live
- The Ferrari Day – What happened next
- Work with Sara – She finds deals like The Pods
Week 7 done. Bring on the school adventure.