From Dolphin Watching to Desert Stargazing: The Ultimate Middle East Family Adventure

From the nomadic journeys of the camel-herding Bedouin people to today’s dune-bashing thrill seekers, the Arabian Peninsula has always been a place of adventure. Since every adventure begins with a base camp, Aloft Hotels have launched a programme that celebrates just that: ‘Camp Aloft’ casts your Aloft hotel not just as a place to sleep but as a starting point for intrepid experiences. From Oman to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Aloft Hotels are transforming themselves into modern base camps where you and your family can recharge and get excited about the discoveries that await beyond the hotel’s front doors. Read on to get inspired by the Camp Aloft spirit animating destinations from Muscat to Dubai.

Enjoy serenity and sunsets in Muscat

Family walking on a sunny beach (Photo: Getty Images)

With mountains on one side and desert on the other, Oman’s port capital Muscat is an evocative setting for adventurous travellers big and small.

For a great lookout point, offering panoramic sea and mountain views, the younger members of your family will love scrambling up to clifftop Muttrah Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

A 10–15-minute drive west, Qurum Natural Park – Oman’s largest – offers everything you need for a relaxing afternoon of laid-back exploration. Here, you’ll find manicured lawns and a vast lake, a playground and an amusement park. Keep an eye out for flamingos, too, as well as the park’s beautiful dancing fountains.

Just nearby, Qurum Beach is popular for watersports, from kayaking to paddleboarding, which older children will love. It’s also the best place to watch the sunset in the city. Alternatively, head just out of the city for peaceful Qantab Beach, a favourite with locals for its soft sands and great snorkelling. If you take a boat trip offshore, you’ve a decent chance of spotting dolphins dancing their way through the waters of the Arabian Sea.

Your base camp for all these adventures lies a 20-minute drive west of central Muscat. Aloft Muscat has a splash pool for fun-filled afternoons and a range of places to eat, offering everything from street food to Middle Eastern fusion and the chance to build your own burger.

Explore citadels and city views in Riyadh

At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, Riyadh (Photo: Getty Images)

For younger travellers with a passion for colourful tales of days long gone, Riyadh has storybook allure. It’s the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while its name – which translates as ‘gardens’ – evokes its original status as a walled oasis town. The Saudi capital’s National Museum is the place to learn more – the historical context it affords will help children to weave a rich narrative into their experience of the city.

Today, of course, Riyadh’s long history is complemented by futuristic architecture. One of the best ways to take it all in is with a visit to the Kingdom Tower Sky Bridge, which soars to a height of 300 metres above the city. Time it just before sunset for unforgettable views.

On the outskirts of the city, adventure awaits at UNESCO-listed Diriya and the mudbrick citadel of At-Turaif, an almost cinematic setting where the first Saudi state was founded. You might also head to the south of Riyadh and the lovely park of Wadi Namar for waterside walks and bike rides among the palm trees, as well as a sunset picnic.

Back at the Aloft Riyadh, cool off in the outdoor pool and enjoy all-day dining at Dish restaurant, with its fusion of international cuisines guaranteeing that even the pickiest eater will find something they fancy. Younger travellers will also love the hotel’s loft-inspired design, which will inspire their imaginations to surely turn bedrooms into ‘dens’.

Tour mini cities and mangroves in Abu Dhabi

Happy family enjoying a picnic in Abu Dhabi (Photo: Getty Images)

With everything from thrill-a-minute theme parks to the immersive Emirates Heritage Village, there’s a wealth of activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained in Abu Dhabi. At Qasr Al Hosn fort, take in the 18th-century watchtower, the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, and head to the House of the Artisans to learn new craft techniques.

For a splash of nature, head out on a kayaking adventure at Jubail Mangrove Park, where you’ll spot incredible birdlife and even turtles. Alternatively, make for Sir Ban Yas Island, where you cycle through sandy wadis, or join a horse riding expedition to visit the UAE’s only Christian monastery.

Aloft Abu Dhabi is one of the best places to recharge after a day’s excitement. The rooftop kitchen and bar is an idyllic spot for sunset dinners, while the outdoor pool is perfect for a cooling dip in the afternoon.

Go sailing and desert stargazing in Dubai

Learning about constellations (Photo: Marriott International)

With one of the most remarkable skylines in the world, Dubai will fire younger travellers' imaginations like few other destinations can. But away from the futuristic marvels, the city also retains many traces of its simpler origins. Take the family on a time-travelling trip along the creek in a traditional abra and visit the bustling souks, where traditions play out much as they have for centuries.

After the vibrancy of the souks, change the pace with a trip to the seaside. If you head to popular neighbourhood spot Kite Beach, you’ll find play areas and trampolines, as well as al fresco dining spots and white sands lapped by turquoise waters.

Mushrif Park, meanwhile, is home to Aventura Parks, the largest zipline park in Dubai and a challenging high ropes course. Or leave the city behind for a desert experience – you can ride camels, try dune bashing in a 4x4 or stay after dark for an unforgettable stargazing adventure.

There are six fantastic Aloft Hotels to choose from in Dubai. You might try Aloft Palm Jumeirah for seamless access to the Arabian Gulf; Aloft Dubai Creek with its sweeping views over the creek; or Aloft Al Mina, Dubai, which lies just minutes away from Downtown Dubai’s most famous attractions.

Published: December 12, 2024