Keeping Up With Kaya: July

A mini guide to what to do in Dubai this July

Happy school holidays, mamas! Are you somewhere exotic? Or stuck behind a desk? Or pulling your hair out trying to find ways to entertain the brood in 45 degree heat?! Whether you’re returning to the desert soon and need something to look forward to (sewing name labels on uniforms not included), I’ve picked out a few of my favourite things to do and get excited about this month! Because there’s no need to be down on Dubai in the summertime, the city can be awesome (just give the beach a rest for a while…)

Night Swim… At The Beach In Umm Suqeim 1

Fancy a dip after sunset? For the first time ever, Dubai Municipality have opened the city’s first ‘night swimming beach’ in Umm Suqeim (the beach next to the Burj Al Arab beach), a stretch of water that’s now illuminated and watched over by lifeguards (until Midnight when they call everybody out!). Yes the sea is pretty warm at this time of year but at least you won’t have the fierce sun to deal with AND swimming with the Burj Al Arab lit up in the background is pretty darn cool!

Staycation & Cool Down… At Anantara Salalah

Stuck in the desert for most of the summer? Panic not! As a short flight to Salalah (in Oman, under 2 hours away) will not only give you a break from the heat, with temperatures in the mid 30’s but is also home to one of the regions newest and coolest hotels. Anantara Salalah has everything from a coconut-palm lined beach to a swimmable freshwater lagoon plus kids and teens clubs and loads of gorgeous dining options. And for AED 1,307 you’ll get a 2 night stay with breakfast, late checkout and 20% off all food during your vaycay – plus lots more. This is a real must if you’re time poor and need a change of scene!

Get A Free Blowdry… At Dyson’s New Superstore

Heard about the new Dyson store in Dubai Mall? A gadget lovers paradise, this interactive space is so much fun – particularly if, like me, you have a weird obsession with vacuuming (there are cheerios and other bits and pieces to fling on the floor and suck up with Dyson’s awesome super-strength vacuum cleaners). And here’s the best bit – if you have somewhere to go and need a little hair refresh then pop in for a free blow dry with a Dyson supersonic hairdryer (it works in record time and doesn’t damage your hair plus is very pretty – perfect for the dressing table!).

Pick Up A Bargain… At Dubai Summer Surprises

Need another excuse to mooch around the mall (yup, it’s a great way to avoid the heat!)?. The annual Dubai Summer Surprises shopping festival is back until Saturday, 12 August and offers everything from whopping discounts in all your favourite stores to mall promotions, specials on food and entertainment options and even hotel deals. There’ll also be plenty of interactive fun in shopping destinations and chances to win big too! Definitely the best time to shop in the city.

Treat Your Kids… To Free Meals, Armani Style

Your little bambini (aged 10 and under) are invited to dine for free at the Armani Hotel (only the best for our little people, right?!). From traditional Italian flavours at Armani Ristorante to Indian at Armani Amal or Seafood specials at Armani Mediterraneo and contemporary European at Armani Deli, this is one definite way to get the kids away from nuggets and chips (or, in my case, peanut butter sandwiches) – and discovering the magical world of fabulous food.

There’s nothing more irritating than taking the kids out and paying a fortune if they’re not going to eat anything but the bread basket so this is the perfect way of enjoying a meal out as a fam while introducing your future foodies to some seriously special cuisine.

Running until Saturday, 30 September. Maximum 2 children per full paying adult.