Summer is in full swing, and while some travellers are off on trips with friends or on solo retreats, many of us are travelling with far less predictable companions. For parents flying with babies or toddlers, the prospect of air travel can be daunting.
“Pre-travel anxiety is incredibly common, especially before flying with young children for the first time,” says Sreevidhya Srinivas, a clinical psychologist for children and adolescents at Dubai’s Medcare Camali Clinic. “Parents aren’t just handling the logistics of travel, they’re also managing uncertainty, expectations and the emotional weight of worrying that things might go wrong.”
Having taken 17 flights with my now 22-month-old daughter, I get it. Gone are the days when my biggest concern was the in-flight movie. Now, flying means juggling naps, snacks and toddler moods. But what I’ve learnt is that it can go smoothly. And even when it doesn’t, it is short-lived.
Here are 10 tips to make your next flight with little ones as fuss-free as possible.
1. Babies can travel earlier than you might think
My daughter’s first flight was at three months. She had reflux, colic and was entirely unpredictable. But the eight-hour flight from Dubai to Glasgow, although intense and sleepless, was manageable. The upside of flying with such young babies is that they’re immobile, small enough for the bassinet and mostly unaware of the chaos around them. The downside is their constant, unpredictable needs and that parents are navigating the journey on newborn-induced fatigue.
Airlines in the UAE, including Emirates and Etihad, usually allow babies to fly from seven days old, although medical clearance may be needed for those under two weeks or born prematurely.
“Most healthy, full-term infants can safely fly from two weeks,” says Dr Mohammed Harriss, a pulmonology specialist from Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital. “Where possible, I recommend waiting until they are six to eight weeks old. By then, babies have had their first vaccines and are more resilient to germs in crowded spaces.”
2. Master the airport experience
Skip duty-free shopping and instead use airport time to manage nappy changes and let toddlers burn off energy. I recommend arriving about two hours before your flight to check in, pass security and navigate terminals with little ones in tow.
If you’re flying with young children, you can’t use UAE e-gates, but family lanes at both Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports help speed up immigration. At security, laptops or iPads typically need to come out of bags, so have them handy. Flag to staff that you have baby liquids with you as these may need to be swabbed, but there’s no limit to how much you can bring. Whether you have to fold your pram depends on the airport and, in my experience, on the staff on duty. It’s best to be mentally prepared for it. A baby carrier can help here.
Once through formalities, Dubai International has a small play area near the B-Gates with a slide and climbing frame. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has a play space for under-sixes just after passport control, and a sensory room, which is great for early or late flights.
“These rooms serve as excellent environments for self-regulation,” says Dr Srinivas. “They reduce auditory and visual input and help facilitate emotional downregulation.” You can prebook a 45-minute slot or just turn up and see if there is space.
Many airlines also offer early family boarding, a small but useful win for getting settled before passengers join.
3. Book a neighbour-free seat
My number one travel hack when flying with little ones is to go with Etihad and take advantage of its Economy Neighbour-Free seats.
I’ve paid between Dh250 and Dh650 for this service, which allows you to block the seat beside you, giving your infant their own space for a fraction of the cost of a child’s fare. It’s not guaranteed, as it depends on flight loads, but it’s saved me hundreds of dirhams compared to buying a second seat.
Emirates and Qatar Airways offer similar options, but these can’t be pre-booked and can only be requested at the airport, subject to availability. If you do get the extra seat, your child still needs to be on your lap for take-off, landing and turbulence, but the added space is a game-changer.
4. Request a bassinet
Bassinet seats are usually in the bulkhead row, meaning more space. Even if your child has outgrown the bassinet itself, which is likely given they are restricted for children who are more than 11kg or 75cm on both Emirates and Etihad, the extra legroom is still valuable. Call your airline to reserve the seats, a service that is free of charge when travelling with a child under two.
My daughter is petite, so she fit in the bassinet until around 15 months. Even after that, I continue to book the seats for the extra room.
5. Anticipate take-off troubles
“Ear discomfort during take-off and landing is common due to changes in cabin pressure, and it can be particularly uncomfortable for infants and toddlers because their Eustachian tubes are still developing,” says Dr Harriss. Babies can drink milk or water during ascent and descent to help swallow and equalise pressure, while older toddlers can suck on a straw or sippy cup. Snacks also help.
Just remember elevation changes typically last longer than you think, so don’t go too fast with drinks, or have a second one ready.
6. In-flight entertainment
Unpredictably, some of my daughter’s favourite in-flight toys have been a roll of painter’s tape and an in-flight safety card.
I now pack a few cheap surprises such as stickers, figurines and water colouring books, and wrap them in foil to hand out throughout the flight. Unwrapping is part of the fun, and foil makes security checks easier if you need to reveal what’s inside. If your toddler will watch a show, pre-download it and check it’s still valid while you have Wi-Fi. Some Netflix downloads expire in 48 hours.
Finally, don’t underestimate the joy of a friendly neighbour sat behind you. Games of peekaboo have been some of my daughter’s most fun in-flight moments.
7. Feeding time tips
For bottle-fed babies, the easiest option is ready-to-feed formula. Decant into sterilised bottles and ask the crew to heat them. If you have an impatient baby, it’s worth investing in a Nuby RapidCool. This insulated container chills milk back to drinking temperature in two minutes and is a lifesaver when crew hand you back an almost boiling bottle.
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s even easier, simply throw a scarf in your bag if you want some privacy. For older babies and toddlers, freeze food pouches before the flight. They’ll thaw gradually and be ready to eat mid-journey.
8. Pack a travel health kit
As well as travel essentials such as nappies and wipes, pack a health kit when you fly. “Essentials include a digital thermometer, pain relievers, saline spray and a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator for congestion,” says Dr Udhayesan Cherayil Nanu, a specialist paediatrician at Aster Clinic in Sharjah.
Admittedly, I only started doing this after flying from Japan with my daughter when she developed a fever mid-flight. The Etihad crew were fantastic and brought me a thermometer, but when they offered to call a doctor on the ground, my panic levels rose. If I’d had my own thermometer and medicine, I could’ve monitored and treated her calmly, without the drama.
9. Reconsider the red-eye
Red-eye flights can be great if your child nods off easily, but I’ve accepted they’re not for us as my daughter refuses to sleep more than half an hour when travelling and I end up stressed trying to keep her quiet while others rest.
“Red-eye flights can work well if your child has a predictable bedtime routine and is comfortable sleeping in different environments,” says Dr Yasir Shafi, a homoeopathic practitioner at Wellth Clinic. But, as he adds: “There’s pressure to keep the child quiet, which isn’t always realistic.”
If you do go red-eye, try to recreate bedtime. “Familiar routines are powerful sleep cues, even in-flight,” says Dr Harriss. “Bring a sleep sack, familiar pyjamas, white noise and a bedtime book.”
10. Stay calm
Meltdowns mid-air feel more intense, but they’re rarely as bad as you think. “Flying with young children can be unpredictable and, while preparation is important, flexibility is just as vital,” says Dr Nanu.
If a meltdown occurs, stay calm. “Your toddler feeds off your energy,” says Dr Srinivas. “If you panic or get flustered, they escalate too.” Acknowledging their emotions, offering comfort, and gently shifting their focus with a toy, snack or book can help.
I can personally attest that things don’t always go to plan when flying with toddlers, but for those hours you’re on the plane, focusing on your family's comfort is the best you can do. “Staying calm, compassionate and responsive is more important for children than perfect travel plans,” says Dr Shafi.
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Seattle from Dh5,555 return, including taxes. Portland is a 260 km drive from Seattle and Emirates offers codeshare flights to Portland with its partner Alaska Airlines.
The car
Hertz (www.hertz.ae) offers compact car rental from about $300 per week, including taxes. Emirates Skywards members can earn points on their car hire through Hertz.
Parks and accommodation
For information on Crater Lake National Park, visit www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm . Because of the altitude, large parts of the park are closed in winter due to snow. While the park’s summer season is May 22-October 31, typically, the full loop of the Rim Drive is only possible from late July until the end of October. Entry costs $25 per car for a day. For accommodation, see www.travelcraterlake.com. For information on Umpqua Hot Springs, see www.fs.usda.gov and https://soakoregon.com/umpqua-hot-springs/. For Bend, see https://www.visitbend.com/.
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species
Camelpox
Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.
Falconpox
Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.
Houbarapox
Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch
Power: 710bhp
Torque: 770Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 340km/h
Price: Dh1,000,885
On sale: now
Famous left-handers
- Marie Curie
- Jimi Hendrix
- Leonardo Di Vinci
- David Bowie
- Paul McCartney
- Albert Einstein
- Jack the Ripper
- Barack Obama
- Helen Keller
- Joan of Arc
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Everton 1 Stoke City 0
Everton (Rooney 45 1')
Man of the Match Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
How Voiss turns words to speech
The device has a screen reader or software that monitors what happens on the screen
The screen reader sends the text to the speech synthesiser
This converts to audio whatever it receives from screen reader, so the person can hear what is happening on the screen
A VOISS computer costs between $200 and $250 depending on memory card capacity that ranges from 32GB to 128GB
The speech synthesisers VOISS develops are free
Subsequent computer versions will include improvements such as wireless keyboards
Arabic voice in affordable talking computer to be added next year to English, Portuguese, and Spanish synthesiser
Partnerships planned during Expo 2020 Dubai to add more languages
At least 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment or blindness
More than 90 per cent live in developing countries
The Long-term aim of VOISS to reach the technology to people in poor countries with workshops that teach them to build their own device
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
