Recommendations on best area to stay in Dubai ( must by family friendly)

Dubai is a brand-new city that is still finding its position as a tourist draw. It is dominated by skyscrapers and shopping malls, sprawling along the coast, with little designed to entertain a child. There is the beach but temperatures in summer can easily hit 40 celsius. There are the indoor ski hill and a mall skating rink, or perhaps a boat ride on the creek in the Deira district.. Several observation decks give spectacular views. A waterfront hotel may be more scenic but I think the most important aspect is to be within walking distance of a Metro station. Personal security is not an issue. Taxis are efficient and moderately priced. The lower denominations of the local currency are in short supply so try to preserve your small bills to pay the meter.

From your list, I'd suggest you look at Jumeirah Beach or Sheikh Zayed Road areas. Probably if you are staying on Sheikh Zayed Road, you will be near a Metro station, which is a good way to get to many parts of the city. If you stay in Jumeirah, you will need to use taxis more, since you will not be so close to a Metro station. However, taxis are not expensive.

Deira (and Bur Dubai) is in the old part of the city, near to the Creek and whilst I'd say it's worth visiting for the souqs, museum, abra boat ride, etc, it might not be so family friendly.

Dubai Marina is OK, but it's at the far end of the city, therefore not so convenient for getting to other parts of the city.

Please come back and post if you have any further queries.

Dubai Festival City is hugely popular with Arab families in the evenings and they have a tiny little fair with spinning tea cup rides and a cinema etc, but otherwise Jumeirah beach is a good place to base yourself.