I brought my American family to Dubai for the first time. Here are 4 things I wish I knew before we went.

The Dubai pass gave us an affordable option to ride camels in the Arabian desert.

Jennifer Knowles

• When I took my family on a trip to Dubai, I discovered a few things I wish I had known beforehand.
• I hadn't expected our high-end hotel and favorite activities to feel so affordable in the city.
• There were cultural differences that I wish I had better prepared for, especially with dress codes.

For a recent spring break, my husband, three kids, and I skipped...