We had the same problem when we were moving here 3 yrs ago. Not sure if this still happens now, but when were applying there was a cut off date every year of 18th Jan, after which all children on waiting lists who already live in the UAE are removed from the waiting lists until the following Sept, therefore giving priority to children outside the UAE. This helped us hugely, jumped from number 50-60 on the waiting list to being offered places at Kings' Dubai & Repton (subject to passing their entrance assessments) and DESS (no assessment, they accepted our children's UK school reports). Although my top tip is persistence...keep phoning/emailing the Admissions departments constantly, so if anyone leaves they'll immediately think of you, you have to be incredibly pushy! Good Luck!
What about Al Hambra at the Al Qasr? Leave your car/get taxi to the Mina Al Salam then get the free abra trip through the Madinat up to the Al Qasr. We often do this with visitors and it definitely has the Wow Factor, especially at night time, it's really beautiful. We have 3 kids aged 3-9 yrs and they all love Al Hambra, they have a kids menu although ours tend to just share the tapas with the adults. All our adult guests enjoy it there too, great food and sangria/wine. Can use Entertainer vouchers.
Or how about Friday brunch at the Westin? Truly amazing! Our visitors all love it! Fabulous food, champagne (or not - various drinks packages available) and great for kids too (petting zoo, Chinese acrobats, face painting, x-box, kids club, kid's buffet, etc).
