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Holidays to Dubai are a dream for beachy breaks with an urban vibe. We’re talking next-level luxury, daytrips to the desert and activities you don’t get anywhere else…
Glitz and glam
Dubai’s known as the ‘Las Vegas of the UAE’, and it makes sense. Everything’s super-sized, shiny and futuristic, which has created its iconic skyline featuring the Dubai Frame, the Burj Khlalifa – AKA the tallest building in the world – and the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping centre in the world. On top of some serious designer shopping, the city’s packed with boujie bars and exclusive clubs, a top-tier foodie scene and world-class hotels, so it’s easy to see why the rich and the famous from all over have settled here.
More than a city break
Dubai offers more than your typical city getaway. Situated on the shores of the Persian Gulf, it’s a premier beach destination, complete with pristine white sands, luxury marinas, and man-made wonders like the Palm Jumeirah. This part of the city’s where you’ll find its big beachy resorts and huge waterparks, making it a popular pick for families. Plus, there’s a solid line-up of bucket-list activities to tick off – think sky-high slides in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s largest indoor ski slope, and sandboarding down desert dunes.
Local life
The city itself is fairly new. People started to settle in the emirate around 200 years ago, and Dubai only began to thrive in the ‘80s and ‘90s. But the area’s been home to Bedouin tribes and nomadic travellers for thousands of years, so underneath all the luxury is a combo of ancient cultures that go way back. To see this side of the city, cross the Dubai Creek in an abra – a traditional wooden boat – to the markets in the historic quarter. Explore the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Textile Souk, then stop for a bite at the street food stalls. It’s also hard to miss the stunning places of worship here, like the Grand Mosque. You can only admire this one from the outside, but if you want to learn more, the Jumeirah Mosque is open to non-Muslims for tours.
Places to stay in Dubai
If you like being in the middle of it all, this is where you want to be. The Burj Khalifa stands tall at the centre, with the Burj Lake next to it and the Dubai Mall just round the corner. It might be the financial district, but it’s definitely not all business here. You’ll have some of the city’s hottest nightlife on your doorstep, and there are restaurants and cafés for days. The stays here are just as impressive – they’re either a big international name or a beaut boutique hotel.
Read MoreOne of the world’s largest man-made harbours, Dubai’s Marina is all canal-lined boardwalks, superyachts and gravity-defying architecture. There’s more of a laidback vibe, and you won’t find any of big touristy attractions – days here are for long lunches and soaking up the sunshine on the waterfront, then it all gets lively when the sun sets and the rooftop cocktail spots and shisha bars get busy.
Read MoreThis artificial island shaped like a palm tree is packed with mega family-friendly resorts and waterparks. The huge Atlantis, The Palm resort sits right in the middle, and you can jump on the monorail to explore the area. It feels separate from the city centre, so it’s a popular pick for beachy trips rather than city breaks.
Read MoreJumeirah means ‘the beautiful’ and the stunning sand, the turquoise water and swaying palms are all very on brand. This was one of the first parts of Dubai to be developed, so you’ll find more low-rise resorts and pretty villas than huge hotels. Kite Beach is a firm fave for families as you’ve got surfing, beach games and watersports on the cards, plus a front-row view of the quirky Burj Al Arab right on the shore.
Read MoreTop Dubai holiday deals
Grand Hyatt Dubai
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 28 April 2025
Taj Dubai
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Room Only
Based on 2 Adults - 28 April 2025
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 28 April 2025
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 28 April 2025
W Dubai - Mina Seyahi
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 28 April 2025
FIVE Palm Jumeirah
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 28 April 2025
Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel and Suites
Glasgow - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 23 April 2025
Atlantis, The Palm
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Half Board
Based on 2 Adults - 28 April 2025
Why pick Dubai holidays
Skyline scenes
Sea and the city
A winter sun win
Luxe life
Your guide to Dubai
Dubai takes sightseeing to the next level, ticking off world records from the tallest building and biggest indoor ski slope to the largest fountain light show…
- Burj Khalifa – Standing strong at over 2,000-feet tall, this engineering masterpiece had its main-character moment in Mission Impossible 4. Head up to the observation decks on the 124th, 125th or 148th floors for panoramic scenes of the city, desert and ocean – sunsets up here hit different…
- Dubai Frame – In the manicured gardens of Zabeel Park, this giant structure made from gold and glass perfectly frames the old quarter on one side and the new city on the other. Head inside to learn about Dubai’s past, present and future.
- Palm Jumeriah – Even if you’re staying in the city, a visit to the Palm Jumeirah’s a must. The palm-shaped island is like something you’d see in the Maldives – jump on the monorail to see it all from above or spend the day at one of its waterparks or aquariums.
- Dubai Miracle Garden – Get away from the city centre and step into nature at the world’s largest natural flower garden, featuring over 150 million flowers arranged in intricate designs and bright displays.
Get ready for the retail therapy of your dreams. Dubai doesn’t mess around when it comes to shopping, but it’s not all designer labels and sprawling shopping centres…
- Dubai Mall – You could do some serious damage in the world’s largest shopping centre. It’s got over 1,200 shops, plus extra features like an aquarium, an ice rink and a cinema complex. Westfield who?
- Mall of the Emirates – Another massive mall with all the big labels, except this one’s also home to the world’s largest indoor ski slope…
- Traditional souks – Shop like a local across the creek at the city’s souks. The Gold Souk is the place to go for jewellery, the Spice Souk is all about fragrant spices, herbs and incense, and the Textile Souk is where you can pick up colourful fabrics and traditional clothes.
Build out your break and book trips, tours and tickets on First Choice Experiences to see more of Dubai.
- Sky Views Observatory – Sat at 219 metres above ground level, the observatory gives you some of the best views over the city, featuring the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. If you’re feeling brave, you can slide from the 53rd to the 52nd floor in a glass tube.
- Desert safari – Head out of the city and into the desert for a day of dune bashing and sandboarding before having a barbecue while the sun sets.
- Fountain show boat ride – What’s more impressive than the Burj Lake fountain show? Seeing it from the water… Get front-row seats of the action while you cruise around Downtown Dubai in a traditional abra boat.
- Dubai street food tour – Swap swish restaurants for souks with this evening tour of the traditional markets. The guide will take you to the best spots for authentic Indian, Lebanese and Saudi dishes before finishing with a Bedouin-style meal.
Dubai’s beaches all come with bath-temp water, super soft sand and an insane view of the downtown skyscrapers.
- Jumeirah Beach – This is a breeze to get to from stays in the Jumeirah part of Dubai. The water’s super shallow and gentle, so it’s a fave for families. It’s got handy facilities like showers, changing rooms and shady areas, too.
- Kite Beach – If you’re into watersports, this beach is ideal. You can hire paddleboards, try kite surfing or ride a banana boat here, plus there’s a kids’ playground and an entire skate park right next to the water.
- La Mer Beach – This stetch of sand near the Laguna Waterpark comes with a sleek, new complex of bars, restaurants and shops, as well as a watersports centre where you can try paddle-boarding and kayaking.
Dubai’s foodie scene serves up dishes from all over the world, but the Saudi cuisine is definitely worth a try, too.
- Al Machboos – Similar to biryani, this rice dish is cooked with tender chicken or lamb, onions, tomatoes and a blend of spices, like dried lime, cardamom and saffron.
- Al Harees – A simple but oh-so good local fave made from slow-cooked wheat and chicken or lamb.
- Luqaimat – You’ll be dreaming about these deep-fried dough balls… They’re flavoured with saffron and cardamom, then drizzled with date syrup or honey.
- Camel milk ice-cream – This Saudi take on ice-cream is a traditional desert. You’ll find it in cafés and restaurants across the city, and it comes in most of the classic flavours you’d expect, plus some unique ones like baklava and honey and saffron.
- Dubai chocolate – You’ve probably seen this trending treat all over your socials. Known locally as kunafa, it’s made from chunky pistachios and filo pastry covered in chocolate.
With a strong foodie scene, Dubai’s got a solid line-up of luxe restaurants to pick from – including four Michelin-starred spots…
- At.mosphere – Up on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, this is the world’s highest restaurant. The decor’s pure opulence and the fancy French cuisine looks almost too good to eat.
- Al Mahara – This underwater-themed restaurant in the Burj Al Arab features floor-to-ceiling fish tanks and serves fresh seafood to match.
- Nobu Dubai – A Hollywood favourite, the sushi club’s prestigiously placed in Atlantis, The Palm. Expect a blend of Japanese cuisine with South American flavours.
- Dinner in the Sky – If you’re scared of heights, keep scrolling… You’ll be strapped in at a table that’s suspended 50 metres in the air by a crane, where you’ll be served gourmet dishes with an insane view over the city.
It’s not all expensive price tags and Michelin Stars here. Head to a market or a family-run restaurant to get a taste of the local flavours.
- Street food – If you want a great meal for a small price, cross the creek to the souks. Popular picks include shawarma, falafel and manakish, as well as Indian and Pakistani dishes like curries, biryani and dosas. You’ll also find affordable kebab rolls, mezze platters, grilled fish and Arabic bread with dips in authentic restaurants away from the centre.
- Al Ustad Special Kebab – One of Dubai’s oldest food spots, this is the place to go for authentic Persian kebabs. Order grilled meat or veggies with chips, rice or flatbread. So simple, so delicious.
The city’s quickly making a name for itself in the nightlife category, with boujie lounges, beach bars and buzzing clubs in Dubai’s dreamiest settings.
- White Dubai – This club in Dubai Marina is the city’s most famous open-air venue. Come for the sunset over the skyline and stay to dance to high-energy DJs until the am.
- Level 43 Sky Lounge – Up on the rooftop of Four Points by Sheraton, this bar’s a prime spot for soaking in the city views with a cocktail.
- Nikki Beach – You’ll find these clubs in some of the world’s hottest destinations, and the Dubai branch doesn’t disappoint. Think chilled beats, great food and pool parties right on the beachfront.
- Dubai Opera – If you’re more interested in classical music than clubbing, Dubai’s got you covered, too. Catch a performance of shows like the Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Swan Lake, as well as concerts by big-name musicians and orchestras.
It’s Dubai – of course it hasn’t just got one, but three huge waterparks to pick from, including the largest in the world.
- Wild Wadi – Themed around the story of Arabian folklore character, Juha, Wild Wadi packs in drop slides, twisty flumes and open bowls with a backdrop of the Burj Al Arab.
- Aquaventure Waterpark – Home to over 150 slides, experiences and activities, this waterpark is the largest in the world. It’s right next to Atlantis, The Palm and has the same theme as the hotel, with a huge temple, Poseidon’s tridents and even an aquarium across the park.
- LEGOLAND® Water Park – This waterpark’s part of LEGOLAND® Dubai, and it’s designed especially for little ones. It’s got a range of family-friendly water slides, attractions and it’s all LEGO®-themed, of course.
If you prefer rides to slides, stay dry and head to one of Dubai’s three theme parks.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure – This is the world’s largest indoor theme park – there’s a bit of a theme emerging here… It’s split into six worlds, with attractions-based Cartoon Network shows like the Powerpuff Girls, Marvel superheroes, the dinosaur-themed Lost Valley and a Haunted Town.
- MOTIONGATE™ Dubai – This Hollywood-inspired theme park features rides and attractions based on blockbuster films like The Hunger Games, John Wick and Ghostbusters.
- LEGOLAND® Dubai – Designed just for kids, this park features over 40 rides, shows and attractions inspired by LEGO® bricks.
Dubai’s the destination that keeps on giving when it comes to family holidays. There’s no chance of anyone being bored here…
- Dubai Aquarium – Head to Dubai Mall to check out one of the largest aquariums in the world. You’ll see huge tanks with colourful fish, sharks and rays, plus other features like interactive displays designed to teach kids about marine conservation.
- Al Safa Park – Perfect for a bit of peace and quiet away from the city buzz, this park’s got loads of green space, lush plants and playgrounds for kids.
- Play DXB – Another attraction in Dubai Mall, Play DXB is a huge virtual reality playground. Grab a headset and play video games, ride a rollercoaster or try paragliding on the Para Drop simulator.
The Metro is one of easiest ways to travel around the city, especially for tourists. It’s pretty cheap, runs regularly until midnight and covers most hotspots, including Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina.
Connected to the Metro, the tram service is handy for getting to spots within the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence areas.
Taxis are available everywhere here and are super convenient, but they’re a more expensive way to get around. If you need a taxi, apps like Uber and Bolt usually work out much cheaper, and you can see the rate you’ll pay before you book.
The bus network is a great way to get around on a budget. They cover most of the city, including parts not served by the Metro, plus, they have air-con. Just so you know, you’ll need to get a Nol Card to travel by bus.
Renting a car is a great shout if you plan on exploring outside the city, like daytrips to the desert, mountains or other emirates in the UAE. The roads are in great condition and are well-signposted, but it can be expensive to park in the centre.
Traditional water taxis – AKA abras – and ferries can be used to cross Dubai Creek or along the coastline. Crossings are fairly cheap, but they take longer than driving or getting the Metro.
Why we love Dubai
Popular holiday types
Dubai is the ultimate family adventure. The resorts in Jumeirah Beach residence and Palm Jumeirah are perfectly placed on the water so beach days are sorted, and the city’s packed with restaurants, cafés and green spaces. Plus, you’ve got every activity or attraction you can think of packed into one place – waterparks, theme parks, aquariums, even ski slopes… you name it, Dubai’s got it.
Dubai takes luxury holidays to the next level with its towering skyscrapers, extravagant hotels, and stunning waterfronts. Stay in Downtown Dubai for incredible views, unwind in Dubai Marina, or go all out at Atlantis, The Palm. Indulge in swanky spas, exclusive beach clubs, or see the city from a helicopter for the ultimate luxe experience.
If you’re feeling spontaneous and Dubai sounds like a bit of you, check out our last-minute deals to see what’s available ASAP. And with year-round sunshine, you don’t have to wait until the summer – a last-min winter escape is so on…
Recommended hotels
Dubai FAQs
Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates. You’ll find it on the Persian Gulf coast, between Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
The official currency of Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). Most places accept credit and debit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for food stalls, traditional markets and souks.
The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March. It’s technically their winter, but it very much feels like summer, with temps sitting between 20°C to 30°C. From June to September, things get a bit too hot for sightseeing and outside activities – it often tips over 40°C…
Alcohol is available in lots of hotels, bars and restaurants, but you can’t drink in public spaces or on transport. You can buy alcohol from shops to drink in your hotel, but you’ll need to have a temporary license, which you can usually get from your hotel.
Like the rest of UAE, Dubai is an Islamic country, so it’s considered respectful of the local culture to dress modestly when you’re out and about. Swimming costumes are fine on beaches and around pools, but try to cover your shoulders and knees when you’re heading into the centre, and especially when visiting religious sites or government buildings.
Tips in Dubai are always appreciated, but it’s not expected like in some destinations. Most restaurants include a service charge, although if you really enjoyed the meal, it’s normal to leave an extra 10-15% tip.
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Dubai travel advice
Passports and Visas
British passport holders will be given a 40 – day visa on arrival into the UAE For the most up-to-date passport and visa information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/entry-requirements
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/health.
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