dubai skyline twilight

Dubai Holidays

Flights + Hotel

Dubai - a world of adventure

Dubai holidays transport you to an ultra-modern city that proudly combines futuristic design and gleaming skyscrapers with globally renowned restaurants, beaches and theme parks. 

Boasting year-round sunshine and spectacular sights, this is a destination where you can unwind on golden sands and shop at traditional souks – or go thrill-seeking on the sea, in the air, or across the sprawling dunes. 

Witness a truly awe-inspiring light show at the Dubai Fountain. Then visit – or even skydive over – the world’s largest man-made island in the shape of Palm Jumeirah. 

Dubai is a travel destination that truly deserves a place on your must-visit list.

Whether you are looking to admire the world’s tallest building or escape to the great outdoors by heading out on a desert safari, a world of possibility awaits in Dubai.

aerial view of dubai palm island

Things to do in Dubai

Whether you are looking to see the sights, go off the beaten track or simply relax by the water, a holiday in Dubai has plenty of options. 

a camel in the desert near dubai

Embrace the outdoors

Adventure seekers will feel completely at home in Dubai thanks to the seemingly endless choice of outdoor activities. 

Whether it’s skydiving over the islands below, hitting the desert dunes on a quad bike, or going camel riding on an Arabian safari, you’ll never be short of options for fun in the sun. 

Those looking for something a little more chilled out, meanwhile, can cycle along the 53-mile cycle path in Al Qudra. It’s an absolute treat – complete with a sandy terrain and spectacular views. 

Nature-lovers will be right at home here too. As well as native birds such as sandpipers, you may even spot desert foxes as you ride.

Where to stay in Dubai

By the beach 

On the seafront stretch overlooking the Arabian Gulf, you’ll find some of the best places for luxury Dubai holidays. 

The Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf boasts wonderfully tranquil rooms and suites, restaurants serving delectable seafood, Lebanese mezze and Arabian classics, and over a mile of private golden sand. 

It’s a sensational base from which to explore nearby attractions, including the Wild Wadi Water Park.

jumeirah beach skyscrapers in dubai
palm beach at jumeirah dubai

Romance awaits

If you’re planning a honeymoon in Dubai, opt for One&Only The Palm. It’s situated, as the name suggests, right on the Palm Jumeirah itself – offering the perfect choice for a couple’s retreat. 

Gaze one way to see the sparkling ocean stretching away into the distance, and the other to behold the sensational skyline. 

The rooms are plush, the Guerlain spa is indulgent, and you and your loved one can even opt to dine exclusively overlooking the water – the ultimate romantic treat.

Set sail

It’s not often your hotel is a global icon, but the architecturally magnificent Burj Al Arab is famous throughout the world. 

It’s every kind of hotel under one roof – perfect for luxury trips but also ideal if you’re wanting a Dubai family holiday with a difference.

If you can bear to leave your supremely comfortable room behind, you can charter a yacht, wander to the nearby waterparks or find a solitary stretch of beach on which to unwind.

dubai burj arab hotel
dubai highway traffic

All you need to know about Dubai 

Local currency

The local currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). Credit cards are widely accepted and banks and ATMs are easy to find.

Getting around

Dubai has excellent transport connections, making it simple to get around the city. Efficient metro and bus networks are available, as are taxi services and car hire.

Languages spoken

The official language of the UAE is Arabic, though English is also widely spoken in Dubai.
 

Public holidays

National holidays in Dubai include New Year on 1 January 1, Eid Al Fitr, and UAE National Day on 2 December.

More about Dubai

Cuisine

As a multicultural city full of tastes from across the Middle East, you’ll discover a rich combination of cuisines such as Lebanese and Arabian on your Dubai holiday – as well as international influences from around the globe. 

Enjoy the depth of flavour from local delicacies such as al machboos (a mixed rice dish), tabbouleh (a Levantine salad) and manousheh (Lebanese breakfast pizza) at some of the city’s many cafes and restaurants. 

You can also venture into Old Dubai to find truly authentic spices and specialities.

Brunch is a big deal in Dubai as well, with many establishments offering incredible spreads of seafood, mezze and grills throughout the afternoon. 

 

spices in a market in dubai
dubai old street

Culture

Dubai locals are extremely hospitable, and welcome visitors from all over the world with open arms, year after year. 

It might be one of the most modern cities in the world, but look a little closer and you’ll see that Dubai has also proudly held onto its traditional way of life too. 

Emirati culture can be found across the city in many forms, from the sound of the mosques at prayer time to the courteous manners of its inhabitants. 

Visit the restored coral houses of the Old Town or head to Dubai Heritage Village to get a very different picture of life here.

In the latter, age-old crafts and cooking styles are showcased – resulting in a colourful array of authenticity.

History

Widely thought to be Dubai’s oldest building at more than 220 years old, the Al Fahidi Fort offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with its looming round and rectangular towers making it one of the region’s most captivating castles. 

Inside, you’ll find the Dubai Museum – where visitors can learn about the city’s history through archaeological finds, weaponry, and a deep dive into the old fishing, shipbuilding and peal diving trades.

These laid the foundations for the settlement’s rise as an economic powerhouse. 

The Al Bastakiya district is an especially splendid place to delve into history in Dubai, with a number of cultural centres to explore.

fahidi fort in dubai
dubai skyline at night

Why we love Dubai

“Visiting Dubai is like being transported to a whole new world of excitement. Private beach days and tasty brunch afternoons are amazing ways to relax. Be sure to visit the observation deck at the Burj Khalifa too – as the views from there are jaw-dropping.”

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