Iconic skyline, world-class hotels, desert adventures and the finest beaches in the Middle East
Flight Time
7h from UK
Best Time
November to April
Country
United Arab Emirates
Suppliers
our travel partners ·
Dubai has transformed itself in just a few decades from a small fishing village into one of the world's most extraordinary cities. For holiday-makers, it offers an unparalleled combination of luxury hotels, stunning beaches, world-class shopping and unique experiences you simply can't find anywhere else.
The iconic Burj Al Arab — the world's most luxurious hotel — stands as a symbol of Dubai's ambition. Nearby, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah offer equally spectacular experiences. On the Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm is a resort unto itself, with the Aquaventure waterpark, a private beach and celebrity restaurants.
Beyond the hotels, Dubai offers incredible experiences: a desert safari with dune bashing and a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars, a visit to the top of the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building), shopping in the Dubai Mall (the world's largest), and the spectacular Dubai Fountain show.
The best time to visit is November to April when temperatures are a pleasant 24–30°C. Summer (June–September) is extremely hot (40°C+) but hotels offer significant discounts of 30–50%.
Our travel partners have an excellent selection of Dubai holidays, with some outstanding deals on 5-star hotels. We search alongside our travel partners and Emirates Holidays to find you the best price.
Jan
24°C
Feb
25°C
Mar
28°C
Apr
33°C
May
38°C
Jun
40°C
Jul
41°C
Aug
41°C
Sep
38°C
Oct
34°C
Nov
30°C
Dec
26°C
Call us or send an enquiry and we'll find you the best deal across Travelpack and JTA Holidays.
Call 01282 960 460The iconic skyscrapers, desert adventures, luxury beach clubs and extraordinary souks that make Dubai one of the most thrilling and memorable city-break destinations in the world.
The Burj Khalifa (828m, 163 floors) is the world's tallest building and the defining symbol of Dubai's extraordinary ambition. The observation decks on floors 124 and 148 offer breathtaking views over the city, the desert and the Gulf — on a clear day you can see for 95km. The 'At the Top SKY' experience on floor 148 is the highest observation deck in the world. Book tickets in advance online — sunset slots sell out weeks ahead. The Dubai Fountain (the world's largest choreographed fountain) performs nightly in the lake below.
The Burj Al Arab is the most recognisable hotel in the world — a sail-shaped tower on its own artificial island, connected to the mainland by a private bridge. The interior is extraordinary — a 180m atrium, gold-leaf columns, underwater restaurant (Al Mahara, reached by a simulated submarine journey) and the sky-high Skyview Bar. Non-guests can visit for afternoon tea or dinner (book well in advance). The hotel is the defining image of Dubai and worth seeing even from the outside.
The Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest man-made island — a palm-tree-shaped archipelago extending 5km into the Gulf, home to luxury villas, the Atlantis resort and some of Dubai's finest hotels (One&Only The Palm, Waldorf Astoria, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray). Atlantis The Palm is a resort unto itself — the Aquaventure Waterpark (one of the best in the world), a private beach, the Lost Chambers Aquarium and celebrity restaurants (Nobu, Bread Street Kitchen). The Palm Monorail connects the island to the mainland.
A desert safari is the most quintessential Dubai experience — an afternoon in the red sand dunes of the Arabian Desert, 45 minutes from the city. Dune bashing (driving over the dunes in a 4x4 at high speed) is followed by sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting and a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars with belly dancing and shisha. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (a protected area of 225 square kilometres) offers more exclusive overnight desert experiences with luxury tented camps.
Old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai) is the most atmospheric and authentic part of the city — the Gold Souk (the largest gold market in the world, with over 380 retailers), the Spice Souk (a labyrinth of stalls selling frankincense, saffron, dried limes and exotic spices), the textile souk and the Dubai Creek (a natural inlet where traditional wooden dhows still carry cargo). Cross the creek by abra (traditional water taxi, 1 dirham) for the most authentic Dubai experience. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood has the best-preserved traditional architecture.
Dubai Marina is the most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighbourhood in Dubai — a 3km artificial canal lined with skyscrapers, restaurants, bars and the Marina Walk promenade. The Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is adjacent — a 1.7km beachfront with The Walk (a promenade of restaurants, cafes and shops), The Beach (an open-air mall) and a public beach. The Friday and Saturday brunch culture is a Dubai institution — elaborate multi-course affairs with unlimited drinks at the city's best hotels.
Dubai has one of the most extraordinary restaurant scenes in the world — virtually every major international chef has a restaurant here. Nobu (Atlantis), Zuma (DIFC), Nusr-Et (Salt Bae's original), Pierchic (over the sea on a pier), Ossiano (underwater at Atlantis), La Petite Maison (DIFC) and the extraordinary Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (Atlantis The Royal) are among the highlights. The Friday brunch is a Dubai institution — elaborate multi-course affairs with unlimited drinks at the city's best hotels.
Dubai has excellent beaches — the JBR public beach is the most accessible, while the private beach clubs (Nikki Beach, Zero Gravity, Cove Beach, Drift Beach at One&Only) offer a more exclusive experience with sun loungers, pools, DJs and excellent food. Kite Beach in Jumeirah is popular for watersports and has a relaxed, local atmosphere. The sea temperature is warm year-round (25-32°C). Most 5-star hotels have private beach access — the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, One&Only The Palm and Atlantis all have outstanding beach facilities.
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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