Dubai Holidays & City Breaks

Dubai Holidays: The Ultimate Guide to This Futuristic Wonderland

Dubai holidays,  where ancient Middle Eastern charm meets seven-star extravagance.  This bucket-list destination is renowned for its record-breaking landmarks, including the world's tallest building and the world’s largest mall. 

And if the skyscraper vistas haven’t won you over, its exotic desert backdrop will. Take on those colossal dunes via a 4x4 safari or quad bike, before stopping off for a cup of traditional Bedouin tea. Or, you can always explore the epic terrain from above with a hot air balloon adventure. But if you prefer your sand gently sloping into the Persian Gulf, then Sunset Beach should be your go-to.

Travelling with kids in tow? Dubai holidays are perfect for families, from LEGOLAND® to Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. MOTIONGATE™ is a total must-visit for avid Shrek and Hotel Transylvania fans. And when you want to taste gourmet flavours in the shape of super-size gummy bears, Candylicious has your sugar rush covered.

Things to do

From action-packed skiing sessions to haggling at souks and relaxing spa days in fancy five-star Dubai hotels, there’s plenty to take your fancy here. Whether you’re enjoying the opulent shopping scene or sampling its outstanding spice-filled cuisine 50 metres above the ground at Dinner in the Sky, Dubai holidays are made up of world-first things to do.

Camera on standby! The views from the Burj Khalifa’s highest observation deck are unforgettable to say the least. Think colossal ultra-modern architecture, sweeping sea vistas and a bird’s eye view of the world’s tallest performing fountain. Top tip: head here at night and watch the city glow under the moonlit sky. All that sightseeing can work up an appetite, so your next stop should be Burj Al Arab for a stylish brunch.

Family Fun in Dubai

Dubai holidays are perfect for families with attractions like:

- LEGOLAND®: Engage in interactive fun with themed rides and creative play.
- Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark: Dive into adventure with thrilling slides and a lazy river.
- MOTIONGATE™: Kids can meet their favourite characters from Shrek and Hotel Transylvania.
- Candylicious: Indulge in oversized gummy bears and other sweet treats.

Beaches

Middle East holidays are famed for their glimmering skyscrapers. But futuristic cityscapes aside, Dubai is also home to many incredible beaches. Every sand spot is glistening clean, well-maintained, and packed full of superb facilities.

Sunset Beach: Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim Beach) offers a peaceful retreat to relax, unwind and bask in the glorious sunshine. It’s one of the quieter coastal spots in Dubai, making it perfect for an undisturbed morning jog and the ideal place to watch the sunset (of course!). And the scenery is just as impressive with the Burj Al Arab decorating the backdrop.

The Beach: For somewhere a little livelier, pay a visit to The Beach by JBR. Here, the soft, golden sands are framed by outstanding restaurants and bars, where you’re invited to overindulge throughout the day. Take in the bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere and watch the Arabian Gulf shimmer in the distance.

Shopping

From grandiose mega malls to the traditional bazaars on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, Dubai holidays offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Whether you want to snap up a souvenir from an open-air market or update your wardrobe with glamorous designer labels, there’s no better place to get your retail fix.

Dubai Mall: Located next to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping destination and a paradise for big spenders, boasting over 1,200 stores and hundreds of eateries. Avid shopaholics can also pay a visit to Bloomingdales, one of America’s most famous department stores. Besides its vast range of designer boutiques, Dubai Mall is also home to an ice rink and aquarium!

Gold Souk: For a truly enriching day of retail therapy, head to Gold Souk in Old Dubai. Here you’ll find a mesmerising labyrinth of walkways teeming with handcrafted goods and beautiful jewellery. From authentic Arab designs to glistening bespoke pieces, pick up a dazzling souvenir from one of the most enchanting souks in Dubai. And if you visit, be prepared to haggle!

Food and drink

Dubai’s cuisine consists of a rich fusion of Persian, Indian, and Bedouin influences, to name a few. One of the most popular dishes is Margoogat. This flavourful tomato-based stew is cooked with turmeric, cumin and the warm bezar spice mix. It’s well-loved for its delectable blend of Arab spices and is typically made with chicken or lamb. Wash this delicious recipe down with a traditional Turkish cocktail concocted from pomegranate, citrus, and mint. Other dishes to taste include samboosa (a hot pastry appetiser) and luqaimat (a sumptuous dessert of warm dumplings).

For an unforgettable dining experience, head to Al Hadheerah, a restaurant that flaunts 14 live cooking stations and authentic cuisine from the Middle East. Or, sample delightful dishes prepared by award-winning chefs at Zheng He’s, which offers a beautiful dockside setting and a relaxed atmosphere.

Great nightlife

This futuristic city is continually evolving and has lots to offer in terms of nightlife. From trendy rooftop bars to mega discotheques, Dubai boasts a captivating atmosphere and plenty of places to kick back after the sun goes down. 

To experience its bustling nightlife scene in full glory, pay a visit to Madinat Jumeirah, where you’ll find vibrant drinking spots and nightclubs that offer a glamorous evening out. To party on the sand, make your way to Nasimi Beach and join one of many lively cocktail parties.

Located at Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, WHITE Dubai is the biggest club in the city centre. As the world’s first outdoor rooftop venue, expect an impressive music scene and a party all-night-long vibe. Club Boudoir is another popular haunt with its electrifying atmosphere and luxurious interiors made up of red sofas and crystal chandeliers. Wherever you choose to spend your evenings, Dubai’s nightlife will make your holiday one to remember.

More Holidays

We have travel guides available for lots more city holidays, including: Abu Dhabi | Malaga | Qatar | San Francisco | Tokyo