Looking for sun, sea, shopping, and skyscrapers? UAE holidays tick every box. This desert playground is home to luxury resorts, golden beaches, and record-breaking attractions—all just a seven-hour flight from the UK.
Why Book UAE Holidays?
🏝 Luxury resorts & endless beaches – from Dubai’s iconic shoreline to Fujairah’s quiet east coast.
🏜 Desert adventures – camel rides, dune bashing, and mountain hikes in Ras Al Khaimah.
🛍 Shopping heaven – glittering malls, gold souks, and everything in between.
☀️ Year-round sunshine – perfect for winter sun or summer poolside escapes.
Explore the Emirates
Each of the UAE’s emirates brings its own vibe. Here’s where to start:
🌆 Dubai holidays
If you think of the UAE, you think Dubai—skyscrapers, man‑made islands, luxury resorts, and world‑class shopping. Explore Jumeirah Beach, take in views from the Burj Khalifa, or splash around at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. Perfect for couples, families, and anyone who loves a bit of glam.
🕌 Abu Dhabi holidays
The UAE’s cultural heart and capital, Abu Dhabi blends heritage with high‑octane fun. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, explore Louvre Abu Dhabi, or hit the rollercoasters at Ferrari World. Its beaches and luxury resorts make it ideal for a more laid‑back escape.
🏔 Ras Al Khaimah breaks
Craving adventure? Head to Ras Al Khaimah, where the Hajar Mountains meet golden sands. It’s the place for desert safaris, hiking trails, zip‑lining, and all‑inclusive resorts with a quieter vibe than Dubai. Families and thrill‑seekers will love it.
🌊 Fujairah escapes
Tucked on the UAE’s eastern coast, Fujairah is a snorkelling and diving paradise. Think rugged mountains, coral‑rich waters, and chilled beach resorts - a dreamy spot for relaxation and nature lovers.
🌅 Ajman Getaways
The UAE’s smallest emirate packs in charming beaches, boutique resorts, and local culture. It’s the perfect base for a quiet, budget‑friendly stay with easy access to Dubai and Sharjah.
When is the Best Time to plan your holidays to the UAE?
☀️ Peak Season (November – March)
This is when the UAE really comes alive for UK & Ireland holidaymakers. Temperatures sit at a very comfortable 24-28°C, humidity drops right off, and it's perfect for beach days, sightseeing, and outdoor dining. It's peak season for a reason though — expect higher hotel prices and bigger crowds, especially around Christmas, New Year, and half term. Book early for the best deals.
🌡️ Shoulder Season (October & April)
Still brilliantly warm at 30-35°C but with fewer crowds and better prices than the peak months. October is ideal if you want summer heat without the full-on intensity, and April gives you long sunny days before things get properly hot. A smart time to bag a bargain on UAE holidays.
🔥 Summer (May – September)
It's hot. Properly hot — we're talking 40°C+ with high humidity. But here's the thing: hotel prices drop significantly, and the UAE is built for air-conditioned comfort. Malls, indoor theme parks, aquariums, Ski Dubai — you can fill entire days without stepping outside. Pools are often cooled and many resorts ramp up their indoor entertainment. If you can handle the heat, summer offers serious value.
Our Top UAE Hotel Picks
From beachfront beauties in Dubai to laid-back resorts in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, the UAE does hotels like nowhere else. Here are some of our top picks, or you can browse all our UAE hotels here.
👨👩👧👦 Best for Families
🏨 Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai This 5-star icon with its wave-shaped silhouette is a dream for families. You've got a private beach, five pools, a kids' club, 19 restaurants and — the big one — free unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark for all guests. Rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling Gulf views, and reviewers consistently rave about the staff going above and beyond for little ones.
🏨 Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Abu Dhabi A proper winner for families thanks to complimentary daily access to Yas Theme Parks, including Warner Bros World and Yas Waterworld. There's a kids' club with a cinema room, a splash pad pool area, and family suites with stunning bay views. Location-wise, you're right on Yas Island with Yas Beach a short stroll away.
🏨 Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah If you want all-inclusive sorted without the Dubai price tag, this one's a belter. Nestled on a private beach with Kids Escape Family Suites, multiple dining spots, and a stack of activities to keep everyone busy. About 75 minutes from Dubai Airport — playlist on, window down.
🏨 The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, Abu Dhabi The world's first Warner Brothers-themed hotel, and the kids will lose their minds. Think character meet-and-greets, a dive-in cinema pool, Friends-inspired sets, and complimentary daily access to Warner Bros World with over 60 rides. Funky themed rooms and a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi airport make it a seriously convenient pick.
💑 Best for Couples
🏨 FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Pure glam on Palm Jumeirah with 475 rooms, a 60-metre social pool, private beach, rooftop lounge and underground nightclub. The dining is top-notch too — Maiden Shanghai for organic Chinese, Cinque for Amalfi-inspired Italian. If you want that Dubai party-meets-luxury scene, this is the one.
🏨 Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi A peaceful 5-star retreat on a private stretch of white sand on Saadiyat Island. Breezy rooms with private balconies, a gorgeous spa, and that blissful feeling of being properly away from it all — while still being 35 minutes from Abu Dhabi's cultural highlights.
🏨 Address Beach Resort Fujairah, Fujairah Tucked between mountains and sea on the UAE's quieter east coast, this 5-star beauty is ideal for couples who want to swap the Dubai buzz for something more serene. Private beach, scenic pools, a full-service spa overlooking the Gulf, and a completely different vibe from the big city.
🏨 W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Ever stayed in a hotel built on top of an F1 racetrack? The W is as unique as it gets, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a WET Deck pool, a cracking spa, and postcard-worthy views of the marina. Bold, design-led rooms and a buzzing atmosphere make it brilliant for couples who like a bit of edge.
✨ Best for Luxury
🏨 Burj Al Arab, Dubai The world's most iconic hotel needs no introduction. That sail-shaped silhouette, duplex suites with floor-to-ceiling Gulf views, an optional chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce, a seafood restaurant reached via submarine simulator, and service that's been voted the best on the planet repeatedly. This is bucket-list territory.
🏨 The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah For something completely different — 101 Bedouin-inspired villas with private pools set in the stunning Ras Al Khaimah desert landscape. Think camel treks, falconry, nature walks, and total peace. It's about 90 minutes from Dubai but feels like another world entirely.
Ramadan Travel Tips
Just a heads up, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is expected to run from from 18 February – 20 March 2026. A very special time to visit with Iftar feasts, however be aware that during this time:
Restaurants and cafes may close during daylight hours
Alcohol sales could be restricted
Public eating, drinking, and music may be limited
Hotels may provide private dining for non-Muslim guests
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FAQs
Do I need a visa for the UAE?
Do I need a visa for the UAE?
If you're travelling on a UK or Irish passport, you'll get a free visitor visa on arrival — valid for 30 days, no pre-application needed. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date. Easy as that.
Is the UAE safe for tourists?
Is the UAE safe for tourists?
Very. The UAE consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates. The main things to be aware of are local laws and customs — public displays of affection should be kept subtle, and it's respectful to dress modestly in non-resort areas (covering shoulders and knees). Alcohol is available in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars but drinking in public isn't permitted.
What's the best emirate for a first visit?
What's the best emirate for a first visit?
Dubai is the obvious starting point — it's got the most to see and do, the best transport links, and hotels for every budget. But if you want a quieter, more cultural experience, Abu Dhabi is brilliant. For adventure and value, Ras Al Khaimah is coming up fast, and Fujairah is the one for beach-and-nature lovers who want something completely different.
Is the UAE expensive?
Is the UAE expensive?
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. Dubai is the priciest emirate, but you can eat well at local restaurants for £8-15 a head, and the metro is cheap and efficient. Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman are noticeably cheaper for hotels and dining. Booking a holiday package with us bundles your flights, hotel and extras together, which usually works out better value than booking everything separately.
What should I wear in the UAE?
What should I wear in the UAE?
In resorts, hotels, and beach areas — whatever you'd normally wear on a sunny beach holiday. Swimwear is fine by the pool or beach. Outside of resorts, it's respectful to cover shoulders and knees, especially in malls, souks, and public areas. If you're visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, women need to cover their hair, arms, and legs — abayas are provided free at the entrance.
Can I drink alcohol in the UAE?
Can I drink alcohol in the UAE?
Yes, but only in licensed venues — that means hotel bars, restaurants, and clubs. You won't find it in supermarkets or corner shops like back home. During Ramadan, alcohol service may be more restricted, and some venues close earlier. The legal drinking age is 21.
Do I need to tip in the UAE?
Do I need to tip in the UAE?
Tipping isn't compulsory but it's appreciated. Most restaurant bills include a service charge, but if service has been good, an extra 10-15% is a nice touch. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest 5-10 AED is standard, and hotel porters usually get 5-10 AED per bag.