Dubai Holidays

The magnificent city where dreams come true, Dubai offers a cosmopolitan cityscape with pristine beaches. Proud to be one of the seven kingdoms of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is a beacon of beauty against a backdrop of desert dunes, rivalling London, Paris and New York for luxury, culture and entertainment. Although an extravagant destination, a trip to Dubai doesn’t need to cost the earth with plenty of affordable, family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy!

Beaches
The warm waters of the Arabian Gulf meet Dubai’s soft white sands along the beautiful coastline. With a great amount of luxurious beachfront hotels, a substantial portion of Dubai’s shores consist of private beaches. However, there’s also a fabulous selection of public stretches of sand to relax the day away. Stunning sands such as Jumeirah and Kite Beach make the nearby urban centres seem like a distant memory, whether you want to relax, try out some water sports or simply walk along the breath-taking shores. If you’re a sucker for a dazzling evening view, you can watch the soothing sunset on Umm Suqeim Beach or head over to Marina Beach to see the sparkling surrounding skyline.

Food & Drink
Attracting tourists from all over the globe with its glitz and glamour, Dubai’s diverse culture means a deliciously diverse array of cuisine is available throughout the city. The vibrant Sheikh Zayed Road is an excellent place to start for top-quality restaurants. For fusion cooking, try Nobu, Zoco or Enigma, or for authentic local flavours look out for venues that serve shawarma, falafel and tabbouleh. When in Dubai, indulgence is a must, and indulgence is what Friday Brunch is all about. At venues such as Bubbalicious and Brasserie 2.0, the world is your oyster (or lobster if you prefer), with an unimaginable amount of food to choose from, these are parties that are not to be missed. Although traditionally a dry country, cocktail enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs can still enjoy a tipple in the designated areas of the city, mainly in hotel bars and clubs. For a softer alternative, the favourite non-alcoholic drink is ayran, a local delicacy made from yoghurt.

Culture
Dubai has its roots in Islamic and Arabic traditions, and has become a world centre for modernity and innovation. Hospitality is an extremely important part of the culture, so visitors will find that the locals are pleasantly welcoming and courteous. Beautiful mosques share the skyline with state-of-the-art skyscrapers, perfectly demonstrating the two harmonious sides of this city. Wind your way through futuristic shopping malls or barter at souk stalls for spices, clothes and perfume; old and new, Dubai has it all.

Nightlife
With nightclubs that attract internationally successful DJs and musicians, Dubai more than earns its reputation as an upmarket party destination. Here, the working week finishes on Thursday, making this and Friday the hottest nights to go out. Typically, mid-week Ladies Nights offer free entry and free drinks to female visitors, and you can out-party Cinderella and stay out past midnight – clubs don’t close until 03:00. If your perfect night out is sophisticated signature drinks with panoramic scenes of the city lights, Vault Bar is located on the 71st and 72nd floors of the JW Marriott and serves a selection of premium tipples and fine cigars. One of the best in the city, Zero Gravity is the venue that has it all. From day brunches to extravagant parties into the night, if you’re looking to dance the night away to the hottest tracks, this is the place to be.

Important Information
Flight Time: 8hrs
Time Difference: GMT +3hr
Currency: United Arab Emirate Dirham
Official Language: Arabic

Ramadan
Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 05/05/2019 and 04/06/2019. During this time, many cafes and restaurants will close during the day, restrictions on alcohol sales may be in place, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests may take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas may also be restricted during this time.