Dubai Holidays

The magnificent city where dreams come true, a Dubai city break 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, city breaks to Dubai don't need to cost the earth; there are plenty of affordable holidays to Dubai to discover, too!

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Best beaches in Dubai | Best hotels in Dubai | All Inclusive holidays to Dubai | 2021 holidays to Dubai | Family holidays to Dubai | Luxury Dubai holidays | Nightlife in Dubai | Things to eat in Dubai | Culture in Dubai | Things to do in Dubai | What’s the weather like in Dubai? | Dubai Important information | Reviews |

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Best beaches in Dubai

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. The best beaches in Dubai also consist of a fabulous selection of public stretches of sand where you can relax the day away. Stunning places such as Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach make the high-tech city centre seem like a distant memory, whether you want to chill out, try out some watersports or simply walk along the breathtaking bays. 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 surrounding skyline sparkle.

Best hotels in Dubai

Choosing where to stay in Dubai is really exciting. Are you looking for unparalleled luxury? Or a family-friendly resort that will blow your kids’ minds? You’ve come to the right place, as we’ve got the best hotels in Dubai for you to choose from. With an infinity pool overlooking a private beach, Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is a great choice for an upscale getaway. For glitz and glamour right alongside Jumeirah Beach, check out FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai – this pick also organizes bottomless brunches and other unforgettable events. More in the market for adventure? Atlantis, The Palm’s facilities are legendary, including a waterpark, a kids club and an aquarium – and more!

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Still unsure? We've written a great blog about Atlantis, The Palm -take a look!

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All Inclusive holidays to Dubai

All Inclusive holidays to Dubai make visiting this deluxe destination simple and affordable. From the time you click book, you’ll have sorted your food, your drink and your entertainment too. Many Dubai hotels offer Ultra All Inclusive plans that include a variety of high-quality restaurants and bars, as well as snacks, ice creams and other treats. From incredible buffet spreads to menus curated by Michelin-star chefs, the food scene here is out of this world. Save your holidays spends for souvenirs and experiencing Dubai’s world-famous attractions by going All Inclusive.

2021 holidays to Dubai

Now is the perfect time to start planning next year’s getaways. Booking in advance is a great idea, especially in these uncertain times. You can always book with confidence with On the Beach, as all of our flight-inclusive package holidays are ATOL protected. You can even secure your holiday with a low deposit, and spread the cost until two weeks before you fly. Be the envy of everyone you know and book yourself a 2021 holiday to Dubai. You’ll be filling their feeds with your amazing snaps of the Burj Khalifa, stunning beaches and fun-filled theme parks in no time at all.

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Want to see more of Dubai's best bits? Check out our blog on the best Instagram posts in Dubai.

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Family holidays to Dubai

Dubai is a brilliant setting for family holidays. Have you seen some of those hotels? Jumbo kids clubs, waterslides, playgrounds… it’s an experience that none of you will forget. From toddlers to teenagers, children of all ages will fall in love with the City of Gold. Why not jump into an adventure at Legoland Dubai, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark or IMG Worlds of Adventure? After all, everything is bigger and better here, and that includes the theme parks. One thing is for certain, however you spend your family holiday in Dubai, you’ll treasure the memories you make together forever.

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Luxury holidays in Dubai

When it comes to luxury holidays, nowhere on Earth does it better than Dubai. Private beaches. Deluxe spa centres. Infinity pools. You name it, Dubai hotels have it. Offering the best possible combination of upscale city break and opulent beach break, booking a holiday here is perfect for everything from a special once-in-a-lifetime experience, to that treat you absolutely deserve. There is a wide range of five-star resorts to choose from, with stellar, personalised service that can only be found in Dubai.

Nightlife in Dubai

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.

Things to eat in Dubai

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 taking a Dubai city break, 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 in Dubai

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, a Dubai city break will show you that this wonderful city has it all.

Take a look at Dubai

Things to do in Dubai

Visit the Burj Khalifa

Holding the title of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa reaches an impressive 830m and is the definition of awesome. Make sure you book in advance, to witness jaw-dropping views of Dubai at the top of the incredible structure. Viewing the building is an experience in itself, however visiting the top is a memory that will last forever.

Explore the Palm Islands

The largest man-made islands in the world, the Palm Islands are quite a sight. Visit the sandy beaches, the luxurious Atlantis Hotel, The Lost Chambers Aquarium and the fantastic Aquaventure Waterpark on The Palm Jumeirah, perfect for family fun! Or, for a true sense of the islands’ scale, exciting helicopter tours are available to arrange, to see the astonishing city from a bird’s eye view.

Wander through the Al Fahidi Historical District

In the midst of gold-plated cars and sparkling modern skyscrapers, take a refreshing look at the historic side of the city in the Al Fahidi Historical District. Traditional buildings, authentic Arabian cafes and restaurants, museums, art exhibitions and much more can be found in the district. Make sure to look out for festivals such as the Sikka Art Fair for a true showcase of local culture.

Go shopping at the Dubai Mall

Retail therapy is given new meaning at The Dubai Mall, where luxury retailers and local brands display their wares in one of the largest shopping centres in the world. Bag a bargain or invest in a statement piece, and then head to the food court or choose from one of many top-rated restaurants and cafés. For younger ones and for those who may not be a fan of shopping, the mall is also home to amazing entertainment including an ice rink, virtual reality park and even an aquarium!

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Take a look at our top things to do in Dubai here!

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What's the weather like in Dubai?

Dubai has a warm, desert climate with an average temperature of 20°C in winter and 37°C in summer. It gets most of its wet weather during winter, although, with an annual rainfall of just five inches, your plans are very unlikely to be rained off.

Month	Average temp.	Sea temp.	Hours of sunshine per day
Jan	24 °c	21 °c	8 h
Feb	25 °c	22 °c	8 h
Mar	28 °c	22 °c	9 h
Apr	32 °c	25 °c	10 h
May	37 °c	28 °c	11 h
Jun	39 °c	31 °c	11 h
Jul	41 °c	32 °c	10 h
Aug	41 °c	33 °c	10 h
Sep	39 °c	32 °c	10 h
Oct	35 °c	30 °c	10 h
Nov	30 °c	27 °c	10 h
Dec	26 °c	23 °c	8 h

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Important Information about travelling to Dubai

How long does it take to fly to Dubai?

It takes about eight hours to fly to Dubai from the UK.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Dubai?

Dubai is three hours ahead of the time in the UK.

What currency do they use in Dubai?

The official currency of Dubai is the United Arab Emirate Dirham.

What language do they speak in Dubai?

The official language spoken in Dubai is Arabic.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Dubai?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Ramadan in Dubai

Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 23/04/2020 and 23/05/2020. 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.

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Dubai?

There is a Dubai Tourism Dirham Fee that is payable directly to the hotel on arrival:

• 5-star/deluxe hotels: 20 AED per room, per night
• 4-star hotels: 15 AED per room, per night
• 3-star & 2-star hotels: 10 AED per room, per night
• 1-star hotels: 7 AED per room, per night

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner charges may also apply for bookings covering the 31st December.

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Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Dubai for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.