Dubai Holidays

The desertous wonderland where dreams come true, Dubai holidays offer the best of both worlds, with a cosmopolitan cityscape and pristine beaches right at your doorstop. 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, offering everything we love about holidays and a whole lot more. Take an adventure out on the sand dunes, shop till you drop in huge shoping malls and take a sunset boat cruise with out-of-this-world views - there's something for everyone to explore, whether your off on a family holiday or a romantic getway.

Although an extravagant destination, Dubai holidays don't need to cost the earth. There are plenty of affordable Dubai hotels to discover and with our flexible payment options, it's easy to split the cost of your dream Dubai holiday into affordable chunks - so you can jet off on the break you truly deserve!

On the Beach Perks - FREE Lounge & FREE Fast Track

Today is the day. You're up early, the other half has checked the passports a thousand times and you're on your way. The kids even had cake for breakfast… because you're on your jollies. Holiday mode is on! The only thing between you and the beach is the dreaded airport faff - the security queue, the food and drink queues and all that money you spend. But, what if we skipped that bit? Skip the security queue. Stroll into the swanky airport lounge and load up on free cake. Enjoy Free airport beers and Wi-Fi access to brag about it? Now, that's what I'm talking about. With FREE security fast track on all package holidays and FREE lounge access for 4 or 5* package holidays, that's exactly what you get. Your jollies just… jollier. Free security fast track and free lounge offers apply to outbound journeys only, and some airports may be excluded. Terms and conditions apply.

Best beaches in Dubai

The warm waters of the Arabian Gulf meet Dubai’s soft white sands along the beautiful coastline, beach holidays have never been better. With plenty 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. Dubai has recently been granted the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp for their efforts to ensure all hotels and tourist attractions have a high standard of safety regulations in place including frequent cleaning schedules, online check-in and floor markings. This is great news for keen travelers, who can rest assured extra steps have been taken in Dubai so that holidays can go ahead again, with your health and safety all taken care of.

With an infinity pool overlooking a private beach, Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is a great choice for an upscale getaway.

For a grand retreat on an enchanting beachfront we'd also reccomend Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa, with a whopping nine bars, an excellent All Inclusive programme and a one-of-a-kind spa... we know where we'd rather be.

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!

Booking your Dubai holiday

We want to make it easy for everyone to find and book their perfect beach break, because after all, holidays were made to be stress free. That's why with On the Beach, you can book with confidence, knowing that the money you pay towards your holiday is placed into our ring-fenced trust account, which we are unable to access until you've returned from your holiday. This means that if anything should anything go wrong with your booking and we need to refund you, we can do so quickly and easily. Thats our protection promise to you. Your safety on holiday is our priority, we want everyone to be able to relax and enjoy their holiday with no worries. That's why we are going the extra mile to ensure all our hotel partners in Dubai are complying with the local Covid-19 restrictions, so you can have peace of mind and make the most of the sunshine. You can keep up to date with the current Covid-19 restrictions in Dubai by visiting our specific airport measures page.

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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, with packages for all budgets avilable. 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 Dubai holiday spends for souvenirs and experiencing this city's world-famous attractions by going All Inclusive.

2022 holidays to Dubai

Now is the perfect time to start planning your 2022 holiday in Dubai. Whether your seeking a scorching summer break, a warming autumn getaway or this year your opting for a winter sun holiday instead - Dubai's sunny climate means that it's perfect for travel all your round. Headed further afield to Thailand or India on a tropical adventure? Booking a stopover for a few days in Dubai before hand is a great way to explore all the city has to offer! Embark on a desert adventure, exploring the dunes sand-buggy style, dive into the pool of culture in the Heritage District and get a full city break experience while you're at it. That's not all, there's also a huge number of exciting events taking place in Dubai in 2022, so be sure to check what's on in the city before you book. Whether your on holiday as a family or a couple, there's something here to suit everyone that's for sure.

Booking your holiday to Dubai in advance is a great idea, especially in these uncertain times and 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 four weeks before you fly

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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.

Click here to book your Dubai beach break »

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 Dubai holiday 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 wining and dining on your Dubai holiday, 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 holiday will show you that this wonderful place 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

Click here to book your Dubai beach break »

Important Information about travelling to Dubai

What Covid-19 restrictions are there in Dubai?

The Covid-19 restrictions in Dubai are kept under constant review and are regularly changing. To find out the latest specific restrictions and entry requirements for UK travellers to Duabi, visit our Coronavirus airport measures page, which we keep regularly updated with everything you need to know.

Is dubai open for tourists?

Dubai has been welcoming back tourists since the 7th July 2020, however this is subject any restrictions that may currently in place in the destination you are departing from. You can keep up to date with the latest travel guidance for the UK on the FCO website

What safety measures are in place in Dubai?

Hotels, bars and restaurants in Dubai are currently taking extra precautions to keep all tourists safe, which is why the city has now received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp. At On the Beach, we are also doing our bit to ensure all the hotels we offer comply with the local rules and safety regulations.

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 12/04/2021 and 11/05/2021. 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.