Dubai Holidays

Holidays to Dubai – where traditional Middle Eastern culture meets futuristic architecture. The city that literally rose from the desert and decided to show the world how it's done - trust us, it's a sight to behold.

Dubai holidays 2026 / 2027

From the moment you land, you'll be gobsmacked by the sheer scale of everything – we're talking the world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa, obviously), shopping malls with whole aquariums inside them, year-round heat, pristine beaches and glamour that is off the charts!

Holidays to Dubai 2026/2027 highlights

• Desert-meets-ocean setting - A coastline of white-sand beaches backed by a skyline that looks like it was designed by someone who'd never heard the word "impossible". The Persian Gulf stays warm enough for swimming pretty much all year round.

• Family heavyweight - Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai Safari Park, Legoland, Miracle Garden, and enough splash parks to keep the kiddos pruney for a fortnight. Dubai does family holidays at a scale that's hard to match anywhere.

• All-inclusive done properly - The all-inclusive scene here has grown massively, with luxury resorts on The Palm offering packages that cover everything from à la carte restaurants to private beach access.

• Shopping capital - From the gold-dripping souks of Deira to the genuinely ridiculous scale of The Dubai Mall (it has an aquarium, an ice rink, and a dinosaur skeleton), retail therapy here hits different.

• World-class food scene - 19 Michelin-starred restaurants, incredible street food in Deira and Al Karama, and belly-busting brunches that have basically become a competitive sport.

• Year-round sunshine - Winter highs of 24-27°C make Dubai one of the most reliable winter sun destinations going, while the shoulder months of October to November and March to April deliver warm weather without the peak summer heat.

3 Useful Facts About Dubai You Didn’t Know (But Should)

• Dubai is sunshine central all year round – winter temps sit around a lovely 25°C while summer cranks up to a sizzling 40°C+. Peak season runs November to March when the weather is proper perfect

• A pint in a hotel bar will set you back around £10–13 and a main course at a mid-range restaurant roughly £15–30. Budget for the Tourism Dirham Fee too – that's 7–20 AED per room per night depending on your hotel's star rating

• Dubai is a Muslim country with its own customs – bikinis are fine at the pool and beach, but if you're leaving your hotel, just remember to cover your shoulders and knees in malls and public areas.

Dubai Holiday insider tip...

"Dubai is an extraordinary, and completely unique, place to visit. My top, no.1, hard-earned Dubai holiday tip, do not wear shorts on the waterslides. I spent an uncomfortable few minutes stranded 30 feet in the air waiting for a ladder, apart from that the waterparks are excellent. The sea is genuinely like a warm bath, which sounds lovely until you want it to cool you down but it's not as cool as you might expect. Pack serious sun protection and wear the lightest, floatiest clothes you own. The food is fantastic at every level, the excursions are incredible, and camel riding at sunrise before the heat kicks in is something I'd do again without hesitation."

-Rob Brooks, OtB Holiday Expert

Holidays to Dubai are perfect for you if...

• You want a beach holiday and a city break in the same trip - and refuse to pick one

• The idea of skiing indoors while it's 40°C outside genuinely excites you

• You've always wanted to see the Burj Khalifa in real life, not just on someone else's Instagram

• You want a winter sun holiday that doesn't compromise on the "wow, this hotel is incredible" factor

• The kiddos need waterparks, and you need a swim-up bar - at the same time, ideally

• You're craving all-inclusive that actually means something, at a resort that actually earns it

Whether you're after a quick city escape or a full two-week blowout, holidays in Dubai genuinely deliver - and we've got the packages to prove it.

Where should you stay on your Dubai holidays?

💑 Where should couples stay in Dubai?

• Jumeirah Palm - the showstopper. Five-star resorts, private beaches, infinity pools and all-out luxury. Honeymooners, this one is calling your name.

• Jumeirah Beach Area - golden sands, watersports and chilled beachfront hotels. If your holiday goal is sun, sea and spritzers, this is it.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Which part of Dubai is best for families?

• Al Barsha - shopper's paradise right by Mall of the Emirates, yes the one with the ski slope, with loads of family-friendly hotels at good prices and a short bus or taxi ride down to Kite Beach.

• Sheikh Zayed - city buzz central. Sleek hotels, skyline views, and a metro that zips you to the malls, the waterparks and Downtown.

🎉 Where should groups stay in Dubai?

• Dubai Marina - skyscrapers, beach clubs and a waterfront promenade made for sunset selfies. The most genuinely walkable part of the city, and the tram links it to the metro.

• Deira - old-school charm meets bargain hunting. Gold and spice souks, bustling streets, and budget stays that leave cash for cocktails.

Other areas in Dubai:

Al Jaddaf - Barsha Heights - Bluewaters Island - Downtown Dubai - Dubai Creek Harbour - Jebel Ali - Jumeirah - Media City

All Inclusive Dubai Holidays

Experience five-star luxury without the stress - or the unexpected bill. Dubai package holidays take all the faff out of planning: flights, hotel, and board sorted in one go. Whether you're after a Dubai package holiday that's all-inclusive from the off, or you'd rather mix and match, we've got options that work.

Why Choose All-Inclusive in Dubai?

• Unmatched Luxury - unlike standard resort packages, Dubai’s all-inclusive scene often includes multiple à la carte restaurants, top-tier beverages, and private beach loungers.

• Massive Family Savings - dining out in Dubai adds up quickly. All-inclusive packages take the financial sting out of feeding the family while offering unlimited access to resorts' top amenities.

• Prime Locations - many top-tier all-inclusive resorts are situated on The Palm Jumeirah, offering tranquil beachfront living just a short taxi ride from Downtown Dubai and the Dubai Marina.

Pro Tip - always check your hotel's specific package details before booking. While most cover meals and premium drinks, extras like non-motorised water sports and kids' clubs vary by resort.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best all-inclusive family hotels in Dubai?

• Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel and Suites - the flagship all-inclusive on Palm Jumeirah, with a private beach, the Rixy Kids Club, six restaurants and premium drinks included as standard. If you want one hotel that does the whole holiday, this is it.

• Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai - an on-site waterpark, age-split kids' clubs, a sweet-themed kids' spa and cinema under the stars, right on the beach on Dubai Islands. Enough going on that you may never leave the resort.

💑 What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Dubai for couples?

• Riu Dubai - 24-hour all-inclusive on Dubai Islands, with five restaurants, five pools and swim-up pool bars. Lower-key than the Palm Jumeirah resorts and a lot easier on the budget.

• Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah - an adults-only rooftop pool on the thirteenth floor, six treatment rooms in the spa and a private beach directly in front of the hotel. Palm Jumeirah without the mega-resort scale.

✨ What are the best luxury all-inclusive hotels in Dubai?

• FIVE Palm Jumeirah - pure glam, with a 55-metre social pool, a private beach, a rooftop lounge and an underground nightclub. The place to be if you want Dubai's party-meets-luxury scene with the bar tab already handled.

• Dukes The Palm - a heated infinity pool, a lazy river and a private beach on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah. Quieter than the crescent resorts and a straight run into the city.

Can you bag yourself last minute holidays to Dubai?

Just because it's long-haul and you're jet-setting across the globe doesn't mean you can't book it on a whim for ASAP. If you're thinking luxury for your next holiday, and Dubai doesn't immediately spring to mind, then we can't be friends (Ariana Grande approved). No, but seriously, it's a destination hotspot for a reason, even if you've made the decision last-minute.

And because it's so popular, there will often be good availability (which means good prices) even at the last minute. Plus there are a good range of flights (direct and indirect), so again, last-minute Dubai holidays don't necessarily have to cost a fortune.

The best beaches in Dubai... in our opinion

Dubai's beaches? They're like a VIP party, and you're on the guest list - congrats! Here's where to plonk a towel down for a day of sun, sea, and skyscrapers - AKA, the cherry on top of the cake when it comes to all-inclusive fun:

• Jumeirah Beach - escape the city buzz and dive into chill vibes. Water sports? Check. Sandy strolls? You bet. It's like the city's own chill-out lounge.

• Kite Beach - got a need for speed (on water)? Kayaking and kitesurfing await at this breezy spot. Warning: you might get addicted!

• Umm Suqeim Beach - sunset-chasers, this one's for you. Golden hour selfies with the Burj Al Arab in the background? #InstaGoals

• Marina Beach - skyscrapers and sea views – because why choose? This spot's perfect for a day of fun in the sun with a side of city vibes.

• La Mer - a low-key beach at Jumeirah with huts, swimming and a few independent places to eat.

• Al Mamzar Beach Park - five beaches, BBQ spots, pools, and greenery for the ultimate beach day to end all beach days.

Cheap holidays to Dubai

Dubai has a reputation for being expensive, and yeah, it can be a bit glitzy, sure, but that doesn't mean you can't bag a bargain. The city itself is cheaper to hang out in than you might expect, and the gap between cheap Dubai holidays and extravagant ones is even more massive than the jungle (which we've heard is massive)

Obviously it's long haul, so the flights will always cost a bit. But where you can save money is your room and your bar tab. Dubai Islands, off Deira, is the value end of the beachfront market, and it is beachfront in every sense; you're still on the beach, just a bit further away from the city. Al Barsha and Bur Dubai are cheaper again if you are happy to be inland and use the metro. And an all-inclusive package does more for a Dubai budget than it does for a Spanish one, because a hotel-bar beer here is £10 to £13, so if you can find an all-inclusive in your budget, then at the end of the week it'll save you a decent whack.

And plenty of what people come for costs nothing: the Dubai Fountain, the souks, the beaches, the Marina promenade and the Metro to get between them.

We can't tell you which will be the cheapest hotels for your dates (prices vary by season and availability, so use the search bar at the top and filter by price to find that out), but we can recommend some hotels that always offer great value...

• Riu Dubai - 24-hour all-inclusive on Dubai Islands, five restaurants, five pools and swim-up bars. The single easiest way to hold a Dubai budget.

• Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai - a waterpark, age-split kids' clubs and all-inclusive on the beach at Dubai Islands. The family value pick.

• Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort - a private white-sand beach on the JBR seafront, steps from The Walk, and the cheapest way onto that stretch of coast.

Best hotels to stay at on your holidays to Dubai 2026

Picking a hotel in Dubai is like choosing a sweet from the pick 'n' mix stand – they're all so tempting! From luxury holiday digs and fantastic five-star marvels to something a lil' less boujee but still serving up tonnes of swank. Here are a few to kick you off, though:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best family hotels for a Dubai holiday?

• Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai - the ultimate family pick, with an on-site waterpark, age-split kids' clubs, a sweet-themed kids' spa and cinema under the stars. Right on the beach on Dubai Islands with enough going on that you might never leave.

• Atlantis, The Palm - the big one. Free access to Aquaventure Waterpark with over 105 slides, attractions and experiences, plus The Lost World Aquarium, a kids' club and dozens of restaurants. Basically a theme park you sleep in.

• Jumeirah Beach Hotel - a five-star icon with its wave-shaped design, a private beach, Wild Wadi Waterpark access, a kids' club and around ten places to eat. Brilliant for families who want luxury without compromising on fun.

• Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort - a private white-sand beach on the JBR seafront, steps from The Walk, with Club Lounge access and Dubai Marina walkable from the door.

• Grand Hyatt Dubai Resort and Waterpark - twelve restaurants, a new on-site waterpark with sixteen attractions, kids' clubs and a free shuttle to Dubai Mall.

💑 What are the best beachfront hotels in Dubai for couples?

• Dukes The Palm - a heated infinity pool, a lazy river and a private beach on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah. One for a special occasion.

• FIVE Palm Jumeirah - pure glam, with a 55-metre social pool, a private beach, a rooftop lounge and an underground nightclub. Dubai's party-meets-luxury scene, all in one building.

• NH Collection Dubai The Palm - a rooftop infinity pool with the VIEW 180 lounge beside it, and beach access at Palm West Beach. Swanky without being over the top.

• Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah - an adults-only rooftop pool on the thirteenth floor, a spa with six treatment rooms and a private beach right in front. Pure bliss.

✨ What are the best luxury hotels in Dubai?

• Jumeirah Al Qasr - traditional Arabian elegance inside the Madinat Jumeirah complex, with waterways you get around by abra, a private beach and more restaurants than you could visit in a fortnight.

• Atlantis The Royal - this one takes boujee to the next level. A sky pool that hangs over the edge of the building, a wellness centre doing 24-carat gold stone massages, and suites with their own private pools.

• One&Only The Palm - a low-rise, boutique-feeling resort on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, with fine dining at STAY by Yannick Alléno, its own marina and a private stretch of sand. The most intimate of the big Palm Jumeirah names.

👉 All hotels in Dubai

Things to do in Dubai

💑 What are the best things to do in Dubai for couples?

• Dhow dinner cruise - skyline views, twinkly lights and a buffet on the water. Romance on a boat, basically.

• The Lounge at the Burj Khalifa - levels 152 to 154, 585 metres up, and the highest lounge in the world. Cocktails and canapés with the city laid out underneath you.

• Dubai Miracle Garden - more than 150 million blooms shaped into hearts, castles and Disney characters. Seasonal, and worth planning around: it runs roughly October to late May.

• Private beach clubs - infinity pools, white sand and DJs who know their chill beats from their bangers.

• Hot air balloon over the desert - sunrise views that make your couple photos look like a luxury travel ad. Best from November to March, and flights are weather-dependent.

• Desert safari with dinner - camels, barbecues and stargazing. The desert date night of dreams, and an evening or overnight one is the sensible choice in summer.

🎉 What are the best things to do in Dubai for groups?

• Sky Views Dubai - a glass slide between levels 52 and 53, 219 metres up. Whoever chickens out first buys the next round.

• Desert buggy or quad tours - perfect for "friendly" dune racing and sunset squad selfies.

• Dubai Marina yacht hire - a private yacht for the day. It is bougie, it is surprisingly doable, and yes, you will feel like celebs.

• Weekend brunch - Dubai's weekend is Saturday and Sunday, and Saturday brunch is the institution: free-flowing fizz, live DJs and a lot of happy dancing.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure - indoor rollercoasters and Marvel heroes, air conditioning and adrenaline in equal measure.

• Global Village - more than 90 cultures, endless food stalls and prime "oh wow, try this" moments. Seasonal: it runs October to May.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What is there to do in Dubai with kids?

• Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark - over 105 slides, attractions and experiences. Prepare for squeals of joy and a full day of "just one more go".

• The Lost World Aquarium - sharks and rays in tunnels that make you feel like you are in an underwater fairytale, reopened after a full rebuild.

• Dubai Parks & Resorts - Legoland, Legoland Water Park, Motiongate and Real Madrid World in one place. If the kids ever want to leave, we will be shocked.

• Wild Wadi Waterpark - lazy rivers for grown-ups, high-speed slides for kids and secretly for you too.

• Dubai Safari Park - lions, giraffes and meerkats that might just steal the show, and your snacks. Seasonal: it runs from about October to June.

• Dubai Fountain - free, dazzling and set to music, and back to full strength after a top-to-bottom refurbishment. The perfect wind-down after a big day out.

Local Lingo

Arabic is the official language in Dubai, but English is widely spoken everywhere - you'll have no trouble getting by. That said, a few local phrases always go down well:

• Marhaba - Hello

• Shukran - Thank you

• Min fadlak / Min fadlik - Please (to a man / to a woman)

• As-salamu alaykum - Peace be upon you (formal greeting)

• Bikam? - How much?

• La - No

• Na'am - Yes

• Yalla! - Let's go! (you'll hear this one everywhere)

More places to visit near Dubai:

• Abu Dhabi (1.5 hours) – the UAE capital with the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World on Yas Island and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Easy day trip or combine it with your Dubai jollies

• Ras Al Khaimah (1 hour) – mountains, desert adventures and quieter beaches. Home to the world's longest zipline at Jebel Jais and some cracking all-inclusive resorts

• Ajman (45 minutes) – the UAE's smallest emirate with a chilled beach scene, budget-friendly hotels and easy access to both Dubai and Sharjah

• Fujairah (1.5 hours) – on the UAE's east coast with rugged mountains, coral reefs for snorkelling and a completely different vibe from the city

More UAE holidays – explore all our United Arab Emirates destinations