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.

Dubai Holidays 2023/2024 | £30pp Deposits

The definition of luxury. Dubai has the year-round heat, pristine beaches and glam city life that's perfect for an unforgettable holiday.

Destination Dubai

A beach break and city stay all rolled into one. With its epic skyscrapers, humongous hotels and out-of-this-world activities, Dubai is the definition of extra. And we love it. Here, you can take an adventure out on the sand dunes, shop till you drop in huge shopping malls and hop on a sunset boat cruise with stunning views, all in a day's work - so whether you're off on a family holiday or a romantic getaway, there's guaranteed to be something for everyone to enjoy.

And while it might seem like 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 plans and a deposit of only £30pp, 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!

Best beaches in Dubai

With plenty of luxurious beachfront hotels, a large part of Dubai’s shoreline is taken up by private beaches. You'll be glad to know, however, that some of the best beaches in this seafront city are open to the public. So, here's where we recommend laying your towel...

Jumeirah Beach - this place makes the high-tech city centre seem like a distant memory. Whether you want to chill out, try out some water sports or simply walk along the breath-taking bays of Jumeirah, you can do it all here.
La Mer Beach - the ultimate beach day! They've got water sports and a water park, plus a kids' play area to keep the little ones entertained.
Kite Beach - fancy learning a new skill? This beach is great for kayaking and kitesurfing (it's in the name, after all).
Umm Suqeim Beach - if you’re a sucker for a dazzling evening view, you can watch the soothing sunset at Umm Suqiem beach. It's also a great opportunity to get golden hour pics with the famous Burj Al Arab in the background.
Marina Beach - located by the Dubai Marina, you're in a great spot for a full day's activities. Plus, it's an unreal feeling to see the surrounding skyscrapers as you chill out on the sand.

Best hotels in Dubai

Choosing where to stay in Dubai is where your holiday really begins. Are you looking for laid-back luxury? Or a family-friendly resort that will blow your kids’ minds? You’ve come to the right place, because we’ve got the best hotels in Dubai for you to choose from.

Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel - an infinity pool overlooking the hotel's own private beach... does it get any more luxury than this?
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.
FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai – glitz, glamour, bottomless brunches and other unforgettable experiences, right on Jumeirah beach.
Atlantis, The Palm - in the market for adventure? The facilities here are legendary, including a waterpark, a kids club and an aquarium, and that's just for starters!

Still making up your mind? We've got the inside scoop on Atlantis, The Palm hotel - why not have a gander.

All Inclusive holidays to Dubai

Our range of all Inclusive holidays to Dubai make visiting this deluxe destination simple and affordable, with packages for all budgets available. From the time you click book, you’ll have sorted your food, your drink and your entertainment, too. Loads of Dubai hotels offer Ultra All Inclusive plans as well, which include high-quality restaurants and bars, plus 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. And when you go all inclusive, you can save your Dubai holiday spends for souvenirs and experiences in the city! Sounds like a good deal to us.

2024 holidays to Dubai

Now is the perfect time to start planning your 2024 holiday in Dubai. Whether you're seeking a scorching summer break, a warming autumn getaway or escaping the cold on a winter sun holiday - Dubai's sunny climate means that it's perfect for travel all year round. You can even book mini break to Dubai as a stopover on your way to destinations like Thailand and India - it's a great way to explore the city and means you can tick two destinations off your book-it list at once! There's also a huge number of exciting events taking place in Dubai in 2024, so be sure to check out what's on in the city before you book.

Booking your Dubai holiday in advance is a great idea, especially in these uncertain times, and you can 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 of just £30 per person and spread the cost until four weeks before you fly.

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

Family holidays to Dubai

Dubai is a brilliant location 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, but it doesn't have to have a golden price tag. Yep, cheap holidays to Dubai do exist. 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.

Luxury holidays to 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 stay' 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 the stellar, personalised service that can only be found in Dubai.

Book your Dubai holiday with confidence

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 go wrong with your booking and we need to refund you, we can do so quickly and easily. That's 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.

Popular Dubai hotels

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Weather in Dubai

JAN

24^°C

FEB

25^°C

MAR

28^°C

APR

32^°C

MAY

37^°C

JUN

39^°C

JUL

41^°C

AUG

41^°C

SEP

39^°C

OCT

35^°C

NOV

30^°C

DEC

26^°C

So you fancy a bit of year-round sunshine, eh? Well, Dubai weather's got you covered. This desert dazzler is always ready for a beach day - temperatures here range from the high 20s to mid-40s Celsius range, making it the ultimate winter escape. Just imagine swapping snowflakes for sand dunes!

Now, as for the summer, well, let's just say Dubai likes to turn the heat up... way up! We're talking 40s Celsius and up, so if you're into hot, hotter, and "Is this the sun's living room?", then Dubai's your summer paradise. But fear not, every indoor spot from shopping malls to buses is well-equipped with air conditioning - Dubai's own brand of winter wonderland!

Come the cooler months from November to March, the Dubai weather becomes a delightful mix of warm days and slightly cooler nights, perfect for beach bumming, desert safari-ing, or enjoying a rooftop dinner under the stars.

Reviews

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

By O Adedokun

Verified

I have not been to Dubai before but was…

I have not been to Dubai before but was impressed with the way the booking of flights, hotel and transfers were completed by On the Beach. The process was done with professionalism and quite reassuring that there are still some genuine travel agency still around. I will recommend On the Beach to anyone wanting to book a holiday

By Danny Murray

Verified

Dubai 2022

I always believe there is room for improvement so I would never give a 5. I would rate the service as 9 of 10 though, which by net promoter standards means I would recommend On the Beach to anyone.

We have trawled every website going for our ideal trip to Dubai in May 20222 and struggled with every one of them. Hotels not in the location we wanted, flight times awful. prices excessive etc etc etc.

On the beach came up with lots of options of which 3 were an excellent fit for us.

Thank you On the beach.

By S R Slater

Verified

Very easy to use and navigate web site.

Very easy to use and navigate web site.
Great deal on a holiday to Dubai.
Excelled spread payment plan.
A good experience.

FAQs

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

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

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

The official language spoken in Dubai is Arabic.

Our top 'things to do' in Dubai

1. Visit the Burj Khalifa

France has the Eiffel Tower, Italy has the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but Dubai’s signature landmark towers above them both – literally. 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, but taking a trip to the top is a memory that will last forever.

2. 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 these islands’ scale, you can book yourself on an exciting gyrocopter tour (it's like a small helicopter!) and see the astonishing city from above.

3. Wander through Dubai's Old Town

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 cafés 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.

4. Go shopping at the Dubai Mall

Retail therapy is given new meaning at The Dubai Mall, where you can shop 'til you drop at luxury retailers and local boutique brands. Bag a bargain or invest in a statement piece, and then head to the food court to refuel, or choose from one of many top-rated restaurants and cafés in the area. For younger ones (and for those who can't quite get on board with shopping) there is some amazing entertainment around the mall, including an ice rink, virtual reality park and even an aquarium!

5. Take on the desert dunes

Dubai's desert is like a beautiful sandy playground, where you can rent dune buggies and quad bikes for a real desert adventure. Tackle the terrain at high speeds and climb the dunes' slopes like a champion on these 4x4s. Or for a more kid-friendly option, you can spend your day surfing down the dunes on a sandboard. In the style of the well-known snow-based activity (that could never be us), you'll have your feet strapped to the board as you glide along the soft sand. And don't worry, all the safety kit is included - kneepads, helmets, the lot!

Things to do in Dubai for couples

What better way to discover Dubai than with your partner? Sizzling days and romantic sunsets await. From a visit to the hotel spa for a couples’ massage to a pool day relaxing on a sun lounger, there’s plenty of ways to unwind and enjoy your time together.

Food and drink is always a holiday highlight, so why not book yourself onto a bottomless brunch? This is a Dubai speciality, where you pay a set fee and then help yourself to as much as you like (so pack your roomiest trousers). And we aren’t talking budget buffets, either. Think lobster and high-end liquor. Dress up in your finery and get your fill; romantic meals will never be the same again.

Things to do in Dubai for families

If you think that Dubai isn’t the obvious choice for a family holiday, it might just surprise you. This Emirate is very family-focused, especially when it comes to certain hotels and attractions. After, all the family that plays together stays together. So jump into an adventure at the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, where you’ll find incredible slides, stunning swimming pools and plenty of places for littles ones to splash. There’s also the Lost Chambers Aquarium that lets you get up close with some of the most amazing creatures on the planet.

If that’s not enough, there’s Legoland Dubai and the Legoland Waterpark where you’ll find brickloads of fun for the whole family. Let your imagination run wild in Lego City and visit the different kingdoms to experience every corner of creativity. There are plenty of exciting rides and places to eat here too.

Another sure-fire family hit is the IMG Worlds of Adventure, where you’ll find all your favourite characters from Cartoon Network and the Marvel Universe, as well as a dinosaur world called the Lost Valley. Where else could you hang out with Captain America in one area and then meet the Powerpuff Girls in another?

Things to do in Dubai for thrill seekers

Everything is bigger and better in Dubai. And that goes for the thrills too. If you’re a fan of high-octane holidays, then this city is a great choice. As the natural landscape includes sand dunes, it follows that dune buggy experiences are a Dubai staple. And if you're by the waterfront, you can take to the seas on a jet ski or speedboat, or try your hand at any number of exciting water sports.

Fancy skiing in the desert? Ok, so you won’t be sliding down the dunes on your skis, but it is more possible than it sounds to take to the slopes in Dubai. Check out Ski Dubai and you’ll step into a snowscape that you’d think would be located in the Alps rather than this close to the shores of the Arabian Sea. All indoors, this complex offers a ski lift, penguin sanctuary and incredible après-ski options too.

Dubai gets the thumbs up from Peter Andre - our Head of Summer Holidays
Since we onboarded Peter as our Head of Summer Holidays here at On the Beach, we thought it was about time we put him to work. So, we packed him off to Dubai for some very important research. Here are a few highlights, from the big man himself:
"I'm so grateful that I got to take my new role at On the Beach overseas for some first-hand research. The holiday was seamless from start to finish and that first gust of heat as we stepped off the plane? You know the one. Wow. That was something else - and it hits even harder when you're in the desert!

I’m still on a high from this unforgettable holiday honestly - so it's almost hard to think about where we’d like to go next. I can’t recommend Dubai as a family holiday destination enough."
For the full rundown of Peter's trip, read his blog post all about it.
Dubai 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.
Dubai 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 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.

Places to visit

The Green Planet
This huge bio-dome transports you out of the city and into a tropical paradise! Made up of four levels, you'll take a tour through the Canopy, the Midstory, the Forest Floor and the Flooded Rainforest, all the while surrounded by flowing waterfalls and over 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds. This is an excellent one for a family day out, offering fun activities like playing zookeeper for a day and snorkelling with piranhas (now that's something to write home about!)
Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park
One for the adrenaline junkies! You'll find this mahoosive waterpark at the fairy-tale-like Atlantis, The Palm. With over 100 slides and 70 rides to try, there's no way anyone could be bored here. There are even kids' splash parks for any water babies in the party. Looking for an experience to remember? Take the plunge and ride the 'Leap of Faith', a vertical waterslide with a 98-foot drop... it's not for the faint-hearted.
Al Fahidi District
The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood takes you back in time to the Dubai that existed before skyscrapers and man-made islands. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the waterfront.
This beautiful heritage site has most of its original infrastructure intact, so you can explore the houses, alleyways and shady courtyards that once made up the city. The district is completely free to visit, but you can pay for activities whilst you're there: like a trip to the Teahouse, a cup of Arabic Coffee or products at the Souk (shopping area).

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

Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 22/03/2023 and 20/04/2023. During this time, eating, drinking and smoking will be restricted to the hours between sunset and sunrise, and visitors are expected to observe these practices in public spaces as a sign of respect, meaning many cafés 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.

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.

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 Dubai, please visit the FCDO website.

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.

The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21.

Dubai Holidays

Destination Dubai

Best beaches in Dubai

Best hotels in Dubai

All Inclusive holidays to Dubai

2024 holidays to Dubai

Family holidays to Dubai

Luxury holidays to Dubai

Book your Dubai holiday with confidence

Popular Dubai hotels

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah

NH Collection Dubai The Palm

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah

Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island

Sofitel Dubai The Palm

Fairmont The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

Rixos The Palm Hotel and Suites

Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa

Aloft Palm Jumeirah Hotel

The Retreat Palm Dubai

Amwaj Rotana Hotel Jumeirah Beach

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

Weather in Dubai

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

Reviews

I have not been to Dubai before but was…

Dubai 2022

Very easy to use and navigate web site.

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Dubai?

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

What currency do they use in Dubai?

What language do they speak in Dubai?

Our top 'things to do' in Dubai

1. Visit the Burj Khalifa

2. Explore the Palm Islands

3. Wander through Dubai's Old Town

4. Go shopping at the Dubai Mall

5. Take on the desert dunes

Things to do in Dubai for couples

Things to do in Dubai for families

Things to do in Dubai for thrill seekers

Dubai gets the thumbs up from Peter Andre - our Head of Summer Holidays

Dubai Nightlife

Dubai Food & Drink

Places to visit

The Green Planet

Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park

Al Fahidi District

Key facts about Dubai

Flight time

8 hrs

Time Difference

+3 hrs

Currency

UAE Dirham

Language

Arabic

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Dubai?

Observing Ramadan