Dubai Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Dubai

🏛️ Why Visit Dubai, United Arab Emirates?

Dubai – the city that literally rose from the desert and decided to show the world how it's done! This is where traditional Middle Eastern culture meets futuristic architecture, and trust us, it's a sight to behold. 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 - no wonder the real housewives landed here!

Destination Highlights

Year-round sunshine - no such thing as big coat season here, so you can jet off as last minute as you fancy
Beach break meets city stay – you really can have it all. Morning in the mall, afternoon on the sand.
A shopper's paradise (you might want to bring an empty suitcase...)

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

Sky High – The Burj Khalifa isn’t just tall—it’s insanely tall. Like 828 meters tall. That’s 160 floors of pure "maybe I am scared of heights?"
Keeping it cultural - There are loads of museums, galleries and historical sites to keep you busy - it's not just glitz and glamour!
ATM Bling – Only in Dubai can you withdraw literal gold from an ATM. Because why just get cash when you can go full-on luxury?

🗓️ When’s the best time to go on your Dubai holidays?

Dubai’s a sun-drenched paradise all year round, but timing your visit can make a big difference depending on what you want to do, take it from us, we're the experts in jollies after all:

Nov–Mar – peak season with comfy 25°C days. Festival vibes, alfresco dinners, and beach perfection.
Apr–May & Sep–Oct – warm, less crowded, and perfect for waterparks or sunset cocktails.
Jun–Aug – 40°C+ heat, but indoor attractions thrive and hotel deals are 🔥.
Wanna know more about the Dubai weather, keep on scrolling, or click the link for all the juicy intel.

Top Tip: Always check the cultural calendar. During Ramadan, things slow down a bit during daylight hours, but the evenings come alive with Iftars and celebrations.

Where should you stay on your Dubai holidays?

Al Barsha - shopper’s paradise! Right by Mall of the Emirates (yes, the one with the ski slope) and a quick metro hop to the beach.
Bur Dubai - souks, street food, and historic vibes along Dubai Creek – perfect if you like your holiday with a splash of culture.
Deira - old‑school charm meets bargain hunting. Think gold and spice souks, bustling streets, and budget stays that leave cash for cocktails.
Dubai Marina - skyscrapers, beach clubs, and a waterfront promenade made for sunset selfies. Great for groups and a little bit of glam.
Jumeirah Beach Area - golden sands, water sports, and chilled beachfront hotels. If your holiday goal is sun, sea, and spritzers, this is it.
Jumeirah Palm - the showstopper. 5‑star resorts, private beaches, infinity pools, and all‑out luxury – honeymooners, this one’s calling your name.
Sheikh Zayed - city buzz central. Sleek hotels, skyline views, and a metro that zips you to malls, beaches, and beyond.

Other places to stay in Dubai:

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

Holidays to Dubai 2025 / 2026 - Best beaches

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.
Al Sufouh Beach - quiet, natural, and low‑key - your secret slice of Dubai-radise.
Al Mamzar Beach Park - five beaches, BBQ spots, pools, and greenery for the ultimate beach day to end all beach days.

Best hotels for your Dubai holidays 2025 / 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:

Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel - infinity pool dreams are made here, with a private beach that screams luxury.
Centara Mirage Dubai - the perfect pick for your family holiday to Dubai, it's got a kids club with movie nights and safari hunts, a sweet-themed kids spa and an on-site waterpark perf for the whole gang!
Atlantis, the Palm - looking for legendary? Waterpark, kids' club, aquarium – it's like staying in an adventure park!
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island - Hilton hotels never scrimp on the swank - it's got more restaurants than you've got empty cocktail glasses by your sunbed and seven pools to laze the day away by - convinced yet?
NH Collection Dubai, the Palm - this place is kinda a big deal boasting lush dining spots, a rooftop infinity pool and a private beach club right on the doorstep.
Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeriah - right along a trendy beachfront promenade, this swanky 4-star hotel has vibrant dining spots, facilities for the little ones, an adults only rooftop pool and an on-site spa... need we say more?

Dubai Holidays 2025 / 2026 Travel Guide

💑 Things to do for couples in Dubai

Dhow Dinner Cruise – Skyline views, twinkly lights, and buffet feasts. Basically, it’s romance on a boat.
Burj Khalifa Sky Lounge – 148 floors up, cocktails in hand, feeling like the power couple of your own holiday movie.
Dubai Miracle Garden – 45 million flowers shaped into hearts, castles, and Disney characters. If you don’t get a selfie here, did you even go?
Private Beach Clubs – Think infinity pools, white sands, 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.
Desert Safari with Dinner – Camels, BBQs, and stargazing – basically the desert date night of dreams.

👯‍♂️ Things to do for groups in Dubai

Sky Views Dubai – glass slide. 219m high. 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 – private yacht for the day. It’s bougie, it’s surprisingly doable, and yes, you’ll feel like celebs.
Brunch in the Clouds – Friday brunch in Dubai is legendary: free‑flowing fizz, live DJs, and a lot of happy dancing.
IMG Worlds of Adventure – indoor rollercoasters and Marvel heroes – air‑con and adrenaline in equal measure.
Global Village – 90 cultures, endless food stalls, and prime “oh wow, try this!” moments.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for families in Dubai

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark – 105 slides and rides. Prepare for squeals of joy and a full day of “just one more go!”
The Lost Chambers Aquarium – spot sharks and rays in tunnels that make you feel like you’re in an underwater fairytale.
Dubai Parks & Resorts – LEGOLAND, Motiongate, and Bollywood Parks – basically, if the kids ever want to leave, we’ll be shocked.
Wild Wadi Waterpark – lazy rivers for grown‑ups, high‑speed slides for kids (and secretly for you).
Dubai Safari Park – lions, giraffes, and meerkats that might just steal the show – and your snacks.
Dubai Fountain Show – free, dazzling, and set to music – the perfect wind‑down after a big day out.

🍽️ Things to do in Dubai for Foodies

Al Fahidi Food Tour – snack your way through Old Dubai with luqaimat (sweet dumplings) and regag (crispy pancakes).
Spice & Gold Souks – saffron, cardamom, and shiny things galore – a feast for your nose and your Insta grid.
Dinner in the Sky – suspended dining. 50m above the ground. Don’t drop your fork.
Friday Brunch Blowouts – bubbalicious or Saffron brunches are basically all‑you‑can‑eat foodie festivals.
Late‑Night Street Eats – shawarma, falafel, and paratha until the early hours – your stomach will thank you.
Cooking Classes – learn how to whip up mezze or a camel burger (yes, that’s a thing).

Book your Dubai holiday with confidence

We make beach breaks breezy and stress-free, which is why you can always book with confidence. With our ring-fenced trust account, your money's safe until you're back from sunning yourself on the sands. That’s our promise for a worry-free holiday. Let's get you to the beach!

More places to visit nearby to Dubai:

Popular Dubai hotels

More Dubai hotels

Stunning Dubai resorts

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

Yearning for some sun that doesn't know how to quit? Dubai's your go-to. This desert gem keeps the mercury dancing between the high 20s and sizzling mid-40s. Celsius. Winter in Dubai? More like walkin' in a beachy wonderland (minus the snowmen), with temps only falling as low as 14°C - baso a hot Summers day by our standards.

Let's get into Summer though, because it certainly is warm here! But don't worry, whenever you need a chill pill, everywhere indoors is an oasis of cool – from mega malls to mini buses.

But hey, Dubai's not all about cranking up the heat. Autumn might still give you a run for your money with high temps of 39°C in September, but the low lows of November reach around 20°C if you fancy going for an evening meal without melting into a puddle.

Spring is a perfect happy medium, it’s all about those perfect warm days reaching temps of 38°C in May and nippy nights reaching lows of 18°C in March. Ideal for lounging on sandy shores, dune buggying in the desert, or dining under the stars. Let's just say the weather here's got more moods than your playlist!

Reviews

Over 1.5 million happy customers find their perfect beach break with On the Beach every year. Here's what some of them have to say!

FAQs

It takes about eight hours to fly to Dubai from the UK/Ireland - long haul lovin', havin' a blast, and by blast we mean in-flight entertainment and plenty of silly, little naps.

Dubai is three hours ahead of the time in the UK/Ireland - enough that you'll notice when you go for an afternoon tipple and realise your body thinks it's 10AM, it's like being in the airport bar all over again.

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

The official language spoken in Dubai is Arabic.

Zipline over Dubai Marina

Take on XLine Dubai Marina, the world’s longest urban zipline. Strap in, soar past skyscrapers, and glide over the sparkling marina for a heart‑racing, once‑in‑a‑lifetime city view.

Dine in the Dark at Noire

Swap Dubai’s glitter for pitch‑black dining at the Fairmont Dubai. With sight out of the picture, your taste buds steal the show – every bite’s a surprise.

Get Lost at the Lost Chambers Aquarium

Stroll through glass tunnels surrounded by colourful marine life in a setting styled after Atlantis. Perfect for families, with 10 chambers of “where’s Nemo?” fun.

Take on the desert dunes

Trade skyscrapers for sand with quad biking, dune buggies, sandboarding, and sunset camel rides. Dune‑bashing in Dubai is a must for thrill‑seekers and photographers alike.

Blast from the... future?

A museum… from the future. This interactive space blends tech, design, and sci‑fi, showcasing AI, eco‑living, and space travel like nowhere else.

It’s a Miracle (Garden)

Dubai’s 72,000sqm floral wonderland has castles, teddy bears, and 50 million blooms. Pair it with the Butterfly Garden for a dreamy, colourful day out.

What are the best events I can go to in Dubai?
Whether you’re chasing the sun or the dazzling city lights on your holidays to Dubai, this bustling city has a little something for every taste. There's a calendar full of great events you can go to that'll have you soaking up the culture and livin' la vida local. Here are some of our faves...
- Dubai Shopping Festival (January/February) - starting the year with a bang. From January through February, the city turns into a mahoosive open-air market with mega sales, live concerts, and fireworks. It’s the perfect excuse to grab some boujee bargains!
- Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (January/February) — Dubai’s biggest book festival brings top authors, lively panels, poetry performances and fun workshops for all ages. It’s the ultimate cultural pit stop for bookworms and curious minds alike!
- Dubai Jazz Festival (February) - get ready to jazz it up! Held in February, this festival brings some of the biggest names in jazz (and beyond) to Dubai’s stage. It’s chill, it’s thrilling, and it's utterly enchanting—a must for music buffs.
- Dubai Food Festival (February/March) - foodies, assemble! Typically held in February or March, this festival is where you can treat your tastebuds. It’s a showcase of the city’s cosmopolitan dining scene where you can indulge in everything from street food sizzlers to swanky gourmet dishes.
- Art Dubai (March) -Art Dubai offers a peek into the region’s vibrant art scene. It's a cultural bonanza that attracts artists, collectors, and art lovers from around the globe.
- Al Marmoom Heritage Festival (April) - hear us out, camel racing... sounds wild, and we reckon it's deffo not one to miss, a celebration of Emirati culture bursting at the seams with heritage activities and local crafts, oh and racing, but that's a given.
- Middle East Film & Comic Con (April) - pop culture meets the UAE with celebrity appearances, a tonne of cosplaying and the pure, unfiltered joy of all things, comics, films and games.
- Game Expo (May) - for all the gamers out there, this ones for you. Now, you might not be on your jollies to go sit in an expo centre (each to their own), but this event attracts gaming enthusiasts from around the world and hosts an impressive array of showcases and tournaments - so if it is your bag, add it to the list.
- Dubai Summer Surprises (July - September) - think of this as the summer sibling of the Dubai Shopping Festival, running from July to September. Expect cool deals, fun for the kiddos, and entertainment that turns the summer heat into a sizzling celebration.
- Dubai Design Week (October) - the clues in the name, but, plot twist, there's more to this event than meets the eye, with a focus on creativity in all it's forms from installations and exhibitions to workshops spread across different artistic expressions - it's a good day to be creatively inclined with this one!
- Diwali Celebrations (November) - the Hindu festival of lights is a gorge spectacle to behold with fireworks, events and festive decorations spread throughout different parts of the city - a day for celebrating culture in all it's technicolour glory.
- UAE National Day (December) - the 2nd December marks the founding of the UAE, so this ones a biggie for your winter sun holiday to Dubai - expect fireworks, parades, concerts and a whole lotta culture booming across the cityscape.
What's the nightlife like in Dubai?
Dubai’s nightlife is as glam as it is global, with world‑class DJs, swanky bars, and rooftop clubs buzzing till 3 AM. The workweek wraps up Thursday, so Thursday and Friday are prime party nights, while mid‑week Ladies’ Nights often mean free entry and drinks for the gals.
Here are some of the top spots to hit on your Dubai holidays:
- WHITE Dubai – rooftop at Meydan Racecourse with panoramic views, open‑air vibes, and world‑class music acts.
- Cavalli Club – Roberto Cavalli‑inspired glamour with crystal chandeliers, designer cocktails, and a stylish dancefloor crowd.
- Soho Garden – multi‑stage nightlife hub with chill early vibes and thumping late‑night beats.
- BLU Club – 32nd‑floor hotspot for R&B and hip‑hop with killer skyline views and VIP champagne tables.
- Armani/Privé – sleek luxury in the Burj Khalifa, blending high‑style interiors with electrifying music.
- BOA Lounge & Club – daytime lounge turned nighttime club with sweeping city views and an elegant crowd.
- Barasti Beach Bar – casual, breezy beachside bar perfect for a laid‑back night with live music and cold drinks.
- The Penthouse Dubai – rooftop at FIVE Palm Jumeirah with skyline views, live DJs, and luxe cocktails under the stars.
What's the food like in Dubai?
Dubai’s dining scene is low‑key legendary – think street‑food shawarmas to celeb‑chef sushi. Whether you’re after authentic Emirati bites or boujee rooftop dining, here’s where (and what) to eat on your Dubai holidays:
Must‑Try Dishes
- Shawarma – Juicy, spiced meat wrapped in soft pita with veggies and sauce. Try Al Mallah on Dhiyafa Street.
- Al Machboos – A fragrant Emirati rice dish with chicken or lamb and spices. Head to Al Fanar Restaurant for the real deal.
- Manakish – Middle Eastern flatbread topped with herbs, cheese, or meat. Grab it hot at Al Reef Lebanese Bakery.
- Falafel – Crispy chickpea fritters in pita with salad and tahini. Operation: Falafel is a fan favourite.
- Fattoush – Fresh Levantine salad with greens, veg, and crunchy pita. Light and tasty at Zaatar w Zeit.
Top Restaurants
- Pierchic – luxe seafood on a pier over the Arabian Gulf; perfect for special occasions.
- Nobu – iconic Japanese‑Peruvian fusion at Atlantis The Palm by celeb chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
- Zuma – contemporary Japanese izakaya in DIFC; chic, buzzy, and beloved by foodies.
- Gaia – stylish Grecian cuisine with a warm, celeb‑spotting vibe (order the orzo seafood pasta).
- La Petite Maison – French‑Mediterranean dining with seasonal ingredients and Riviera energy in the heart of DIFC.
- Cé La Vi Dubai – rooftop Asian fusion with Burj Khalifa views, truffle sushi, and next‑level photo ops.
- Bubbalicious Brunch – iconic Westin Mina Seyahi brunch with an international buffet, sushi, and seafood galore.

Places to visit

The Green Planet
Ready to swap skyscrapers for sloths? The Green Planet is a must-visit on your Dubai holidays – a massive indoor bio-dome that whisks you away from the desert and straight into a tropical rainforest. Spread across four immersive layers – the Canopy, the Midstory, the Forest Floor and the Flooded Rainforest – this lush paradise is home to over 3,000 species of exotic plants, birds, insects and animals.
You’ll wander past cascading waterfalls, meet free-roaming toucans, and maybe even spot a sleepy sloth or two. It’s the ultimate day out for families, with hands-on experiences like “Zookeeper for a Day” and even the chance to snorkel with piranhas (yep, really). It’s wild, it’s weird, and it’s an unforgettable twist from your usual dune drives and rooftop tipples.
Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park
Calling all thrill-seekers – this one’s not for the faint-hearted. Aquaventure Waterpark at the fairy-tale-worthy Atlantis, The Palm is the ultimate splash-fest on your holidays to Dubai. Home to over 100 record-breaking slides, rides and attractions, it's one of the biggest waterparks in the world – yep, the world. Whether you’re racing your mates down water coasters, drifting through lazy rivers or braving the shark lagoon, there’s enough here to keep the whole crew buzzing all day.
Little adventurers won’t miss out either – the kids’ splash zones are packed with mini slides and water cannons perfect for pint-sized paddlers. But if you’re after a serious adrenaline hit? Brace yourself for the legendary 'Leap of Faith' – a near-vertical, 98-foot waterslide that drops you straight through a transparent tunnel surrounded by sharks. No pressure, but we’ll be at the bottom cheering you on… or filming it for the group chat.
Al Fahidi District
If you’re up for swapping glammed-up brunches for something a bit more old-school, Al Fahidi Historical District is the perfect place to slow things down. Tucked away from the city’s buzz, this charming quarter gives you a glimpse of Dubai before the big builds and bling.
You’ll stroll through winding lanes, nose around centuries-old homes, and stumble upon quiet courtyards that feel a million miles from the modern city. It’s totally free to explore, but if you want to make a proper day of it, stop by the Arabian Teahouse for a traditional brew, check out local art spots, or bag some handmade finds at the Souk. It’s got history, culture, and plenty of shady nooks to chill in – the ideal detour when you fancy something a little different on your Dubai holidays.

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

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan ended on 30/03/2025. The next time Ramadan will occur is between 17/02/2026 and 18/03/2026. During this time, eating, drinking and smoking may be restricted to the hours between sunset and sunrise, and visitors may be expected to observe these practices in public spaces as a sign of respect, meaning some 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.

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.

There's some ongoing construction going on at Dubai International Airport (as of January 2025), therefore the meeting point for Terminal 3 arrivals has been temporarily located a bit closer to Exit 2.

Just a heads up that this new location has limited space, so can cause crowding. If you're unsure of where you should be heading, just ask one of the airport staff and they'll point you in the right direction.

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Dubai Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Dubai

🏛️ Why Visit Dubai, United Arab Emirates?

Destination Highlights

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

🗓️ When’s the best time to go on your Dubai holidays?

Where should you stay on your Dubai holidays?

Other places to stay in Dubai:

Holidays to Dubai 2025 / 2026 - Best beaches

Best hotels for your Dubai holidays 2025 / 2026

Dubai Holidays 2025 / 2026 Travel Guide

💑 Things to do for couples in Dubai

👯‍♂️ Things to do for groups in Dubai

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for families in Dubai

🍽️ Things to do in Dubai for Foodies

Book your Dubai holiday with confidence

More places to visit nearby to Dubai:

Popular Dubai hotels

Stunning Dubai resorts

Weather in Dubai

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

Reviews

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Dubai?

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

What currency do they use in Dubai?

What language do they speak in Dubai?

Zipline over Dubai Marina

Dine in the Dark at Noire

Get Lost at the Lost Chambers Aquarium

Take on the desert dunes

Blast from the... future?

It’s a Miracle (Garden)

What are the best events I can go to in Dubai?

What's the nightlife like in Dubai?

What's the food like in Dubai?

Must‑Try Dishes

Top Restaurants

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

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

What safety measures are in place in Dubai?

How old do you need to be to drink alcohol in Dubai?

Where's the new meeting point at Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3?