Compare Dubai holidays

Having spent much of the last century as little more than a fishing settlement on the edge of a desert, over the last two decades, Dubai has become a futuristic city of extremes and an incredible holiday destination. The tallest building, the largest shopping mall and the first ski slope in the desert – it seems nothing is too much of a challenge for Dubai, so brace yourself for a trip of a lifetime.

Despite the development, there’s still some of the original Dubai left to see in the old town. Take a traditional abra (wooden boat) across Dubai Creek to bargain for gold and spices in the souks. Dubai Museum, in a 19th-century fort, tells the history of the area, and the surrounding streets give a glimpse of how the city once looked, with wind towers and sunny courtyards.

Holidays in Dubai are welcoming for families, too. From kids’ swimming pools to enormous water parks with high-adrenaline slides and toddler-friendly zones, there’s endless fun. But putting theme parks and giant aquariums aside, an overnight stay in a Bedouin tent in the desert sand dunes will be a sleepover they’ll never forget.

Fancy a night out? Dubai’s party scene is as lively as it is glamorous. Sip cocktails in the rooftop bars of some of the most exclusive hotels in town and dance until the sun comes up. Alternatively, book tickets at Dubai Opera House to see world-class concerts, musical theatre and dance shows, or head to Dubai Mall’s 22-screen cinema to catch the latest movie.

Whatever time of year you book a Dubai holiday, sunshine is pretty much a given. They say Dubai only has two temperatures: hot and very hot. As such, many people tend to avoid the heat of June to September, when temperatures peak at around 41C. In winter (December to February), Dubai is at its coolest, averaging at a much more comfortable 19–21C.

If you're looking for cheap holidays in Dubai, visit in the height of summer when prices are often considerably lower – yes, it’s hot but the majority of hotels and attractions are well-prepared with air-conditioning.

Also, remember Ramadan: non-Muslim visitors certainly aren't required to fast over the period, but eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is not permitted, and many restaurants won’t be open – although many attractions will be.

With its sky-high buildings, designer shopping and rolling desert dunes, Dubai welcomes the culture curious and the adrenaline addict. You could easily spend your entire holiday on the beach, but the theme parks and larger-than-life attractions are too irresistible to miss.

Downtown Dubai

This is one of the city's focal points, thanks to the presence of the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, an 830m (2,723ft) needle of glass and steel. Head up to the observation decks on levels 125 and 148 or book a buffet breakfast in The Lounge on level 154.

Nearby, the Dubai Mall has more than 1,200 shops, an aquarium, a 22-screen cinema and an ice-rink. The evening 'dancing fountain' show takes place every half hour from 6pm.

Deira’s souks

Catch a traditional wooden abra boat across Dubai Creek to shop in Deira district’s maze of souks. They don't quite rival the heady atmosphere of much older bazaars in North Africa and the Middle East, but there's a lot of enjoyment (and the odd bargain) in browsing the gold, spices, silks and perfumes on sale here.

The experience provides a very different take on Dubai to the shiny air-conditioned malls, so it’s worth the trip.

Palm Jumeirah

A colossal artificial island that measures almost three miles from its gateway towers to the furthest point of its 'trunk', Palm Jumeirah is an impressive place to visit – even by Dubai standards.

It’s home to high-end resorts, most notably Atlantis The Palm, which has the Aquaventure Waterpark, a huge aquarium and other attractions. Palm Jumeirah is also the place to get a scenic helicopter tour over Dubai's coastline.

Mall of the Emirates

Marginally smaller than the Dubai Mall but no less impressive, the Mall of the Emirates is another attraction that looms large in Dubai life. Perhaps its most unique feature is Ski Dubai, an indoor snow park with penguins.

It also has a huge indoor family entertainment centre and big-screen cinema showing the latest Hollywood blockbusters. There are more than 630 shops, too.

Dune bashing in Dubai’s desert

Dune bashing is driving at high speed up, down and across enormous sand dunes in a 4x4 – basically, a lot of fun. Many tours also involve barbecue dinners with live entertainment, such as belly dancing, camel rides and sandboarding.

Stay overnight in a Bedouin tent to see the clear night skies, golden sunrise and get the full desert experience.

For families

From family-friendly hotels and apartments to larger-than-life theme parks and desert adventures, Dubai knows how to cater to kids. Where you stay will depend a little on budget and the attractions that take your interest.

Jumeirah is a good starting point as it has excellent beaches and watersports, as well as the Wild Wadi Waterpark. This area is close to the Dubai Mall’s aquarium and fountain show. Or, you could stay right in the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts to focus your holiday on Legoland, Motiongate theme park and Bollywood Parks.

For travellers on a budget

Holidays to Dubai don't have to cost the earth. Deira has plenty of cheaper hotels within walking distance of the souks. Across Dubai Creek, in the traditional Al Fahidi neighbourhood, there are also numerous decent hotels at affordable prices.

There’s mid-range accommodation in residential Al Barsha district, close to the Mall of the Emirates. From here, you’re a short drive from Jumeirah Public Beach and Dubai Marina. Wherever you decide to stay, it’s worth looking out for package deals to Dubai – especially in the summer – as there are often fantastic offers for the higher-end hotels.

For food and drink

Celebrity chefs, Michelin stars and indulgent Friday brunches are all part of Dubai’s multicultural food scene. Atlantis The Palm and the Burj Al Arab each have several restaurants to choose from. If your budget doesn’t stretch to those mega hotels, stay around Dubai Marina to be close to several fine-dining establishments.

For Emirati cuisine, head to old Dubai – Deira or Al Fahidi – where cheaper local cafes serve traditional meals. It’s worth noting that many independent restaurants outside of the hotels don’t hold an alcohol licence, so opt for Arabian tea or fresh juice instead.

For nightlife

Dubai’s hotels house much of the city’s nightlife, which focuses on luxurious lounge bars, rooftop cocktails and nightclubs. Some of the most glamorous venues are in Dubai Marina and on Palm Jumeirah, where you can expect visiting DJs, dancing and fashionistas dressed to impress. Accommodation here is suitably stylish, but there’s also a good range of simpler aparthotels and excellent value package deals.

For a more relaxed evening, seek out a rooftop shisha lounge for a communal smoking experience. There are several close to hotels in and around Al Fahidi, with relaxing music, traditional food and fabulous city views.

For culture

If you’re keen to discover more about the Emirati culture and history, the Al Fahidi Historic District is the destination for you. Right on your doorstep, there’s the Dubai Museum, the contemporary XVA Gallery and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Deira also has many hotels close to the souks.

Closer to the centre of Dubai, in Al Quoz, is an alternative cultural hub: Alserkal Avenue, a warehouse turned arts centre. There is some good value accommodation close by, or you could splash out on one of the many coastal digs within a 10-minute drive.