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.