Currency: Dirham (AED or Arab Emirate Dirham)
Language: Arabic
Time Difference: GMT +4 hours
Flight Time: Approximately 7 hours.
Flights: You can fly to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) from a number of UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Passport/visa requirements: Your Passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date you enter the country.
Packing essentials: Dubai enjoys warm winters and searing summers, so it’s advisable to pack light clothing. Sunglasses should definitely be on your list of things to pack, as well as a sun hat and plenty of sun cream.
Dubai Travel Guide
If you’re thinking of jetting off on the holiday of a lifetime, then you’re in luck. There are lots of breathtaking sights to see and fun activities to enjoy in Dubai. The real challenge will be fitting it all in!
Here are some of the best things to do in Dubai.
Visit the Burj Khalifa
The best of Dubai city breaks would not be complete without a visit to the world's tallest building - the spectacular Burj Khalifa. Standing at 2,722 ft, the Burj Khalifa is one of the most popular Dubai tourist attractions and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004 and it was eventually opened in 2010 in the newly built Downtown Dubai area.
The Burj Khalifa is one of the most exciting things to see in Dubai. With its unique architecture, breathtaking height and central location near the Dubai Mall, it’s an amazing sight to behold and an attraction that the whole family will enjoy. If you want to see the most spectacular views of Dubai then head up to the observation decks on the 125th, 126th or 148th floor.
What better way to experience the wonder of the Burj Khalifa than to actually stay inside it? The Armani Hotel occupies eleven floors of the building, and features its own grand entrance so you can start your Dubai holiday in style.
If you’d like to stay close to the Burj Khalifa, The Ritz-Carlton is just over a mile away and features some stunning views of the Dubai skyline and the surrounding beaches.
Make a splash at Aquaventure Waterpark
If you’re looking for something fun to do during your city break or family holiday to Dubai, head over to the Aquaventure Waterpark, on the Palm Jumeirah. The park is situated in the grounds of one of the most famous Dubai hotels - Atlantis, The Palm hotel.
The largest waterpark in the world, Aquaventure features 105 record-breaking slides. Explore the mysterious tunnels at the Tower of Neptune, soar through the clouds on a zip line or feed some exotic and friendly marine life.
Aquaventure water park is known all over the Middle East and is a great day out for all family holidays to Dubai. This is one of the most popular destinations for adrenaline junkies, so make sure to pack your swimming costume!
For more information about travelling to Dubai with kids and toddlers, head over to our blog.
Jump in at Wild Wadi Waterpark
Why stop at one award-winning water park when you could visit two? Located close to the world famous Burj Al Arab hotel, Wild Wadi Waterpark is the perfect addition to your family holiday in Dubai.
With 30 rides and attractions to choose from, Wild Wadi Waterpark gives guests the thrill of a lifetime on some super high slides, and the whole park is themed around old Arabian folklore so there’s a real sense of culture to enjoy.
The stunning Jumeirah Beach Hotel is just minutes away, and here guests can live like the rich and famous with lavish guest rooms and a range of stunning restaurants, great for relaxing after a long day of having fun at Wild Wadi.
Indulge in some retail therapy
Fancy a little bit of retail therapy during your holiday? You’ve come to the right place. Dubai is known across the globe as being one of the best cities for shopping, thanks in large part to the amazing Dubai Mall and the world-famous Mall of Emirates - the world's biggest shopping mall.
The Mall of Emirates features over 560 stores and over 90 restaurants. From designer shops like Ted Baker, Gucci, Versace and Karen Millen to high street options like Monsoon and Lipsy London, you’re bound to find something you like here.
Restaurants in the Mall of Emirates include the California Pizza Kitchen, Eat Greek and Chilli’s, with fast food options like Burger King, Pizza Hut and McDonalds always proving to be popular.
A shuttle bus runs frequently to this incredible Dubai Mall from the Palm Jumeirah. The mall is within easy reach of Atlantis, The Palm, the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which are just a short bus ride away.
Ski Dubai
If you fancy doing something a little different during your holiday to Dubai then Ski Dubai could be the place for you. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Mall of Emirates, Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and is great fun for the whole family.
Roll down the Giant Ball Run, jump a 10ft ramp or do some sightseeing on the chairlift... there’s something for all ages at Ski Dubai.
To get to Ski Dubai, simply hop onto a shuttle bus service. Atlantis, The Palm, Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel all have shuttle buses to the Mall of Emirates, which is only a short walk away from Ski Dubai.
Visit the amazing Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai is one of the best worldwide destinations for theme park fans, with some of the most exciting and unique days out on offer. If you're looking for an amazing family holiday or a jaw-dropping getaway, you can't go wrong with a visit to the incredible selection of Dubai parks and resorts.
From the unique Bollywood Parks Dubai experience to soaking up the magic of the movies at the theme parks at Motiongate, there's no end to the amazing adventures to be had. Water parks and rollercoasters are just the beginning - Dubai's commitment to providing unique experiences means there really are theme parks for everyone, and creating tailor-made holidays for all the family is simple.
There’s no better way to spend your Dubai holiday than on the beach.
Sun, sand and sea are on tap all year round in this sensational destination. The only problem you’ll have is deciding where to hit the beach.
Beach luxury
If your Dubai holidays 2021/2022 plan consists of reclining on the sand, with waiters at your beck and call serving refreshing cocktails, then you’re well and truly in luck.
Dubai does extravagance better than anywhere else, and nowhere exemplifies this better than the luxurious beach clubs on offer along the city’s 50km stretch of coastline.
Enjoy sumptuous dining, live music and vibrant evenings at private beach venues including Zero Gravity, Eden and Nasimi Beach Club.
For luxury beach holidays the whole family can enjoy, choose Riva or or The Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Style by the Sea
The new kid on the block when it comes to Dubai beachfront destinations, Le Mar is the place to be if you like to unwind in style during your holiday.
Surrounded by around 2.5km of sandy beach and featuring palm-lined boulevards and colourful murals, Le Mar oozes street cred and is a great place to relax, play or dine.
Family fun
You can’t beat a family day out at the beach and Dubai certainly has plenty to offer when it comes to seaside activities and attractions to suit all ages.
One such place is Kite Beach, in Umm Suqeim. Here you’ll find a whole host of activities for children, including Wire World rope climbing centre and a skateboarding park. You can also swim in the calm waters and experience an array of aquatic adventures. There are also plenty of food vans and cafes available to ensure you’re fuelled-up and ready to enjoy your day.
As previously mentioned, some of Dubai’s beach clubs cater for families, offering children’s activities and play equipment, as well as cabanas where little ones can find shade from the sun. A number of these can be found on The Palm Jumeirah, including Riva Beach Club, Fairmont The Palm and Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort and Spa. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which is located closer to the city, also boasts a family-friendly beach club, while an inflatable water park and a variety of activities can be enjoyed at the facilities offered by the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa.
Water sports galore
Any adrenaline junkies craving an action-packed day above or below the waves will be glad to know that there are plenty of water experiences to be enjoyed during a holiday in Dubai.
As well as the aquatic thrills at Kite Beach - where you can surf, jet ski and paddle board - The Beach at the Jumeirah Beach Residence is also a superb location for a selection of thrilling water sports. Hotels lining the sand offer a number of high-energy activities, including parasailing, wakeboarding and banana boating, with anyone welcome to book.
Visitors to The Beach can also enjoy a camel ride, or take a break from sunbathing with a stroll along The Walk, where you will find a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Getting to Dubai has never been easier, with a host of direct or indirect flights taking off from airports in the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on a daily basis.
UK destinations to fly to Dubai from include London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast. Choose which airport best suits your needs and start planning your luxury holiday to Dubai today.
For more information about the different airports and travelling to Dubai follow the links below.
Manchester
London Heathrow
Newcastle
Glasgow
Dublin
Belfast
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