Dubai Specialist Holidays Travel Agent

Dubai is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, and one of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE. Sitting on the south-eastern coast of the Persian Gulf, it is a modern, thriving metropolis, home to some of the most ambitious construction projects in the world, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on earth.

Although Dubai is best known as an oil producing nation, oil now accounts for only around 5% of its revenue. Long before the first oil was struck in 1966, it was a trading hub, and the pearl trade in particular thrived here until the 1930s. The revenue that generated helped fund a period of remarkable expansion, and today Dubai is one of the world's leading centres for tourism, trade and business.

Do bear in mind that Dubai does not come cheaply: hotel rates here are among the highest in the world.

What to Do

There is a wide range of things to enjoy in Dubai, from historic sightseeing, dhow cruises and desert safaris to theme parks, water parks and, of course, plenty of shopping. Here is a selection of excursions to give you a flavour of what is on offer.

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa has the two highest observation decks in the world, offering magnificent views of the city and beyond. There is an open observation deck on the 124th floor and a luxurious lounge on the 148th, reached by a high speed elevator with floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The result is an unobstructed 360 degree view, and quite an experience.

Glory of the Sultans

Get a taste of the life of a Sultan on this cultural journey, which takes you through an Arabic majlis and winding souqs before a live stage show with belly dancing and falconry. If you prefer a more relaxing end to the day, spend time in the shisha lounge. The tour finishes with a sumptuous meal at the Food Bazaar.

Tales from the Past

Walking tours are a lovely way to explore Dubai's historic district, taking in the Heritage Village and the traditional souks along the way.

Alternatively, you can travel further back, exploring a history of Dubai that reaches to the Bronze Age, through the narrow lanes of Bastakiya and on to the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. An abra (water taxi) ride across the creek brings you to the famous Gold and Spice Souks, with the city's other historic landmarks, such as the Jumeirah Mosque, also within easy reach.

Explore a Desert Oasis - Al Ain

Al Ain, also known as the garden city, dates back to the 4th millennium BC and is the birthplace of the first president of the UAE. It is the greenest town in the country and one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements. Enjoy a walk through the palms of the Jimi and Hili oasis and visit the Al Ain Palace Museum.

Sand Dune Adventures

Explore the desert on a dune buggy for a thrilling ride over the sands.

For something more immersive, spend an evening dune bashing in a 4x4, followed by an indulgent Arabic buffet and entertainment at a Bedouin camp. You can stay the night under the stars in comfortable sleeping bags and wake to a fresh, light breakfast before returning to the city.

If you would rather not overnight, an evening trip works just as well. You head out across the dunes by 4x4, arriving at camp in time for sunset and a lavish spread of Arabic food, with sand-boarding and camel riding for the more active, and belly dancers and folk dancers for entertainment, before heading back to the city.

Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast & Falconry

Catch the sunrise from 4,000 feet in a hot air balloon. With the desert below, you can spot camels, gazelles and the Arabian Oryx in their natural habitat, and enjoy a falcon show during the flight. On landing, travel by vintage Land Rover to a private camp for a gourmet breakfast.

Golf

Golfers are well looked after in Dubai, which has become a genuine golf destination with a wide selection of first-class courses and excellent facilities. The courses we feature include floodlit championship layouts, desert-style designs and parkland courses, several of them created by some of the best-known names in the game. See our Dubai Golf section for more detail.

When To Go

There are three main seasons in Dubai.

High season runs from November to April, when Dubai enjoys plenty of sunshine, manageable temperatures and cooler evenings. January and February are especially popular, so expect busy malls and queues at the main attractions.

The shoulder season falls in May and again in September and October. Temperatures begin to climb in May, reaching around 36 degrees, before easing back to around 28 or 29 degrees by October.

The low season runs from June to the end of August, when temperatures regularly tip over 40 degrees. You will find lower prices and shorter queues at this time, but do weigh that against the heat.

Getting There

Getting to Dubai could not be easier. Emirates, which is based in Dubai, is the largest airline in the Middle East and flies from all the major UK airports, often with more than one service a day.

Given Dubai's location, it is also a popular transit hub for most of the world's major airlines, so there is plenty of choice. Depending on the time of year, the flight takes as little as just over 6.5 hours.

Travel Advice

There are a number of things worth knowing before you travel to Dubai. We hope the following is helpful, though it is intended as a guide only.

Entry Requirements

British passport holders receive a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in the UAE. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If you are transiting the UAE without passing through immigration, your passport currently only needs 3 months' validity from the date of transit. Children travelling to the UAE must now have their own separate passport. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the FCDO travel advice website.

Medication

Some over-the-counter medicines available in the UK are treated as controlled substances in the UAE and cannot be brought into the country without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health. A list of controlled medicines is available on the UAE Ministry of Health website:We would also advise you to speak to your health professional for further advice.

Currency

The local currency is the Dirham (approximately AED 5 = £1).

Dress Code

You should be respectful of local culture during your stay. It is recommended that shoulders and knees are covered in most public areas. In places of worship, such as mosques, men and women should cover their arms and bodies, and women must also cover their heads. Swimwear is fine on the beach or around hotel pools.

Transport

The cheapest and easiest way to get around Dubai is to use the Dubai Metro, which offers a very good service to the city's most popular attractions. Taxis are also readily available and, as they are metered and centrally monitored, no haggling is required.

Language and Religion

Arabic is the official language of the UAE, with English widely used for business. Islam is the official religion. If you travel during the month of Ramadan, please be aware that additional restrictions and observances may apply.

Twin Centre Holidays

Dubai is a big, bustling city with some amazing and opulent experiences, and its position as a major transport hub makes it an ideal partner for a twin centre holiday. The Maldives is under a 4 hour flight away, with the Seychelles and Mauritius only a little further, and the west coast of India and Sri Lanka also within easy reach. The contrasts are what make it work: pair the city with ancient monuments, tea plantations and exotic wildlife, or with tropical islands, white sandy beaches, clear lagoons and the marine life of the Indian Ocean.

And don't forget, Dubai is just one of the Emirates. Others such as Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are fast becoming popular beach destinations, and the resorts at the northern tip of Oman are easier to reach from Dubai than from Muscat.

We would be delighted to help you put together the combination that suits you best.

Dubai Holiday FAQs