Dubai holidays

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Holidays to Dubai take you to a city like no other. It's a futuristic metropolis, where heady skyscrapers, flashy bars and league-of-their-own hotels are bordered by whiter-than-white beaches.

Las Vegas of the Middle East

With the world’s tallest building, the world’s biggest shopping mall and the world’s biggest choreographed fountain, Dubai’s a city that breaks records for fun. Glamorous hotels on purpose-built islands and seven-figure yachts are all part of the fabric of the UAE’s answer to Tinsel Town. Its ever-evolving city centre’s just one of the things that makes it a must-see. And because the skyline is always getting bigger and bolder, it’s not uncommon to see a spot of construction work going on around the city.

Stylish sunbathing

Dubai’s shoreline’s a real eye-catcher, with a giant palm-tree shaped island jutting off the coast. Jumeirah Beach – or what the locals call Sunset Beach – is where all the famous selfies with the sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab are taken. So you’ve got a pretty good view from your sunlounger here. JBR Beach, meanwhile, is by Dubai Marina. It’s super clean and has lots of watersports on offer, as well as extras like an outside gym and a splash zone for little ones. Plus, this beach flaunts a one-and-half-kilometre long stretch of bars, restaurants and shops right behind it. It’s also worth looking up Kite Beach. It’s one of Dubai’s natural beaches and is a firm favourite with locals, thanks to its strong winds and waves that are ideal for kitesurfing – hence the name.

City breaks in Dubai

Move inland to Downtown Dubai and you’ve got all the ingredients for the ultimate city break. Iconic landmarks. Check. World-class shopping malls. Check. A fountain that performs musical performances. Yep, it checks that one off the list, too. You can start your day of sightseeing and shopping at the record-breaking Burj Kahlif – it stands at 828 metres tall and can be seen from all across the city. Then, it’s off to Dubai Mall where can you shop ‘til you drop – it’s even got an aquarium to entertain little ones. And, when it’s time for food, you’ll be able to find just about anything, from sushi at Nobu to Michelin-star plates served inside a hotel. Plus, if you wake up late on a Saturday, there are lots of swish brunch places to try.

Coasters and cocktails

Dubai has plenty up its sleeve for families. The MOTIONGATE™ and LEGOLAND^® theme parks take a leaf out of Orlando’s book and there are aquariums, themed minigolf courses and one of the world’s biggest sweet shops to get your teeth into. Evening entertainment ramps up the glitz and glamour. Cocktail bars compete with one another in the swankiest hotels, and the shorefront’s peppered with open-air lounges that host live DJ sets and pool parties.

Popular hotels in Dubai

Top things to see and do in Dubai

Beaches

Skyline views

You’ve got plenty of beaches to pick from along Dubai’s famous palm tree- shaped island, and its sand-covered coastline. Most of them have an impressive view of the city’s skyscraper-filled skyline, too. Some of the top sandy spots are JBR Beach, Jumeirah Beach and Sunset Beach – you’ll get the best snaps of the Burj Al-Arab from here.

The big beach

JBR Beach is known for its pristine white sand and clean, warm water. But this sandy shore doesn’t just have the good looks, it has the personality to match. You can try watersports like sailing, banana-boating and parasailing. Plus, you’ve got an almost two-kilometre-long walkway of bars and restaurants to try while you’re there.

The secret beach

Al Sufouh Beach has earnt the nickname ‘Secret Beach’ thanks to its unknown presence amongst tourists. The entrance is tucked between the Burj Al-Arab Hotel and Palm Jumeirah Island, and is hidden away behind a row of palm trees – but it’s worth looking for it if you want to escape the crowds. The sandy strip flaunts panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline, and the shallow waters make it ideal for children.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Away from the glossy malls, you can get a real taste of shopping in the Middle East. There are lots of souks selling everything from embellished clothing, jazzy jewellery and household furnishings – the Dubai Flea Market is particularly good if you’re happy to haggle. Visiting a spice souk is a sensory experience in itself. Large colourful baskets of spices and herbs make a feast for the eyes and nose. Vendors will also teach you about the spices and let you try some.

Mid-range buys

You’ve got your pick of the lot when it comes to high street fashion. Shops like H&M, Zara, and Marks & Spencer are all over the city. The Dubai Hills mall is home to almost 600 shops and Dubai’s main mall – which happens to be the biggest in the world – has over 1,200 stores. Plus, if you want to buy designer without the big price tag, Dubai Outlet Mall stocks them all with discounts up to 90% off retail price.

Designer buys

We all know Dubai’s a millionaire’s playground, so it’s no surprise designer labels are easy to come by. Head downtown to Dubai Mall, and you can splash the cash on big names like Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

If you time it right, you can watch the sunset from the top of the Burj Kalifa and see the city go from day to night, with its lit-up skyscrapers filling the sky. If you’re not ready to head back to bed, but don’t want to go partying, some of the beaches have floodlit sections you can go to for an after-dark dip. And if you’re feeling hungry, brunches aren’t just for the morning here – you can get nighttime ones, too.

Lively evenings

You’re in the city that never sleeps, so there’s no shortage of bars, clubs and beachside watering holes to spend your evening in. There’s not one best place for big nights out here, it all depends on what you’re after. By the beach is a bit more relaxed, downtown and the marina have lots of hotspots, and the business district has everything you need to party ‘till dawn.

Food & drink

Samboosa

Indian street food’s a big hit in Dubai, and one of the most popular snacks is samboosa. These hot pastries closely resemble samosas, and they often come stuffed with spiced meat or vegetables. The most popular filling in Dubai, though, is cheese.

Arabic coffee and dates

You’ll be offered complimentary cups of coffee pretty much anywhere in Dubai. But if you want a proper roast, head to a local coffee shop or café. Traditional Arabic coffee is made with lightly roasted beans and cardamon, and served with sweet dates on the side.

Majboos

This rice dish really shows off the flavours of Arabian spices. Basmati rice is served with different meats – chicken is the most popular option – and a whole concoction of spiced vegetables. Emirati families tend to eat this at big events, and it has a firm place on the table at Iftar meals during Ramadan.

Luqaymat

These sweet pastries are shaped into little golden balls that melt in the mouth. They’re a bit like a doughnut with a batter that’s fried in oil. But they’re even more sweet, as they’re drizzled in syrup.

Jallab

For something refreshing, you can try a glass of jallab – you’ll find it on the menu in most cafés and restaurants across the city. This popular Arabic drink is made of grape molasses, dates and rose water, which gives it a sweet, flowery taste.