Dubai – a city that evokes images of wonder, luxury, and grandeur – will leave you tingling with excitement. Situated in the northeast of the United Arab Emirates and on the Persian Gulf, Dubai boasts the country's largest population and, for good reason, a flourishing travel industry. Despite being a hub of modern infrastructure, one of its defining features is a massive creek that divides the city into two distinct but interesting regions. Within both areas, you'll find incredible opportunities that only Dubai offers, not least of which is the Dubai Mall, the biggest mall in the world by total area. Whether you're looking down from atop an enormous skyscraper or looking up as the Dubai Fountains shoot water 500 feet in the air, Dubai always gives you something to look forward to.
What to Know before Visiting Dubai
The Dubai International Airport, the city's main airport, is an attraction in itself. Aching to go right now? Flights to Dubai from London and Manchester are easy to arrange. After your flight, the airport's zen garden and spa offer a serene getaway. While the airport is just 5km from the city centre, if you plan on taking the bus or metro, you must purchase a Nol card (a prepaid card) because cash isn't accepted. Elsewhere, you'll pay in dirhams, the UAE's currency. Whereas Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken. If you're flying from the UK, you'll only experience slight jet lag as the UAE is only four hours ahead. Citizens of the US or UK do not require a visa to visit.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Dubai?
The weather gets pretty hot summer months, so travel tends to slow down, and flights and hotels in Dubai free up. Between May and September, expect temperatures as high as 40°C. In other months, you can look forward to average highs of around 25°C. No matter when you visit, you can count on a high probability of sunshine for your entire trip. Film lovers should check out the Dubai International Film Festival, a December gem that showcases new Arab and international releases. March's Art Dubai displays beautiful galleries featuring notable works. For full immersion in the Emirates' culture, the National Day Festival, on December 2, celebrates the country's independence through parades and special events.
What to Do in Dubai
Package holidays in Dubai aren't complete without experiencing its vibrant nightlife. Aptly named Club 360 dazzles with rooftop views of the city and its iconic buildings. If you love sports, you'll be blown away by sandboarding. Dubai's smooth sands offer the perfect chance to sweep down a dune, and several services provide guided trips and instructions. While visiting a hotel might seem a little odd, the Burj Al Arab –one of the world's tallest hotels – is too magnificent to pass up. This sail-shaped building sits proudly on an artificial island, ready to have its picture taken. You'll have fun doing the rounds on Palm Jumeirah, a palm-shaped island featuring many beautiful hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
What Can You Visit in Dubai?
Dubai has infinite sightseeing possibilities. You can't miss the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. City breaks in Dubai are often spent feeling on top of the world as you take in the views from the observation deck. A weekend in Dubai wouldn't be complete without visiting the iconic choreographed fountains, which are only a few minutes away from the Burj Khalifa. While you're there, you've got to have an Abra ride on Burj Lake. Retail buffs will want to check out Dubai Mall, a treasure trove of stores and experiences. It features an aquarium, underwater zoo, and even a skating rink (not something that immediately comes to mind on a Dubai weekend break!). For another architectural treat, the impressive Etihad Museum teaches you about the UAE.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Dubai.
What To Eat In Dubai?
Dubai's local street food scene is thriving, and Dubai city breaks often involve browsing the streets for new delicacies. You can't leave without trying authentic shawarma and hummus, two staples of the Arab world. Al Machboos, a meal consisting of rice and meat, will leave you satisfyingly full. Since the city is very cosmopolitan, you'll find an abundance of other ethnic cuisines and restaurants. On most Saturdays, the Ripe Market sells fresh produce and brings an open-air experience indoors. For a truly outdoor experience, Barefoot Lounge, part of the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, hosts a shoeless beach dinner under the stars. To get closer to the stars, visit Al Dawaar, a revolving restaurant with incredible skyline views.
What Can You Bring Home from Dubai?
People often leave their package holidays in Dubai with armfuls of new and exciting things. Your sweet tooth will appreciate the popular camel-shaped milk chocolates, which sometimes contain camel milk. Dates are also a fixture, and just as readily available. The Arab world is known for its ornate coffee pots, and you'll surely find a beautiful one in Dubai. For something practical, a silk scarf will keep you warm during your winter back home. You'll find these treasures at Al Jaber Gallery, which is in many malls, and you'll also be able to buy several artistic souvenirs at Gallery One, another popular store. While flights and hotels in Dubai often provide little snacks or mementoes of your stay, a souvenir is always a nice way to commemorate your trip.
Explore other destinations
If a city break in Dubai doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!