Dubai at a glance
Lying in the calm, blue waters of the southern Gulf and flanked by a majestic desert, the iconic city of Dubai is a place of fascinating contrast which offers year-round sunshine and five-star luxury. Discover a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert where East meets West and where gleaming skyscrapers stand side-by-side with the intricate alleyways of the gold souks. With more experiences on offer every year including dining, shopping and world-class theme parks, Dubai is a destination that never stands still.
Best time to visit:
Summers in Dubai reach temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius therefore most people choose to travel between October and May when the temperature is lower. Rainfall is minimal in Dubai.
Discover All That’s Possible
Prepare for a voyage of discovery in the extravagant city of Dubai. Senses are tempted every step of the way as modern architecture and historic buildings beckon for exploration, and world-class restaurants that sit side-byside with traditional Arabic eateries entice appetites. From splashing out on designer pieces in modern malls, haggling for a bargain in one of the souks or strolling along beautiful beaches and discovering the magic of the desert, Dubai really is a city of contrasts. Young or old, couples or families, there’s something to satisfy the wishes of all travellers.
Immerse yourself in Dubai’s Culture
Rich in history and cultural traditions, Dubai has so much to offer; magnificent Mosques with opulent interiors; Al Fahidi Fort, home to the oldest building in Dubai and the Dubai Museum; traditional wooden abra boat rides across Dubai Creek, and the sights and scents of the colourful wares in the spice and gold souks.
Dubai is renowned for its towering skyscrapers and glittering skyline, the ultimate example being the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. No trip to Dubai is complete without a tantalising taste of traditional food, or the chance to sample dishes from further afield such as Moroccan and Indian cuisines.
On top of the world…
Where tradition meets technology, Burj Khalifa is testament to Dubai’s ambition and vision and is the perfect place from which to breathe in the hustle and bustle of the streets below. Soaring a magnificent 828 metres (2,716 feet) above the ground, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, with the highest observation deck and an outdoor terrace offering 360-degree views of the city, desert and ocean. Gain a different perspective on the world as you take in the amazing views and marvel at the stunning architecture and feat of engineering.
Not only is it one of the undeniable stars of the Dubai skyline, the tower has also played centre stage in many Hollywood blockbuster films; it’s almost a celebrity in its own right!
Falcon experience
Gain an in-depth understanding of the traditional and noble art of falconry with an opportunity for a hands-on close encounter with hunting falcons in the desert. Leave the city behind in a 4×4 vehicle and enter the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely dune drive and the chance to spot Arabian Oryx en-route. On arrival to the falcon campsite, meet and learn about a selection of falcon species and about the ancient art of falconry before enjoying a light breakfast in the desert.
Go on an authentic food tour
Away from the luxury restaurants, experience this vibrant area and sample dates, samosas and Arabic sweets as you pass a fresh fish trading shop. Learn about local culture whilst visiting a traditional abaya store and an oud perfume shop, before stopping for a meal at a classic street food canteen-style restaurant considered a hidden gem of the city.
Experience a true Desert & Mountain Adventure
The desert and the Hajar Mountains are a great attraction in their own right, and offer plenty for visitors to explore throughout the year. The stunning desert surrounds the city of Dubai, and is characterised by wide expanses of sands and captivating dunes against the backdrop of magnificent mountain landscape.
Sunset Safari
Experience an afternoon dune drive to an authentic private Bedouin desert camp. You will be greeted by a welcoming bonfire and tents with comfortable cushions and Persian carpets. Enjoy a belly dance performance, ride a camel, unwind with shisha or get a traditional Henna tattoo. Your safari includes a delicious barbecue, freshly baked bread, soft drinks, Arabic coffee and desserts. Upgrade to Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari inclusive of beer and wine is available (excluding religious holidays).
Desert dune buggies
Buckle up for the trip of a lifetime as a passenger in a Dubai Dune Buggy! Prepare for a breathtaking adventure up hill and down dune, safe in the capable hands of your experienced driver. Hold on tight for an Arabian adventure with a difference in one of the latest, fully automatic vehicles designed specifically to take passengers off-road and onto the golden sands. Feeling brave? Why not get behind the driver’s seat for a truly exhilarating experience?
Mountain Safari
Take an off-road adventure on a trail through the Hajar Mountains, visiting archeological sites in the Valley of Caves to learn about life in the area thousands of years ago. Continue on through the Masafi Canyons and pause to see dwellings and local points of interest before stopping for a picnic lunch in the wadis. Arrive in the coastal area of Al Aqah on the east coast, home to the smallest mosque in the UAE.
Unforgettable Family Adventures
Dubai is an ideal holiday destination for families, with excellent kids clubs, Magical Gardens, theme parks, beaches, and waterparks – the list goes on and on! There really is something to keep everyone happy here.
Aquaventure Waterpark & the Lost Chambers
Enjoy a fun filled, actioned packed day with a visit to both Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers at Atlantis, The Palm. Experience adrenaline pumping waterslides that catapult you through shark filled lagoons, scream through the planet’s largest slide or race down the world’s first dual slide within a slide. Then, explore the underwater mazes and tunnels of this lost civilization while encountering sharks, eels, seahorses, and piranhas. There are over 20 remarkable marine life exhibits in this fantastic aquarium. This is a family day out to remember!
Dubai aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The 10-million litre Dubai Aquarium tank at Dubai Mall is the largest suspended aquarium in the world. It houses thousands of aquatic animals including over 140 species. Over 300 Sharks and Rays live in this tank, including the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world. View these incredible creatures through the largest aquarium viewing panel in the world at the Underwater Zoo.
Wild Wadi waterpark™
Wild Wadi Waterpark™ is full to the brim with 30 rides and attractions (with 13 of them ainterconnecting) to suit all ages and sizes. Relax and enjoy metre-high waves of Flood River and the long, lazy river of Juha’s Journey, but for those thrill seekers Tantrum Alley and Burj Surj are not to be missed! Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders offer the ultimate surfing experience. Little ones are well catered for at Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon with over 100 water activities including five slides, racing, and water guns!
Snow & penguins in the desert
Visit the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, home to a range of activities for snow-lovers! Tickets include unlimited access to the Snow Park and Giant Ball with one ride each on Mountain Thriller and the chairlift. Meet at least two snow penguins during the group interaction session then watch these incredible creatures swim playfully in the underwater viewing area.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Four Epic Adventures… One Epic Location! IMG Worlds of Adventure is Dubai’s first mega themed entertainment destination promising visitors the excitement of four epic zones – all in one location. Covering in excess of one-and-a-half million square feet you’ll find a dizzying array of unique adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, thrill rides and spine tingling attractions based on popular Cartoon Network characters, iconic Marvel Super Heroes and hair-raising dinosaurs.
Fancy that? Call now our friendly Dubai experts on 0800 707 6229 and head on a dreamy Dubai holiday.
Alternatively, browse our carefully picked selection of Dubai Holidays here or download our new Arabia, Indian Ocean & Dubai brochure here.