Holidays to Dubai
There is nowhere else quite like Dubai. A small port town transformed in just 60 years into a futuristic metropolis that boasts some of the best hotels, resorts, dining, entertainment and unique experiences on the planet. Not to mention guaranteed sunshine and pristine beaches.
Dubai is now the world’s fourth most visited city, after Bangkok, London and Paris, and it is easy to see why. Whether you are on a city break or a stopover, or have a week or 10 days in the UAE, you won’t be short of things to do.
Dubai City Breaks & Stopovers
Even if you have just a long weekend in Dubai, due to its compact size it is easy to fit a lot into your trip. Three essential things to do in Dubai include:
- Ascend the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, for an unparalleled view of the city, expanding into the desert and Persian Gulf – pre-booking advised
- Watch the Dubai Fountain erupt into life in a show of bursting jets, light and sound – at 13:00 and 13:30, then every half hour from 18:00 into the evening
- Cross the Dubai Creek in an abra, a traditional wooden boat used to ferry people between the souks of Old Dubai
After which, you should still have time to take your pick of Dubai’s many other attractions and historical sites. You could:
- Visit Jumeirah Mosque, which welcomes visitors of all faiths
- Head out on a 4×4 desert safari to hurtle down dunes, then watch the sunset
- Learn about the history of the United Arab Emirates at the Etihad Museum
- Explore Dubai’s out-of-this world shopping malls
- Ride the roller coasters at one of the city’s several theme parks
- Enjoy a dhow dinner cruise on Deira Creek or Dubai Canal
…to provide but a few suggestions!
A Week in Dubai
7 days in Dubai gives you a chance to see the major attractions, as well as time to kick back by the poolside or on the soft sands of one of the city’s several beaches. You could also spend a night in the desert at an authentic Bedouin camp, with camel ride and traditional Emirati dinner included.
Alternatively, why not take the opportunity to visit a neighbouring emirate? Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and home to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which can accommodate 41,000 worshippers. Ras al Khaimah, to the northeast of Dubai, is a popular weekend destination for Emiratis due to its stunning coastline, backdropped by rugged mountains.
Family Holidays to Dubai
Dubai and waterparks are becoming synonymous. Arguably the most famous is Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm, though Wild Wadi Waterpark and Laguna Waterpark provide equal thrills.
For younger children, Legoland Dubai won’t disappoint, likewise KidZania, a 7,000 square metre mini city where kids are in charge! Sandboarding in the desert and catching a performance of La Perle, an acrobatic extravaganza, will provide older children and teenagers plenty to tell their friends about back home.
There are many family friendly hotels and resorts in Dubai, often with kids clubs if your seeking a few hours to yourself! The Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers a sea view from every room, has a private beach and five swimming pools. Atlantis, The Palm, has its own aquarium, the largest in the UAE, plus three swimming pools, a bowling alley and private beach, not too mention plenty to do for grown ups.
Shopping in Dubai
Whether you enjoy shopping or not, a visit to one of Dubai’s world famous malls is a must, just to appreciate the grandeur and innovation.
At Dubai Mall, once the world’s largest, there is a stylish indoor waterfall as well as giant glass wall, by the entrance to Dubai Aquarium, behind which stingrays, sharks and multicoloured fish casually swim past. The Mall of the Emirates has an indoor ski slope among its 900 shops, stalls and eateries.
Away from the bright lights and polished floors of the modern malls, a walk through the souks, or marketplaces, of Old Dubai provides a more traditional shopping experience. There are fabulous textiles and ceramics on sale, handcrafted jewellery and a whole world of spices and exotic ingredients.
Dubai Multi Centre Holidays
Dubai’s location en route to South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and flight connections to East Africa and the Indian Ocean, has made it an increasingly popular stopover destination.
The city’s uniqueness also provides an interesting contrast for a multi centre holiday, allowing you to combine towering skyscrapers and African savannah or rolling sand dunes with snow capped mountain peaks in one trip.
At FREEDOM we offer both a range of Dubai multi centre holidays and Dubai stopover packages, or we can design a tailor made itinerary, just for you.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
Dubai is never cold! The average temperature in December and January is around 20 degrees, more than comfortable T-shirt weather for those accustomed to the UK climate. It is a popular time to visit for those seeking some winter sunshine.
October and November and February and March are typically a few degrees warmer, with pleasant evening temperatures, ideal for al fresco dining or sundowner drinks in the desert. Dubai receives its most rainfall in February, though typically as short downpours on only 4 or 5 days in the whole month.
From April to September it is undeniably hot and humid in Dubai, an experience in itself for those used to cooler climates. For many holiday makers, it can be uncomfortable outdoors, however if you are planning a shopping spree or to visit the Burj Khalifa or any indoor attraction the air-conditioning will keep you sweat free! Many hotels also have chilled swimming pools, as sea temperatures can hit 30 degrees.
Next Steps…
At FREEDOM we are tailor made specialists, so whether you are just looking for three nights at a hotel on The Palm or to include Dubai in a complete multi centre holiday, we can help.
Please explore the ideas and Dubai holiday packages on our website and then give our friendly team a call. They have all spent time in the UAE and would love to share their travel advice and help you plan your perfect holiday to the land of sun, sea and skyscrapers!
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