All Inclusive in Dubai: Is it worth it?

So you’re thinking of making the plunge and finally ticking Dubai off that bucketlist. About time! But now you’re wondering if you should go All Inclusive or not. Maybe you’ve done it loads of times in Europe, but never in the Middle East. Is All Inclusive a thing over there? Which places offer it? And – most importantly – is it even worth it? We’re coming in hot like a Dubai summer with the answers to all your burning questions when it comes to All Inclusive in Dubai.

To cut straight to the quick, All Inclusive means that everything – and that’s your meals all the way to watersports – can be included in the price of your holiday. Basically: everything sorted up front, before you’ve even found your passport.

Sounds pretty dreamy, right? That’s ‘cos it is!

That being said, not all All Inclusive packages are equal.

Depending on where you’re staying, what’s covered in your package can vary, sometimes greatly. Some will cover all of your meals and your drinks, even the fancy top shelf stuff, but won’t include watersports. Others will include alcoholic bevs, but only cheaper, local brands. The key thing is to always read carefully and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting – that’s where our travel whizzes come in very handy. Give ’em a call and they’ll comb through the small print so you don’t have to.

Yup!

Alcohol is freely available in Dubai when within your resort or hotel, and at specially licensed locations throughout the city, like restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Likewise, alcohol can be included in your All Inclusive package – whether or not you have it included will only depend on the type of package or hotel/resort you plump for. Some won’t include it, some will only have cheaper brands, whilst others will go the whole hog with the top-notch grog. Remember – always read the small print!

It all depends on what exactly you’re looking for in your holiday – but as a general rule of thumb? We say yes.

If you enjoy a tipple

If you enjoy a bevvie or two (or three…) then you’ll likely make full use of an All Inclusive package, and – trust us – you’ll get your money’s worth very quickly here. That’s because a pint can set you back almost £10! Yep… Dubai is known for being on the pricey side when it comes to alcohol, due to steep taxes and import costs. The good news, though? Dubai recently put a hold on the 30% tax that alcohol is normally subject to. Whilst this is unlikely to be seen in lower bar and restaurant prices, a lot of hotels and resorts are getting more and more competitive when it comes to their All Inclusive offerings instead – all the better for you.

If you fancy yourself a foodie

There’s All Inclusive in the Med, and then there’s All Inclusive in Dubai. Sure, All Inclusive on a Greek island is nice, but in Dubai it’s even nicer. Especially when it comes to the food. God, the food. You’ll find the quality and variety on offer is usually pretty top-notch here, and a complete class above the rest compared to what you’ll have experienced before if you haven’t tried All Inclusive in the UAE. A whole lot of people plump for All Inclusive purely so they can stuff themselves silly with the incredible food here.

If the whole gang’s coming along for the ride

If you’re travelling with the kids in tow, then you’ll definitely appreciate having an All Inclusive package. Not only does it take a whole lot of planning and stress right out of your trip from the get-go, the kids can run wild with free-flow snacks. If your package includes activities like watersports or excursions, then you’re really onto a winner. All of these individual parts that make up a proper holiday add up very quickly when paid for separately.

If you’re on a budget

It might seem a little back-to-front at first, but one thing All Inclusive packages can actually be really great for are those – whether couples or families – on a budget. It might seem like a higher up-front cost, but you’ll make that back and then some – especially in more expensive destinations. It also means you have a clear idea of the cost of your holiday from the beginning – any extra spending money, whether that’s for shopping or checking out Dubai’s hidden gems, can be worked out from there.

Centara Mirage Beach Resort

Located along a prime stretch of the Deira Islands waterfront, this resort is totally family-centric (we mean, have you seen the outdoor play area?!). A full on wonderland of entertainment and activities, it’s just 13 miles from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains. Along with an impressive beachfront swimming pool and waterslides, this resort also houses three age-specific Kids’ Clubs, a candy-themed kids’ spa, outdoor playground, fully-equipped fitness centre, loads of water sports and a family-friendly lounge to boot!

Hotel Riu Dubai

Stay here and you’ll be right on the beach, just 7 miles from the Gold Souk and 8 miles from Dubai Creek. Each room at this fully All Inclusive property has a private balcony or terrace, and there’s 4 restaurants to choose from, including 6 bars/lounges – 2 of which are swim-up! The cuisines range from Asian and Italian to Lebanese dishes, with live cooking stations and, in the bars, you can choose from snacks and appetisers at any time of day. There’s 3 outdoor swimming pools and a free waterpark. There’s RiuLand kid’s club too.

Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection

The location is really what sells this one – you’ll be right next to Dubai Parks and Resorts, one of the best theme parks in the UAE. With stays of 3 nights or more you’ll get unlimited access to all of the exhilarating rides and attractions at the parks, plus its Polynesian décor adds a proper sense of fun. There’s also two pools, a lazy river and a signature spa. If one wasn’t enough, you’ll also be just 3 miles from MOTIONGATE™ Dubai and 12 miles from Bollywood Parks™ Dubai.

W Dubai Mina Seyahi

Located smack bang in the heart of Dubai Marina, this adult playground comes with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. You’ll also be mega close to places like the Palm Jumeriah, JBR Walk, the Mall of the Emirates, and Ski Dubai. You’ll enjoy DJ sets at Ginger Moon and drinks in the Japanese rooftop lounge, and with 700m of private beach and an infinity pool, as well as 7 more pools to play around with and 16 dine around restaurants to pick from, this is a great adults-only pick right in the centre of everything that Dubai does so well.

FIVE Palm Jumeirah

Set against a breathtaking backdrop of the beach and Dubai Marina skyline, every room here comes with either a view of the Gulf or the Dubai skyline and you’re right next door to stunning beaches, upscale restaurants, and high-end shopping malls. You’ve got a private beach, five outdoor swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness center, and a luxury spa to play with too. Dubbed one of the hottest hotels in the city right now, it’s 100% a party and culinary hot spot with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and a nightclub to check out.

Yes, this hotel has an incredible location on the Palm with prime views of the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, the city’s skyscrapers, and the shimmering skyline of Dubai Marina. Yes, it’s great for families with its fully supervised Rixy Kids Club, all those leisure activities for the little ones, as well as their own private swimming pool. Yes, it’s multi-award winning.

But what sets this place apart from the rest is that it’s not just All Inclusive, it’s ULTRA All Inclusive. We’re talking an unlimited stream of serious culinary delights and over 100 international brands of beverages across the hotel. That’s 6 restaurants, from Turkish to Italian, and 5 bars to play with, from the Bodrum swim up bar to the Nargile Lounge for Turkish shisha. Everything you eat and drink here is included. Seriously. Restrictions? What are those?

It also includes access to the award-winning Anjana Spa with a whole range of signature rituals dating back to the Ottoman Empire, including the popular Turkish Hammam. The outdoor activities run the gamut from pilates to aqua cycling, and the live events schedule includes DJ sets and live bands. With a great location, fantastic family facilities and probably the best All Inclusive package in Dubai right now, you can’t get much better than this.

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