Cheap Dubai Holidays 2024 / 2025

Dubai holiday guide

• When is the best time to visit Dubai?

  Yep, that’s right, it really is always sunny here! In the summer, which falls from June to September, temperatures can rise to 30-40°C but with waterparks, temperature controlled pools, and indoor attractions with AC, there's a whole load of ways to cool off. And as the summer months are the low season in Dubai, this is when you'll score some of the best deals - like Kids Go Free. Brill views, a beach (or one, or two, or three...) and a bargain? Sign us up.
  
  But if the summer is just a bit too sunny for you, we reckon October to May is the sweet spot, when it’s a cooler 20°C to 25°C.

  Have a little scroll and you’ll find a temp chart, which’ll give you a good idea of the weather over the year.

• What are the best Dubai attractions for families?

  Head directly to the dunes
  
  Now, if you’re up for a bit of adventure in Dubai, you’ve got to try a dune safari—it’s a right good laugh. Picture this: you’re out in the desert and it’s just you, the sand, and some cracking views. They’ll pick you up in one of those big 4x4s, and then you’re off, bounding over the dunes. The drivers know what they’re doing, but it’s still a proper thrill, and like nothing you'll have done before.
  
  Or try sandboarding, which is exactly what it says on the tin. Hop on a board, and slide right on down that warm sand. Now, that’s a memory maker right there!
  
  Get those goggles on at the water parks

  Right next to the Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah, Wild Wadi Waterpark is mega popular all year round, thanks to those warm temps they get. One of the world’s best waterparks, it’s a full on aquatic Arabian experience with both more chill options (hello lazy river!) and things with a bit more pizzaz, like the Flood River Flyer, the Jumeirah Sceirah and the surfing simulator.

  Aquaventure Water Park, meanwhile, is yet another one of those record breakers. Right next to Atlantis, The Palm, Aquaventure is flippin’ enormous, the – yep, you guessed it – world’s biggest, with a whopping 105 rides! Odyssey of Terror, Black Out and Leap of Faith are all 100% high thrills. But it’s not just slides, there’s also experiences like the Shark Safari, where you’ll get to explore a shark-filled lagoon whilst wearing a state-of-the-art helmet – you’ll look a bit funny but you’ll have a whale of a time!

  Part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, Legoland Water Park is especially great for younger kids, with lots of attractions that cater to toddlers, and a few big thrills for the braver ones. And forget Build-A-Bear, here you can Build-A-Boat – put it to the test against the current to see how seaworthy it is before sailing right on down the lazy river.
  
  

  Theme parks galore
  
  The largest integrated theme park destination in the Middle East, Dubai Parks and Resorts has over 2km of roller coasters and more than a hundred attractions, including MOTIONGATE Dubai which serves up branded entertainment from three of the major studios in La La Land – Dreamworks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate.

  IMG Worlds of Adventure is the city’s largest indoor theme park – 28 football fields worth, to be exact. Better bring those comfy trainers. There’s 6 distinct zones, each dedicated to your fave cartoons and superheros. Then there’s the live stage shows and character meet and greets, shopping at IMG Boulevard, Novo Cinemas…

  Whilst not strictly a theme park per se, KidZania at Dubai Mall is mega popular and award-winning, so you know it’s good. A super cool concept where kids get to play at being adults, in this incredible make-believe town there’s loads of role-playing activities that help kids build life skills whilst having loads of fun. Take it from us – drop ‘em off here and sneak off for a little bit of you time, whether that's eyeing up a new designer dress (and the matching shoes) or a drink and a straight up delicious meal, from Asian dishes to traditional Emirati menus.
  
  

  Get a dose of nature

  In Downtown Dubai you’ll find Burj Park, a nice little spot for a picnic. On a small island alongside the Burj Lake and accessible by bridges from the mainland, you’ll get a belter of a view of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain whilst you eat your grub.

  Dubai Creek Harbour sits right between the city’s historical areas and the newer hubs of Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. It’s all about a slower pace of life here, with some seriously serene skyline views. Hop on a boat for a tour of the landmarks from the water or head to the nearby Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary to say hello to some proper fancy bird species.

• What are the best Dubai attractions for adults?

  Dubai Creek
  
  If you’re a first timer, then we reckon hopping on a boat across the Creek to get a taste of the old city will set you up nicely. Dubai Creek’s where it all started, really—a proper slice of the city’s history. It’s a natural saltwater inlet that splits Dubai into two parts: Deira on one side and Bur Dubai on the other. Nowadays, it’s a bit of a hidden gem compared to all the modern glitz, but it’s got a charm of its own. You can hop on an Abra and for just a few dirhams you’ll be crossing the creek in no time. With the bustling spice and gold souks on one side, and the shiny modern city in the background, it’s a proper mix of old and new.
  
  The Dubai Fountain

  The Dubai Fountain’s something else, it really is. Right in the middle of Downtown Dubai, in front of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, every half an hour from 6.30pm you're treated to a show like you wouldn't believe - and the best bit, it's free to watch! They’ve got these jets shooting water up as high as 500 feet—about the same height as a good-sized tower block— and they time it perfectly with the music. One minute it’s classical, the next it’s a bit of pop, and when the lights hit the water, it’s like a light show as well.

  Our favourite time to catch it is later in the evening when it’s all lit up, and the atmosphere’s spot on. You can even jump on a little boat to get up close, which is a bit special.

  
  Sky Views Dubai
  
  If this seems like child’s play to you, then you best make your way to Sky Views Dubai, who take sightseeing to whole new heights. Seriously. Get 360 degree views of the city 219.5 metres below from the Observatory, or go one step – or a bloomin' giant jump, if you ask us – further and take on the Edge Walk, a literal leap of faith 53 floors above Dubai.
  
  And go on - you know you want to do the slide.
  
  
  Deep Dive Dubai

  If you’d rather head right on down, then Deep Dive Dubai is the one for you. The world’s deepest pool, every man and his dog was going on about this place when it opened up last year! And it’s SO cool. We’re talking 60m of underwater exploring that’ll have you genuinely believing you’re in a whole other dimension. But hold your horses! You’ll only be able to explore a little bit of it without a proper diving certification. But if you’ve got one of those lying around, lucky you – this underwater world is your oyster, baby!

• Shopping in Dubai

  Dubai is one of the best places in the world for shopping, and it runs the gamut from traditional souks to mega malls.

  
  Dubai Mall

  Dubai Mall - it’s like the biggest shopping centre you’ve ever seen, times ten. Seriously, it’s massive. we reckon the front doors to this place are like the pearly white gates for the shopaholic in your life. It’s not just shops, though—although there’s plenty of those, from your high-end designer stuff to more affordable brands.
  
  But what makes it really special is all the extra bits. They’ve got an indoor ice rink, KidZania (see above), e-karting, and even the Play DXB virtual reality theme park right inside the mall—proper mad, that. The food court’s on another level, too. It’s got everything from quick bites to proper sit-down meals, with cuisines from all over the world. And don’t forget to check out The Dubai Fountain just outside—there’s always a show on, and it’s a great way to finish off a day of shopping.

  Dubai Mall's not just a shopping trip—it’s a full day out.

  
  Mall of the Emirates

  This bustling shopping paradise is like a mini-city. We’re talking 560 stores, baby! There’s everything from luxury brands to more everyday stuff, so you’re sorted no matter what you’re after. And if you’re into gadgets, there’s a massive electronics section where you can find all the latest tech.
  
  They all sit alongside a mega ski centre too, Ski Dubai, as well as a pretty incredible VR experience called Dreamscape and Magic Planet for the wee ones.

  
  Dubai Hills Mall

  Not as well-known as some of the big hitters like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall's got its own charm. It’s relatively new and sits right in the middle of the Dubai Hills Estate, which gives it a bit of a laid-back vibe compared to the bigger malls.

  Inside, you’ve got a nice mix of shops, from high street brands to a few more upmarket ones. It’s not as sprawling, so you won’t be wandering around for hours trying to find what you’re looking for. One of the highlights is the food options. There’s a great selection of places to eat, whether you’re after a quick bite or a proper sit-down meal. Plus, there’s a cinema if you fancy catching a film after you’ve done a bit of shopping.

  
  More souks than you can shake your sunnies at

  There’s loads of souks all clustered around Dubai Creek, the heart of the old city, and they all bring with them a special, historical touch to a city that can feel very full on and futuristic AF. There’s the Gold Souk in Deira, selling – well, erm – gold, but diamonds, watches and silver too. Then there’s the Perfume Souk, where you can bag some (you can see where this is going!) fragrances and essential oils – now’s your chance to score your very own bespoke scent, talk about a holiday souvenir!

  The Spice Souk is your one-stop-shop for all things spices, fruit and dried foods (sample some of the local dates – delish!), whilst a quick traditional boat ride away in Bur Dubai is the Textile Souk where you can get measured for your own custom fit.

• Where to find Dubai's best beaches

  Yep, let’s talk beaches, baby! There’s loads of ‘em, so here’s a quick run through if you want one that’s free, family-friendly, or super luxe.

  A bit of a quieter spot on the coast, Sunset Beach is perfect – here’s a shocker - for watching the sun set across the Arabian Gulf! It’s free and also fab for a morning stroll to get your day started and has a view of the Burj Al Arab (that’s the one that looks like a sail boat!) to boot. The Jumeirah Public Beach - Nessnass to locals – is great for families as well as not costing you a penny. Lowkey and lovely. Kite Beach, meanwhile, is a famous spot for kitesurfing. A super sporty beach with loads of activities on offer.

  Al Mamzar Beach Park is sprawling, spreading across five pristine beaches and three pools where the whole fam can cool off without getting sand in all sorts of places. For a small fee, you’ll also get barbecue areas, playgrounds, and lagoons – not too shabby.

  And then there’s the beaches attached to the resorts which are all pretty fancy and usually accessible to non-guests for a small fee. We’re talking Banyan Tree, Sofitel The Palm, and The Ritz Carlton – just to name a few!

• What is the cuisine in Dubai?

  Dubai is a proper multicultural melting pot, soaking up gastronomic influences from loads of its neighbours – India, the Mediterranean, Africa…all sorts! For something fast, cheap and absolutely delish you’ll want some Arabian snack food like shawarma and falafel, all easy to grab from kiosks and street vendors. For more cheap and cheerful grub, then Bur Dubai is your one-stop-shop! A haven for foodies, you can try loads of different cuisines from Asian street food to classic Indian dishes.
  
  Meanwhile at Dubai Marina you're spoiled for choice, with restaurants lining the waterfront offering all sorts of cuisine. Fancy a bit of Italian? Head to Bussola. If you’re in the mood for seafood, Catch 22 is a cracking spot. It’s got a modern twist on your classic fish dishes, and the views aren’t half bad either. Or try Mama Zonia - it's got that jungle theme going on, with some of the best Latin American food in the city.

  Every mall, beach front development, and tourist attraction in Dubai comes complete with a food court, while restaurants at the hotels and in the downtown area wouldn't look out of place in London, Paris or New York.

  The dining scene in Dubai has boomed in recent years, with some of the world's best chef's now working in the city. Michelin-star level dining can be found both at resorts, like Hakkasan at Atlantis, The Palm, which is all about modern Cantonese cuisine with a bit of Dubai flair. The dim sum is a must-try, and the Peking duck is famous for a reason. But they can also be found across the city, like 11 Woodfire, along Jumeirah Beach Road. Come here for a chic but casual meal inspired by the experience of gathering around a fire - think wagyu kebab, seabass with hay-salted crust and tamarind, and Australian T-bone steak. Delish.
  
  Other good locations when considering where to eat in Dubai include: Dubai's Heritage Village, a busy enclave of al fresco tables, boardwalks and bars; the bars and bistros around Burj Khalifa; and Al Satwa, a vibrant neighbourhood left relatively untouched compared to the glitzy skyscrapers around it where you can really explore Dubai's street food scene.
  
  Wherever you are in the city, you’ll find restaurants that run from the pricey to the more family-friendly, with good 'all-you-can-eat' deals popular with hungry tourists.

• What is Dubai nightlife like?

  Dubai Creek is chocka with great restaurants, whilst Downtown Dubai is where you should head to party to both Arabian and Western pop bangers, enjoy live concerts and watch street performers – all amidst the hustle and bustle of the souks.

  Dubai Marina is perfect if you fancy, well…a more fancy night! Think more upscale lounges and restaurants, like Asia Asia, Attiko, and City Social Dubai. And don’t sleep on Business Bay! If this place could wear a T Shirt it would defo say ‘Business in the front, party in the back!’ Enjoy a carnival-inspired evening at Billionaire Mansion or chill at Waka Bar, where it’s all about the Japanese-Latin fusion.

  Sheikh Zayed Road used to be the OG place for nightlife before the Marina came along, but it still holds its own today with loads of Dubai icons alive and well here, like the Boa Lounge and the Level 43 Sky Lounge.

  Head to the Jumeirah Beach complex for some more of the city’s hottest spots such as 360, Sanctuary and Zinc.

• What is Dubai's culture & lifestyle like?

  Dubai Creek
  
  The first thing we always recommend is getting yourself on a traditional abra boat across the Dubai Creek for dirt cheap – it’s a mega way to the see city from the water. Super cheap and super authentic, just the way we like it! Top tip? Do it at sunset. Unbelievable. Speaking of the Creek, a nice stroll along the water’s edge won’t do you wrong either. Once the hub of trading activity in the city, you can still people watch as loads of cargo gets packed up, ready to ship off all over the globe.
  
  
  Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

  This is where it’s at for getting a feel for the way Dubai used to be before all your Burj Khalifa’s rolled into town. Navigate winding alleys and stumble into sunlit squares…no, you’re not in Venice! Once a major administrative and commercial hub, it’s now a window into the 19^th and early 20^th century. We’re talking traditional tea houses and gorgeous architecture galore!
  
  
  Tick some of those landmarks off!
  
  When it comes to landmarks you just can’t miss, we can think of a couple. Jumeirah Mosque, for one. It’s the only mosque that allows non-Muslims to visit. Take a tour with the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and you’ll come away with a whole new perspective on the religion. Then there’s Al Fahidi Fort – that’s the oldest building in the city!
  
  
  Contemporary culture
  
  But it’s not all about history. Alerskal Avenue is where you’ll find the cutting-edge of culture in the city. Expect a mix of contemporary arts organisations and home-grown businesses. Boutiques, galleries, performance spaces…all sorts, really.

• Dubai events - what's on when?

  January - Dubai Shopping Festival

  Known as DSF to locals, this is a mega event for shoppers with discounts across stores in all the major malls - now that's how you ring in the New Year!

  February – Dubai Jazz Festival

  Launched in 2003, this series of live music events has seen Duran Duran, John Legend, Ricky Martin, and Mariah Carey all swing by to sing a tune or two - better practice those high notes! "It's tiiiiiiiiiiiiiime!"

  March - Dubai World Cup

  Forget about the Royal Ascot, the Dubai World Cup has been taking place annually at the Meydan Racecourse since 1996 and features proper fancy thoroughbred horses competing for a juicy $10 million prize, making it the world’s richest horse race. Well, this is Dubai...

  April – Al Marmoon Heritage Festival

  Head to Al Marmoon Heritage Village on the outskirts of the city for this great big celebration of Emirati culture which is all about promoting and preserving Arabian traditions. Expect celebrations, activities, concerts, and dance shows. A right treasure trove of culture!

  May – Dubai Food Festival

  This ones for the foodies! You can get grub from some of the fanciest restaurants in town with some whopping great discounts thrown in and some live music too!

  June - September – Dubai Summer Surprises

  More than just a mega sale, the Dubai Summer Surprises runs from 28th June to 1st September. Alongside world-class shopping, there's also incredible dining opportunities and deals at a whole bunch of Dubai's best experiences.

  October - Global Village
  
  Launched in 1997, Global Village runs from October through to April and is an open air event that's become a staple in the winter calendar here. Ninety cultures showcase their local products within 27 pavilions, and there also happens to be over 175 rides, games, attractions. A great one for the whole fam, and just as temps start to cool off.

  November - Dubai Design District (d3)

  From the 7th to the 12th of November, it's all about the city’s local art scene. We're talking free workshops, pop-ups, talks and design experiences. Plenty to see and do, basically – including a marketplace over the weekend with artisanal goods for sale.

  December - UAE National Day

  Celebrated every 2nd of December, this annual super spectacle is all about marking the unification of the 7 emirates into one nation. Fireworks. Parades. Ceremonies. Basically a really big party you won't be able to miss if you're in town.

• Can you show affection in public?

  It's true that overt displays of affection are pretty frowned upon in Dubai, but let's be honest, who likes unwillingly stumbling upon a PDA session anywhere in the world?

• What should I wear in Dubai?

  Another important thing to think about is your wardrobe - don't just chuck anything in your suitcase! Typical summer clothes are absolutely fine but when visiting religious sites, a really useful piece of kit for women is a shawl - pop it on when shoulders are exposed when visiting places like mosques and men, wear long shorts that cover your knees.

• Is alcohol legal in Dubai?

  Yes - to an extent. There's no problem drinking in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels, but drinking in a public place (including the beach) isn't allowed. And just like almost everywhere else, they have a zero tolerance policy on drinking and driving.
  
  

  Dubai is a beautiful and fascinating city to visit, welcoming people from all over the place, but this otherwise tolerant society does have certain rules that it’s wise to observe and learn before you jet off.

• Which airlines fly to Dubai?

  Plenty of airlines fly from the UK to Dubai. If you want a direct flight to Dubai from the UK, take a look at Emirates, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic.
  
  For indirect flights, which are usually cheaper and give you the chance to turn a stopover into a mini break, try Oman Air and Turkish Airlines.

• Which are the most popular hotels in Dubai?

  Dubai has so many top-notch hotels you're spoilt for choice! But of all the Dubai hotels to choose from, we reckon these are worth checking out:
  
  Fairmont The Palm
  A private beach, 8 pools, amazing views, Michelin-star restaurants, a kids club - need we go on?
  
  FIVE Palm Jumeirah
  Unashamed luxury, glamour, gourmet food, an adults only lounge, and spectacular views from the heart of the Palm Jumeirah.
  
  Atlantis The Royal
  Sky bars. Flame fountains. World class dining. A private beach. A whopping 90 pools. Kids club. Unlimited access to Aquaventure, the world's largest water park.