Dubai holidays
As a serious contender for the most dazzling destination of them all, Dubai is the undeniable star of the show when it comes to the United Arab Emirates. Showcasing a blend of cultures – including Asian, African and European – and architecture to rival some of the greatest on earth, Dubai won’t disappoint. At Secret Escapes, we’ve curated a selection of hotels and package holidays that showcase the best of what Dubai has to offer, from five-star palatial pads to luxury beachside resorts.
Thanks to vigorous investment and reinvention, this futuristic hub makes for the ideal weekend getaway for cosmopolitan thrill seekers or a longer city break for the discerning traveller. Combining glassy skyscrapers, sprawling megamalls, and impressive man-made beaches, this glamorous playground has infinite appeal which you can explore on your next secret escape.
Dubai is known the world over for being larger than life: everything is done on such a phenomenal scale that sometimes, it's hard to know where to start. We thought we'd help out by giving you a list of our top Dubai tips and places to visit when you land in this electrifying concrete jungle:
We've also gathered some handy tips of things you should know before travelling to Dubai:
When's the best time to travel to Dubai?
We’d say the best time to visit Dubai is between October to January, when the weather starts to get cooler but before the heavy rainfall. There’s also plenty to do at this time of year, with events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival taking place (usually in December and January). If you’re after warmer weather and good food, then the Dubai food festival is taking place between 28 April - 7 May, 2023.
What's the weather like in Dubai?
Thanks to its desert climate, Dubai remains a hot, dry country for the majority of the year. Between June and October, there’s virtually no rainfall and temperatures soar up to 36 degrees in August. January is the coldest month in Dubai, with an average temperature of 20 degrees, while February sees the most rainfall at 32mm on average a day.
What’s the currency?
The currency in Dubai is the UAE dirham, often abbreviated to AED.
Which language is spoken in Dubai?
The country’s official language is Arabic, however different dialects are spoken freely throughout Dubai (Khaleeji, or Gulf Arabic, is the most common). English is widely spoken, and road signs and the like will be in English as well as Arabic.
What important tips should I know before travelling there?
As a vastly Muslim country, it’s important to follow many of the local customs, such as dressing appropriately: it’s expected that travellers wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. When it comes to alcohol, it’s served in bars and clubs, but it’s illegal to be drunk in public. It’s also good to note that Ramadan will take place from 22 March until 21 April, 2023. During this time, tourists cannot eat in public, alcohol will be served from sunset.
Thanks to vigorous investment and reinvention, this futuristic hub makes for the ideal weekend getaway for cosmopolitan thrill seekers or a longer city break for the discerning traveller. Combining glassy skyscrapers, sprawling megamalls, and impressive man-made beaches, this glamorous playground has infinite appeal which you can explore on your next secret escape.
Dubai is known the world over for being larger than life: everything is done on such a phenomenal scale that sometimes, it's hard to know where to start. We thought we'd help out by giving you a list of our top Dubai tips and places to visit when you land in this electrifying concrete jungle:
- - Burj Khalifa: How else would we start this list but with the world’s tallest building? Needing no introduction, the Burj Khalifa stands proudly at a staggering height of 828 metres, lording over the city in a mighty fashion. Take in unparalleled views from the observation deck on level 124 before visiting Dubai Fountain at the base of the tower, where impressive jets soar up to 150 metres in the air in a spectacular show that runs every half hour from sunset until 11pm.
- - Palm Jumeirah: This breathtaking man-made island is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and is well worth a visit, even if you’re not staying on one of its sandscaped palms. As one of the flashiest ‘neighbourhoods’ in Dubai, it’s home to a host of iconic hotels such as Atlantis, The Palm, and FIVE Palm Jumierah. Evenings can be spent over at Club Vista Mare, a clutch of restaurants built on a pier that juts out over the water.
- - Dubai Creek: If you’re looking for an example of old-meets-new in Dubai, then the Creek is one for your list. As the place where the Bani Yas tribe established their first settlement, this saltwater estuary is rooted in history and tradition. Modern high-rises give way to older, industrial buildings with gold, spice, and textile souqs tucked down labyrinthine alleyways. This is Dubai in all its eclectic glory.
- - The desert: It’s hard to believe that less than 20 minutes away from the chaotic streets of Downtown Dubai the endless plains of the Arabian desert await. Its alluring stillness can be punctuated by off-road safari adventures, or camel riding through the dunes. If you want to spend even longer away from the lights of the city, then organise an overnight camp under the stars.
- - Dubai Miracle Garden: What can only be described as a cross between Kew Gardens and Disneyland (but on a much, much bigger scale), Dubai’s Miracle Garden is sure to inspire with its towering floral sculptures and colourful petal-fuelled structures. Wander through the world’s largest natural flower garden and marvel at heart-shaped pathways, jumbo-sized animals sculpted from hedges, illuminated nightscapes and over 150 million blooming flowers across 72,000 square metres.
We've also gathered some handy tips of things you should know before travelling to Dubai:
When's the best time to travel to Dubai?
We’d say the best time to visit Dubai is between October to January, when the weather starts to get cooler but before the heavy rainfall. There’s also plenty to do at this time of year, with events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival taking place (usually in December and January). If you’re after warmer weather and good food, then the Dubai food festival is taking place between 28 April - 7 May, 2023.
What's the weather like in Dubai?
Thanks to its desert climate, Dubai remains a hot, dry country for the majority of the year. Between June and October, there’s virtually no rainfall and temperatures soar up to 36 degrees in August. January is the coldest month in Dubai, with an average temperature of 20 degrees, while February sees the most rainfall at 32mm on average a day.
What’s the currency?
The currency in Dubai is the UAE dirham, often abbreviated to AED.
Which language is spoken in Dubai?
The country’s official language is Arabic, however different dialects are spoken freely throughout Dubai (Khaleeji, or Gulf Arabic, is the most common). English is widely spoken, and road signs and the like will be in English as well as Arabic.
What important tips should I know before travelling there?
As a vastly Muslim country, it’s important to follow many of the local customs, such as dressing appropriately: it’s expected that travellers wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. When it comes to alcohol, it’s served in bars and clubs, but it’s illegal to be drunk in public. It’s also good to note that Ramadan will take place from 22 March until 21 April, 2023. During this time, tourists cannot eat in public, alcohol will be served from sunset.