A glittering, man-made metropolis on the edge of a desert; a luxury Dubai holiday with Kuoni is experiencing the glamour of Arabia
Step into a sleek, air-conditioned lobby of a hotel where there are lavish chandeliers above you, a fleet of Ferraris and Lamborghinis parked outside, and the world’s tallest building and the most expensive hotel just down the road.
ShowThis is Dubai – the Arabian city of superlatives where extravagance is the norm. Every inch of this ambitious city is engineered to be glamorous and newsworthy. There are few places where you could be drinking tea in a desert tent, eating in gold-filled Michelin-starred restaurants and picking up trendsetting pieces at a futuristic shopping centre all in the same day. Dubai is made for luxury holidays, where you can take your pick between palatial resorts on affluent manmade islands like Palm Jumeirah or city hotels with views of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower. While it might seem like authenticity is harder to come by in a city that is always moving forward, there are experiences that instantly give you a taste of Arabia as it’s always been. Brilliant mosques and spice-filled souks sit beside the glimmer of high rises so you can browse the regal-style jewellery casually on sale in the Gold Souk (where haggling is a normal part of the purchasing process), or stop by the desert just beyond the city to drink tea in a Bedouin tent and ride sunburnt dunes in a 4x4. Our Personal Travel Experts have been to Dubai and can share their insider knowledge with you. Chat to one of our Dubai experts today to craft your dream Dubai holiday.
Dubai has a desert climate with average temperatures of around never goes to below 25c and never above 40c during summer months. The most pleasant time to visit Dubai is usually between November and March when days are warm and nights cool down a little, while the summer months can be sweltering with intense humidity and temperatures frequently rising to over 40°C.
Dubai’s most lavish hotels are more than just the best in the country – they set the bar for hotels around the world to emulate with their over-the-top interiors and impressive inclusions. The crème de la crème come with sensational views, a collection of Michelin-starred restaurants and the VIP factor of being able to swing by sister hotels where there are even more facilities at your disposal. Our Kuoni Collection shows off the very best hotels for luxury holidays to Dubai, like the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the sail-shaped billion-pound hotel which stands on its own spit of sand. And while everything in Dubai is usually supersized, there are some hotels that are both grand and intimate like One&Only The Palm Dubai, which has been voted Dubai’s most luxurious hotel in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Dubai Beaches
The beaches in Dubai are made for pleasure seekers. You can join the colourful display of crescents in the sky at Kite Beach and learn how to windsurf in its warm waters, or get Instagrammable snaps of the lavish Burj Al Arab Jumeirah from Sunset Beach. Head to The Beach at JBR for a cool hangout space complete with a manicured beach, big-brand eateries and flashy cars brandished in names like McLaren and Maserati – it’s also close to The Walk, where you can go shopping or cool off with a scoop of gelato. Jumeirah Beach focuses on simple sand-and-sea fun better suited to travellers who prefer relaxation over lively activities, though it can get fairly busy in peak season. Many of Dubai’s beach hotels can be found along Jumeirah Beach, including the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and hotels that are part of impressive resort complexes like Jumeirah Al Naseem – which includes unlimited access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark™ – and the super opulent The Palace at One&Only Mirage. Or sunbathe on the sandy fronds of a man-made island. The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island built in the shape of a palm tree, where each frond is laced with private beaches for each luxury hotel and resort. There are fantastic beach resorts on Palm Jumeirah Island, which include family showstopper resort, Atlantis the Palm, and its Aquaventure Waterpark which hotel guests get unlimited access to.
The city and state of Dubai is on the north-east coast of the United Arab Emirates, south of the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. It’s around an hour and a half’s drive north-east of the capital, Abu Dhabi, and has excellent connections from its international airport which makes it an easy stopover choice en route to long-haul destinations from the UK.
Shopping
If Dubai is famous for anything, it’s shopping. There’s currently no tax on purchases in Dubai so you can look for deals on designer goods, or just enjoy the impressive, air-conditioned interiors of the huge malls. Dubai Mall is the largest in the world and has over 1000 stores, a virtual reality theme park and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Items that are usually better value in Dubai are local fabrics and gold which you can find at dedicated gold souks – just be sure to buy from reputable stores to avoid being sold fake items. Part of the Madinat Jumeirah Resort, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a meticulous replica of an Arabic souk surrounded by waterways.
Food & drink
Food is of a high standard in Dubai, with plenty of international options across central shopping areas and in hotels and resorts. Eating out is generally more expensive than in the UK; a pint of beer costs around £6 and a dinner for two with a bottle of wine in a mid-range restaurant can cost between £25 and £60 depending on the restaurant. Fast-food outlets are common for a quick and reasonably priced bite and you’ll be spoilt for choice if you like to try something different every day. There are classic Italian restaurants with wood-burning ovens, celebrity restaurants for acclaimed sushi and edgy European twists and spectacular chandelier-strewn venues for decadent seafood. Authentic Emirati cuisine can be hard to come by, but there are restaurants serving up Arabic dishes like mandi (spiced meat and rice) and dishes made with chickpea, tahini, flatbreads, salad and grilled meat and fish. Stop by a café for sweet dates and a cup of Arabic coffee – a classic set-up for locals meeting up with friends. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try the Egyptian bread pudding umm ali, a favourite in many Arabic countries.
Getting around
Taxis are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get around Dubai. They are marked and metered, and easily hailed in public areas. The super modern Dubai Metro stops at Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, Deira, Dubai Marina and Dubai airport.

The Complete Dubai Tour Planned by Experts
- An easily combinable stopover for a taste of Arabian luxury
- Shopping for designer brands in the swanky Dubai Mall and haggling for keepsakes in souks
- Great for families of all ages with beaches and theme parks all in one place
- Great for families of all ages with beaches and theme parks all in one place
- Dune bashing, desert safaris and Bedouin camps in the desert.
Our popular hotels
Discover Dubai multi-centres
Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting destinations; a glittering city that guarantees fun, sun and endless shopping. Ras Al Khaimah, commonly referred to as RAK, is the UAE’s northernmost emirate and enjoys stunning views of the majestic Hajar Mountains and all within close proximity to Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. Multi award-winning Emirates is the perfect partner for Dubai multi-centre holidays offering regional departures across the UK and flights to many destinations beyond. Choose any of our featured hotels as part of your holiday – many of which also have special offers for Kuoni customers. Call us on 02085708283 or visit us in store to speak to one of our Personal Travel Experts and tailor make your own holiday with https://skytraktravel.com .
Desert Safari & Barbecue
This half-day 4x4 safari takes you on a thrilling ride to the highest dunes for a breathtaking sunset photo stop. You’ll then visit a Bedouin campsite in the desert where you can admire henna designs while sipping a refreshing drink. Finally, there’s some enchanting belly dancing followed by a delicious barbecue buffet.Duration:Half day (daily departures). Also available from other Emirates.Price:Abu Dhabi group price from £70 per person; Dubai group price from £65 per personIncluded/Excluded:Includes: dinner and transfersHealth & Fitness:Not recommended for people with heart/neck/back problems.
Dubai City Tour
Journey through the old and new areas of this vibrant city, from produce markets and the Dubai Gold Souk to traditional wind towers and the old Fahidi Fort. Continue on to the soaring modern edifices that signify such dramatic change and contrast them with the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque – one of the most architecturally significant landmarks in Dubai.Duration:Half day Price:Group price from £37 per personIncluded/Excluded:Includes: Transfers. Excludes: All meals and beverages.


Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
Experience the high-performance world of Ferrari at the UAE's most exciting theme park. Located next to the unique Yas Marina F1 circuit, Ferrari World is stocked with exciting rollercoasters, exhibits and attractions all built around the famous 'Prancing Horse' brand of Ferrari. From die-hard Ferrari enthusiasts to coaster addicts, and young Scuderia of the future, there is something for everyone at this exciting park.Duration:Full day (daily departures)Price:Group tickets prices - Bronze tickets from £68 per personIncluded/Excluded: Includes: Bronze ticket general admission. Excludes: All meals and beverages.
Modern Dubai with Burj Khalifa Experience
Discover the contrasts of modern Dubai, with its traditional souks and contemporary skyscrapers. Visit Dubai Marina for amazing views of manmade island ‘The Palm Jumeirah’ and travel to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world for 360˚ vistas of the city, desert and ocean. Duration:0900-1500 (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday departures).Price:Group price from £102 per personIncluded/Excluded:Includes: Transfers. Excludes: Meals and beverages.

Arabic. English is widely understood.
• Make sure you have a full 10-year passport.
• British and Irish passport holders don’t need a visa.
January
Dubai Shopping Festival
Snap up cut-price items and enjoy entertainment including fashion shows, film festivals, firework and laser shows and lavish prize draws.
February
Dubai Jazz Festival
Listen to the rousing rhythms of jazz artists and bands from all over the world.
Dubai Tennis Championships
Top players from around the world head to the city for this $1million tournament.
March
Dubai World Cup
This is the world's richest horse race meeting as thoroughbreds compete in various races.
Desert Rock Festival
Rockers should head to Dubai Festival City for this musical extravaganza, as local and international artists entertain the crowd.
May
Vertical Marathon
Cheer your support for up to 200 runners as they race up the 52-floor Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai. Proceeds go to the charity Medecins Sans Frontières.
June
Dubai Dance Festival
Watch student and professional shows, take part in workshops and show off your moves at parties.
June/July
Ramadan - the holy month
During this period there may be restrictions on alcohol consumption, restaurant facilities and entertainment.
December
Dubai International Film Festival
Watch features, short films and documentaries submitted from across the globe.
• A tourist tax applies to all hotels in Dubai and is only payable locally.
Expect a 15-18% service charge to be added to most bills.
Climate & Weather
Day time maximum temperature | Night time minimum temperature | Average water temperature | Average rainfall | Average amount of sun hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 22°C | 14°C | 24°C | 11mm | 8h |
February | 24°C | 15°C | 22°C | 36mm | 9h |
March | 26°C | 17°C | 25°C | 22mm | 8h |
April | 31°C | 20°C | 27°C | 8mm | 8h |
May | 36°C | 24°C | 31°C | 1mm | 9h |
June | 38°C | 26°C | 31°C | 0mm | 10h |
July | 39°C | 29°C | 32°C | 0mm | 10h |
August | 40°C | 30°C | 32°C | 0mm | 10h |
September | 37°C | 27°C | 33°C | 0mm | 10h |
October | 33°C | 23°C | 31°C | 0mm | 9h |
November | 30°C | 19°C | 29°C | 2mm | 8h |
December | 25°C | 16°C | 26°C | 14mm | 8h |