Dubai

Winter sun seven hours from the UK: desert safaris, the Burj Khalifa, old souks by the Creek and long sandy beaches.

Ideal for:

Why go

Dubai packs a lot into a short flight. In one week you can ride the lift to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa, cross the Creek on a wooden abra for a single dirham coin, eat a BBQ dinner at a desert camp and still have days left for the beach. Winter sun is the big draw: when the UK is grey, Dubai is warm, dry and bright.

When to go

The pleasant season runs from late September to early May, with daytime temperatures of around 20–25°C in the coolest months and very little rain. December to April is the most comfortable time for sightseeing and desert trips. Summer is extremely hot, often above 40°C, so plan outdoor time for early morning and evening if you travel then. Hotels are usually at their best value in the hottest months.

Getting there from the UK

Non-stop flights take about seven hours from London. Emirates normally flies direct from several UK airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Most flights land at Dubai International (DXB), 15–20 minutes by metro from the city centre. Tell us your nearest airport and we'll check the current schedules for your dates.

Where to stay

Downtown Dubai: for the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountain shows on your doorstep.
Dubai Marina and JBR: waterfront towers, the tram, a long public beach and plenty of restaurants.
Jumeirah: low-rise, beach-focused and handy for both the old and new city.
Dubai Islands: newer beach resorts on the Deira side, including all-inclusive options.
Bur Dubai and Deira: the historic Creek, the souks and good-value stays with real character.

What to do

Watch the sunset over the dunes on an evening desert safari, then share a BBQ at a Bedouin-style camp. Wander the wind-tower lanes of Al Fahidi, cross the Creek by abra and bargain in the Spice and Gold Souks. See the whole city from At the Top, Burj Khalifa, or from the glass-floored bridge of the Dubai Frame. Spend a day on the slides at Aquaventure on Palm Jumeirah, cruise the Creek on a dhow after dark, or take a full-day trip to Abu Dhabi for the white marble of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Food

Dubai eats well at every budget. Try shawarma from a street counter, mandi (slow-cooked rice and meat) and luqaimat, little fried dough balls with date syrup. Bur Dubai and Deira are full of good-value Indian, Pakistani and Iranian cafés, while hotels, marinas and malls cover everything else. Alcohol is served in licensed venues, mostly in hotels.

Good to know

Currency: UAE dirham (AED). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Time: GMT+4, so three hours ahead of the UK in summer and four in winter.
Plugs: type G, the same three-pin plug as in the UK.
Language: Arabic is the official language; English is widely spoken.
Getting around: the metro, tram, taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to use. Buy a Nol card for public transport.
Etiquette: cover shoulders and knees in the souks, mosques and traditional areas. Swimwear is fine on the beach and by the pool.
Ramadan: dates change each year. Daytime eating and drinking in public is discouraged, but hotels keep running, and evenings are lively.