There’s a holiday to Dubai for every budget

WE all love our holidays, but finding the perfect destination can be tough. Holidays mean different things to different people. From families looking to make everlasting memories to couples looking for a romantic escape there are so many different options. But whether you’re a girl gang looking for a good time or a culture vulture […]

WE all love our holidays, but finding the perfect destination can be tough.

Holidays mean different things to different people. From families looking to make everlasting memories to couples looking for a romantic escape there are so many different options.

But whether you’re a girl gang looking for a good time or a culture vulture looking to learn something new, you’ll find something in Dubai.

And it doesn’t have to break the bank. Depending on where you stay, what you do and when you choose to go, Dubai can be done on any budget.

Here are our hints and tips for Dubai, whoever you are.

Family fun on a budget

With a wide range of attractions for all ages and lots of family-friendly hotels, Dubai is an ideal destination to visit and make memories that will last a lifetime.

To keep costs down, there are some great all-inclusive options and “kids eat free” deals in some of Dubai’s favourite restaurants, like El Chapo’s and Seafire Steakhouse.

Make sure you book your attraction tickets in advance to get the best price. It could also be worth buying a Dubai Pass which gives you access to 44 attractions across Dubai.  They also offer theme park passes too, for the best deals on all the parks.

Check out our article about travelling to Dubai with kids for more information.

These are our top picks for family fun in Dubai

• If you’ve got small children, take a trip to OliOli – an interactive children’s play museum of delights.
• Theme parks and waterparks are a big deal in Dubai. Don’t miss Dubai Parks and Resorts where you can enjoy over 100 incredible rides and attractions at Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Waterparks Dubai.
• Make memories and ski in the summer at Ski Dubai where your family can learn to ski and snowboard.
• No holiday is complete without a trip to the beach and The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence is the perfect family day out. Relax with your toes in the golden sand or paddle in the crystal-clear waters, then enjoy an al fresco meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
• Visit the rainforest… indoors! Take a trip to Green Planet, an indoor tropical rainforest, where you can get up close and personal with over 3,000 species of flora and fauna.

A long weekend with the girls

Whether it’s a hen party or a much-needed getaway, the glitz and glamour of Dubai makes it the perfect place for a girlie catch-up.

Only in Dubai can you squeeze the girls’ trip essentials into one long weekend: brunch, beach clubs, shopping and adventure.

Here are our top tips for a girls’ trip to Dubai.

• Shop till you drop! The iconic Dubai Mall is a must-visit for its unrivalled shopping but also its restaurants and attractions – you can make a whole day of it. If the mall’s not your thing you could try something a little different and head to the textile souk where you can get an entire bespoke outfit made!
• Name something more Instagrammable than a beach club – we’ll wait. Dubai is home to some of the world’s best beach clubs. Book some sunbeds or a cabana and while the day away sipping and sunning yourself with your pals. Try one of the newest clubs on the scene, like White Beach at Atlantis or Nammos at The Four Seasons, or head to one of the celeb favourites like Nikki Beach or Drift.
• Head to the stunning Hatta for some adventure. Soak up the best views of the incredible Hatta mountains as you and the girls kayak through the emerald-green lake formed by the Hatta Dam. Just don’t drop your phone in the water when you’re taking pics!

Romantic getaways

Couples love Dubai – it’s a great destination for anniversaries, honeymoons and even proposals.

Dial up the romance by splashing the cash on fancy dinners, taking in iconic views, watching the sunset and having a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here are our top picks for romantic Dubai.

• The sunrise from the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, is such a romantic sight. Book your tickets in advance and include breakfast for the ultimate indulgence.
• For a romantic desert escape, book Arabian Adventures’ private dinner amongst the dunes. Couples are driven through the golden dunes to discover the native wildlife and hidden stories of the Dubai desert.
• For adventurous couples wanting to embrace their inner child, have a go on the world’s longest urban zipline, extending a full kilometre from a height of 170m travelling at an average of 80km per hour, The XLine Dubai Marina also offers a tandem zipline.
• Dine under the sea at Dubai’s luxurious Burj Al Arab. Al Mahara is a very special restaurant featuring a floor-to-ceiling aquarium with schools of fish swirling around above the diners.

Culture trip

There are so many opportunities to live like a local in Dubai and soak up the rich culture and history.

• For those wanting to gain an appreciation of Dubai’s culture and customs then the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is unmissable. You can enjoy an Emirati meal, heritage tours, or even just gaze at the beautifully restored wind tower house in the historic Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
• Foodies would be mad not to take a tour with Frying Pan Adventures. They have so many options from the walking food trail, an interactive cooking demo or an experiential meal. We recommend the Dubai Souks and Creekside Food Tour, which will take you on a cultural adventure with Arabic, Indian and Iranian food tastings.
• Camel racing is a favourite pastime in the Middle East and if you’re visiting between October and April, you’ll be able to find some. Dubai’s biggest camel racing track is the Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack and races most often take place early on Friday and Saturday mornings.
• What better souvenir to take home than one you can wear again and again? Satwa is one of Dubai’s most diverse neighbourhoods and is home to lots of tailors and haberdashers. Visit any one of them and you could have a bespoke outfit tailored and ready for you in a matter of days.

For more information about booking your holiday to Dubai, click here.