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Dubai Holidays

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Holidays to Dubai

Dubai promises to be a holiday to remember – marvel in the iconic landmarks that make up the picturesque skyline, including the world’s tallest building, the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa. Explore the incredible Palm Jumeirah, filled with incredible dining options, entertainment, world-class shopping and scenic surroundings, or choose to relax on the pristine white sand beaches. Dubai is the perfect destination for your next escape, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a city break, the adventure of a lifetime or you’re even passing through on a stopover. With a fantastic range of itineraries on offer, let Barrhead Travel take you there. 

Book today with Barrhead Travel and make your holiday happen. 

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Price is based on 2 adults sharing one room for 7 nights. The prices shown below are guide prices only. Refine your results using your preferred departure airports and travel dates below.

For the thrill-seekers, there’s the Dubai Parks and Resorts, IMG Worlds of Adventure and hair-raising desert safaris. Whether it’s a family getaway or a cosy couple’s break, Dubai’s stunning beaches and elegant hotels have something for everyone.

Dubai is a city that oozes sophistication around every corner, where luxury becomes standard and where once-in-a-lifetime memories are made. Interested? Why not speak to one of our travel experts? Although we have to warn you, this could blow any other holiday out of the water.

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SELECT A TRAVEL EXPERT TO HELP YOU BOOK YOUR TRIP

SCOTT MCMILLAN
Honeymoon and Luxury Expert
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NICOLE MONTGOMERY
Worldwide Luxury & Cruise Tailor-made Specialist
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ANNE MARIE KIRKE
Canada,Cruise,Luxury,Dubai & Worldwide Specialist
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HOLLY MCLENNAN
Las Vegas, Dubai, NYC, Mexico & Sandals Specialist
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Top 5 things to do in Dubai
Burj Khalifa - Pay a visit to the observatory at the world’s tallest building! Set next to Dubai Mall we recommend putting aside a full day to explore both.
Dubai Mall - Shop 'til you drop at one of the world's largest shopping malls. Home to VR Park Dubai and Dubai Aquarium, there's so much to do here even if shopping is not your thing!
Dubai Parks - One of Dubai's newest additions, Dubai Parks brings together four parks, including Legoland into one stunning destination. Free shuttle run from all major hotels and malls.
The Walk & Beach at JBR - If you're not staying at JBR, we recommend at least an evening to explore the buzzing beachfront boulevard. The Walk features a host of upmarket shopping, entertainment and restaurant venues. There’s even an open-air cinema!
Dubai Creek & Old Dubai - See the 'real' Dubai with a trip to Dubai Creek, home also to The Gold, Spice & Perfume Souks. For a real experience of local life, take an abra (a small boat) across the creek, costing only 1 dirham! (Approx 20p)
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Dubai Holiday Attractions
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Dubai Burj Khalifa 124th Floor Observation Deck

Adult: £32 Child:(4 -11 yrs) £24

No trip to Dubai would be complete without a vertigo-inducing visit to the world’s tallest building. From the 124th floor, you will see impressive views of Dubai’s 21st century skyline and the desert beyond. This experience is extremely popular and sells out quickly!

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Dubai Desert Safari & Sunset Barbecue

Adult: £66 Child:(3 -11 yrs) £55

A desert safari is a “must-do” experience for all Dubai first timers. Experience an exciting dune bashing drive over giant sand dunes and watch a stunning desert sunset. Following your exhilarating drive, arrive at a Bedouin Campsite nestle deep in the desert. Enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and try the traditional Arabic water pipe or Shisha.

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Dubai Aquaventure & Lost Chambers Combo

Adult: £75 Child:(under 1.20m) £59

Located at the Atlantis The Palm, Aquaventure offers the largest and most water park experience in the Middle East. With your combo pass you can enjoy unlimited rides on a series of waterslides, including the terrifying Leap of Faith. After your visit to Aquaventure, head to the amazing Lost Chambers Aquarium and discover over 65,000 marine animals including Sharks, Piranhas and Seahorses!

– Unlimited complimentary access if staying at Atlantis The Palm

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Dubai Parks and Resorts

Adult & Child: £41pp

Discover the largest integrated theme park destination in the Middle East, with three theme parks and a family-friendly water park and over 100 rides and attractions.

From LEGOLAND® Dubai to MOTIONGATE™ Dubai each theme park is bursting with incredible experiences out of your favourite movies from Shrek, Madagascar, The Hunger Games, Ghostbusters  and much more. There’s truly something for all the family. We offer a wide range of tickets, which can be tailored for you!

What to expect on your Dubai Holiday

Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Desert, Dubai has grown rapidly into a futuristic landscape of skyscrapers, man-made islands, shopping malls and beach resorts. There is a sense of outlandish possibility about this modern and progressive city.

Dubai has become a truly global city and influential business hub, growing particularly fast in areas such as aviation, tourism and real estate. Standing as a testament to its success are architectural marvels such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, the Burj Al Arab, widely billed as the world's only seven-star hotel, and the iconic Palm Jumeirah island, to name just a few.

Dubai is a city of superlatives, home to the highest skyscrapers, the fastest cars, the most luxurious hotels and the biggest shopping malls. The enormous expatriate population, as well as millions of tourists each year, can enjoy shopping, partying, sunbathing and fine dining. From within these high standards of luxury, visitors can also experience exotic Arabia in the bustling souks of the Deira district, or a night in a Bedouin tent with belly-dancing under the starlit desert skies.

Dubai's attraction lies in the contrast between the ultra-modern and the enchantingly traditional, which gives the city a personality like no other. From desert oases and unspoiled beaches, camel races and old wind towers, to top-class shopping opportunities and the finest international cuisine, Dubai has more than enough depth to satisfy even the most seasoned of explorers.

The most common way of getting around Dubai is by taxi; they are cheap and easy to find. The Dubai Metro system opened in 2009 and now covers the length of Dubai from Jebel Ali in the south, all the way to the airport, then inland to Al Rashidiya. Most of the malls are connected to the central portion of the route. There is a Gold Class cabin and special carriages for women and children.

Many hotels offer shuttle bus services for guests as well. Metered taxis are cream coloured with uniformed drivers, and riding sharing apps are another option. The public bus service covers most areas of the city and its beaches; a monthly period pass and a discounted purse pass are available. Routes and bus numbers are posted in both Arabic and English.

Small wooden motorboats (abras) cross the creek every few minutes between Bur Dubai and Deira.

Cars are the most popular method of transport for locals in the city, and although roads are well marked and car hire cheap, visitors should think twice about hiring one, as driving standards are erratic and accidents frequent. All accidents must be reported to the police, and chances are good that a visit to the police station will be necessary. Outside the city, signposts are rare.

Thanks to its large and international population of ex-pats, Dubai has an incredibly vibrant nightlife, but finding the best parties entails tapping local knowledge and planning the evening with care.

Dubai's clubs and bars are found mostly in the large 4- and 5-star hotels because of the emirate's strict liquor laws. The legal drinking age is 21, although patrons must be 25 to enter a nightclub. For this reason, it is wise to carry some form of identification when heading out at night. Some good options for a night out include the Parisian-style Boudoir, and Buddha Bar in the Grosvenor House Hotel complex at Dubai Marina, which has great open-air views of the Arabian Gulf and two levels, a restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Of the few areas outside of hotels that sell alcohol, the Irish Village next to the Aviation Club of Dubai is a favourite watering hole with tourists and non-Muslim residents. For an alcohol-free option, Dubai Creek Park is a popular place to spend an evening. The atmosphere at night is wonderful and very festive and the park is never crowded due to its sheer size. It is worth noting that in Dubai homosexuality, public displays of sexuality, and drugs are strictly forbidden and penalties are enforced against those transgressing. It is also illegal to be publicly intoxicated so those who have over-indulged are strongly advised to catch a taxi home.

Dubai's shopping malls have become iconic destinations. Visitors are greeted by hundreds of designer fashion brands, as well as everything from ski slopes to aquariums. Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world, houses over 1,200 shops selling luxury items and high-end fashion. The Mall of the Emirates is a shopping resort, offering visitors a mix of international brands and independent designers alongside a ski slope and a collection of top restaurants. New additions to the shopping circuit such as the Italian-themed Outlet Village are also starting to make their mark.

For a more alternative shopping experience, tourists can visit the vibrant, colourful Boxpark, an outdoor shopping area constructed out of disused shipping containers. Stores such as Urbanista Boutique sell contemporary brands such as Comme Des Garcons and Kenzo, as well as championing local designers. The Beach at JBR offers a maze of chic boutiques for beachgoers, selling brands such as River Island and Victoria's Secret.

Shoppers will find an entirely different world in Dubai's traditional souks (markets). The Deira district plays host to the intricate jewellery of the Gold Souk, the fragrances of the Perfume Souk, and the aromas of the Spice Souk. Tourists can also lose themselves in the colourful stores of Satwa, where an explosion of fabrics and textures will greet them. Karama Road is the destination for those looking to purchase souvenirs.

Dubai has zero sales tax and low import duties so certain items, such as electronic goods and gold jewellery, are priced very competitively. Shops tend to open from 8 am to 1 pm, reopening after the heat of the day at around 4.30 pm until 8 pm or even later. Malls will remain open from 10 am until 10 pm. Shops, malls and souks usually close on Friday mornings.

Visitors to Dubai will quickly discover the city has an incredible wealth of attractions on offer. The best place to start is with a sunset boat trip one of the traditional dhows on Dubai Creek. With the iconic skyline as a backdrop, this is an unforgettable experience.

Dubai is renowned for its modern, progressive architecture. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the dizzying heights of the observation deck on the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. From here visitors will be able to see the man-made Palm Jumeirah, spread out like a palm tree into the Persian Gulf and covered with high-end hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Many hotels, such as the ultra-luxurious Burj Al Arab, have their own private beaches, and there are numerous dedicated beach resorts for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts to enjoy. Those seeking an escape from the fierce sun can disappear into the colossal shopping malls and traditional markets for which the city is so well known.

For all its modern luxury, Dubai has not forgotten its roots. The quiet, narrow lanes of the old Bastakia quarter are lined with well-preserved examples of traditional Arabian architecture. For the more adventurous, the desert beckons. Explorers can enjoy 4x4 safaris and camel rides, and get a taste of the Bedouin lifestyle with desert sleepouts, traditional dinners, and belly-dancing shows.

Dubai is also a sought-after destination for world sport, hosting enthusiastic fans for rugby sevens, tennis tournaments, and horse racing events. There truly is something for everyone in one of the world's premier tourist cities.

With a reputation for being a millionaire's playground and one of the shopping capitals of the world, Dubai may not seem like an ideal place to take the children on holiday. However, family holidaymakers will find that there is, in fact, plenty to keep their little tykes entertained. From water parks and theme parks to playgrounds and parks, Dubai will cater to just about any child. The beaches in Dubai are also fantastic, but visitors should take care what time of year they choose to travel, as the temperatures can be searing and children will wilt in the heat. Dubai has endless parks to choose from for a fun day out, all with something different to offer, from picnic tables and mini-golf to fishing, amusement rides and rollerblading. It's unlikely that the weather will be too cold to go outdoors, but when it's scorching hot and over 113°F (45°C), parents will do well to stay indoors, where the air conditioning is cranked on full, and perhaps even attempt a spot of shopping. Most shopping malls in Dubai have children's play areas and nurseries and the world's largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall has an indoor SEGA theme park and children's 'edutainment centre, KidZania.

Few places on earth are as compactly cosmopolitan as Dubai, and that translates into an astonishingly varied food scene for diners. Visitors can find everything from shawarma joints serving delicious kebabs for under US$1, to seven-course tasting menus prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. Seafood is typically good value and the sushi is frequently excellent.

Those keen on an aperitif or wine with their meal will need to eat at one of the big hotels as no independent restaurants can serve alcohol. Friday brunch has become something of a ritual for both ex-pats and locals, so booking ahead is essential. During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, only the big hotels will serve food between sunrise and sunset. However, once the cannon fires to signal the official sundown people flood into the cafés and restaurants to break their fast. A festive and convivial atmosphere prevails making this a great time to meet the locals.

Dubai enjoys an arid subtropical climate, with blue skies and sunshine all year round. The hottest months are between June and September when temperatures can soar to 113°F (45°C) and more during the day and humidity levels are very high. Even the sea temperature touches on 104°F (40°C) during the summer months, and swimming pools at hotels are usually cooled to be refreshing. Temperatures are only slightly more moderate the rest of the year, the coolest time being between December and March when temperatures range between 57°F (14°C) and 77°F (25°C). There is very little rainfall in Dubai, but when showers do fall it is mainly in the cooler months.

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  • Currency UAE Dirham
  • Flying time from the UK Direct flights from the UK take under 7 hours
  • Primary Language Arabic, although English is widely spoken
  • Passport & Visas UK passport holders require a tourist visa, which is issued free of charge on arrival