Holidays in Dubai: The best travel deals to Dubai 🏝️

1. Burj Khalifa

You can't miss it! Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 metres – that's double the height of the Empire State Building, just to put it into perspective. The shiny, spear-like tower is a showcase of cutting-edge design, and the views from the top are worth every minute in the queue.

Quick tip: snap up a sunrise ticket, which comes with breakfast and whisks you up to the 124th floor in a high-speed double-deck elevator, for sweeping views over the city as it wakes up.

2. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a lively waterfront neighbourhood in the south of the city, built around a marina dotted with yachts. It's best known for JBR Beach and its beach promenade, lined with high-street brands, chilled cafés, kid-friendly restaurants and buzzing bars, plus loads of water sports to try. Come evening, it's the place to be, with great views of the city's iconic Ferris wheel.

3. Dubai Mall

Shop til' you drop at the Dubai Mall, right next door to Burj Khalifa. With over 1,200 stores across four floors, there's plenty to browse, plus an indoor waterfall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and an ice rink. Too tired to carry all your bags? There are mall taxis to drive you from shop to shop! As the sun goes down, head outside for the Dubai Fountain, where free water shows dance to music right in front of the mall. For an extra-special view, you can also take a traditional boat ride to watch the fountains up close for around AED 75 per person.

4. Jumeirah Beach

Dubai has plenty of lovely sandy beaches (both private hotel beaches and public ones), and Jumeirah Beach is one of the most popular. Soft white sand and gentle waves make it a hit with sun-seekers and families alike, and you get front-row views of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab. Stick around for sunset – you won't regret it.

5. Desert experience

No Dubai holiday would be complete without a bit of desert action - it's right on the city's doorstep, after all. Think dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and traditional desert dinners. If you want to make a night of it, you can sleep under the stars with an overnight stay in a glamping tent.

6. Old Dubai and the souks

Long before the skyscrapers, Dubai was a trading hub for gold, spices and textiles, and its traditional souks (bazaars) are the best way to get a taste of Old Dubai. Trade here is strictly regulated, so you can shop knowing the goods are the real deal. Wander the lanes, take in the colours and scents, and if you're up for a bit of bartering, there are real bargains to be had.

While you're in the area, dig a little deeper into the city's heritage. Stroll through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, with its restored wind-tower houses, art galleries and cafés, then head to the Shindagha museums on Dubai Creek to see how the city grew from a small trading port. For a proper insight into local life, book a cultural meal or tour at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), where you can ask Emiratis about their traditions over a home-cooked spread.

7. Amusement parks

Whether you're travelling with kids or not, Dubai's waterparks are a whole lot of fun. Wild Wadi Waterpark has 30 rides and attractions for the whole family (and if you're staying at a Jumeirah hotel, entry is free, with shuttles and buggies running between the resorts and the park).

Over at the 5-star Atlantis The Palm resort, the Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park lets you shoot through a clear tube surrounded by sharks, float down a lazy river, get up close with dolphins, sea lions and stingrays, then relax on a private beach.

If you prefer rollercoasters to water slides, Dubai Parks and Resorts brings several theme parks together in one spot, including Motiongate and Legoland Dubai – perfect for a full day out.

8. Dhow Cruise

The highlight of a romantic holiday, on a so-called Dhow Cruise you sit down for a mouth watering dinner gliding around Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek, to the backdrop of the lights of Dubai.