Colour and character
Step into the Dazzling City of Tomorrow
Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for a trip to the future. Dubai is a city that doesn't just embrace ambition; it builds it into the clouds. This is a place where the world's tallest building pierces the desert sky, where man-made islands are shaped like palm trees, and where luxury is not just a concept but a way of life. It’s a glittering, sun-drenched metropolis that has risen from the sands in just a few decades.
I’ve watched the dancing fountains at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, haggled for gold in ancient souks, and felt the thrill of a 4x4 racing over desert dunes. Dubai is a city of spectacular contrasts. One moment you're in a hyper-modern mega-mall with an inbuilt aquarium, the next you're on a traditional wooden boat crossing a timeless creek. Forget what you think you know; Dubai is a city that will constantly surprise and dazzle you.
Why Dubai?
Witness Wonders That Defy Belief
Dubai is a showcase of human imagination and engineering. It's a city built on superlatives, designed to be the biggest, best, and most spectacular. From the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa to the sheer scale of the man-made Palm Jumeirah island, you'll spend your entire trip marvelling at the sheer audacity and vision of it all. It’s a city that proves that anything is possible.
Guaranteed Sunshine and Glamour
For us Brits, this is the ultimate lure. When the skies are grey at home, Dubai promises endless sunshine, pristine beaches, and impossibly blue waters. Whether you’re relaxing on a public beach with the city skyline as your backdrop or indulging at a five-star beach club where your every whim is catered for, this is a world-class destination for sun-seekers.
Experience the Magic of the Arabian Desert
Just beyond the shimmering skyscrapers lies a completely different world: the vast, silent, and breathtakingly beautiful Arabian desert. Swapping the city's buzz for the timeless tranquillity of the dunes is an essential part of the Dubai experience. It’s a connection to the Bedouin heritage that existed long before the first skyscraper was ever imagined.
Dreaming of your next holiday? Let Top Travels, a trusted Travel Agency in London, guide you.
Four Unmissable Dubai Experiences
Soar to the Top of the World at the Burj Khalifa
You can't go to Dubai and not ascend the world's tallest building. The journey up in one of the world's fastest lifts is an experience in itself, but the real prize is the view from the top. Looking down on the sprawling city, the desert, and the ocean from the observation decks is a truly humbling and unforgettable moment.
Where to do it: The entrance is inside the Dubai Mall. Book your tickets online for a specific time slot well in advance, and aim for the late afternoon to see the city by day, watch the sunset, and then see it transform into a carpet of twinkling lights.
Conquer the Dunes on a Desert Safari
This is the quintessential Arabian adventure. A skilled driver will take you on a thrilling 4x4 ride over the rolling sand dunes – a rollercoaster of golden sand! This is usually followed by a serene camel ride as the sun sets, before you head to a traditional-style desert camp for a barbecue feast, belly dancing, and stargazing.
Where to do it: Numerous tour operators offer Desert Safari packages that will pick you up directly from your hotel.
Shop 'til You Drop (and See a Shark!)
Shopping in Dubai is not just a transaction; it's a major leisure activity. The Dubai Mall is a destination in its own right, home to over 1,200 stores, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and the incredible Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. For a more traditional experience, head to the Gold and Spice Souks in Old Dubai to haggle for treasures.
Where to do it: For modern mega-malls, visit the Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates (which has an indoor ski slope!). For an authentic bargain hunt, cross the creek to the souks in Deira.
Experience a Five-Star Beach Day
Dubai has perfected the art of the luxurious beach day. While there are fantastic free public beaches like Kite Beach, treating yourself to a day at one of the city's many glamorous beach clubs is a must. Think plush sun loungers, infinity pools, chilled music, and attentive service, all with stunning views of the city skyline or the Arabian Gulf.
Where to do it: For the ultimate indulgence, check out one of the many beach clubs on The Palm Jumeirah or the ever-popular JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) area.
Dubai Offers
Luxury Holidays
Last Minute Holidays
Essentials
Visa Requirements
Do I Need a Visa? Nope! If you hold a UK passport, you will be granted a free visitor visa on arrival, which is valid for 30 days. The process at the airport is incredibly smooth and efficient.
Average travel time
It’s a very manageable long-haul flight. A direct flight from a major UK airport like Heathrow or Gatwick to Dubai takes around 7 hours.
Languages
Language Barriers? None! While the official language is Arabic, English is spoken absolutely everywhere. It’s the common language for business and tourism, so you will have no issues communicating, from your taxi driver to the staff in your hotel.
Currency
The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US dollar. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is customary; in restaurants, 10-15% is standard if a service charge isn't already included on the bill.
Weather and Climate
From October to April, the weather is fantastic – think perfect British summer days with clear blue skies. However, from May to September, it gets incredibly hot and humid, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C. During these months, life largely moves indoors to the blissful air-conditioning.
Four Places that Define Dubai
Downtown Dubai: The Heart of the Action
This is the glittering epicentre of modern Dubai. Home to the iconic trio of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the spectacular Dubai Fountain, this area is all about the "wow" factor. Come here in the evening to watch the incredible fountain show, a choreographed spectacle of water, light, and music.
Old Dubai: The City's Soul
To understand the present, you must see the past. Take a traditional abra (water taxi) for just 1 Dirham across Dubai Creek to explore the city's heritage. Get lost in the narrow alleyways of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and immerse your senses in the fragrant Spice Souk and the dazzling Gold Souk.
Dubai Marina & JBR: The Urban Playground
This is where skyscrapers meet the sea. A stunning man-made canal is surrounded by some of the city's tallest residential buildings, creating a dramatic urban canyon. Stroll along the marina, or head to 'The Walk' at JBR, a bustling promenade packed with restaurants and shops that runs parallel to a beautiful public beach.
The Palm Jumeirah: An Icon of Ambition
You've seen it from the plane, now see it up close. This incredible man-made island is a testament to Dubai's vision. It’s home to some of the city's most luxurious hotels, including the famous Atlantis, The Palm, as well as stunning villas and chic shoreline apartments. Ride the monorail down its "trunk" for the best views.
Top Tips for Travelling Like a Pro
Respect the Local Culture
Dubai is a welcoming and cosmopolitan city, but it is located in the United Arab Emirates, a Muslim country. While the rules in your hotel resort are relaxed, when in public areas like malls or Old Dubai, it's respectful to dress modestly – think covering your shoulders and knees.
The Friday Brunch is an Institution
If you are in Dubai on a Friday, you have to experience a brunch. It's a weekly social ritual and an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink extravaganza that lasts for hours. It’s a fantastic way to sample incredible food from world-class restaurants and soak up the city's vibrant expat culture.
The Metro is Your Best Friend
Dubai's traffic can be intense. The Dubai Metro is the antidote. It's spotlessly clean, fully air-conditioned, efficient, and cheap. It connects the airport and all the major tourist hubs, from Old Dubai to the Marina. It even has a special Gold Class cabin for a little extra comfort!
Time Your Trip Right
While you're guaranteed sun all year, the summer heat is no joke. The best time to visit for pleasant weather is between October and April. This is Dubai's peak season when you can comfortably enjoy the beaches, dine outdoors, and explore without melting.
Ready when you are
Dubai: It’s Not a Stopover, It’s a Spectacle
Dubai is a city that has to be seen to be believed. It's a destination that rips up the rule book and builds its own reality, creating a playground of superlatives in the middle of the desert. It offers a unique blend of Arabian heritage and futuristic vision, where you can ride a camel at sunset and ski on real snow a few hours later.
It’s a city that is constantly evolving, always aiming to outdo itself, ensuring that no two visits are ever the same. Whether you’re seeking poolside relaxation, world-class shopping, thrilling adventures, or simply a glimpse of what the future might look like, Dubai delivers it all with glamour and style. Prepare to be amazed.
