Discover luxury with a holiday in Dubai
Whether you’re planning some serious shopping and glamorous nights out, or fancy family time on the beach, super sporting opportunities and gourmet dining, head to the destination that has it all
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Your support makes all the difference.A sunrise gallop across sand dunes and a diamond-infused oil massage, all while staying in some of the most famous and indulgent hotels in the world. When it comes to holidays, Dubai has a genie-like ability to conjure up new experiences for its visitors.
Easy to get to – five UK airports now offer non-stop flights – part of Dubai’s appeal comes from the way the past and the future fuse together. Traditional abras (boats) can take you around the city’s creeks, just as they’ve done for centuries, and then you can head out to the desert on a sand safari to spot oryx and gazelles. On your return to one of the most exhilarating cities in the world, there's a chance to check out a glamorous bar such as At.mosphere, on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, and drink in the view while the sun sets.
Dubai seems to offer an endless series of activities: this is a destination where you can both sandboard and snowboard. Or you can take in a sporting event, whether it’s horse racing or the Dubai Rugby Sevens. There’s also the quintessentially regional pastime of falconry.
Feeling active? Then time your visit to take part in the Dubai Marathon or its Cycle Challenge. And skydiving from 13,000ft will give you a special perspective on Dubai as you watch the beaches fan out below you.
As for shopping, there are more than 95 malls to explore, including the country-themed Ibn Battuta Mall. Some showcase the biggest and most famous names in fashion, or for traditional Arabic shopping, visit Souk Al Bahar and Souk Madinat Jumeirah, bag a bargain at the Deira Souk, and stroll along Dubai Creek, where you can seek out spices and gold.
Dubai’s malls offer much more than just shopping; families will enjoy the penguins and snow at Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates or the stunning aquarium at The Dubai Mall. And kids have their own special areas there too, including KidZania where they can take driving lessons, play at being surgeons and put out (pretend) fires.
Teenagers won’t get bored either, with everything from parkour lessons to climbing real rocks in the Hatta mountains. There are two phenomenal water parks to choose from as well. Kids of all ages will enjoy Wild Wadi and Aquaventure with their lazy rivers and white-knuckle slides.
Dubai doesn’t let its reputation rest on its beaches but you should definitely make sure that you soak up their atmosphere. Each hotel has its own stretch of powdery soft sand, all leading to the gentle, warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, and there are public beaches too. You may even want to join the kite surfers by the Burj Al Arab or visit the juice bars along The Beach at JBR.
Dubai’s spa culture is world-class and features the latest high-tech facials or ancient oil massage rituals. You'll also find all the most luxurious spa brands. But for a truly unique experience, discover an opulent but traditional Middle Eastern hammam offered at most hotels.
As evening begins to fall, Dubai’s nightly, award-winning fountain show outside The Dubai Mall brings crowds each night. Regular events, including film and food festivals, gallery openings and an annual jazz festival, ensure there's something for everyone. Or you can choose between gourmet restaurants from the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Dubai also has some of the region’s best street food: locals rave about Ravi, while equally popular Zaroob is open 24 hours. Golfers can also tee off at midnight on a floodlit course, which is even more proof that Dubai never actually sleeps.
Discover the luxury Dubai has to offer for yourself. For more details and to book your holiday, visit valueaddedtravel.com