Spotlight on Dubai

One of our most popular destinations, Dubai is a city made for bucket lists and offers an incredible array of magical and memorable experiences for every explorer. Adventure, food, culture, shopping – name it and you’ll find it in Dubai. Whether on a romantic break or a family getaway, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from desert excursions to dinner cruises and trips to iconic landmarks. Keep reading to discover our favourite experiences and head over to our dedicated Dubai page where you will find all of our suggested itineraries for our bespoke luxury holidays to Dubai.

What better way to explore Dubai’s infinite desert landscapes than on a sunrise dune buggy excursion or sunset safari? A professional guide will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to your desert destination where you will spend the morning traversing the sandy dunes and off-road driving through rugged terrain. Best seen at sunrise, the desert’s beauty is a sight to behold. For those who want something a little less adrenaline inducing, enjoy a magical evening to remember on a sunset desert safari. In a private 4×4 vehicle, explore the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, home to an abundance of flora and fauna. Following the safari, enjoy a romantic meal under the stars.

Undoubtedly the most iconic landmark in Dubai and a stunning feat of architecture and engineering, the Burj Khalifa not only holds the record for being the world’s tallest building (standing at 828m), but it also houses the world’s fastest double deck elevators. With two observation decks on the 124^th and 148^th floors, it offers breathtaking 360˚ views of the city, where you can take a closer look at the world below through high powered telescopes. To make your visit extra special, opt to dine in the Atmosphere restaurant on the 122^nd floor or experience new heights at The Lounge, Burj Khalifa which spans the 152^nd, 153^rd and 154^th floors.

With its myriad of rides, pools, and attractions suitable for all ages, the Aquaventure Waterpark at the Atlantis, The Palm resort is the perfect place to go to cool off from the Dubai sunshine. Whether you opt to hurtle through a shark-filled lagoon, drop nine stories in one second at the Tower of Poseidon, watch your little ones at the Splasher’s kids’ area, drift down the lazy rivers or unwind on the sandy beach, you are guaranteed a fun-filled, family day out at Aquaventure. Also located at the resort is the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Evoking the lost city of Atlantis, the aquarium provides an immersive experience into a lost civilisation of shipwrecks and ruins. With more than 20 marine exhibits, you will encounter the most amazing, vibrant collection of aquatic life during your visit and there is also the opportunity to interact and even feed some of the sea creatures.

Step aboard a traditional wooden dhow and marvel at the dazzling skylines as you set sail on the shimmering waters of the iconic Dubai Marina on a sunset cruise. Providing an intriguingly different view of the city, the cruise offers a magical experience. After sundown, indulge in a sumptuous five-course dinner catered by The Address Hotel.

Although a relatively new city, Dubai enjoys a rich heritage and its history dates back as far as the Bronze Age. During your luxury holiday, pay a visit to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood to discover what Old Dubai was like in the 19^th century. A key heritage site, most of its original infrastructure has been preserved and remains intact. Located within the neighbourhood is the Dubai Museum which houses colourful dioramas and fascinating historic exhibits. After visiting the museum, board a traditional ‘abra’ boat to the famous Gold & Spice souks. Then take in the 8^th-century Islamic architecture of the spectacular Jumeirah Mosque. Dubai is also home to award-winning galleries, culture-fuelled hubs, and contemporary street art, which means you’ll encounter colourful surprises around every corner.

Horse racing enthusiasts should prioritise a visit to Meydan Racecourse during their luxury holiday to Dubai. Home of the annual Dubai World Cup, one of the world’s richest horse races, it is the highlight of the city’s horse-racing scene, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Capped by a spectacular concert, the event is a must-see. In the run up to the World Cup, weekly races run from November to March. As well as the iconic track, the racecourse also houses a horse-riding museum, gallery, luxury hotel and golf course. Horse aficionados are in for a treat when visiting the racecourse with horse-riding, stable tours and much more on offer.

The heart and soul of Dubai, the bustling, natural saltwater creek has been the lifeblood of locals for generations. The favoured site for early settlers, it is also where the city’s first port and pearling industry flourished. Still a thriving spot today, it continues to attract visitors year-round. Hop aboard of the many traditional ‘abra’ boats to cross the creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira, Dubai’s city centre. The boat trip is one of the most authentic and affordable experiences in the city. Admire marvellous views of old Dubai including traditional houses, wind towers and minarets. After disembarking, wander through the narrow lanes of the traditional souks, and discover stalls selling hand-crafted jewellery, delightful scents, and colourful herbs and spices.

Swap the bustling city life of Dubai for an unforgettable evening adventure in the desert. This magical and memorable experience takes you to the vast dunes of the Arabian Desert where you will embark on an exhilarating ride across the rolling sands in a 4×4 vehicle, marvelling at the views as the sun sets on the heat-hazed horizon. Conclude the experience at an authentic Bedouin camp, where you can indulge in a lavish feast of traditional Arabic BBQ fare whilst dining out under the stars.

Step into a world of floral wonder at Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest natural flower garden. With more than 150 million flowers in full bloom, the 72,000 sqm park features an extraordinary line-up of famous buildings and structures that have been completely transformed into colourful flower exhibits. Stroll along the heart-shaped pathway, admiring petal-covered castles, illuminated nightscapes and full-size houses. One of the most impressive exhibits in the garden is the Emirates Airbus A380 super jumbo jet which is covered in more than 500,000 fresh flowers and plants. Other spectacular attractions include the Floating Lady, the Smurfs Village, and the Floral Clock. Your visit would be incomplete without a stop at the dazzling Butterfly Garden, which comprises ten custom built domes housing 15,000 butterflies.