There are winter sun destinations for flying and flopping, and then there are winter sun destinations with a whole lot of action. Dubai has it all. In spades. The city that loves bigger, better, taller and shinier, boasts beaches, eye-wateringly luxurious hotels, cuisine from every nation under the sun and activities that suit thrill seekers to culture seekers, young and old, and everyone in between. And it’s just seven hours away. These are our top five reasons why it should be on your holiday hit-list this winter.
1. IT’S AN INCREDIBLE FAMILY DESTINATION
From tots to teens, this emirate has it covered. Once you’ve exhausted the hotels facilities, get up close and personal with tiger sharks and 33,000 aquatic animals at the Dubai Aquarium. The rides at IMG Worlds of Adventure, Legoland or Motiongate will easily fill an entire day, as will Dubai’s largest zip line and outdoor high ropes adventure at Aventura Park. For waterpark fans Aquaventure World is an absolute must-see Dubai attraction; the largest waterpark in the world.
2. THE SPECTACLES & EVENTS
Move over Vegas! From major sporting tournaments to fantastical displays and shows, Dubai knows how to host. The Dubai Rugby 7s, is one of the biggest on the circuit; it’s firmly established on the F1 Grand Prix fixture list, whilst golf, tennis and horse racing fans flock in for some of the richest events there are. And then of course, there’s the homegrown, and hugely popular camel racing. If sport’s not your thing – watch the water display at the world’s tallest fountain outside the Dubai Mall, where jets shoot 500ft into the air, experience La Perle, an aqua-stage-based live show, or get tickets for the aquatic and aerial acrobatics show in Al Habtoor City.
3. THE SHOPPING
If retail therapy is an essential holiday activity, Dubai is your city. Right next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is the world’s largest shopping destination – the Dubai Mall. For a more authentic experience, we love taking an abra across the creek to the Deira souks, where spices, perfumes, textiles and gold have been traded for centuries. The bartering is good-natured and the atmosphere is relaxed.
4. THE OUT OF THIS WORLD EXPERIENCES
Where else can you unwind by the world’s highest 360 degree infinity swimming pool? Or take a dawn balloon flight over the desert with just a falcon handler, and oryx and camels casting long shadows in the dunes below? For a one-of-a-kind city view experience, the Edge Walk, 219m up, along a glass platform, is not for the faint-hearted, or if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, head south-east to Hatta, where the mountainscape is truly stunning.
5. THE BEACHES
If you’re after winter sun, then you need a great beach. And Dubai has plenty of them. The sand is soft and white, and the waters of the Gulf are warm, calm and inviting.
Many of the hotels have their own stretch of private beach – and who doesn’t like attentive service whilst topping up on vitamin D? For water sports, head to Kite Beach, whilst Jumeirah Beach is lined with restaurants. And slightly off the beaten track, is Mercato Beach, with its low key vibe, and a favourite with the locals.
Contact our travel expert Clare to plan your trip to Dubai.