Dubai Holidays

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One of the most cosmopolitan yet beautiful places in the world, Dubai is one of seven ancient kingdoms that constitute the United Arab Emirates. Situated on the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, this lush hinterland stands out as a lively beacon from the surrounding sand dunes, while the skyscrapers and massive hotels jutting into the clear, blue sky belie the culture and seclusion on offer here. Holidays to Dubai can give you everything, from ancient markets and mosques to a city whose shops and malls rival anything seen in New York. And with On The Beach, you're just seven hours flight from away from this Arabian paradise!

The City itself is effectively split from Deira in the north to Bur Dubai in the south, both insulated by the long azure curve of Dubai Creek. Taking an abra, or water-taxi, along the Creek you'll eventually reach the shallow lagoon, temporary home to as many as 20,000 birds. The City is also home to the world-famous palm islands, the largest artificial islands in the world.

But it's for the beautiful beaches that holidays in Dubai are justly famed - the white-sanded Gulf coastline here is among the world's most breathtaking vistas, and beaches such as Jumeirah and Al Mamzer make you question your proximity to the City, affording the opportunity for watersports, picnics and walks in the many parks and forests that dot the landscape.

Weather

You might deepen your understanding of the word 'hot' during your holiday in Dubai; summer temperatures are above 40°C! It's never exactly cold in the winter either, rarely dropping below 20°C, even at night. Dubai gets most of it's rain in winter - but with an annual rainfall of just five inches, it's not exactly a lot! Bring light garments and do not forget your Factor 30.

Attractions

The sheer diversity of attractions on offer on holiday to Dubai reflect it's international status: from safaris into the palm-dotted desert to see the local flora and fauna, to the Grand Mosque with it's 50 minarets, you'll be at a loss to know where to start! For a taste of Dubai's history, visit the Al Fahidi Fort, with it's museum housing millennia-old artefacts from exquisitely designed pottery to Iron Age tools, or take a trip to the Bait Al Wakeel Maritime Museum.

If you're on a family holiday in Dubai and the kids are getting bored with the history lessons, then a day out at the giant theme parks of Wonderland and Magic Planet might be in order for some speed slides, watersports and even a fake jungle!

Map

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Weather

January 29°C
February 29°C
March 29°C
April 29°C
May 29°C
June 30°C
July 30°C
August 30°C
September 30°C
October 29°C
November 29°C
December 28°C
January 24°C
February 25°C
March 28°C
April 32°C
May 37°C
June 39°C
July 41°C
August 41°C
September 39°C
October 35°C
November 30°C
December 26°C

Info

About Dubai

Visas: Passports endorsed British Citizen will be granted a visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Visas are valid for 30 days, with an extension of 30 days possible.
Timezone: GMT +4
Language: Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely used.
Jabs: Hepatitis A vaccination two weeks before travel and Diphtheria and Tetanus one day before travel is recommended. Medical care is excellent but expensive so insurance is essential.
Electricity: 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. The most frequently used plugs are the square three-pin type.
Currency: The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils.

Nightlife

Dubai is intersected by the long Sheikh Zayed Road, home to bars, restaurants and clubs aplenty. Due to it's largely expatriate population, the City is littered with all manner of restaurants, Middle Eastern to McDonalds. Bear in mind that weekends here are Thursday and Friday, although every night is party night when you're on holidays in Dubai!

If dance is your scene, there are world-class DJs plying their tunes in clubs such as Kasbaa and Tropicana, or for a quieter night overlooking the crimson sunset, try the fountains and foliage of the Irish Village.

Culture

Not for nothing is Dubai known as the 'City of Gold' - you'll never have seen so much bullion unless you work in Fort Knox - and because of the abundance of precious metals sold at the many souks (or markets), you might come across some 24 carat bargains. Another brilliant market is Deira's fish souk, noted for the diversity of it's marine cuisine, from snapper and shellfish to tuna or hammour, all freshly caught by local fishermen.

For a taste of true Dubai culture, you can't pass on a visit to the village of Bastakiya with it's traditional Arabian houses and restaurants, and the nearby Bedouin hamlet, where you have a camel-riding lesson and buy some exotic wares and spices from the local market.

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