Cheap Holidays to Dubai

All you need to know about holidays to Dubai

Holidays to Dubai can be a great short break for a blast of sunshine, or a longer holiday where relaxation, sightseeing and shopping are all combined with plenty of time spent in the great weather outdoors. This is a city that's all about glitz, glamour, shopping and decadence - which has made a Dubai holiday rise rapidly up the list of must-do holidays!

Dubai has rapidly developed from a small fishing village to one of the world's most exciting and intriguing metropolises. It boasts an intriguing mix of the old and the shimmering new - such as the Burj Khalifa, which didn't just become the world's tallest building by a few metres. Oh no, it smashed the previous record by a whopping 300 metres!

The rise of low cost airlines has made taking a cheap holiday to Dubai a reality, and in fact recent years has also seen it become a popular city break destination, with three and four night trips increasingly the norm. So if you think you've not got time to fit in a Dubai holiday in 2013 or 2014, then think again!

What to do in Dubai

When your flight arrives in Dubai, the city can rapidly become overwhelming with its sheer opulence, variety of sights and bustling lifestyle. So make a beeline for your hotel and take a breath before heading out.

There are so many options, but why not start with something sedate like a stroll on Jumeirah Beach or a dip in Dubai Creek or the Persian Gulf. If you're a fan of throwing yourself in then by all means head directly to the souks (marketplaces) or the huge malls - where you will be sure of bargains thanks to tax-free prices! Or perhaps you'd prefer to visit Old Dubai - also called Bur Dubai - to get a sense of the place's history first up. The Dubai Museum brings the history to life through a series of life-size depictions.

Once you've got your bearings, you could head a little further out and perhaps spend some time riding a camel (or a quad bike) in the desert, or hire a boat and go and explore the man-made islands and get a new perspective on the city. If heading out to sea doesn't appeal, then a cruise around the Dubai Creek will take you to the heart of the area that used to be Dubai's commercial centre - look for old custom houses.

If you need an adrenaline thrill or two there are plenty of ways to get it on a Dubai break. Going to see the camel racing is a great day out if you are there in the right season (winter) but why not head to the ski slope? Of course it's indoors, but with real snow it's one of the most popular pastimes with the Dubai elite! You can also get your downhill adrenaline racing outside at the Wild Wadi Water Park - a huge water park with plenty of hidden parts to explore.

And one thing's for sure - whether you do it at the start, end or middle of your holiday to Dubai make sure you visit At The Top, the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa. It's best to book your tickets in advance to both avoid the queues and take advantage of advance-booking discounts.

When to go to Dubai

It's pretty simple to find cheap holidays to Dubai throughout the year, since this has become a popular city break and holiday destination. Unless you love the really hot heat, it's best to steer clear of the summer months altogether. Winter can be great, but Christmas is the most popular time for us Brits to head on over for some of that lovely sunshine. So try to pick November to April for your visit, excluding December.

You could also look out for holiday to Dubai that coincide with one of the 2013 or 2014 annual events for an added extra something. Watch the Desert Challenge car race in April, or if you're a fan of shopping why not brave the heat and see what amazing offers you can find in the malls in Dubai Summer Surprises in June and July - just remember your sun cream!

Check out our Complete Dubai guide for more tips.