Dubai vacations - Vibrant and luxurious

The Arabian oasis with endless possibilities

This vibrant destination surrounds itself in superlatives: if it’s not the tallest, largest, longest or the fastest then Dubai doesn’t want to know. There are world-class shopping malls, opulent hotels, and gourmet restaurants, all on a truly grandiose scale. There's the beaches, picture perfect white sand and warm water, as well as a lavish nightlife featuring a host of extortionate nightclubs crammed with celebrity clientele.

Nestled in the Persian Gulf, Dubai is renowned for its extravagance and the sheer scale of its many attractions. This reputation, alongside gorgeous all-year round sunshine, has turned it into one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is the largest in terms of population and the second largest in terms of physical size behind only Abu Dhabi.

 It is grandiose on a colossal scale, and features the world’s tallest building – the stunning Burj Khalifa, and the world’s largest shopping mall – the Dubai Mall. On that note, Dubai is a real shopper’s paradise with malls, markets, boutiques and souks offering everything from designer clothes and brand-name electronics to cheap jewellery and unique trinkets. 

Venture away from the grandeur of Dubai and you'll find two of the Emirates' hidden gems, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Fujairah, nestled along the east-coast, has a more relaxed ambience, with beautiful rocky coastlines and azure shallows ideal for snorkelling amongst reef sharks and turtles. Ras Al Khaimah, meanwhile, is known for its incredible blend of expansive desert and soaring mountains, all mostly untouched and home to astonishing, panoramic vistas. These areas are far less travelled by tourists, and therefore offer a more secluded and unique holiday in the Emirates.

Why visit Dubai?

• Dubai offers a chance to truly shop till you drop, with an array of designer stores and smaller boutiques. It's all tax-free too
• Adrenaline junkies have plenty to excite them, including dune bashing and motorised water sports
• Dubai is so easy to get to, it's a great option for families and for a hassle-free break to somewhere hot and beachy
• The food is divine, and many of the hotels we feature have a wide range of fabulous restaurants serving innovative dishes from around the globe
• Combining city, beach and desert, you'll never get bored with the mix of scenes here

Inspired? Tropical Sky also arranges Middle East Holidays to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman and Qatar.

During Ramadan (approximately 17 February-18 March 2026 and 7 February-8 March 2027), Eid Al Adha (approximately 26-30 May 2026 and 16-20 May 2027) and Eid Al Fitr (approximately 19-20 March 2026 and 9-10 March 2027), there may be some restrictions on drinking and dining. However, you'll still have plenty of dining options - speak to your travel consultant for more information.

Important notice
A 'Tourism Dirham' (also known as Bed Tax) has been imposed across the United Arab Emirates and must be paid directly to the hotel by any guest staying in any accommodation type throughout Dubai and the Emirates. The charges are as follows and are compulsory, payable per night per room.
5 star accommodation AED20 per night per room.
4 star accommodation AED15 per night per room.
3 star accommodation AED 10 per night per room.
Example: 5 nights for 2 people staying in a 5 star resort the charge will be AED100 payable locally.