DUBAI has been dubbed the City of Gold, as the world’s biggest trader of the precious metal, but Brits treasure it as a 24-carat family holiday hotspot.
Jet away with British Airways Holidays
Brilliant beaches, the world’s biggest waterpark and skiing in a mall –
Dubai makes an amazing break
The emirate is loved for its sizzling sunshine, fabulous hotels, glorious beaches, wonderful watersports and adventure trips.
And it’s also famous for five-star shopping and mind-blowing, record-breaking architecture.
Home to the world’s tallest building (the 828m Burj Khalifa) and the largest shopping mall (1,124,000 sq m), Dubai is a city of wonder.
It holds no fewer than 425 Guinness World Records – more than any other country in the Middle East.
Rising out of the Arabian Desert like a vision of the future, Dubai values the simpler pleasures, too.
Its setting on the Persian Gulf among dunes, mountains and wetland is magical – ideal for kayaking, hiking, biking, paragliding and 4x4 safaris.
The beaches are buzzing, with every kind of aquatic amusement and maritime adventure catered for – from flyboarding to hitting the waves in a shark-shaped mini “submarine”.
You can scuba inland in 60m of water at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest diving pool, where a sunken city awaits you…
Or snorkel (safely) with sharks at Atlantis Aquaventure, the – you guessed it – world’s largest waterpark.
Tucked away on a prime stretch of the Dubai Islands waterfront, the four-star Centara Mirage is 16km from the city centre.
But getting to (and around) the city from the hotel couldn’t be easier.
Simply use a contactless Nol prepaid card to catch buses, water taxis and the Dubai Metro.
So it makes the perfect base for exploring Dubai’s urban attractions.
But there’s plenty to fascinate and entertain you at – and near – the family-friendly Centara Mirage.
At the hotel, “mirage” is the theme, but you can believe your eyes here. The aim is to provide a genuine oasis of family fun, and play – for kids and adults – is the order of the day. It’s the perfect place to savour priceless moments with the whole family with an abundance of fun activities to keep everyone entertained.
Boasting a whole host of experiences to delight the young, this inviting resort is Dubai’s ultimate destination, promising the perfect blend of excitement and fun from sunrise to sunset.
There’s an incredible timetable of activities and entertainment for all ages, from supervised arts and crafts to mini karaoke for young ones at the Camp Safari kids’ club.
Teens will love the pool, table tennis and games consoles in the E-Zone.
Scuba lessons, water polo and beach soccer, among myriad other diversions, are there for the whole family.
And with its own private beach, two seafront swimming pools, and a waterpark featuring lagoon pools, waterslides, diving spots and a “lazy river” meandering through it, the Centara Mirage guarantees guests a splashing time.
Fun doesn’t run on fumes and the Mirage has the best places to refuel for your next adventure.
Suan Bua is a relaxed pan-Asian restaurant, serving authentic Thai, Cantonese, sushi and a children’s buffet.
Uno Mas, an Argentinian grill, puts the sizzle in your steak, and has a well-stocked wine cellar.
All trips with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and include 23kg baggage allowance per person and a 24-hour helpline while you’re away. Secure your Dubai holiday now at the Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*
*Deposit balance due seven weeks in advance for long-haul travel. Travel restrictions may apply. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits
“The aim is to provide a
genuine oasis of family fun”
SAND-TASTIC
“In the UAE, shopping is
akin to a national hobby”
The Mirage you’ll believe in
In Dubai – part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – shopping is akin to a national hobby, where global designer brands sit side by side in air-conditioned mega malls.
But the kids won’t get bored with a day’s shopping. Many malls come with supervised play areas and creches – one has a vast aquarium and another hosts a ski slope.
Long before the UAE was born, a cluster of markets, or souks, formed around the mouth of Dubai Creek and they’re still there.
Traditional abra boats ferry passengers to and fro across the water so they can browse the goodies on both banks of the creek.
For a taste of the local culture, try Sheesh, a rooftop shisha lounge, Arabian restaurant and international fusion buffet rolled into one. It’s tented, to romantic effect, in the summer.
Sands restaurant on the beach is all about casual dining, while the Waves Beach Bar was made for a post-dip cocktail.
Open for breakfast, afternoon tea and early evening tipples, and featuring an indoor playground, the Mirage Family Lounge has something for everyone.
With a fully equipped fitness centre and all those watersports to try out, adults have plenty to occupy them.
So should they want to delegate their parenting duties for a while, they can turn their childcare over to the experts at Camp Safari.
Spa Cenvaree is a sanctuary for grown-up relaxation. It offers couples’ treatment rooms, herbal steam room, sauna, hot and cold plunge pools and an extensive menu of therapies and massages.
But even here, the children aren’t left out. It offers a space where kids can enjoy a unique spa experience with tailored treatments – at the confectionery-themed Candy Spa and nail bar, girls can be pampered like princesses and have their hair braided like Rapunzel’s.
The resort has 607 spacious air-conditioned rooms and suites designed to sleep four with ease.
Each one has a balcony or terrace giving a fabulous sea or city view.
There’s an option of bunk beds, which are always popular with children.
And the rooms are coolly minimalist, with oceanic hues and Arabian touches, including artworks above the bed.
The fun doesn’t stop after dark – there are kids’ discos and movie nights, and acrobatic and fire shows.
So you’ll be grateful for a relaxing room – with crisp bed linen and marshmallowy pillows – to retire to and rest up for another day of thrills.
“With a private beach and two pools, you’ll have a splashing time”
supreme partnership
Kids’ karaoke and a teen hangout
Rooms with incredible views
SKI FUN DAY
British Airways Holidays knows Dubai well, so when it partners with a hotel or resort, you know it must be on to something special.
And the all-inclusive Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is certainly that.
The airline flies direct to Dubai from London Heathrow around 20 times a week, so you’ve plenty of options for a holiday at Centara Mirage.
And you can secure a British Airways Holidays Dubai break with a low deposit starting at £60pp, with flexible instalments to suit your budget.*
Mums and dads get a break
thrilling family adventures