Why Dubai is a winter sun wonderland for 2024
Dizzying skyscrapers, cutting-edge creative districts, winding souks, blissed-out beach retreats and desert safaris mean Dubai has something for everyone looking for a winter sun holiday in 2024
scape the dark days of late winter to a destination that dazzles with sunny days and fun times. Just a seven-hour flight from London, Dubai is an easy hop for a short, medium or long break. And October to April are ideal months to go thanks to the all year round beach climate. You can expect a warm
An inter-generational jewel
welcome from this fast-paced city, too. The emirate’s appeal runs far deeper than luxurious malls, lavish resorts and extreme architecture. It also has historic quarters, avant-garde art galleries and a hip food scene. Then there are the knockout beaches and desert wilderness that’s just a hop away. Anyone who’s been will tell you that Dubai is full of surprises with something to delight all who visit. Read on for our guide to how to tailor a top winter sun break in the emirate.
Thanks to a manageable flight time, families can be ready to hit the ground running when they land. And they’ll need to, with so much fun to be had in uber-kid-friendly Dubai.
Conquering the world’s tallest building is bound to be on the kids’ holiday hit list, so be sure to pre-book tickets. Whizzing up the high-speed lifts to the observation deck of the soaring Burj Khalifa is exhilarating. Don’t miss the (free) dancing Dubai Fountain down below.
Next up are the theme parks. Must visits include KidZania in Dubai Mall, an ingenious mini-city where they can play at grown-ups while you relax in the café or hit the shops. There are lots of soft-play areas in the world’s largest mall too, as well as a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, aquarium and underwater zoo.
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1 of 6 | Stunning skyline: Soar to the top of the Burj Khalifa and enjoy views from the 148th floor of the world's tallest building
Big is definitely better at IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s biggest indoor theme park – the Marvel and Cartoon Network zones will keep the children entertained for hours. Ski Dubai, a huge indoor ski dome, is also great fun, whether you go for ski and snowboarding lessons or tobogganing and zorbing. But the highlight has to be the resident colony of king and gentoo penguins. Atlantis The Palm's Aquaventure, Wild Wadi Waterpark and Legoland Waterpark have rides and slides for all ages that will have them squealing with joy – as will bouncing about at Air Maniax, a huge indoor inflatable park in Al Quoz.
You can’t go to this part of the world without
experiencing some of the local traditions and
giving the kids a chance to immerse themselves
in a different culture. Discover Dubai’s
pearl-diving and fishing past in the historic
districts around Dubai Creek. The Al Fahidi
Historical Neighbourhood charms with sikkas
(alleyways), barajeel (wind towers), handicraft shops and museums galore. Stop for traditional
Next up, catch an abra (motorised wooden ferry) across the creek to the souks of Deira. Breathe in the heady scents at the Spice Souk and see glittering jewels at the Gold Souk. Or jump in a car and in just 30 minutes you can be spotting birds, desert foxes and Arabian oryx in the desert oasis that is Al Qudra Lakes.
Emirati treats at Arabian Tea House or visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to uncover Emirati customs.
Stay at: Uber-resorts Atlantis The Palm and Jumeirah Beach Hotel have seriously impressive kid-friendly facilities. At a lower price point, Lapita has lovely pools, kids’ clubs and is set within Dubai Parks and Resorts (home to Legoland).
Atlantis The Palm
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Lapita
Are you one of those in-tune couples that want the same thing from your holiday? Beach by day and fine dining by night? Mooching around museums and galleries followed by a show? Well, this urban desert-meets-beach destination is guaranteed to satisfy all parties.
If your idea of romance is dining with a view, start with nibbles on the terrace at Ce La Vi, a lively lounge on the 54th floor of The Address Sky View that’s open day and night. For glamour and gastronomy, it has to be the two Michelin starred Tresind Studio for a multi-course dining experience. Or for phenomenal food in a more casual setting, try Orfali Bros Bistro in Jumeirah.
As well as next-level dining, Dubai has off-the-scale spas. Step into an oasis of calm at One&Only Royal Mirage’s exquisite spa. Its Oriental Hamman has a lavish interpretation of the traditional steam bath ritual for two. With Arabian architecture and lush gardens, the Madinat Jumeirah’s Talise Spa is another sumptuous sanctuary – book a private treatment villa or go for guided yoga sessions.
A fine place for romance
Continue the indulgence by chilling (or partying) in a day bed at a beach club – DRIFT Beach Club, The Bulgari Resort, WHITE Beach at the Atlantis and Nikki Beach are all about the glamour. For something a little more low-key, you could have a lazy lunch and beach day at Summersalt at Jumeirah Al Naseem.
Feeling the urge to uncover a little culture? You don’t have to go far. Al Quoz’s Alserkal Avenue is one of Dubai’s unexpected gems. The former marble factory turned art and design hub is a great place for a potter with its contemporary galleries, independent stores, arthouse cinema and theatre. It’s a top spot for coffee or lunch too – Nightjar and Pekoe Tea and Bread Bar are two to look out for.
The characterful districts around Dubai Creek – all
heritage houses, museums, galleries and one-off
shops – throw up yet more unexpected gems
in an ultra-modern city. But you’ll find Dubai’s
standout cultural destination in Downtown –
the striking, dhow-shaped Dubai Opera has
an eclectic calendar of theatre, dance, comedy
an music performances. Be sure to book tickets
in advance, and perhaps a table at nearby
restaurant Kohantei.
When it comes to iconic buildings, you literally can’t miss the world's tallest structure, the Burj Khalifa. It might seem like a romantic cliché, but gazing at the twinkling cityscape is a truly special experience. Skip the queues by booking the At The Top Sky Experience, which takes you to the premium deck on the 148th floor, or dine at At.mosphere on the 122nd for equally stunning views.
But for the ultimate romantic gesture, escape to a desert oasis for a night or two at the dreamy Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa – all palm groves and sand-dune views.
Stay at: The intimate and exclusive Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf within the Madinat Jumeirah complex has traditional Arab summer houses by pretty waterways or hole up in secluded beachside hideaway One&Only The Palm.
One&Only The palm
Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf
With activities galore, beaches for playing and flopping on, and a vibrant dining scene, Dubai is a brilliant base for a getaway with friends.
Bed in for a lazy (or lively) pool day at Aura Skypool and enjoy 360 views of the city. If you’re not the sunbathing type, go diving at the world’s deepest pool found at Deep Dive Dubai. Is it really a holiday without whizzing down a waterslide or two with your friends? Wild Wadi has plenty, or head to Aquaventure in the Atlantis The Palm resort to race them down Slitherine, the world’s first twin-racing tube slide.
Dubai also has top-class golf resorts, ideal for both beginners and experienced players to get into the swing of things. Many have spectacular city views too such as the waterside Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. As well as a 18-hole par-71 championship course, there is mini golf and an excellent academy for perfecting form, not to mention a striking sail-shaped clubhouse for lapping up the waterside views. Another sport associated with Dubai is motorsports. Keen drivers can experience the thrill of F1 themselves at the Dubai Autodrome, gleaning tips from pros before doing laps in a F1 Jaguar 2000 or F1 Arrows 2002.
Getaway for good times
are all about another local institution – brunch. Nammos Dubai at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai draws a chilled, chic crowd by day and gets lively into the night. WHITE Beach at the Atlantis also does a good line in grazing and people watching. Away from the sands, sophisticated Zuma is one of the city’s most sophisticated and sought-after brunch spots.
Don’t fancy another beach day? The choices abound. Go gallery hopping, slip into a day spa or hit up the shops. The opulence and scale of Dubai Mall and t the Mall of the Emirates have to be seen to be believed. For a modern twist on the Arabic bazaar, the Souk Madinat complex has interesting little stands and stalls. Or for independent shops interspersed with creative spaces and cool coffee shops, seek out Alserkal
For an outdoor adventure, escape the city to the historic mountain town of Hatta. It has forts, farms and invigorating hiking and mountain biking trails high up in the Al-Hajar mountains. You can even go kayaking on the tranquil lake at Hatta Dam.
Avenue and the Dubai Design District. Concept store and café The
Closet on Jumeirah Beach Road is another go-to for dreamy homewares
and one-off pieces.
Stay at: Apartments are always a good option with friends and Airbnb has some stylish spacious options. For boutique lodgings, opt for Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, or try The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection in Downtown Dubai.
Zabeel House
The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection
Although it’s often perceived as a family or romantic destination, Dubai is also ideal for solo adventures. It’s welcoming, easy to get around and has oodles of things to do. Cabs are plentiful but a growing network of urban paths makes cycling a good option for exploring too. You can rent a BYKY bike from parks and curbside stations. Both Al Barsha Pond Park and Mushrif Park have good routes while Nad Al Sheba, a converted camel track near Meydan racecourse, has fabulous city views.
It’s also a great place for walking: there’s plenty to see as you stride around the Dubai Marina walkway or go along the coastal path from Kite Beach to Jumeirah Public Beach and nip in for a dip or paddleboard along the way. For a sunset stroll, hit the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk. It has uninterrupted gulf and skyline views, with plenty of cafés and food stands for pit stops along the way.
Walking is one of the best ways to discover Dubai’s multicultural heritage. Explore the warren-like neighbourhoods of old Dubai alone or join one of Frying Pan Adventures’ insightful small-group gastronomic tours. Guided by an in-the-know-local, the four-and-a-half-hour Dubai Souks and Creekside Food Walk will take you around souks and sikkas and on an abra ride to seek out the city’s culinary history – you’ll taste all kinds of Emirati, Indian and Iranian specialities en route.
Going it alone
The latest must-do landmark is the towering Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park. The glittering gold structure symbolises a bridge between the city’s past, future and present – inside, multimedia exhibitions explore the theme while its 150m-high sky glass bridge has selfie-taking opportunities galore. Trace Dubai’s transformation from creekside settlement to cosmopolitan metropolis at the Al Shindagha Museum, located in the city’s oldest settlement, where wealthy pearl merchants once had homes.
While you’re on a cultural tip, Jameel Arts Centre is a
striking space with evolving exhibitions from
regional artists and it’s possible to visit the large
and beautiful white-stone Jumeirah Mosque.
The Museum of the Future
bolsters the city’s skyline and
cultural offering further with its torus-like shape
(adorned with Arabic calligraphy) and celebration of all things innovative.
It’s easy to find some calm in this fast-paced city, albeit with a twist. Where else could you do underwater yoga? Sign up for one of Atlantis Dubai’s 60-minute yoga and 30-minute Tibetan singing bowls meditation sessions in its Lost Chamber Aquarium to feel the flow as you gaze at thousands of mesmerising marine creatures. Connecting with nature is one of the best ways to relax – slow things right down with a Sloth Encounter at the Green Planet. Small groups can get up close to the sleepy creatures at the vast tropical rainforest-filled bio-dome and learn about their intriguing habits from a biologist.
Stay at: Boutique heritage hotel XVA Art Hotel in the Al Fahidi Historical District – it’s also an art gallery and has a gorgeous courtyard café. Super-central, modern and wallet-friendly Rove Downtown makes a great base for urban explorations. In Hatta, check into the chic and cosy Damani Lodges Resort for soaring mountain views.
Rove Downtown
XVA ART HOTEL
Damani Lodges Resort
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2 of 6 | Underwater wonderland: Get up close to grouper fish, sharks, rays and shoals of smaller fish as you shop in the Dubai Mall
3 of 6 | Snow in the sunshine: Head to Ski Dubai for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or a penguin show
6 of 6 | Time travel: The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a well preserved district of museums, art galleries, events and traditional food
4 of 6 | Wind power: Kite Beach is popular with kite surfers but this long pristine stretch of sand caters for every seasider’s tastes
5 of 6 | Abra cadabra: The historic Dubai Creek is a hive of activity with small wooden water taxis (abras) endlessly pootling up and down
5 of 5 | Hidden hideaway: For a serene desert stay try the guest-only oasis of Al Maha, Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa
1 of 5 | Serene space: The spa at One&Only Royal Mirage offers a huge range of treatments including a traditional Oriental Hammam
2 of 5 | Luscious lounging: For upscale chilling this award-winning beach club, DRIFT, is the place to lay in luxury
3 of 5 | Creative hub: Alserkal Avenue is home to more than 60 art, design and creative spaces
4 of 5 | Top table: For a romantic meal with a view nowhere in the world can beat At.mosphere on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa
4 of 4 | Art centre: Former industrial site Alserkal Avenue is now home to internationally acclaimed Art Week Dubai
3 of 4 | Brunch beauty: The meal between breakfast and lunch is an institution in Dubai and nowhere does it better than sophisticated Zuma
2 of 4 | Best of British: Jason Atherton’s restaurant City Social offers fine food in stunning surrounds
1 of 4 | Water world: For thrills, spills, slides and waves Wild Wadi Waterpark is the epitome of H20-based fun
5 of 5 | Local flavour: A gem in the Cultural Quarter, Al Shindagha Museum offers a unique insight into Emirati culture, social rituals and heritage
4 of 5 | Picture perfect: Zabeel park is home to, among other things, Dubai Frame which is one of the city’s most popular spots thanks to its unusual architecture and stunning views
3 of 5 | Intimate dining: This small stylish restaurant, 21 Grams, inside the Park Regis Boutique is Dubai’s only Balkan bistro
2 of 5 | Paved for pottering: Marina Walk is a delightful seaside strolling spot lined with shops, restaurants and sea views
1 of 5 | Urban green: Al Barsha Pond Park is 52 acres of beautiful greenery set around a large man-made pond
You can’t go to this part of the world without experiencing some of the local traditions and giving the kids a chance to immerse themselves in a different culture. Discover Dubai’s pearl-diving and fishing past in the historic districts around Dubai Creek. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood charms with sikkas (alleyways), barajeel (wind towers), handicraft shops and museums galore. Stop for traditional Emirati treats at Arabian Tea House or visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to uncover Emirati customs.
Start planning your winter sun escape
Dubai has everything you need for a glorious sunshine escape.
To find out more go to visitdubai.com
scape the dark days of late winter to a destination that dazzles with sunny days and fun times. Just a seven-hour
Why Dubai is
a winter sun wonderland
for 2024
Food is one of Dubai’s big draws, but eating out can leave some solo travellers feeling awkward. If you’d rather avoid the city’s more extravagant see-and-be-seen restaurants, there are plenty of intimate spots. 11 Woodfire is one, with a friendly neighbourhood feel and delicious woodfired plates. For a low-key seafood supper, join the queues at Bu Qtair in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. It started life as a simple seafood shack and is now a Dubai must-do. The same
can be said for trying a Persian kebab at Al Ustad Special Kebab, an atmospheric and long-running Iranian joint in Bur Dubai.
After all that excitement, it must be time for sundowners. Start the night in Attiko and enjoy fantastic views of the Arabian Gulf. Then make your way to City Social at Grosvenor House (of super chef Jason Atherton fame), another glam spot with great bites.
It’s not all about the nights, though: beachside day clubs are a big thing in Dubai and weekends
Time to chill out? Head to the beach. Laid-back Kite Beach is a perennial family favourite, thanks to its golden sands, play areas and kitesurfers dancing above the water. When hunger strikes, slip off to breezy beach house resort Salt for sliders, fries and soft-serve ice-creams. The Beach at JBR is also a great pick, with oodles of places to eat (and ice cream stops) and play areas.
Food is one of Dubai’s big draws, but eating out can leave some solo travellers feeling awkward. If you’d rather avoid the city’s more extravagant see-and-be-seen restaurants, there are plenty of intimate spots. 11 Woodfire is one, with a friendly neighbourhood feel and delicious woodfired plates. For a low-key seafood supper, join the queues at Bu Qtair in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. It started life as a simple seafood shack and is now a Dubai must-do. The same
can be said for trying a Persian kebab at Al Ustad Special Kebab, an atmospheric and long-running Iranian joint in Bur Dubai.
can be said for trying a Persian kebab at Al Ustad Special Kebab, an atmospheric and long-running Iranian joint in Bur Dubai.
are all about another local institution – brunch. Nammos Dubai at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai draws a chilled, chic crowd by day and gets lively into the night. WHITE Beach at the Atlantis also does a good line in grazing and people watching. Away from the sands, sophisticated Zuma is one of the city’s most sophisticated and sought-after brunch spots.
Time to chill out? Head to the beach. Laid-back Kite Beach is a perennial family favourite, thanks to its golden sands, play areas and kitesurfers dancing above the water. When hunger strikes, slip off to breezy beach house resort Salt for sliders, fries and soft-serve ice-creams. The Beach at JBR is also a great pick, with oodles of places to eat (and ice cream stops) and play areas.
After all that excitement, it must be time for sundowners. Start the night in Attiko and enjoy fantastic views of the Arabian Gulf. Then make your way to City Social at Grosvenor House (of super chef Jason Atherton fame), another glam spot with great bites.
It’s not all about the nights, though: beachside day clubs are a big thing in Dubai and weekends