Dubai

Luxury holidays in Dubai

Your Dubai holiday will be one of utter refinement and elegance. Our collection of the most exclusive Dubai hotels will cater to your every whim. With world-class restaurants, bars and cafés, you could be exploring the old town by day and relaxing in some of the most sophisticated establishments in the Middle East by night. Imagine dining in the clouds, with the grand metropolis below, as you prepare for high tea in the world's tallest building.

For luxury holidays to Dubai, let Kenwood Travel offer you a bespoke package. We've been leaders in the UK travel industry since 1977, and are Dubai travel specialists. As one of the premier tour operators when it comes to holidays in the Middle East, let us build you the Dubai holiday of a lifetime, whether you’re looking for a Dubai all inclusive holiday, an incredible Half Board Offer, or even a family holiday with free places for kids.  

10 great reasons to holiday in Dubai

• Dubai is a fantastic destination for families, couples, and single travellers
• Some of the world’s most exclusive luxury hotels are in Dubai
• Dubai has some of the most amazing water parks and theme parks in the world
• You can enjoy exciting excursions like desert safari or sand-boarding in Dubai
• Dubai has many excellent championship golf courses
• Visit the famous Dubai Creek and gold souks
• Only a 7 hour flight from the UK with very little time difference
• Treat yourself to something from the world's largest shopping mall boasting over 1,200 stores!
• Dine in world-class restaurants
• Get a taste of the vibrant Dubai nightlife

Ramadan in Dubai

The majority of local people in Dubai are Muslim, so Ramadan is a prominent event in the Emirate. Ramadan’s timing is lunar and therefore not fixed in terms of the western calendar. Ramadan is the month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food, drinks and smoking from dawn to dusk. As a sign of respect, visitors are also expected to refrain from consuming these items in public places during the daylight hours of this month. Ramadan 2021 is from 12th April - 12th May whilst Ramadan 2022 is from 2nd April - 1st May. Visitors to the Middle East during this time should be aware that opening times may vary and some restrictions may apply.

However, if you are a non-fasting visitor to Dubai, your international hotel or resort will provide food and beverage outlets during the day. Most activities run as normal during Ramadan, so you can visit golf clubs, sports centres, shopping malls and spas. Just make sure you check opening hours before you visit them, as they may vary during the Holy Month. For an authentic experience of the true culture of Dubai, Ramadan is a great time to visit. Please speak to your Middle East specialist at Kenwood Travel for more information.

Public holidays in the UAE

Please note that during religious celebrations and public holidays in the United Arab Emirates, restrictions on the serving of alcohol may be imposed at hotels and restaurants. Food services may also be restricted and opening times may vary. Please check with your Kenwood Travel agent for more info, or see the list of UAE public holidays below:

• Gregorian New Year: 1 January
• Eid Al Fitr: From last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to 3 Shawwal* (4 days)
• Arafah day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah* (4 days)
• Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year): 1 Muharram - 12 August in 2021 and on 30 July in 2022
• Prophet Mohammed's birthday: 21 October in 2021 and on 8 October in 2022
• Commemoration Day: 1 December (previously known as Martyr's Day and was observed on 30 November)
• National Day: 2 and 3 December (2 days)

Interesting facts about Dubai

When you begin your Dubai holiday, you’ll be stunned to learn that only three decades ago this showroom of lavish and luxurious architecture was a humble fishing village. Today, wherever you care to look you’ll encounter a city brimming with architectural masterpieces, record-breaking buildings and a world-leading arts scene. Keep reading for more fascinating facts about Dubai.

• Language – Arabic (hotel staff will speak English)
• Area – 4,114 sq. kilometres
• Population – 2,262,000
• Currency – Arab Emirate Dirham (AED)
• The Dubai police fleet includes Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bentleys
• The Dubai metro covers 47 miles, a Guinness World Record for the longest fully automated metro network in the world
• If you fancy a bit of retail therapy, the Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world, boasting over 1,200 stores
• Dubai only featured one high-rise building in 1991, now it has over 400 making it one of the fastest growing cities in the world

Weather in Dubai

Located on the Persian Gulf and bordered by desert, the weather in Dubai gets pretty warm. From the end of September to the start of May, you'll encounter a much cooler temperature compared to summer (but it will still feel hotter than the UK). Be sure to pack sun cream and cool clothing if visiting during summer (May and September). And don't worry if it gets too hot for certain outdoor activities during the day; in Dubai they've thought of everything with chilled water in swimming pools, high-tech air con and other refreshing solutions. 

Know before you go 

Please note: Dining restrictions may apply for all hotels in Dubai when complimentary meal plan upgrades are on offer.

Please note: As one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, Dubai experiences its fair share of building projects. Dubai holidaymakers are therefore advised that there may be some construction works taking place around the city and beach areas during their holiday. If you would like to know whether your hotel in Dubai will be affected by any construction works, please see hotel overview description, or speak to your Dubai holiday advisor for more details. 

Please note: The Dubai authorities have levied a Tourism Dirham Tax for all guests. The Fee will be levied per occupied room night and will be stated as a separate line item on the hotel's bill, as presented at the end of the stay. Unfortunately, we are not able to add the tax to your invoice, this can only be paid locally. The amount to be levied will be 20 AED for five-star properties which at the moment translates to approximately £4.30 per room per night.

Please note: Hotel check-in times in Dubai are usually from 3pm. Access to your room before this time will be at the hotels discretion however if you arrive early in to Dubai and want to guarantee a room for your arrival, we recommend booking an additional night.

Please note: Electronic cigarettes are banned in the United Arab Emirates, and it is forbidden to bring them into the country. 

Please note: Visitors to the UAE travelling with medicine are advised to check the approved list as provided by United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention. For certain medications, visitors will be required to submit an online form prior to travel. This is a legal requirement, and visitors found with undeclared medicines run risk of being denied entry into the country.