Dubai holidays from the UK: when to go and what to know

Dubai is the most popular long-haul winter sun destination from the UK: guaranteed sunshine from autumn to spring, beach hotels, huge shopping malls and record-breaking buildings. It is further and more expensive than Europe, so timing and total price matter.

Getting there

Direct flights leave from London and several regional airports and take around seven hours. They land at Dubai International (DXB), close to the city. The metro red line runs from Terminals 1 and 3 into the city, and taxis are plentiful.

Dubai is four hours ahead of the UK in winter and three hours ahead during British Summer Time.

When to go

• November to March is the best time: warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings. This is also the most expensive period, particularly around Christmas and New Year.
• April, May and October are hot but still manageable, and often cheaper.
• June to September is extremely hot, often above 40°C. Hotel prices drop, but most time is spent indoors or by the pool.

The dates of Ramadan move about 11 days earlier each year. Dubai stays open to visitors, but some restaurants and entertainment change their hours, and eating or drinking in public during daylight is discouraged.

Where to stay

• Dubai Marina and JBR: beach, promenade, restaurants and many hotels; popular with families.
• Downtown Dubai: the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountain shows.
• Palm Jumeirah: resort hotels with private beaches, further from the metro.
• Jumeirah Beach: lower-rise beach hotels between Downtown and the Marina.
• Deira and Bur Dubai: the older city around the Creek, with souks and more budget hotels.

Things to do

• Burj Khalifa: the observation decks are cheaper and less busy if you book a time slot in advance.
• Desert safari: dune driving and a camp dinner; choose a licensed operator.
• Old Dubai: cross the Creek by abra (water taxi) to the Gold and Spice Souks.
• Museum of the Future and the Dubai Frame.
• Water parks, beach clubs and theme parks for families.

Entry rules and local laws

• British citizens can currently get a visa on arrival for a short stay. Your passport usually needs to be valid for at least six months from arrival. Always check the latest rules on GOV.UK before you travel.
• Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines are controlled in the UAE. Check the rules before you pack any medication.
• Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants, but being drunk in public is an offence.
• Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites. Swimwear is fine at the beach and pool.

Money and practical tips

• The currency is the UAE dirham (AED).
• Hotels add a Tourism Dirham fee per room per night, often paid at check-in. Check whether your price includes it.
• Tipping around 10% in restaurants is common where service is not already included.

Getting a good deal

Dubai is often cheaper in late October, early December and from mid-January, outside school holidays. Flights with one stop can cost much less than direct ones, but compare the total travel time. Compare the total price including luggage and transfers, and see the current flight deals to Dubai and our guide on how to spot a real holiday deal.