New perspectives: Dubai

Once regarded as more of a stopover than a destination, Dubai, a modern emirate on the coast of the Persian Gulf, is now considered a luxurious, exciting and forward-thinking holiday spot. It’s home to not only the tallest building in the world – the 828m Burj Khalifa – but also more than 150 five-star hotels and 10 Michelin-starred restaurants.

If that’s not enough reason to visit, flights are short compared to other mid-haul destinations and, increasingly, it’s offering real value for money, explains Arabia Product Executive Tracy Martin.

Food lovers

Dubai is such a hot foodie destination that the Michelin Guide 2024 ceremony took place in the ballroom of the new One&Only One Za’abeel. Big-hitter chefs with a presence here include Heston Blumenthal, Gordon Ramsay, Yannick Alléno and Nobu Matsuhisa, with many others regularly stopping by for residencies and experiences.

Anyone who’s anyone has a restaurant here and its hard to think of anywhere else to rival its foodie scene. A number of hotels offer ‘dine around’ meal plans, allowing you to visit the restaurants at other hotels, offering huge variety.

Jumeirah Hotels are excellent for these, including options for lunch and dinner in their collection of hotels across Dubai. JA The Resort also offers meal plans that include a choice of restaurants across the resort, including White Orchid, an incredible Asian restaurant.

And if you upgrade to a Club room, many hotels offer access to a Club lounge with snacks, drinks, social events, happy hours and more. Saturday brunch is big business in Dubai, with options ranging from mega buffets to poolside snacking with free-flowing alcohol and a DJ on the decks.

Expert picks: TOP EATS

At the two Michelin-starred STAY by Yannick Alléno at One&Only The Palm, the celebrated chef prepares classic French dishes to an exquisite standard in opulent surroundings, and curates a Pastry Library where desserts are custom-made.

At Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal, the innovative British chef offers diners the chance to experience some of his signature dishes such as mandarin and chicken liver parfait and ‘meat fruit’.

Exporting his own unique and playful style of Chinese cuisine, the Canadian chef’s Demon Duck by Alvin Leung at Banyan Tree Dubai offers dishes such as lobster with green onions and ginger and chocolate matcha fondant with brown rice ice cream.

Family fun

Every member of the family will be wowed by Atlantis The Palm. Like the skyscrapers of New York, photos can’t do justice to its scale and grandeur, and it needs to be seen to be believed. But it’s within the complex that true wonders are to be found. The award-winning resort features over 30 world-class restaurants and bars (including the breathtaking underwater Ossiano), a tranquil stretch of pristine beach and luxurious rooms with unforgettable views.

Aquaventure World, the largest waterpark in the world, is right next door and has thrilling attractions for water lovers of all abilities, including the famous Leap of Faith water slide. There’s an aquarium too, home to more than 65,000 marine inhabitants and a range of interactive experiences.

Families with younger children should consider the Centara Mirage Beach Resort, set on a prime stretch of Dubai’s waterfront. A kids’ paradise, the rooms are geared up for families and the kids’ menus are great – the all-inclusive packages even come with unlimited ice cream. Thrill-packed water attractions include water slides and cliff-jumping points as well as two beachfront pools, three age-specific kids’ clubs and a candy-themed kids’ spa.

Expert picks: THEME PARKS

Motiongate Dubai features epic attractions and rides inspired by some of the world’s most beloved movie franchises. Highlights include The Green Hornet: High Speed Chase rollercoaster.

At the world’s first football theme park, Real Madrid World, 40 experiences await, including the stomach-churning Hands Up! Drop tower experience.

At Legoland Dubai Resort, little ones can enrol in the driving school for a ‘real life’ driving experience or hop on the Dragons Apprentice rollercoaster.

Thrill seekers

Tom Cruise experienced a Dubai adventure in 2011’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, which was shot here – and you can do the same, combining Dubai’s beaches and famous sights with unforgettable desert experiences. Cruise the sand dunes in a buggy, get up close and personal with camels and oryx or enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars.

The desert feels a world away from the city of Dubai, but in just an hour’s drive you’re in the middle of sand dunes surrounded by amazing nature. The JA Ocean View Hotel on The Walk is a great base from which to explore the more rugged side of Dubai – once you’ve enjoyed its pool, beach, gym and dining offerings. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience head to Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and check into a tented villa with a private pool set among the dunes.

Expert picks: ADDED WOW

A desert safari is a must. Some operators will include pick up and drop off from your hotel, but all safaris will feature amazing views across sand dunes and endless blue skies, begging to be uploaded to Instagram.

Hot air ballooning is a great option for early risers. Perhaps the best way to see an Arabian sunrise is from 4000 ft in the air. And you could round off the experience with a gourmet breakfast in the dunes.

Away from the desert, high-octane thrill seekers should head to Burj Khalifa to be whizzed to level 124 by the world’s fastest double-deck elevators to admire the dazzling skyline through high-powered telescopes.

This feature was created on 3rd February 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.