The winter months can seem long and cold, especially if it’s been a long time since you’ve had a vacation. When you’re desperate to escape the grey clouds and biting wind, a destination in Asia could be a great choice. With Dubai averaging a temperature of 24 degrees in January accompanied by just one day of rain, it ticks all the boxes for the perfect winter sun destination. Travel to Dubai is easy from most parts of the world, with major hubs having several flights every week or even every day.The winter months can seem long and cold, especially if it’s been a long time since you’ve had a trip.Dubai winter sun destination is a option
Accommodation for All Budgets
Whatever type of accommodation you’re looking for, Dubai can meet your needs. Whether it’s for a holiday of a lifetime or something more modest for a family getaway, this bustling emirate of the UAE offers plenty of choices. We’ve picked out some of our favorites to help you find the perfect location.
Burj Al Arab
Situated on an artificial island, this iconic hotel has become known worldwide for its sail-like design and for being one of a handful of seven-star hotels. If being pampered and waited upon is your idea of heaven, then this could be a destination worth saving up for. We’re not quite sure if the silk embroidered wallpaper and gold leaf are quite to our taste but being able to choose from seventeen different types of pillows and sleeping on a revolving bed, sounds like good fun!
Atlantis, The Palm
Taking a step down in the price ticket without losing the wow factor, the Atlantis definitely needs to be on the ‘bucket list’ of Dubai hotels. With 1,5000 rooms, this is not a small and quaint place to stay, but its emphasis on being a one-stop location means that it can be an excellent choice for families. In terms of design, think Disney fairy tale, and with an aquarium, 23 dining outlets, and a bowling alley, it does take on the feeling of an exotic theme park. And when you’ve seen everything that Atlantis has to offer, then we have more family friendly ideas for amazing things to do!
Premier Inn
If you’re planning on being out and about during the day and just need a room to sleep in, then the Premier Inn chain fits the bill perfectly. These no-nonsense hotels are well known across Europe for their comfortable beds and high standard of cleanliness. In Dubai, however, they have really upped their offering, with many of the hotels also having a pool. And when you consider that you can get a room for a family of four, including breakfast, for under 60€ a night, then these really are a perfect solution for a winter break in the sun.
Getting to Know Dubai
It would be easy to fall into the trap of assuming that Dubai is all about shopping and restaurants, but there is so much more to see and do that you need never step into a mall if you don’t want to.
Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding
Despite what may seem a slightly off-putting name, the Center for Cultural Understanding is the perfect place to learn about the history and culture of the UAE. With the motto of ‘Open Drs, Open Minds,’ you’ll be encouraged to ask the questions which you might have been reluctant to voice for fear of offending cultural sensitivities.
The center provides talks over traditional Emirati meals, guided walking tours, and even the opportunity to get close to a camel in their presentation on the critical role of this ‘beast of burden.’
4×4 Desert Experiences
If you’re keen to experience life away from the traffic and tower blocks, then a trip into the desert with a 4×4 could be a great option. You’ll be able to pick from a few hours in the dunes through to all-day expeditions and overnight camps. Many companies provide tuition so that you can experience the rollercoaster thrills of dune driving, or if you prefer to let others take the wheel, then there are also many guided tours on offer too.
Boat Trips
If heading out to sea is more appealing, then you’ll not be short of options to choose from. We recommend heading towards Dubai Creek, a man-made waterway constructed to facilitate easier access for trade ships. This expanse of water was considered critical in Dubai’s development as a major port within the Middle East.
From the creek area, you’ll find dhow cruises offering evening cruises with meals and entertainment and the option for private charters by the hour. Or for a more authentic boating experience, you could take a trip on an abra. These water taxis cross the creek every few minutes, and at the cost of just 1 AED, they are perfect to see the sights of Dubai from the water.
The Burj Khalifa
As the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa is a constant presence on the horizon. 828 meters high, and at more than 160 stories, it has the highest outdoor observation deck and the elevator with the longest travel distance in the world!
There are several options to choose from, including taking afternoon tea at the world’s highest lounge on levels 152-154 through to the ‘At the Top’ tour, which includes stepping out onto the outdoor terrace at 555 meters high. We strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance as there are capacity limits and it will also reduce the amount of time that you’ll need to queue for.
The Spice Souk
If you need to awaken your senses, then a visit to the Dubai Spice Souk is the perfect solution. Spend a morning wandering amongst the stalls, chatting to the vendors, and taking in the aromatic scent of spices all stacked high in wooden baskets. While you’ll get a fantastic deal by buying in bulk, there are also bargains to be had with some gentle haggling on prices.
Along with the spices, you’ll also find various herbs, nuts, and oils to inspire your culinary skills. If you’re a fan of tea, then you’ll be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of fragrant leaves from across the world.
The Spice Souk opens from 10 am – 1 pm Saturday to Thursday and again from 4 pm to 10 pm on a Saturday and Sunday. It’s closed all day on a Friday.
