Dubai holidays
The founders of finesse.
Set upon miles of glorious golden sand, our hotels in Dubai allow you to luxuriate in five-star glamour, while still reaching the bright lights of the city. The nearby desert is a treasure trove of falconry, sand boarding and dune bashing, perfect for magical adventures on your Dubai holiday.
Why choose Virgin Atlantic Holidays?
We fly direct to Dubai during our seasonal service
Fly to Dubai International Airport from London Heathrow. 7 hour flight time.
Book year-round with Emirates. Emirates operates multiple daily direct flights between London Heathrow and Dubai, so you can continue to book your Dubai trip with confidence while Virgin Atlantic's seasonal service plans to return to Dubai for the Winter 2027 season.
Pick your perfect month
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
January 2027
February 2027
March 2027
April 2027
Things to do and see in Dubai
Top attractions
Shopping
Events
Local areas
Dubai doesn't do things by halves – and neither should you. From jaw-dropping views at the Burj Khalifa to chasing thrills at Aquaventure Waterpark, the top attractions in Dubai are all about going big, bold, and unforgettable, just like your holiday should be.
Conquer the dunes
Strap in for a dune buggy safari in Dubai – it’s all speed, sand, and serious thrills. Tear across golden dunes, catch epic views, and feel the desert come alive beneath your wheels. It’s the ultimate off-road adventure.
Reach new heights
Seeing the Burj Khalifa in Dubai? It’s a must - because when you’re standing on the world’s tallest building, the views (and your Instagram game) hit sky-high levels.
Museum of The Future
The Museum of the Future in Dubai isn’t just another gallery, it’s a mind-blowing leap into what’s next. Think space stations, AI and flying cars, all inside one seriously Insta-worthy building.
Unleash the thrills
A day at Aquaventure Waterpark is basically your excuse to scream, slide, and splash your way through some seriously wild rides. From adrenaline-pumping water slides to relaxing lazy rivers, it’s a fun-filled day where getting wet is highly encouraged.
Shopping in Dubai? Oh, you’re in for a treat (and probably a suitcase upgrade). Whether you’re hunting high fashion in the Dubai Mall or bartering for gold in the souks, retail therapy here is next level. Think designer labels, dazzling jewellery and enough air-con to forget you’re in the desert. Shopping in Dubai isn’t just an activity – it’s an experience, and your bank card’s new best friend.
Gold Souk
Prepare to be dazzled. You’ll find enough glittering jewellery to make you feel like royalty. Whether you're bargaining for a necklace or just soaking up the sparkle, it’s a must-see spot that adds a little shine to your Dubai adventure.
Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall serves up big-name brands, waterfront dining, and one seriously impressive fountain show. Whether you’re shopping, snacking or catching IMAGINE, the record-breaking light and water show, this mall knows how to put on a performance.
Dubai Mall
Shopping in Dubai Mall is an experience, not just a shopping trip - with everything from luxury boutiques to an aquarium you can literally shop around. Whether you're picking up the latest designer trends or treating yourself to a world-class meal, this mall does retail with a serious wow factor.
Seasonal events in Dubai turn the heat up on your holiday, whatever time of year you land. Think fireworks and festivities during Dubai Shopping Festival in winter, beach parties and foodie feasts during Dubai Food Festival, and world-class acts lighting up the stage at the Dubai Comedy Festival in October. From cultural celebrations to sporting showstoppers like the DP World Tour Championship, there’s always something going on – so pack your sunnies and your social calendar.
DP World Tour Championship
November 2026
The DP World Tour Championship tees off in Dubai in November, bringing world-class golf, sunshine and serious sporting drama to the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just here for the atmosphere (and maybe the hospitality), this finale of the European Tour is Dubai at its sporting best.
UNTOLD Dubai
November 2026
Get ready to turn it all the way up with four days and four nights of unforgettable music at Dubai Parks & Resorts. Expect 100+ global artists, five spectacular stages, and nonstop vibes, with everything from EDM and techno to pop and hip-hop. Whether you're here to dance until sunrise or discover your next favourite artist, this is where the party starts.
Duty Free Tennis Championships
February 2027
Feel the heat of world-class tennis in the heart of Dubai at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2026. Between electrifying rallies and courtside glamour, this is where sporting drama meets sun-soaked style-by day, and rooftop celebrations by night.
Holi celebrations
March 2027
Holi celebrations in Dubai are a riot of colour, music and non-stop good vibes, think open-air parties, DJs, and clouds of powdered colour filling the sky. It’s one of the brightest ways to celebrate culture in Dubai, and trust us, your camera roll won’t know what hit it.
Exploring beyond Dubai? Head to Abu Dhabi for grand mosques, luxury shopping and epic theme parks like Ferrari World, or escape to Ras Al Khaimah for mountain views, desert adventures and a much-needed break from the city buzz. Whether you're soaking in culture or chasing thrills, the UAE’s neighbouring gems are waiting to be discovered.
Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is all soft white sand, turquoise water and front-row views of the iconic Burj Al Arab. Whether you’re sunbathing, paddleboarding or just living your best beach life, this is Dubai at its most effortlessly glam.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi brings the big energy from the jaw-dropping Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to high-speed thrills at Ferrari World. It's the UAE's capital of culture, coastlines and can't-miss moments, just a short hop from the buzz of Dubai.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is where adventure meets relaxation – think towering mountains, desert dunes, and some seriously chilled-out beaches. Whether you're hiking to the top of Jebel Jais or kicking back in a luxury resort, RAK serves up a side of Dubai’s thrills with a whole lot less hustle.
Plan your Dubai adventures
Book online today!
Simply choose your experiences in the Extras section when booking your flight and hotel online.
From bucket-list attractions to unforgettable adventures, we've made it easy to plan your perfect Dubai itinerary. Explore our range of tours, tickets and experiences and book ahead with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, so everything's taken care of before you arrive.
Essential information for Dubai
Treat yourself to a flight upgrade...
Premium cabins, summed up
Our premium cabins are all about travelling better
Upgrade your journey in one simple step. Sink into extra space, enhanced dining and little luxuries in Premium:
- extra-large leather seats and up to 38″ of legroom
- priority check-in and boarding
- restaurant-inspired meals on china crockery with a glass of bubbly
- 2 × 23 kg checked bags
- plus treats from the Wander Wall (on selected aircraft), premium snacks and an amenity kit on overnight flights.
Upgrade to something special
Our Upper Class cabin: travel in style
Indulge in Upper Class, where every detail is designed to elevate flying into an experience:
- extra-large seats that transform into fully lie-flat beds
- priority check-in, fast-track security and exclusive access to our iconic Clubhouse at London Heathrow
- luxury 4-course fine-dining and a glass of bubbly when you board
- 2 x 32kg checked bags and priority handling
- plus onboard social spaces from the bar, the loft and the booth, depending on your aircraft.
Go big in Dubai
Need more travel tips or holiday help?
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice on 18 June 2026 and no longer advises against non-essential travel to the UAE, including Dubai. For more information click here
For most UK travellers, travel insurance should now cover a holiday to Dubai, but we recommend to check your policy carefully.
Yes, Emirates is continuing to operate its flight schedule as normal. Virgin Atlantic is planning to resume flying from Winter 2027.
Book by 30th June 2026 to be covered by our flexible booking policy, so if your plans need to shift, it's no problem.
Yes. Dubai International Airport is fully operational across all terminals and is welcoming passengers as normal.
Good news! If you're a British citizen jetting off to Dubai for a holiday, you won’t need to worry about applying for a visa in advance. When you land in the UAE (including dazzling Dubai), UK passport holders receive a free visa on arrival, stamped at immigration. This Dubai tourist visa is valid for up to 40 days, giving you plenty of time to explore everything from golden beaches to sky-high shopping malls.
Dubai is 3 or 4 hours ahead of the UK. The time difference is small enough that there’s minimal jet lag, meaning you can hit the ground running - whether that’s beachside brunching, desert adventuring, or diving straight into those duty-free shopping sprees.
A direct flight from London to Dubai takes around 7 hours.
Hit Jumeirah Beach for sun, sea and seriously glam vibes, head to Downtown Dubai for big-name sights like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and don’t miss the iconic Palm Jumeirah – home to luxe resorts, beach clubs and brag-worthy views. Each spot has its own vibe, but they all serve up that signature Dubai dazzle.
Here’s a bold, bite-sized breakdown of the best things to do in Dubai.
For the thrill-seekers:
Blast across the dunes on a buggy safari, zipline over the Marina, or dive into the record-breaking slides at Aquaventure Waterpark. Dubai does adrenaline with style.
For the culture lovers:
Wander through the Al Fahidi Historical District, sail the Creek on a traditional abra, and explore the future (literally) at the Museum of the Future.
For the shoppers:
Whether it’s designer dreams at Dubai Mall, luxe finds at Mall of the Emirates or treasures in the gold and spice souks – shopping in Dubai is next level.
For the beach bums:
Soak up the sun on Jumeirah Beach, sip something chilled on The Palm, or chill out in a private cabana at a beach club with skyline views.
For the view chasers:
Sky-high selfies? Yes please. Head to the top of the Burj Khalifa to catch a rooftop sunset over Downtown Dubai.
Shopping in Dubai isn’t just a hobby - it’s an art form. Start at the Dubai Mall, where you can browse luxury labels, high-street favourites and even an aquarium (because, why not?). Over at Mall of the Emirates, you’ve got everything from designer boutiques to actual skiing. Fancy something more traditional? Dive into the Gold Souk for glimmering bangles and bold bargains, or wander the Spice Souk where the scent of saffron and cinnamon hits before you even arrive
The currency in Dubai is the UAE dirham (AED). It’s good to have some cash for souks and taxis, but most places happily take cards - especially the ones that get a little spendy.
