Dubai is a year-round destination. From October to April, the weather is warm, sunny and ideal for beach days, sightseeing and outdoor dining. The summer months between June and September are significantly hotter, but travellers still visit to enjoy exceptional hotel value, air-conditioned resorts, indoor attractions, shopping malls and evening activities. Whatever time of year you choose to travel, Dubai offers comfort, luxury and sunlight in abundance.

UK passport holders receive a free visa on arrival in the UAE, allowing a stay of up to thirty days without needing to apply in advance. The process on arrival is extremely efficient — your passport is stamped, and you can proceed directly to baggage collection. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, but no additional paperwork is required. This simplicity makes Dubai one of the easiest long-haul destinations for UK visitors.

Direct flights from London to Dubai typically take around seven hours, while flights from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and other UK airports also operate regularly. Airlines such as Emirates, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic provide comfortable, well-timed services. Because Dubai sits just four hours ahead of the UK, there is minimal jet lag, and many travellers find they can start enjoying their holiday immediately upon arrival.

The most popular time to holiday in Dubai is between October and April, when temperatures are warm and pleasant, skies are reliably blue and conditions are ideal for both beach relaxation and sightseeing. During the summer months, temperatures rise significantly, but Dubai is well-prepared for the heat with air-conditioned hotels, attractions, malls and restaurants. Many UK travellers visit in summer for excellent value, quieter resorts and indoor activities such as aquariums, exhibitions and theme parks.

Dubai is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. Resorts offer spacious rooms, extensive pools, kids’ clubs, water slides and safe beaches. The city’s attractions include aquariums, waterparks, theme parks, desert adventures and immersive museums that keep children engaged from morning to evening. Families often comment that Dubai feels welcoming, safe and exceptionally easy, with modern infrastructure and thoughtful service at every stage of the trip.

Dubai can be luxurious, but it offers a wide range of price points. Many upscale hotels provide exceptional facilities and service, while more affordable resorts still maintain excellent standards. Dining can range from gourmet restaurants run by world-famous chefs to casual beachfront eateries, mall food halls and local cafés offering tremendous value. Activities vary in cost depending on style and exclusivity, and we tailor holidays to match your preferred comfort level and budget. Many travellers find Dubai surprisingly good value, especially when booking well-located resorts outside peak season.

Dubai’s dining scene is among the most diverse in the world. The city blends flavours from the Middle East, India, North Africa, Europe and Asia, offering everything from award-winning fine dining to casual family-friendly restaurants. Hotels often feature multiple dining venues, showcasing cuisines curated by renowned international chefs. Dietary requirements are taken seriously, and travellers with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal or allergy-specific needs find Dubai highly accommodating.

Dubai is considered one of the safest cities globally, with extremely low crime rates and a strong emphasis on hospitality, cleanliness and visitor comfort. Public spaces are well-lit and well-maintained, and hotel areas are closely managed. Standards of safety and security are exceptionally high. UK travellers consistently comment on how safe they feel exploring Dubai — whether visiting malls, beaches, restaurants or cultural districts.

Lightweight clothing is ideal for the warm climate, along with swimwear, sunglasses and sun protection for days by the pool or on the beach. Evenings tend to be warm, though indoor venues can be cool due to air-conditioning, so a light layer is often welcome. Dubai has a relaxed yet stylish dress code in resorts and malls, while cultural sites such as mosques require modest clothing. Smart-casual attire is suitable for most restaurants, and many guests enjoy dressing elegantly for evening dining, rooftop terraces and city nights out.

Dubai offers beautiful, clean, well-maintained beaches with calm, clear waters throughout much of the year. The coastline is lined with high-quality resorts offering private beachfronts, comfortable loungers and warm, gently lapping seas ideal for swimming. Areas such as Jumeirah Beach and the Palm provide soft sand, protected bays and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Sea temperatures remain warm enough for comfortable swimming in every season.

Dubai offers an extraordinary range of activities suitable for all ages and interests. Visitors can ascend the Burj Khalifa for panoramic views, enjoy dhow cruises on Dubai Creek, explore old souks, visit the desert for sunset safaris, or relax at luxury spas. Families love the aquariums, waterparks and theme parks, while couples enjoy fine dining, rooftop lounges and private yacht experiences. Active travellers can enjoy jet skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, hot-air balloon flights and world-class golf.

Absolutely. Dubai is one of the world’s most popular stopover destinations thanks to its location, short flight times from the UK and seamless onward connections. Travellers often pair Dubai with the Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Sri Lanka or South Africa for an extended and varied holiday. A few days in Dubai is perfect for sunshine, shopping, relaxation and city exploration before heading on to a beach or safari destination.