Connecting the east and west, Dubai is a vibrant and futuristic city that's worth exploring for a short break. Its pastel hues of sand, sky, sea and iconic silver from the glittering skyscrapers towering above are already a favourite with travellers looking for a bit of luxe. However, despite the common comparison, Dubai isn't similar to Las Vegas – its expansive vistas are free from neon lights and gambling (which is actually illegal in the UAE). Instead, expect a city that feels brand new, where everything is geared to 21st-century living.
Click through for your ultimate guide to a short break in Dubai.
ESSENTIALS
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the city sits on the Persian Gulf and is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, save for Abu Dhabi, which is a one-and-a-half-hour drive away. Surrounded by desert, temperatures can scorch in the summer months but offer warm solace from the British winter. The best time to visit is November to April, when temperatures average 19-26 degrees Celsius. While it's respectable to dress modestly, the city is multicultural so covering shoulders and knees is acceptable in most areas.
The currency is UAE dirham (AED) and most places accept card, so no need to withdraw lots of cash. The cost of things in Dubai varies hugely; while taxis and essentials are fairly cheap, eating and drinking out can be very expensive, especially when it comes to alcohol, which is only allowed in hotels.
To get there it's technically long-haul but with return flights from London costing as little as £220, you could count it as a mini break. If you're travelling further – say to the Far East or Australasia – why not break up the long flight with a weekend in Dubai? Most airlines will let you extend your layover for a couple of nights, without additional cost. You can fly non-stop from the UK via Emirates, British Airways, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic and Royal Brunei. The airport is 4km from the city centre, and taxis take about 20 minutes, costing around £14. Thirty-day visas are granted free of charge to British passport-holders.
Photo: Jorg Greuel/Getty Images.
STAY
Blow the budget
Jumeirah Al Naseem, from £379/night
This luxury 5* hotel is right on the beach, with views of the Burj Al Arab and Persian Gulf. There's a private beach, three pools and a fantastic restaurant, but the low-rise development bats away any traces of ostentatiousness often found in luxury resorts. The refreshing interiors feature work by contemporary Arabian artists – the ideal touch of luxe if you're looking to splash out.
Medium budget
Renaissance Downtown Hotel, from £160/night
The newly opened Renaissance Downtown Hotel, located in Business Bay, is beautifully designed with a stellar view of the world's highest building, the Burj Khalifa, and isn't too far from the public beaches. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a rooftop bar, six restaurants (Bleu Blanc is amazing) and the rooms are sleek, with great views. It's the perfect base for exploring the city.
On a budget
XVA Art Hotel, from £80/night
The XVA Art Hotel is a welcome antidote to Dubai's sparkly high-rises, set in the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood. Traditional isn't a word associated with Dubai but you'll find it here, with Emirati decor and a breezy, alcohol-free, vegetarian restaurant and gallery. The 13 rooms are simple yet tasteful, all situated around pretty courtyards. Just outside the hotel there's a treasure trove of small shops, galleries and cafés to explore.
EAT
The city is a melting pot of cultures and this is true of the food, too. A great starting point (if the timing works) is the Dubai Food Festival, which takes place 22nd February-10th March. It's a complex of pop-ups with food trucks, performances and dining tours; best of all, it's right on the beach.
Comptoir 102
Dubai's resident hipster hangout has to be Comptoir 102. A healthy café-cum-concept store, with a curated collection of interiors, beauty and jewellery, you won't leave empty-handed. While the food isn't traditional cuisine, it's all locally sourced from organic farms, perfect if you need a health boost.
Comptoir 102, 102 Beach Rd Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Shababeek
Shababeek is the brainchild of one of the most powerful Arabic women, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour, who wanted to create a standout, design-focused venue. Chef Maroun Chedid has curated a menu rooted in Lebanese cuisine; expect classic dishes like shish taouk (marinated chicken), tabouleh and fresh Arabic bread, done with class.
Shababeek, Al Qasba, 39378 Sharjah
Creekside Restaurant & Cafe
Through charming, authentic passageways lined with stalls, you'll find this traditional Emirati restaurant on the water's edge. Make sure you're hungry as the traditional mezze keep on coming – you'll think you're full after baba ghanoush, pitta, salads and hummus, but then main courses of local fish, chicken and koftas arrive, so save space! Don't expect a glass of wine as alcohol is only served in hotels, but the long, blended lemon mint and sugar is delicious.
Creekside Restaurant & Cafe, Bastakiya, next to Rulers Court Al Souk Al Kabeer St, Bur Dubai
SHOP
Shopping is a big part of Dubai life, mostly centred around the vast Dubai Mall, which sprawls over 12 million square foot and four floors, and holds the title of second largest mall in the world by total land area. You'll find some eerily familiar names – Topshop, H&M, Debenhams and even Waitrose make an appearance – as well as every luxury store imaginable, and some Arabian finds that are well worth a visit. If you have time, stop by the Dubai Aquarium on the top floor, which you've probably seen through the eyes of your Instagram timeline.
For a more cultured experience, head to the Dubai Creek near the XVA Art Hotel and the Creekside Restaurant and zig-zag across the water on an abra (water taxi) to discover the many souks. One-way trips cost 1 AED (20p) and you'll find markets specialising in spices, rugs, silks, precious stones and minerals – it's a crystal lover's paradise. Just make sure to wise up on the currency conversions for prime haggling.
Photo: Matteo Colombo/Getty Images.
CULTURE
It's a common gripe that Dubai is devoid of culture but thanks to recent investment, it's establishing itself as the central creative hub in the Middle East. Art Season starts in March with the Festival of Literature and Art Dubai, and Dubai Design Week takes place in November at the new centre for design, Dubai Design District.
Alserkal Avenue
Make sure to visit Alserkal Avenue, an arts hub with galleries, shops and cafés – stop by the Mirzam chocolate factory while you're there. There's also an independent film house, Cinema Akil which is well worth a visit if you have time. The complex is architecturally beautiful, made up of vast, container-like cubes which glint in the Arabian sun. Instagram heaven.
DO
Head to the beach
Unless you're lucky enough to be staying at a hotel with a private beach, head to Jumeirah Open Beach, which is free and has great views across the coast and Burj Al Arab. The dress code is relaxed here, so you're okay in a swimsuit or bikini – perfect for catching some sun and dipping in the warm sea.
Head to the desert
If you have time try and see the foundations on which Dubai is built: desert. Within a flash of leaving the city all you can see is sand, a truly surreal experience. Platinum Heritage offers unique and sustainable trips, where you can drive out in a 1950s Land Rover through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and enjoy wildlife spotting before a camel ride in the dunes.
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