All the newest attractions, hotels and talking points in Dubai
Whether clients are drawn to the destination’s beaches, glitzy hotels, record-breaking attractions and lavish restaurants as a holiday in itself or as a stopover, Dubai always has something fresh to recommend. Our expert rounds up what’s new in the desert city
What to see in Dubai
RIDE THE DUBAI BALLOON
Rising up to 300 metres – that’s twice the height of Dubai Frame – The Dubai Balloon is the city’s newest sky-high attraction. It is tethered at Atlantis, The Palm, and the 10-minute “flight” promises panoramas of its famous isle, not to mention Dubai’s superlative skyline. As well as shared rides, the balloon can also be reserved for exclusive use – making it a good recommendation if a client wants to pop that special question in private.
Book it: Flights from AED 175pp (£39); thedubaiballoon.com
ART FESTIVALS AND TAKE-OVERS
From Alserkal Avenue’s quirky galleries to the otherworldly “light rooms” of AYA Universe, Dubai adores art – and has lots of immersive events on the horizon. In 2024, the free Sikka Art and Design Festival (23 February-3 March) will bring dazzling illuminations, live music and open studios to Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood – while Art Dubai (1-3 March) will showcase top-tier Middle Eastern creators. To snap up affordable pieces by international emerging talents, look to World Art Dubai (2-5 May); sikkartandesign.com; artdubai.ae; worldartdubai.com
YOGA AT AURA SKYPOOL
As well as brunches, lunches and ever-Instagrammable swim sessions, Aura Skypool – the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, atop The Palm Tower, now also hosts outdoor fitness classes with extraordinary views. Active types can join after-dark boxing workouts set to club-worthy playlists as the city lights blaze far below, while early birds can start the day with power yoga and sound-healing meditation to get them energised.
Book it: Yoga from AED180pp (£40), boxing from AED160pp (£35); auraskypool.com
OASIS OF ACTIVITY
With 20km of mountain-biking trails, a high-ropes adventure course and new Crocodile Park wildlife centre, Mushrif Park is an active oasis on the edge of Dubai. It is beautifully manicured, yet natural enough to be a haven for bird life: its trees bustle with Arabian babblers and yellow-throated sparrows. On sunny winter days, clients can hike its nature trails (many wheelchair-friendly), go horse riding and cool off at the swimming pool.
Book it: Entrance AED3pp (£0.67), bike rental from AED55-65 (£12-14.50); dm.gov.ae/historic_item/mushrif-park
Where to stay
DESERT CABINS
It’s just a one-hour transfer from the city, but Hatta – an enclave of Dubai – feels worlds away. Here, amid the Al Hajar mountains, adventurous clients can follow wild hiking trails, go kayaking and explore the lush date plantations by bike. JA Hatta Fort Hotel’s new Terra Cabins offer a glamping experience with plentiful perks: think Nespresso machines, rainfall showers and two swimming pools. Featuring a double bed and bunk beds, they sleep two to six – ideal for families.
Book it: Hatta Fort Terra Cabins from £100 per night, including breakfast; jaresortshotels.com
FOUR STARS ON THE BEACH
On West Palm Beach, there’s always something amazing to see – from Dubai Marina’s glittering towers, parachutes pirouetting into Skydive Dubai’s basecamp, or millionaires’ yachts bobbing on the waves. Just steps from the sand, voco Dubai The Palm overlooks it all: this stylish four-star opened in spring 2023, and features 138 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool and lively beach club.
Book it: King Deluxe rooms from £222 per night, including breakfast; ihg.com/voco
UPTOWN FUNK
One of the city’s newest neighbourhoods, Uptown Dubai is emerging a 10-minute drive from JBR Beach – and SO/ Uptown Dubai is its first high-profile launch. With bold sculptures, bespoke murals and luxe soft furnishings, the hotel is true to SO/’s designer DNA, and features 188 rooms and suites. It occupies 10 floors of the diamond-inspired Uptown Tower, with a spa and premium restaurants – including all-day dining at Uptown Brasserie, poolside nibbles at Lazuli and city-view sundowners at Savant Bar & Lounge. It’s also a convenient location for The Palm, Dubai Marina and Sports City’s golf clubs.
Book it: Collection rooms from £280, including breakfast; so-hotels.com/en/uptown-dubai
Trade view
“Dubai always has so many fantastic new hotels launching, and there really is something for every budget. I visited Atlantis The Royal and Caesars Palace Dubai this year – both of which are incredible. While the demand for five-star hotels remains strong, we are also seeing great interest in new four-star properties such as NH Collection Dubai The Palm and voco Dubai The Palm. We’re also excited about the opening of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in 2024: located near the iconic Burj Al Arab, it’s a very welcome addition to the Jumeirah portfolio.”
Deborah Wadhams, head of product East, Gold Medal
Experience Dubai in a deeper way
GLOBETROTTING STREET FOOD
Now with 14 Michelin-starred restaurants to its name, Dubai’s fine-dining scene is thriving – but if your clients want to sample its full foodie spectrum, they should also join a tasting tour with Frying Pan Adventures. From street-food stalls to family-run bistros, each itinerary features multiple dishes from hidden gems in Deira and Bur Dubai – whether Emirati, Indian, Iranian, Lebanese or Afghani. All are incredible off-radar spots that you’d be unlikely to find solo.
Book it: The new Old Dubai Quickie Snacking Tour is priced at AED255pp (£56). Private itineraries are available; fryingpanadventures.com
BIG TICKETS, BIG SAVINGS
To save your clients up to 40% on sightseeing and excursions, recommend The Adventure Pass. It grants entry to five prime attractions, with a list of 16 to choose from – including the Burj Khalifa, Aquaventure and Ski Dubai. The app-based product was launched this summer by Arabian Adventures, part of the Emirates Group.
Book it: Adult passes from AED235 (£52), children’s passes from AED216 (£48); arabian-adventures.com/ae/english/travel-trade
DUBAI’S WILD SIDE
From “dune-bashing” tours to camel rides and hot air balloon flights, Dubai has a huge array of desert-focused products – but Platinum Heritage is a cut above the rest. Its premium itineraries champion sustainability and Emirati culture – a rare chance to spot Arabian oryx in the wild, try expert-guided astrology and falconry, and enjoy starlit suppers of traditional cuisine. Tours can be private or shared, and combined for a full-day excursion.
Book it: Conservation Drive and Breakfast at Al Maha is priced from AED 695pp (£154) in a shared vehicle; platinum-heritage.com
SPACE-AGE ADVENTURE
With 2km of rollercoasters and more than 100 rides, Dubai Parks and Resorts is the city’s top attraction for families – featuring Legoland Dubai, Legoland Waterpark and the movie-themed Motiongate Dubai. This summer, new attraction Neon Galaxy opened: a space-themed indoor playground featuring ball pits, activity challenges and soft-play fun. The Little Astronauts area is designed for toddlers, while older kids (over 98cm tall) should head to the Astro Arena for tube mazes, mega slides and wipe-out games.
Book it: All-day passes from AED90 (£20); dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/neongalaxy
How to book Dubai
For family fun: Tui offers seven nights at the Polynesian-themed Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection from £1,940pp – based on two adults and two children sharing a Deluxe Double room, flying from Birmingham on 30 March 2024, including breakfast and transfers; tui.co.uk
For a romantic desert getaway: Emirates Holidays features five nights at the new Bab Al Shams Desert Resort from £2,255pp throughout February 2024 (excluding half-term), on a half-board basis with flights from Heathrow; emiratesholidays.com
For a luxurious splurge: Gold Medal offers seven nights at the luxurious One&Only Royal Mirage – The Palace from £3,399pp. Staying in a half-board Palace Superior Deluxe room, with private transfers and Gatwick flights on 3 March 2024; goldmedal.co.uk
The height of luxury
Atlantis The Royal is the newest ultra-luxury address in Dubai, and it has plenty to ignite the imagination. Here are a few facts you can use to wow your clients.
1 The hotel has 795 rooms, suites and signature penthouses, and 44 of them have private infinity pools with views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Sea.
2 The most exclusive of these is The Royal Mansion. Located on the 18th and 19th floors of the resort’s sky bridge, the penthouse is spread across 1,128 square metres, and can accommodate up to nine adults and four children. Apparently in this suite, every request is met with a yes, whether that’s setting up a bespoke TechnoGym, placing Diptyque candles throughout the suite in a guest’s favourite scent or sourcing whatever food and drink they could possibly desire, no matter how niche.
3 A pillow menu for those staying in the suites has seven options to choose from, including the “Spelt and Lavender Pillow”, the “Cool Down Pillow”, and a “Memory Foam Feet Pillow”.
4 Guests will find an array of in-room amenities from luxury brands including Hermes, Frette and Graff, while boutiques for indulging in retail therapy include Valentino and 100% Capri.
5 The Royal’s collection of 17 restaurants features eight celebrity chef restaurants, which is more than any other hotel in the world – these include the one-Michelin-star Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and La Mar by Gaston Acurio, which provides an authentic Peruvian culinary experience. The world’s first Nobu Beach Club, Nobu by the Beach, is also here.
6 Just like every flash venue, it knows how to pull in the celebrities: Beyonce performed at the opening party attended by US model Kendall Jenner and Brits Rochelle and Marvin Humes.
7 Atlantis The Royal was the only Middle East hotel to make the inaugural rankings of the World’s 50 Best Hotels, coming in at 44, just eight months after opening.
8 And in a city that already claims a few fountain records – the Palm Fountain at the Pointe holds the title for largest fountain in the world – Atlantis The Royal also now claims another for Dubai with Skyblaze, the first fire-breathing fountain in the Middle East.
Book it: Elegant Resorts offers five nights’ B&B in a Seascape King Room, including flights, transfers and UK airport lounge passes from £2,555pp; elegantresorts.co.uk
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Company number 08723341.
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