A first Dubai holiday is easier when you start with the big decisions: where to stay, airport transport and the experiences you really want. Choose one main activity each day and leave room for rest and changes.
Start with your holiday style
Write down your priorities: beach and pool, parks with the children, restaurants, desert or shopping. Then choose two or three experiences that matter most. This lets you compare hotels against your plans, rather than just an attractive photo or star rating.
Choose an area to stay before booking a room.
Mark your chosen places on the map and check their distances from your hotel. For time by the sea, consider the Marina, JBR and the Palm; for days around Dubai Mall, look at Downtown and Business Bay. This is a starting point for comparison; your final choice depends on the hotel's exact location.
Plan one day at a time
Do not pack several fixed-entry-time activities into one day. Allow time for travel, meals and rest. Plan a flexible activity on arrival day; on departure day, build your schedule around the time you must leave for the airport, rather than the other way round.
- City day: one observation deck, time at the mall and dinner.
- Water day: pool or water park, with a relaxed evening.
- Desert day: an easy morning and activities based on pickup time.
- A free day: catch up, shop or revisit a place you loved.
