Dubai
A strip of shallow ocean in the United Arab Emirates, the Persian Gulf coastline is home to a surreal mirage of bright lights and space invading towers – Dubai.
A strip of shallow ocean in the United Arab Emirates, the Persian Gulf coastline is home to a surreal mirage of bright lights and space invading towers – Dubai.
A city of pioneering development, it hasn’t taken long for Dubai to be able to place a metaphorical statuette claiming city-in-its-own-right status on the mantel. The first impression here shows ambition and unabashed indulgence; requiring a dive-right-in approach to the glossy designer shops, Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants and beach clubs of the iconic Palm Jumairah that are always one step ahead of the trends.
The city’s aim is simply to be a cut above the rest and, trust us, if somewhere in the world has ‘the best’, Dubai probably has it better.
In pursuit of…
… a future forecaster
Dubai is always dreaming up new ways to wow, you could visit six months apart and the landscape would be completely different. It’s a playground of innovation and wonder that endeavours to have the first or biggest of everything. Like being the first place to harmonise fire and water in fountain form, the official home of the world’s highest 360 degree ‘skypool’, and possessing a water park that has some of the world’s biggest rides within its confines.
“Nestled between East and West, Dubai is at the centre of the world. In less than five hours, one can reach two-thirds of the world’s population. Tell me what you want in the world and I’ll find it for you in Dubai.”
Its essence...
PIONEERING
UNABASHED
INDULGENT
Passages from a journal A weekend in Dubai
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
-
![Hotel exterior with a large pool]()
11am
The helicopter flew us in from the airport this morning and we’ve been taking it easy by the pool ever since. This is why we will always come back here, it’s our place to unapologetically unwind. And in about an hour, we’ve got a table for a beach club brunch reserved.
-
![Market interior with lots of lanterns and bright lights]()
10:53pm
A bit of retail therapy never hurts, so a private shopping trip followed our leisurely balcony breakfast. As for dinner, it was a fine dining affair, having booked a table at the latest and trendiest restaurant in the financial district way before we came out here.
-
![A boat dock with yachts docked]()
9:30am
We’re escaping the city today in favour of some more tranquil waters. I thought we’d spoil ourselves by chartering a yacht, taking a break from the lively beach clubs but not sacrificing on the lavish, of course.
0:00
The leading line-up
Dubai
Destination essentials
WHEN TO VISIT
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE READING ROOM
RELATED ARTICLES-
![Europe, Spain, outdoor table and chairs]()
Luxury Easter breaks 2025
The extra days of relaxation afforded by the long Easter weekend provide an opportunity to make the most of your time off, travel further afield and experience some close-of-winter sun while waiting for spring’s stubbornness to subside.
-
![Villa pool and loungers]()
The News Flash - Edition 2
Your latest travel updates, from Arabian desert dining to the glitz of the Upper East Side.
-
![Atlantis The Royal Chefs]()
Plates of perfection
Magic comes to life at Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal, where artistry, alchemy and ambiance combine to push culinary experiences – and tastebuds – to the next level.
-
![Father and son running down the beach to the sea]()
Luxury October half term breaks 2024
Sneak off for a week of warmth in Spain's sunniest spots or travel further afield for action-packed family adventures in Arabia and the Caribbean. Whatever takes your fancy, we’ve curated our top picks that provide some much needed respite in the most family-friendly destinations during October Half Term.
-
![Asia, Cambodia, Song Saa Private Island, family walking]()
Travel with your tribe - fly and flop
Explore the world combining quality family time together with seeing new things and learning new tricks. We reveal some of our favourite parent-pleasing places that fulfil the dreams of young and old.
-
![Swimming pool]()
Design intervention
Allow yourself to be transported to new worlds with design-led hotels created with an elevated experience in mind. We explore the philosophies behind these spaces that have been built to enhance and transform your outlook on life.
00
06
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
00
03
Arabia
Searing Martian deserts and visionary futuristic cities, all with an underlying pulse of Arab tradition. You'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else on Earth that brings the same level of exquisitely clashing landscapes straight out of a sci-fi novel than cutting-edge Arabia.
-
![A person standing atop a rock mountain]()
Arabia
Oman
ExploreWaves of apricot sand beckon from across the Oman border where earth and water collide; bringing a mysterious, raw backdrop and peak-shrouded towns with an undiscovered feel to the table.
-
![a large mosque building with domes and towers]()
United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
ExploreBehind the contemporary skyline of Abu Dhabi lies a capital that puts its heritage on a proud pedestal, aiming to educate all who visit on the culture fixed steadfast in its desert roots.
-
![Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah with winding road running through them]()
United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Khaimah
ExplorePractically a hop, skip and jump from Dubai lies the region’s most northerly emirate, starkly contrasting the glowing city while still bursting with that familiar sense of wonder.
00
03