Dazzling Dubai is a spellbinding destination where you’ll live the dream and create magical memories that will last a lifetime – but which part of this awe-inspiring emirate is best for your holiday?

Whether you’re a beach lover craving pristine sands and inviting waters, or you’re seeking big city thrills in a dazzling metropolis, there’s a part of this sun-kissed escape which is ideal for you. Dubai will wow every visitor with its futuristic skyline, epic landmarks, incredible theme and water parks, world-class hotels and unrivalled hospitality. Head into the beguiling desert for exciting adventures, seek out authentic souvenirs in a traditional souk or gaze in awe at the world’s tallest building, the towering Burj Khalifa. Let’s take a look at the main areas of Dubai and help you decide where to stay during the luxury holiday of your dreams.

Search our luxury Dubai hotels.

Palm Jumeirah

The world-famous Palm Jumeirah, a spectacular man-made island, boasts some of Dubai’ most luxurious hotels. Every visitor will be impressed with the fantastic beaches for relaxing hours on the sands and sparkling waters for thrills and spills galore. Major attractions on Palm Jumeirah include Aquaventure, the world’s largest water park which features more than 105 record-breaking slides and rides, and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, which is home to 65,000 marine animals. Dolphin Bay is another incredible attraction in a palm-fringed lagoon offering the chance to swim with the friendly creatures and Sea Lion Point lets children meet playful South African fur seals. Nakheel Mall features more than 300 shops, restaurants and entertainment outlets, while The View on level 54 of the Palm Tower is the place to take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the Palm Jumeirah.

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Dubai Marina

If you yearn for entertaining evenings and plenty of late-night party fun, then this part of Dubai is the place for you. There’s never a dull moment in this pulsating area, with rooftop bars, trendy nightclubs, up-market shops and exquisite restaurants among the delights in store. You’ll also discover ultra-plush hotels and waterfront apartments where you can live the good life in complete luxury. Stroll around Dubai Harbour and Dubai Marina Walk where you’ll see many ostentatious yachts, top up your tan on a pristine sandy beach or take to the inviting Arabian Gulf for water sports pleasure or a romantic sunset cruise. XLine Dubai Marina offers the chance to take to the world’s longest urban zipline and Dubai Marina is perfect for some holiday retail therapy. The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence will impress every visitor with its relaxing alfresco cafes, elegant boutiques and cheery promenade performers.

Jumeirah

This long coastal area is a dream come true for beach lovers, with its turquoise waters and jaw-dropping sandy expanses, including Jumeirah Public Beach and Kite Beach, a popular spot for kitesurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. It is also home to lavish 5-star hotels featuring private beaches and luxurious amenities. Enjoy a specialty brew in an indie coffee house, bag a few holiday gifts in the quirky malls and take in the majesty of the impressive white stone Jumeirah Mosque. Other delights in Jumeirah include classy boutiques, laid-back Lebanese cafes, the Etihad Museum and Jumeirah Archaeological Site. A stay here also puts you in easy reach of the attractions on offer in downtown Dubai, as well as Wadi Wadi Waterpark, with its incredible aquatic rides and attractions.

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is a popular choice for many holidaymakers visiting the city for the first time, with the glitz and glamour of this phenomenal metropolis all around you. Marvel at lofty skyscrapers and opulent hotels in Sheikh Zayed Road, and savour culinary delights in the charming cafes and restaurants in Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. This enchanting tourist hub is also the place to discover beautiful promenades, high-end boutiques, vibrant nightclubs and many famous landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, the dancing Dubai Fountain, Souk Al Bahar and the amazing Dubai Mall, the world's largest destination for shopping, leisure and entertainment. The mall is also home to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a family favourite featuring more than 140 species of aquatic creatures. This part of the city is also within easy reach of many key attractions including the majestic Jumeirah Mosque, the rip-roaring Dinosaur Park and the imposing Dubai Frame.

Deira

Deira is an old area of Dubai and a great place to get a taste of traditional life, culture and history. Deira Creekside is home to old dhow boats, excellent restaurants and the renowned Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. A major attraction in this part of the city is the famous Dubai Gold Souk, the world’s largest gold market. This glittering bazaar is the place to browse a myriad of market stalls to find a beautiful item of gold jewellery for that special person in your life. You’ll also discover several other superb markets including Grand Souk Deira, Naif Souk and Spice Souk. Other attractions in this captivating part of the city include Deira Clocktower, sunset boat tours and Al Rigga Road, a bustling spot which is brimming with shops, cafes and street vendors.

Dubai is blessed with glorious sunshine all year round. The emirate has an arid desert climate, with distinct winter and summer seasons. The sun shines for an average of 8 to 10 hours each day, and most of the indoor attractions, shopping malls and restaurants feature air-conditioning to ensure pleasant conditions, even when temperatures are at their highest. A great time to holiday in Dubai is between September and April when temperatures are comfortable and invigorating. Conditions at this time of year are ideal for setting out to explore a plethora of epic attractions. The mercury can soar from May to August to as high as 45°C, so this is a better time to visit if you are happy to spend most of your holiday lazing on the beach and taking to the Arabian Gulf for some water sport action. It is also the time of year when you can clinch a great-price holiday deal. There's very little rainfall in Dubai, with an average of just 68mm falling annually.

“A fabulous holiday experience awaits in Dubai, whichever part of this incredible city of superlatives you choose to stay in.

“Dubai really has it all, from luxurious beachfront retreats with plenty of water sports fun to towering downtown hotels which provide the perfect base for big city thrills and high-end shopping in the giant malls.

“There’s also an old town in the city which is ideal for culture vultures who want to get a flavour of local history and tradition, while another popular area is a magnet for people who crave plenty of vibrant nightlife and entertainment.

“No matter where you decide to stay, you’ll be wowed by fabulous food, impeccable hospitality and radiant sunshine.

“Superb beaches, luxurious hotels, sensational attractions and an enchanting desert all add to the appeal of this glorious getaway where couples, families and groups of friends can enjoy a holiday like no other.”

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

A world of family fun awaits at this fabulous themed resort on the sun-kissed Dubai Islands waterfront, close to the delights of the Deira district. Inspired by mythical Arabian and Thai adventures, this is the place to have a splashing time in a thrilling water park, savour culinary delights in wonderful dining venues and spend heavenly nights in exquisitely-appointed accommodation. Other superb amenities include a sumptuous spa, a well-equipped gym, sparkling pools, a high-rope adventure park and a kids club.

Check out Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai

Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel

Jet off and live the dream at this opulent 5-star haven of relaxation and pleasure on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, where British charm blends seamlessly with cosmopolitan luxury. Gourmet dining experiences, elegant accommodation, a sparkling infinity pool and a fun-packed kids club are among the delights that you’ll discover. A host of other attractions include a lazy river, a modern health club, 14th floor indoor pool and a pristine private beach area.

Check out Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel

Amwaj Rotana

Prepare to be wowed by 5-star luxury, elegance and style at this sensational beachfront escape on The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence. Savour award-winning cuisine in gourmet dining venues, keep in shape in the state-of-the-art fitness centre and marvel at stunning views of the sea from the newly renovated rooms with spacious balconies. You’ll also discover temperature-controlled swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, a beauty salon and a lively kids club for the little ones.

Check out Amwaj Rotana