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Dubai is known for its luxury resorts, world-class golf courses and five-star dining. But there are plenty of things to do outside of those four walls. Here are some ideas to make sure your trip is truly unforgettable. Dubai is often called the most glamorous city in the Middle East. With its beautiful beaches, luxurious shopping centers and lavish hotels, you might think it’s perfect for honeymoons. But it isn’t always easy to navigate — especially if you’re looking to find something special. Here are some things to know about the UAE’s largest city.
Dubai is known for luxury hotels, glitzy malls, and beaches dotted with white sand. And now it’s offering couples a chance to enjoy some of those things without having to go too far. With a weekend trip to Abu Dhabi, you can choose from either Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa or Le Meridien Downtown Dubai. Both offer spacious rooms, great views, and plenty of amenities. Plus, there’s no shortage of places to shop or dine.
To make sure you don’t miss out on anything while you’re here, check out our pros of a Dubai honeymoon guide.
The Best Times of Year to Go on a Dubai Honeymoon
Dubai is a great place to go on vacation, especially during the summer months. But it’s best to travel here between November and April. During those months, temperatures rarely exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). In contrast, the city experiences high humidity levels and frequent thunderstorms from June through September.
Dubai is a city built around tourism. So, you’ll find plenty of hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, public parks, museums, and attractions throughout the Emirati capital. Plus, there are several beaches nearby where you can enjoy some sunbathing and swimming.
If you want to experience the desert vibe, head to Al Ain. There, you’ll discover a number of historical sites and archaeological ruins. You can also take part in camel rides, horseback riding excursions, and dune bashing adventures. If you prefer, you can rent a four-wheeler and explore the area yourself.
For something different, check out the Deira Corniche. This stretch of road runs along the Gulf of Oman and features stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can even stop off at one of the many seafood restaurants along the way.
You can book flights to Dubai online at Expedia.com. From here, you can select your preferred dates of arrival and departure, plus read up on flight deals and prices.
Places to Visit in Dubai
The Burj Khalifa
For the best views, ascend to the top of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Located in downtown Dubai, it stands 828 meters tall, making it taller than the Empire State Building and the Sears Tower combined. Inspired by a desert plant, it’s one of the most technologically advanced buildings ever built. Its design features a large central core surrounded by four smaller cores. These are arranged like petals around a flower, forming a pyramid shape. The structure is covered in 2.5 million square feet of glass, creating a unique view of the city.
Purchase tickets to its “At the Top” observation deck for sunset. This experience includes a 360-degree panorama of the entire tower and surrounding area. Guests can choose to sit inside the circular viewing room or outside on the terrace. From there, you can enjoy the sun setting over the Arabian Gulf.
Lasarov also recommends reserving your ticket well ahead of time, since they tend to go fast. They don’t guarantee entry into the At the Top experience, though. You must purchase tickets online in advance. After purchasing, you will receive an email confirmation containing further instructions. There is no physical queue to enter either, so arrive early.
The Dubai Fountain
Designed by the company responsible for fountains at the famous Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas, the Burj Khalifa fountain takes place in the heart of downtown Dubai. Located near one of the world’s tallest buildings — the Burj Khalifa — the fountain rises over 500 feet above the ground. The fountain features 6,600 lights along with a complex water distribution system that allows the fountain to shoot water up to 500 feet high.
Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi
Located in the neighboring emirat, Abu Dhabi (the capitol of the United Arab Emirates), Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers visitors the chance to experience the speed and power of the Italian supercar brand.
About a one hour drive from downtown Dubai, it is home to several rides including the Formula Rossa – the world’s fastest roller coaster. Visitors are able to enjoy the ride while sitting inside a glass capsule.
While in Abu Dhabi, car lovers will also want to visit Yas Marina Circuit, the 2nd Formula One track built in Middle East. The circuit features a drag strip, a driving school, and a go-karting area.
Tour the venue, go-cart, hit the drag strip or drive the Aston Martin Gt4, Ferrari 458 GT or Caterham 7.
The Dubai Desert
Dubai is known for being one of the most luxurious cities in the world, but it also has a lot of untouched nature waiting to be explored. One such place is the Dubai Desert. This vast area of wilderness stretches across 200 square miles and is home to many species of animals and plants. There are even a few Bedouin tribes still living there.
Head to this patch of wilderness to experience what life is like out here. You can go on a desert safari where you can travel around the region atop camels and four wheelers. Or you could take part in activities including dune bashing (driving off the side of a sand hill), a camel ride and BBQ dinners.
Gold Souk
The gold souk in Dubai is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Located in the Deira district, it offers visitors a chance to buy precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, and osmium. There are more than 380 shops offering everything from gold jewelry to coins. Prices vary widely depending on the quality of the product.
Lasarov recommends bringing a local guide, so you can negotiate prices better. If you want to find out about the history of the area, there are plenty of museums, including the Gold Museum, the Heritage Village, and the Arabian Gulf Automobile Museum.
For additional shopping, head to the Souk Madinah Jumeirah, the Dubai Mall, and the many other shopping malls in the Emirate.
Things to Do During a Dubai Honeymoon
Be a Kid Again
Dubai is known for its sophisticated lifestyle. But there are times when you just want to let loose and enjoy yourself. In fact, many people choose to do exactly that during summer months. And what better way to spend a day than by indulging in some fun activities like swimming, skiing, riding roller coasters, or watching dolphins play?
The city offers plenty of options for families looking to get active and experience nature. You can go on a safari tour, visit a zoo, or even take part in water sports such as scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and parasailing. There are plenty of places where kids can splash around and have fun, including the following locations:
• The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Located inside The Dubai Mall, this aquarium features over 2,500 animals representing 200 species.
• Ski Dubai – This indoor ski resort is the largest in the Middle East and Africa. Kids can enjoy a variety of activities such as downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tobogganing.
• Wild Wadi Water Park Dubai – Get wet and wild at this theme park filled with slides, pools, and water attractions.
• Dolphin Bay at Atlantis – See bottlenose dolphins up close at this underwater zoo.
• Ski Dubai
• Wild Wadi Dubai
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium
• The Dubai Aquatic Museum
• Dubai Safari
• Dubai Aquarium & Undersea Zoo
• The Lost Chambers
• The Dubai Mall
Go on a Boat Ride
Dubai is known for many things, including skyscrapers, high-rises, and luxury hotels. But it is also home to some truly unique attractions, like the Dubai Creek. This waterway, located just east of downtown Dubai, runs parallel to the city’s famous Corniche promenade and offers visitors a chance to experience one of the world’s most fascinating cities from a different perspective.
The creek is lined with restaurants, cafes, shops, and even a few museums. And while you can easily spend hours exploring the area, there are plenty of ways to see the sights without getting wet. One option is taking a boat tour. You can choose a variety of options, ranging from a half-day trip to a full-day excursion. Some tours include visits to local markets, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Others offer dining experiences aboard the boats.
One popular way to enjoy the waterfront during the day is to take a ride on an abra, which literally translates to “little boat.” These wooden boats are typically rented out by locals, though tourists can sometimes rent them too. They seat up to four people and travel along the Dubai Creek, offering views of the surrounding buildings and the bustling activity along the shoreline.
If you want to venture into the water, check out the Dubai Creek Ferries. These modern ferries run regularly throughout the week and provide passengers with access to both sides of the creek. There are three stops along the route, each serving as a stopover for the next ferry. Passengers disembarking at one stop can board a bus that takes them directly to the final stop.
Take to the Skies
For a thrilling experience combined with breathtaking views, take a hot-air balloon ride across the desert at Desert Breeze Ballooning. You’ll enjoy incredible aerial shots of Dubai’s iconic landmarks while floating over the Arabian Gulf. Then, head to Sky Dive Dubai where you’ll soar high into the sky and dine suspended by a crane above Dubai Creek, a waterway that runs along the heart of the city.
Get a Spa Treatment
From the moment you step foot into the lobby of Burj al Arab, you know you are entering a world unlike anything else. A world where service is paramount, where luxury is second nature, and where every detail is designed to make guests feel like royalty. Whether it’s a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure, there is something here for everyone.
The spa offers treatments ranging from $125-$1,500 per hour, including massages, facials, body wraps, and waxing services. There are many packages that include lunch, dinner, drinks, and even overnight stays at the luxurious resort.
Best Hotels and Resorts in Dubai for a Honeymoon
Bulgari Resort Dubai
Located on a private seahorses-shaped island on Jumeria Bay, Bulgari Resort Dubai offers guests five pools, including one indoor pool, a spa with an outdoor swimming pool, a private beach and a yacht club and marinaside. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, including fine Italian cuisine at Il Mare restaurant, and cocktails at La Dolce Vita bar. This luxury hotel is located just off the Palm Jumeirah, offering stunning views over the Arabian Gulf.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Dubai
The Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Dubai is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, just 15 minutes away from the city center. This 5 star property offers guests the chance to enjoy a range of facilities including a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, tennis courts, squash court, children’s club, kids club, restaurant, bar, lounge, conference rooms, Wi-Fi access throughout the premises and shuttle service to the airport.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Situated in the prestigious Jumeirah neighbourhood, this luxury resort is within easy reach of many attractions including the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the Dubai Mall, and the famous Palm Islands. This Four Seasons hotel features a stunning beachfront location and is surrounded by lush gardens and tropical foliage. Guests are welcome to enjoy the resort’s facilities such as a swimming pool and spa, and there’s even a kids club and babysitting service.
The property offers spacious guestrooms and suites, each featuring modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the building, and guests can make use of the 24-hour room service.
One & Only The Palm
The One&Only Palm Resort & Spa sits atop Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With over 500 rooms and suites, it offers guests a luxurious escape away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Located along the coastline, the resort features five restaurants and bars, a private beach, a marina, a spa, a fitness center, and a variety of activities like golfing, sailing, fishing, windsurfing, and much more.
With no cars allowed inside the property, visitors must either take a taxi or rent a car outside the resort and drive themselves around. Guests are able to enjoy water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and canoeing. They can also go parasailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and paddle boarding. There is even a dive shop where guests can learn how to scuba dive or snorkel.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Located on Palm Jumeiraih, this resort in the Dubai hotel and resort chain is inspired by the Ottomans. Couples can indulge in a range of spa treatments and enjoy a variety of dining options. There are four restaurants, including Al Mahara, serving Mediterranean cuisine; Oudaya, offering traditional Arabic dishes; Bibi Rouge, serving French food; and Saffron, featuring Indian food. Guests can relax around the pool and take part in activities such as yoga classes, massages and cooking workshops.
