Dubai winter sun vacations are seriously warm and sunny and non-stop flights are available from Montréal or Toronto. Tempted? Here’s our district-by-district guide to Dubai and where to go and what to see while you’re there.
Colorful Spice Souk, Dubai
1/6 Deira: add souks and bazaars to Dubai winter sun vacations
Deira stretches east from the banks of Dubai Creek. It’s one of the city’s oldest districts, the place for traditional souks, graceful dhows and historic architecture. Authentic culture is part of everyday life here. So it’s an interesting district to explore for insight into Dubai’s complex heritage.
Deira highlights
- The Gold Souk in Deira is estimated to hold upwards of 10 tons of gold on any given day. It’s one of the most celebrated in the world, famous for skilled goldsmiths, exquisite jewellery and heated trading.
- While you’re in the area, visit the Spice Souk and Perfume Souk too. Very different experiences from the Gold Souk, they’re just as exciting and smell amazing.
- Deira’s Al Ahmadiya School & Heritage House is an oasis of calm close to hectic souks. The traditional museum building’s charming and houses everything you’ll ever need to know about Dubai’s pearl fishing industry.
Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
2/6 Downtown Dubai: heart of the iconic skyline
Downtown is the heartland of Dubai’s instantly recognisable skyline. And Burj Khalifa is just one of several extraordinary landmarks here. However, the area’s pretty parks, fountains, and waterways might surprise you more. It’s one of the top district for international restaurants and also where you’ll find Dubai Aquarium and Dubai Mall.
Downtown highlights
- At 828 metres high, Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest tower in the world. It soars above the city and the views from the upper-level observation deck are spectacular.
- Dubai Fountain is in Downtown and performs spectacularly every 30 minutes in the evening. If you want a crowd free look, quite a few nearby restaurants offer clear views of the fountains.
- Dubai Mall dominates Downtown’s eastern side. It’s the largest shopping complex on earth. And, apart from hundreds of stores, it’s also home to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai
3/6 Bur Dubai: the ancient historic quarter
Dubai’s oldest district, Bur Dubai sits on the west bank of Dubai Creek. It’s authentic, off-beat, creative and very atmospheric. Traditional restaurants, private galleries, lively streets and local shops make it a must-visit. But it’s also an interesting district to stay in, especially with teenagers.
Bur Dubai highlights
- Al Fahidi Fort is the magnificent 18th century home of Dubai Museum. Go early in the morning before the crowds. Then head to Bur Dubai Souk to see fabulous textiles.
- Leave several hours to stroll around the ancient Shindagha quarter on the edge of Dubai Creek. The coral houses are lovely and it’s the best area for local cooking. Don’t miss the gorgeous Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum Residence.
Camels on the beach, Dubai
4/6 Jumeirah: beachfront Dubai winter sun breaks
Jumeirah is probably the most valuable stretch of coast in the UAE. It’s also the district for exceptional family resorts, water sports, private beaches and the type of lux experiences almost nowhere does as well as Dubai.
Jumeirah highlights
- Kite Beach is perfect for active families who want to dabble in paddle boarding or kite surfing.
- Next to the beach is Wire World Adventure Park, a series of incredible high rope courses made for bold kids.
- Malls are second only to the seaside in this district. They might not be as massive as Dubai Mall, but the likes of Galleria and Mercato combine character with luxury shopping.
Dazzling drama of Dubai Marina
5/6 Dubai Marina: the teen-friendly district for JBR Beach
Dubai Marina is where gleaming towers gaze at a seascape of super-yachts. Every week a new restaurant springs up on an exclusive rooftop. Even the swimming pools here seem bluer and brighter. It’s teen heaven, but not the best district for Dubai winter sun breaks with younger kids.
Dubai Marina highlights
- If you take a night off parenting, have dinner at Dubai Marina. All the city’s leading chefs want to cook here, and only sea views compete with the food.
- Kids will love JBR Beach for swimming, dozens of cafés, outdoor and indoor activities, and camel rides along the sand – must do on Dubai winter sun vacations.
- This is also the district for sailing, whether you want to escape on a traditional dhow, zip across the Gulf on a speedboat or take a tourist cruise.
Dubai skyline from Palm Jumeirah
6/6 Palm Jumeirah: the family friendly island for Dubai winter sun breaks
One of the world’s most famous manmade islands, Palm Jumeirah floats in the Arabian Gulf. Almost the entire island’s given over to resorts. This is a fantastic base for Dubai winter sun vacations, resorts are attractions in themselves, and Downtown is a 20 minute drive away.
Palm Jumeirah highlights
- Palm Jumeirah wasn’t designed with kids in mind, but it might as well have been. This is where you’ll find The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Dolphin Bay and Aquaventure Beach: all part Atlantis The Palm, but open to non-guests.
- Some of the city’s best water sports’ operators are on Palm Jumeirah.
- It’s Dubai, so naturally you can drive everywhere, but the Palm Jumeirah monorail is the most fun way to get to JBR Beach.