Luxury United Arab Emirates Holidays

Arab heritage and hyper-modern cities

United Arab Emirates

The UAE whisks you off to the Persian Gulf, where its seven emirates present a world of innovative skyscrapers, desert landscapes, world class beaches and unrivalled shopping within an oasis of luxury. Add to this year round sunshine and you have the perfect holiday destination for families, couples and adventurers. Up and coming Ras Al Khaimah offers yacht filled marinas and deluxe accommodation on its pristine white sand shores, while neighbouring Dubai allures holidaymakers with its iconic buildings and land structures.

Beach lovers will relish spending time on the silky white sands of Jumeriah Beach, which are lapped by crystal clear waters and offer world class diving. The word Jumeriah translates as beautiful and it’s easy to see why this area was given the name. If shopping is more your thing, head to Dubai City and explore its impressive and extensive shopping malls, in addition to a maze of souks where you can haggle for a bargain holiday souvenir.

Luxury holidays in the UAE

Holidays in the UAE bring you upmarket amenities accompanied by sand dusted tradition. It’s home to the iconic Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest structure in the world and offering unrivalled panoramic views across Dubai and the UAE. Jebel Ali is another jewel in Dubai’s crown - edging up to the Abu Dhabi border and showcasing the world famous Palm Islands where holidaymakers can indulge in deluxe accommodation, aqua parks and aquariums, in addition to diving, shopping and parachuting.

The UAE is home to some superb hotels and at Sovereign, we have put together our choice of the best. The Al Naseem Madinat Jumeriah in Dubai is one of the latest arrivals, offering guests seven restaurants, five swimming pools and a stunning beachfront location. The Jumeriah Beach Hotel is another popular choice, mirroring a breaking wave and featuring ocean view rooms and complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark. If you are looking to stay on The Palm Dubai, the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeriah is an excellent choice, with its award winning Spa and Michelin starred dining.

Destinations in UAE

Dubai

Dubai is larger than life, setting out record-breaking skyscrapers, shopping malls with ski hills, designer islands and glittering canal-striped neighbourhoods against an Arabian Desert backdrop.

Find out more about Luxury Dubai Holidays

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah is the most northerly emirate in the UAE, resting against the Omani border. Thanks to its gulf-side spot, sandy beaches are its speciality.

Find out more about Luxury Ras al Khaimah Holidays

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Flight Information

Flight time from the UK to the UAE is around 6 hours 30 minutes.

When to go

Emirati summers are classic of the Middle East: long, hot and humid. Average temperatures are in the high 30s and early 40s pretty much from May through to September, when humidity can top 80%. Winter is a more comfortable time to visit, with temperatures between November and April sticking around the mid-to-high 20s with little chance of rain.

Visa Information

British citizens will be granted a free 30-day visa upon arrival in the UAE.

Tipping

In most tourist destinations in the Emirates (such as Dubai and Ras al Khaimah), it’s customary to leave a 10% cash tip in restaurants. Small tips are appreciated for other services; aim for five to 20 UAE dirhams for porters bringing your bags to your room and for taxi drivers.

United Arab Emirates specialities The UAE is fabulous for food, with international cuisine and gourmet dining everywhere you turn, but make sure you save some room for a few traditional dishes, too. The cuisine reflects its typically Arab heritage, with lots of spices like saffron and turmeric. Popular dishes include ghuzi (roast lamb served with roti) and wara enab (grape leaves stuffed with rice, mint, onions and tomatoes). Particular emirates have their own traditions: in Dubai, for example, Fridays are all about Champagne brunches.