Where to spend your holidays in the United Arab Emirates?

Winter holidays in the UAE – choosing an emirate

The United Arab Emirates is the perfect place for a family holiday and exploring modern metropolises such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The country offers a wide range of attractions, including amusement parks, shopping centres and desert safaris. It is worth noting that it is home to the largest shopping centre, Dubai Mall, and the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. Due to the very hot summer season, the best time to travel is during the winter holidays. Financial protection measures guarantee the safety of travellers.

The choice of emirate depends on individual preferences, although Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most popular. Dubai tempts visitors with numerous attractions, such as amusement parks, shopping centres and desert safaris. Abu Dhabi, as the capital of the UAE, offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. The smaller emirates, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, also have many charming places and beautiful beaches to offer. It is worth choosing the emirate that best suits your needs and expectations.

Perfect weather for a holiday – is it worth going to the UAE for the winter holidays?

The weather in Dubai in January and February is far from the hot summer conditions. Average daily temperatures range from 24°C to 27°C, and the nights are pleasantly cool and crisp. The weather in the UAE during the holidays is simply perfect, as it is conducive to both intensive sightseeing and relaxing on the beach. The ideal conditions are perfect for outdoor activities, making a holiday in the Emirates the definition of a perfect winter holiday.

Last-minute winter holidays in the UAE

What attractions are available in the UAE during the holidays? The Emirates offer is full of contrasts. Attractions range from relaxation to extreme water sports such as jet skiing. You can go on a traditional diving and safari trip in winter (e.g. by jeep in the desert) and even visit indoor ski resorts. Winter offers the best conditions for visiting outdoor family attractions such as amusement parks and botanical gardens.

Want to know which district to stay in? Take a look at our article: Guide to Dubai's districts.

Winter attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – what to choose?

Winter in the United Arab Emirates is a golden time for tourists. It is now that we can fully exploit the potential of the emirates without worrying about the exhausting summer heat. The mild weather is conducive to outdoor exploration, opening the door to places that are inaccessible in summer. Winter attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are exceptionally diverse and will satisfy literally everyone – from architecture and culture lovers to families with children eager for amusement parks and active recreation. Prepare yourself for a fascinating contrast, where global innovation intertwines with tradition, and Dubai's beaches in winter are as tempting as the interiors of spectacular museums and mosques.

The city offers numerous attractions, including amusement parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts. The city is also home to the largest shopping centre, Dubai Mall, and the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa. The popular beaches, Kite Beach and La Mer, encourage water sports and outdoor relaxation. A yacht cruise on the Persian Gulf is an unforgettable adventure and an opportunity to admire the metropolis from a different perspective.

During the winter holidays in Dubai, you can comfortably visit the most spectacular places. Thanks to the mild weather in the UAE during the holidays, be sure to visit Dubai Miracle Garden (the largest natural flower garden, open only during the winter season) and Global Village (an amusement park and cultural fair, also operating outside the summer season). The ideal weather in the UAE during the holidays is also conducive to all-day trips to Dubai Parks and Resorts. For a change of pace, you can try winter family attractions at the indoor Ski Dubai (indoor ski slope), where you can go snowboarding or skiing.

What to visit in Abu Dhabi? IMG Worlds of Adventure

Winter holidays in the UAE are the perfect time for cultural exploration. Visit the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, built of white marble, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which are stunning in the winter sunshine. For adrenaline junkies, there are parks on Yas Island, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. Head to Sir Bani Yas Island, where you can observe wild animals on a safari while enjoying the mild UAE weather during the holidays.

Family holidays: winter holidays with children in Dubai

Is Dubai a good place for a holiday with children? Of course it is. The Emirates are extremely family-friendly, and winter is the peak season for family holidays in the UAE.

If you are wondering what are the best hotels for winter holidays in Dubai, we would say those in a good location. It is worth looking for properties marked as hotels with attractions for children. Dubai guarantees really good hotels and apartments, even for the youngest children. They provide not only swimming pools and slides, but also kids' clubs, entertainment programmes and organised activities. This guarantees that your winter holidays with children in Dubai will be enjoyable and exciting for the whole family. Check out the offer for accommodation in Dubai and choose an apartment that suits your needs at the lowest price.

If you are interested in options with meals, see our current guide: Accommodation in Dubai with breakfast - top offers in the centre.

Practical aspects: costs and comfort of travel

Remember that when you arrive in the Emirates in winter, you will be visiting during the peak tourist season. This means guaranteed excellent weather in the United Arab Emirates during the holidays and a wide range of events to choose from, but it also means higher prices for flights and accommodation in Dubai compared to the summer months. The key strategy is to book early: to take advantage of the best prices and guarantee your stay in the desired apartments, as well as to find promotional flight packages, you should book well in advance. This also applies to admission tickets to the most popular winter attractions in Dubai, which are most crowded with tourists during this period.

Travel costs – how much does it cost?

Are winter holidays in the UAE expensive? The cost of the trip depends on the standard you choose. Although the city is known for its luxury, it offers options for every budget. By searching for accommodation in Dubai and planning to eat outside the main tourist centres, you can significantly reduce costs. Nevertheless, winter holidays in Dubai during the peak season will be more expensive than in the summer, which should be taken into account in your budget. Considering the guaranteed weather, quality of services and attractions, this investment will certainly pay off.

Dubai is the perfect place for a family holiday

As you can see, a winter holiday in Dubai is much more than just an escape from the cold. A trip to the United Arab Emirates in the winter season guarantees perfect weather (average 24°C – 27°C), which is ideal for both sunbathing and sightseeing.

Planning such a complex trip requires a reliable source of information. You will find lots of useful tips on how, where and when to fly to Dubai, as well as detailed advice on booking accommodation in Dubai and planning your budget, on the Two Continents website. Use these resources to make your winter holiday in the UAE perfectly organised.

Questions and answers - FAQ

• What is the weather like in Dubai in winter?

It is very pleasant, with average daily temperatures between 24°C and 27°C.

• Can you swim in Dubai in winter?

Yes, you can. The water temperature in the Persian Gulf is around 22°C – 24°C, which is ideal for swimming.

• What holiday deals are available in Dubai in winter?

There are a variety of winter holiday deals available in Dubai, including all-inclusive packages and special offers that include admission to winter family attractions, even though it is the high tourist season.