Dubai Holiday Deals

Holiday In Dubai

Many cities call themselves futuristic, modern and cosmopolitan, but none embodies it quite like Dubai.

This lavish city in the desert is no mirage: Dubai holiday packages are the gateway to extravagance. Whether that involves ordering room service on 24-carat gold tablets or going skiing, sandboarding and wakeboarding all in the same day is up to you.

Things to Do in Dubai

Sure, your next profile pic could be you in a hammock on the beach, but that’s so typical. Picture this instead: You, riding a camel on the beach, with giant sandcastles and deep blue waters behind you. Make it happen on your holiday in Dubai just head to Jumeirah Beach. Colourfully outfitted camels await to show you the sights—and they’ll even smile for the camera, though they may need a bribe (apple slices will do nicely).

Offshore, the manmade islands in the Persian Gulf glimmer like an optical illusion one is shaped like a palm tree and the other like a map of the world. You need to be richer than Kimye to buy property here (unfortunately not included in Dubai packages, no matter how baller you are), but you can take a boat tour to get up close and personal.

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

Make a stop at the gold ATM (yes, these exist!), make sure you have an extra suitcase and look into lastminute.co.nz’s excellent Dubai car hire options so you have plenty of room for designer duds, colourful tapestries and of course, precious metals. Nothing screams “Dubai” like the Gold Souk, one of the largest gold markets in the world. Blingin’ chains a bit overkill? Buy your coworkers some dates instead—the fruit kind, not a candlelit dinner (though they might be just as juicy).

From upscale to back alley, the best way to experience the diversity of a Dubai holiday is via your stomach. Northwest of the World Trade Centre, you’ll find cheap street eats of all stripes near the Satwa Roundabout, from curry houses to lamb kebabs to the weird and wonderful. The brave can try sea cucumbers (they look a bit like, well, you know), fried lamb’s brain and 100-year-old eggs—tastes like chicken! (Just kidding. Tastes like smoky, gelatinous egg.)

Before your night heats up, cool down in an ice bar, relax in an underwater suite or kick back in the world’s highest hotel room. Dubai holidays even have an answer to the Moulin Rouge: party with acrobats, sword swallowers and fire breathers for a night you’re sure to remember. Many of the clubs are located in hotels along the city’s beaches, so head to the shore and get down. Pro tip: Friday and Saturday are the weekend in Dubai, with the work week starting on Sunday.

What’s Next?

On your next getaway, it’s time to go big or stay home. You don’t need the funds of Bieber to feel like a celebrity on United Arab Emirates holidays. Find the best deals on airfares and hotels on lastminute.co.nz, then spend the cash you save at the gold market instead—you’ll soon get the hang of the Emirati way.