- ‘Dubai holidays’ has over 60,000 searches every month and is one of the top trending destinations for 2025.
- With luxury travel on the rise, Away Holidays teamed up with Dubai Travel Expert and a Gen Z traveller for tips on indulging in what the city has to offer.
Luxury travel is on the rise, with more people opting for five-star accommodation, and no destination does luxury quite like Dubai. Surprisingly, Gen Z are leading this trend, with 47% staying in high-end hotels, a significant jump from 37% the previous year. Many Gen Z travellers also plan to spend more on holiday upgrades compared to Millennials, Baby Boomers, and Gen X.*
So, how can travellers best experience the luxury that Dubai has to offer?
The travel experts at Away Holidays have collaborated with Neela Goyal, a Dubai Travel Expert, to curate an exclusive insider’s guide alongside Emma Robinson, whose recent trip to Dubai allowed her to sample some of its luxuries on a budget. This guide covers high-end accommodations, top shopping destinations, unique activities, and essential tourist etiquette, ensuring travellers get the most out of their visit – whether on a lavish budget or a more modest one.
How to find the best luxury experiences
According to Neela, Dubai offers a range of experiences that epitomise its luxurious lifestyle, from private yacht tours to exclusive beach access.
“Dubai offers an array of experiences that showcase its luxury lifestyle, from private yacht tours to exclusive beach access. For yacht tours, you can choose from various companies, each offering unique routes and services, so the best experience can depend on your preferences and the specific yacht company you select.
“As for private beaches, while many of Dubai’s beaches are public, several upscale hotels and resorts feature private beach access for their guests. These private areas provide a more exclusive and serene environment compared to public beaches. Additionally, some high-end residential villas or clubs might offer private beach experiences. So, the best spots for experiencing Dubai’s luxury lifestyle often involve staying at a top-tier hotel or resort or arranging a personalised yacht tour.”
Unique activities in Dubai
Dubai offers one-of-a-kind experiences beyond luxury shopping and dining. Some of the most unique activities that Neela highly recommends include:
- Indoor Skiing at Ski Dubai: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and even meeting penguins in a massive indoor snow park, located inside the Mall of the Emirates. It’s a surreal experience to be surrounded by snow in the middle of the desert.
- Desert Safari: Experience thrilling dune racing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin-style dinners in the stunning Dubai desert. The evening safaris often include belly dancing performances and henna painting.
- Dubai Creek Abra Ride: Take a traditional abra (wooden boat) ride across Dubai Creek to experience the city’s historic charm. The ride is an affordable and authentic way to see old Dubai.
- Global Village: Explore this cultural and entertainment park that combines shopping, dining, and performances from around the world. Each pavilion represents a different country, making it a multicultural experience.
- Alserkal Avenue: Discover Dubai’s contemporary art scene in this vibrant arts district filled with galleries, studios, and creative spaces. It is a must-visit for art lovers and those looking to explore Dubai’s creative community.
Key places to experience Emirati culture
To understand the essence of Emirati culture, several sites offer a deep dive into Dubai’s heritage. The Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, provides a fascinating look at traditional life and historical artifacts. Just nearby, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as Al Bastakiya, showcases beautifully preserved Emirati architecture and offers insight into Dubai’s rich history.
For a vibrant display of traditional crafts, music, and dance, Dubai Heritage Village near Dubai Creek brings Emirati life to the forefront. Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors, offering guided tours that explore Islamic culture and architecture. Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai is the perfect venue for experiencing local and international cultural performances.
Traditional souks, including the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, offer an authentic look at Dubai’s trading history and vibrant markets.
UAE tourist etiquette
In the UAE, respecting local customs involves dressing modestly and observing traditional practices. Guidelines for dressing in public areas are well-established. Try to be especially considerate and respectful during Ramadan and cover your shoulders and knees in loose-fitting clothing. For visitors, Ramadan is an ideal time to immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture. Plan a trip to the Dubai souks and markets to pick up some local attire, including embroidered abayas and hand-tailored kandooras.
What’s more, embracing local hospitality means accepting refreshments when offered. A sign of respect and gratitude towards your host’s generosity. For non-Muslims living in the UAE, here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind during the holiest time of the year:
Do’s:
- Greet people with seasonal salutations: Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak! Those who take part in the Holy Month are open about their beliefs and happy to answer questions about what the period means to them.
- If you’re invited by an Emirati to dine at their home, it’s polite to accept – it’s sure to be a memorable experience filled with traditional Emirati hospitality.
- Show your gratitude by bringing a small gift for your hosts – for example, a box of dates or local oud perfume.
- Get involved and join in the community spirit, experience an authentic iftar, and try fasting for a day or two with Muslim friends.
- Embrace the spirit of generosity by giving back to charity, whether through Ramadan boxes, stocking up Ramadan fridges, or supporting other charitable initiatives.
- Dress modestly in public, wear loose clothing covering your shoulders and knees.
- Embrace the late-night culture, explore night markets, Ramadan tents, and community events.
Don’ts:
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public, if you can avoid it. Be mindful and show respect to those fasting.
- Be cautious with your language and avoid swearing as blasphemy is considered extra offensive during Ramadan.
- Avoid dancing or playing loud music in public, Ramadan is a time of peace and serenity.
- Be cautious on the roads, particularly during the run-up to iftar, and consider booking taxis in advance, keeping in mind that many drivers will be breaking their fast in the evenings.
Gen Z luxury on a budget
Emma Robinson, 26, recently visited Dubai and shares her top tips for enjoying the city’s luxuries affordably:
- Use the Secret Society App – Get access to free dinners, pool days, beach clubs, and drinks by applying via Instagram. Once accepted, you can reserve your place and enjoy exclusive experiences.
- Luxury hotel access without booking a stay – Visit five-star hotels like Al Qasr Hotel by purchasing a coffee, which often comes with complimentary snacks like olives, nuts, and crisps. If you don’t fancy an overnight stay at luxury properties such as Al Qasr you can still stay at some slightly more cost-effective places like Hilton Dubai The Walk.
- Cheaper transport options – Use the Careem app instead of Uber for cost-effective rides, making it easier to navigate the city without overspending.
- Affordable brunches – Many hotels offer extensive bottomless brunches with entertainment for a fraction of fine-dining prices. These typically last four hours and provide great value.
- Mind local laws – Swearing in public can result in legal trouble, so always be mindful of your language and behaviour.
Anuja Bhagat, Marketing Manager at Away Holidays, shares: “With this insider’s guide, travellers can go beyond the usual tourist attractions and experience the luxury of Dubai through a local perspective. Whether indulging in luxury or finding ways to enjoy opulence on a budget, Dubai offers something for everyone.”
“For those looking to book a holiday to Dubai, we have a variety of packages to choose from, catered to a variety of interests and budgets.”
For more information, please visit: https://www.awayholidays.co.uk/middle-east/dubai/
