Dubai stands as a tourist haven, brimming with a plethora of enticing attractions. Its wide array of affordable tour packages and budget-friendly lodging options ensures that it finds a spot on every traveller's list. Additionally, the introduction of emerging travel trends like staycations, along with initiatives like remote-working visas and golden visas, has further fuelled its burgeoning appeal. In 2022 alone, over 10 million Britons opted for Dubai as their preferred vacation destination.
As per insights provided by Abigail Lewis, a Partner at MB Luxury Travel, the initial surge in bookings was observed in December, coinciding with the beginning of travel opportunities amid the pandemic. During this time, Dubai, alongside destinations like Tenerife and Maldives, stood out as one of the few places open for travellers. She said, “At this point, a lot of people had the opportunity to see what Dubai was all about. They were keen to holiday abroad, and this was an option with guaranteed sunshine and hotels with amazing prices. This was the real big noticeable shift from Miami and The Caribbean, for example, where a huge amount of our festive bookings were originally focused.
“This was the start of the trend which is continuously growing and spreading over to Abu Dhabi and Oman now. The big resorts are perfect for generational family holidays and the short flight makes it even more appealing.”
A wide range of experiences
Tourists celebrating Christmas in Dubai have a variety of festive experiences to enjoy. Christmas markets offer a taste of the holiday spirit, while those seeking a touch of snow can venture to ski slopes transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Numerous hotels in Dubai offer special themed meals, such as the Vintage Festive Brunch at Jumeirah Al Qasr. Hotels also adorn their premises with festive decorations to create a more holiday-inspired atmosphere, adding to the festive charm of the city during Christmas.
Abigail explains that, “The hotels do an amazing job at celebrating but not too loudly, so those who may not celebrate do not feel out of place either. We work with the hotels and arrange various things for Christmas lovers like Christmas trees placed in rooms with presents wrapped and under the trees.
“Also, Global Village is a spot we love to send our clients to year-round to focus some of their experiences to be more winter and festive-focused and it’s perfect for that time of year.”
During the Christmas period in Dubai, tourists often flock to some of the city's most popular attractions and engage in various activities. These include thrilling adventures like sand buggy boarding and 4x4 sand driving, providing an exciting desert experience. Many travellers also opt for immersive Bedouin experiences, visits to water parks, chartering day yachts for leisurely cruises, and exploring the diverse culinary scene at Dubai's amazing restaurants. Additionally, some choose to take short flights to Abu Dhabi to visit renowned cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Elaborating on the cuisines and dining experiences, especially for Christmas, Abigail highlights some great establishments. She says, “In Dubai, you can eat anything from Moroccan to Thai, British to Chinese, Mediterranean to Spanish, Japanese and Italian to name a few. Christmas-themed brunches in Dubai is something not to miss.
“Beefbar at the Al Naseem has a bespoke festive menu. Eataly at The Beach has a Buon Natale Christmas Day Brunch with an amazing celebration of Italian Christmas dishes. Drift Beach Club serves its infamous festive feast with the sand between your toes and a hamper raffle prize while Jumeirah Al Qasr has a Vintage Festive Brunch. Amazonico have a Jingle Bell Brunch served with festive cocktails, and for those wanting something relaxed, places like Folly offer a more traditional roast.”
Early booking can prove economical
Due to Dubai being a famous destination for tourists, it is always advised that people book as early as possible. Advance bookings come with the benefits of brilliant discounts and cheaper flight fares. MB Luxury Travels tailor all their trips based on client needs and communicate extensively to make sure that all of the customer’s demands are met to the best of their ability. Abigail says, “We have the ability to hold flights for our clients so many will get back in January and hold for the following year and don’t have to pay until much closer to their departure date. Similarly, we have the same policy on hotels, we don’t request deposits unless the hotels specify – so we can always make changes and amend bookings if better deals come out.”
“We have an incredible team which works together to ensure that every client is looked after seamlessly. The sales team assists with selecting the right flights and accommodation and our complimentary in-house concierge assists with the planning of finer details from restaurants to day trips. We like to plan early for the festive period so for those who book far in advance we start planning in September - October. And those who are beginning to book their holiday in September - October we will begin immediately on the planning and booking. We leave no stone unturned”, she added.
Dubai's appeal as a travel destination for Britons lies in its perfect blend of modernity and tradition, offering a diverse range of experiences, from luxury living to cultural exploration, adventure, and entertainment. The city's commitment to innovation and constant development ensures that there is always something new and exciting to discover in this dynamic metropolis.
