Holidays in the Middle East

Destination information

If you’re looking for a really special destination where you can indulge your love of top-quality hotels, great shopping, fine dining, world-class golf and state-of-the-art spas, Dubai is for you. Add to this a fascinating Middle Eastern heritage to explore and a range of exciting activities, and you have a destination with just about everything. With year-round sunshine and miles of lovely beaches.
Dubai is just one of 7 Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The others such as Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are quieter, but still have great beaches and resorts offering excellent value for money. We have an extensive range of accommodation available in Oman, and wide range of lavish Dubai holidays.
Dubai is like no other place on Earth. It is a truly fabulous destination where visitors can indulge in top-quality hotels, great shopping, fine dining, state-of-the-art spas and of course fantastic beaches. There is however more to Dubai than meets the eye… fascinating Middle Eastern heritage is waiting to be explored with the historical focal point located at the creek. Exciting activities are also in abundance, a visit to the desert for some dune bashing is an exhilarating experience and to cool off afterwards head to one of the city’s magnificent water parks. With huge investment taking place right now in Dubai, holidays here provide a first-hand glimpse into a modern-day success story and an experience of truly luxurious living. With all this and more, Dubai has definitely arrived… and is waiting for you to.

Eats & drinks

Handy Stuff

Average costs at an exchange rate of 5.7AED
Beer £6.00
Wine by the glass £7.90
Can of soft drink £1.75
Meal in a reasonably priced restaurant £60.00 per person
Meal in an expensive restaurant £175.00 per person
Please note: Prices are a guideline only and are subject to change.

Fun & games

KidZania

KidZania located in the Dubai Mall, is a one of a kind ‘edutainment’ centre where children can choose a profession for the day and live like grown ups! The kid-sized replica of a real city caters for children aged 4-17 years and has a choice of over 70 professions for them to choose, from surgeons to police officers or news reporters to fire fighters! Of course they get to wear the appropriate uniform for their days ‘work’ and even get paid in “Kidzo’s”, the official currency of KidZania, and there are specific outlets inside where they are able to spend them.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Situated within the Mall of the Emirates, it is an amazing 22,500sq m covered with a snow all year round – a great place to escape the heat! Ski Dubai has 5 runs which vary is gradient and difficulty – including 3 worlds first indoor black run. There are also some themed restaurants where you can dine with a view of the slopes and a team of professional Ski & Snowboard Academy instructors who are on hand to help you really get the most out of your indoor ski experience!

Aquaventure

Situated within Atlantis, the Palm, Aquaventure is set in 42 acres and is simply overflowing with fun including Master Blasters, speedslides, rapids, Splashers children’s area and even a private beach! It is also home to Dolphin bay and the Lost Chambers. Dolphin Bay offers you the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of dolphins and enjoy an unforgettable experience with a choice of 3 interactions suitable for a range of ages and swimming activities (please call us for our latest prices). The Lost Chambers houses over 65,000 marine animals in over 20 fresh and sea water exhibits and brings the myth of Atlantis to life through a maze of underground tunnels offering underwater views. Entrance to Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers is free to Atlantis guests however non residents can also enjoy this great day out - please call us for our latest prices.

SEGA Republic

SEGA Republic is a high adrenaline indoor theme park and is guaranteed to produce smiles all round. It has 5 themed zones with 9 thrilling attractions and over 200 games where you can compete to win great prizes. The park is split over 2 levels and also houses a exhilarating indoor rollercoaster and state-of-the-art simulators.

Wild Wadi

Wild Wadi is themed around a popular Arabian Folklore character, Jula, and is a water park home to over 30 rides and attractions. 12 acres of liquid fun boast high adrenaline thrills in the form of the ‘Jumeirah Skeirah’, ‘Sumit Surgh’ and plenty of high powered jets and master blasters. Those looking for a more chilled experience can relax on the lazy river or simply admire the breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the Burj Al Arab from the dryness of a sunbed! Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon provides hours of fun for the children and the two new rides opened in 2011 – Tantrum Alley and Burj Surj add even more excitement to this ever popular attraction.

Video of The Middle East

Check out our great video of The Middle East below.

Getting there

Flight Details - Virgin Atlantic flights to Dubai depart daily from London Heathrow. Flights also available with Emirates to Dubai, Qatar Airways to Dubai via Doha, Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi and Oman Air to Oman.

Flying Time - Approx 7 hours to Dubai.

Flight Upgrades - available on all airlines, please call us for details.

Time - GMT +4 hours in Winter and +3 in Summer

Currency - UAE Dirham (Dhs)

Visa Requirements - British citizens do not require a visa.

Language - The official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken.

Alcohol - Legal drinking age is 21.

Dubai Flight Arrivals - Virgin Holidays' transfers in Dubai are direct to your chosen hotel. Transfer times may vary due to traffic conditions. The Virgin Atlantic flight to Dubai arrives early in the morning. Hotel check-in times start at 2.00pm. You will be able to store your bags at the hotel and use the hotel facilities until your room becomes available. If you would like to check in on arrival, you will need to pay for an additional night's accommodation.

Religious Periods - The holy month of Ramadan is celebrated between 9th July - 7th August 2013. During these dates there are restrictions on alcohol, food consumption and entertainment for local Muslims between sunrise and sunset when they must fast. Restrictions within hotels with international guests tend to be more relaxed, however you should be aware that the consumption of alcohol in public areas is prohibited within daylight hours and services maybe reduced in some food outlets. However at nightfall there are many lively traditional celebrations, known as Iftah, where hotels often arrange lavish buffet feasts. Whilst visitors are asked to respect these traditions it is also a great time to see the real Dubai and experience local customs and it should not impact the enjoyment of your stay.

Weather - can be extremely hot in the summer months; average temperature in Aug is around 41 degrees Celsius, however most hotels offer shaded pool and outdoor areas and there are many fantastic attractions which are under cover and full air-conditioned.

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