Dubai is a popular destination for travellers looking to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing holiday, with 17.15 million international visitors in 2023. One of the best ways to experience all that Dubai has to offer is by staying in a holiday rental, where you an relax, away from the hustle and bustle of busy hotels.
From lavish villas to sleek beachfront apartments, holiday rentals provide amenities, convenience, and comfort for an unforgettable vacation. Dubai holiday rentals allow visitors to truly live like a local and provide easy access to Dubai's top attractions. Holiday homes in Dubai are the perfect accommodation solution for larger groups.
Types of Holiday Homes
Dubai has a wide variety of holiday lettings to suit different tastes, budgets and lifestyles.
1. Luxury Villas
For the ultimate indulgent experience, luxury villas are the way to go. Properties on Palm Jumeirah or in the exclusive gated community of Arabian Ranches, Emirates Hills, and Jumeirah Golf Estates feature private pools, home cinemas, and even private gyms. Interiors display opulent finishes like marble floors, chandeliers and imported furnishings. Multiple bedrooms with air conditioning accommodate large groups and families. Fully equipped kitchens, barbecue facilities and formal dining rooms make entertaining in luxury villas a breeze.
Luxury Dubai holiday homes and villas provide plenty of space to relax and recharge. Unwind in the outdoor pool, soak in garden views and take in Dubai’s glittering skyline. With 24/7 security and management, luxury villas offer total peace of mind.
2. Beachfront Apartments
Nothing complements a Dubai holiday like sunshine and sand. For direct beach access, book a Dubai holiday rental with private beach access along the glistening Dubai shoreline. Properties in Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah offer unobstructed ocean panoramas from private terraces.
Wake up to gorgeous sunrise views right from your bedroom. Spend your days sunbathing and splashing in the Arabian Gulf waters just steps from your apartment. When you’ve had enough sun, head inside to enjoy sleek interiors and ultra-modern conveniences.
Beachfront apartments keep you connected to the sea while immersing you in Dubai’s luxurious lifestyle.
3. Urban Flats
For those looking to be steps away from the action, urban flats in neighbourhoods like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina put you at the heart of the city. Sleek high-rise Dubai apartments place you near major attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Shop at world-class boutiques downstairs or take a quick stroll to Dubai’s best restaurants and entertainment.
Urban flats are designed for city-savvy travellers featuring chic, contemporary design. Granite and marble kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows and designer furnishings deliver luxury touches. Enjoy smart home features, fitness centres, infinity pools and more premier amenities.
Experience convenience and vibrancy when you rent an urban flat.
Key Neighbourhoods
1. Palm Jumeirah
Dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most prestigious addresses. This man-made island paradise is home to luxury villas and apartments encircled by shimmering Arabian Gulf waters.
Enjoy lounging on Palm Jumeirah’s powdery white beaches or soaking up views from your private pool. Top attractions like Aquaventure Waterpark, the iconic Atlantis Hotel, and the Ain Dubai observation wheel are all just minutes away.
Shop and dine your way down the popular Palm Jumeirah Walk. With monorail access, it’s easy to explore mainland Dubai and then escape back to Palm Jumeirah’s island oasis.
2. Downtown Dubai
As Dubai’s glittering city centre, Downtown Dubai places you amid awe-inspiring architecture and nonstop energy. From the cloud-piercing Burj Khalifa to the sprawling Dubai Mall, iconic attractions surround your holiday home.
Experience the bustling vibe at The Dubai Fountain, Souk Al Bahar and Opera District. Luxury boutiques and international cuisines are on your doorstep.
When you’re not exploring, relax in leafy parks, cool off in air-conditioned malls or catch mesmerising fountain shows. With excellent transport links, other top sights like Palm Jumeirah and Old Dubai are easily accessible from Downtown’s central location.
3. Dubai Marina
This cosmopolitan waterfront district thrums with a lively, youthful vibe. Dubai Marina’s sleek high-rises are home to chic, modern holiday apartments with gorgeous marina views.
Relax on Dubai Marina Beach while soaking in the electric energy. Take an evening stroll along the marina promenade lined with al fresco restaurants and cafes. The Dubai Marina Walk even offers great people watching under the glow of futuristic lights.
Venture to nearby attractions like Palm Jumeirah or Mall of the Emirates before returning to hip bars and nightclubs within the neighbourhood. Dubai Marina delivers urban luxury living at its finest.
Booking Tips
When to Book
The peak tourism season in Dubai runs from October through April, when temperatures are ideal for beach holidays and outdoor sightseeing. Booking 3-6 months in advance ensures you secure the best holiday home selection during these popular months.
Last-minute deals can sometimes be found, but availability is lower. For big events like the Dubai Shopping Festival in January or Dubai World Cup horse racing in March, book 6-12 months out. Summers (May-September) see fewer visitors so you can often find holiday homes just 1-2 months before your stay. Just keep in mind the intense heat can limit outdoor activities.
What to Consider
Evaluate your must-have amenities like air conditioning, location priorities, group size and budget. Check the rental availability information. Consider extras like a private pool, home cinema or gym. Proximity to key attractions like Palm Jumeirah Beach or Dubai Mall may be important.
Opt for 2+ bedrooms if you’re travelling with family or other couples. Set a nightly or overall budget to narrow your rental options.
Don’t forget to factor in any additional fees in the price information like cleaning, tourism taxes, parking or utilities.
Read reviews of accommodation in Dubai under consideration and confirm they suit your needs before booking.
Activities and Attractions
Adventure and Sports
The UAE’s desert landscape provides a thrilling playground. Dune bashing in SUVs, camel trekking, desert safaris and sandboarding will get your adrenaline pumping. Kitesurfing and wakeboarding are popular water sports along Dubai’s coast. Skydiving and indoor skiing at Ski Dubai deliver more extreme pursuits. Golf is world-class with courses designed by pros like Tiger Woods. Tennis fans can play or watch matches at the annual Dubai Tennis Championship.
With so many adventures, you’ll never have a dull moment.
Relaxation and Leisure
When you’re ready to slow down, Dubai has plenty of spots to relax and recharge with stunning views. Pamper yourself at a luxury spa like Talise Spa at Burj Al Arab or the Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm. Practice yoga at sunrise on Kite Beach or meditate in the world’s largest natural flower garden, Dubai Miracle Garden.
Indulge in retail therapy at the Dubai Mall, City Walk or Mall of the Emirates. Foodies can sample Emirati cuisine or dine at award-winning eateries from celebrity chefs.
A traditional dhow cruise along Dubai Creek provides front-row views of the glimmering skyline.
Practical Advice
Transportation
The Dubai Metro provides quick transport between major attractions like Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai. Reliable public transport bus routes cover other parts of the city and are great value. Taxis are affordable, ubiquitous and ideal for short journeys.
For longer day trips, renting a car is recommended. Tours can pick you up in a private vehicle with a guide. Some holiday homes include a complimentary car service. Avoid driving yourself in Dubai’s hectic traffic.
Using the metro, licensed taxis or private drivers is safest and most efficient.
Safety Tips
Dubai is generally very safe, especially in tourist areas. However, normal precautions apply. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or flashy jewellery. Only take licensed, metered taxis or ride shares.
As a conservative country, avoid public displays of affection and intoxication. Photography near government buildings or of people without their consent is prohibited. Dubai strictly enforces littering, jaywalking and other minor offences - ignorance is no excuse.
Stay hydrated and use sun protection as the climate is hot year-round. Keep prescription medications in original containers. Following local laws and customs ensures a trouble-free Dubai visit.
Last Words
With its cosmopolitan atmosphere, year-round hot weather, and upmarket shopping opportunities, Dubai is the perfect destination for anyone in need of a luxurious break. Luxury hotels like the Atlantis, The Palm or Burj Al Arab offer many amenities, but Dubai villas, beachfront apartments, and urban flats offer greater flexibility, more space, and often better amenities.
Villas and apartments also offer an excellent investment opportunity for savvy property investors and Airbnb landlords. UpperKey can help you manage your investment, so contact us today to learn more about our property management solutions in Dubai.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
The best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months from November to April.