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erial view of Dubai Marina during Golden Hour sunset with beaches and high rise skyscrapers

Where to Stay in Dubai

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By Holly Wallis


This fascinating city’s ambitious futuristic vision is elegantly intertwined with evocative desert splendour and rich Bedouin culture. Home to impressive feats of architecture, welcoming beaches and entertainment for everyone, it is easy to see why Dubai is the most popular emirate in the UAE. Read on for our guide to where to stay in Dubai to help you make the most of your time in the Pearl of the Gulf.

Jumeirah Beaches

Spanning the length of the coastline from downtown Dubai to the base of Palm Jumeirah, the beaches of Jumeirah offer a surprising variety and are perfect for sun-seekers, foodies, and sports enthusiasts alike. From sunbathing and people watching, to evening sundowner cocktails and walks along the shore, the soft, welcoming sands of the beaches of Jumeirah are guaranteed to delight.


For the ultimate in luxury, Jumeirah has many beachside resorts which offer private beaches, the highest level of service, and some of the best restaurants in the city. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, which is arguably one of the most famous hotels in Dubai, stands proudly off the coast of Jumeirah on its own island and is the epitome of luxury accommodation in this neighbourhood. This is a great option for where to stay in Dubai for those seeking the finer things.


Located between downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah, connected to the rest of Dubai by Sheikh Zayed road, Jumeirah is a great, central location, perfect for those wanting to explore the different characters and sights of this astonishing emirate.


 

Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, UAE

Palm Jumeirah

Home to some of the most world renowned hotels Palm Jumeriah is an iconic choice for where to stay in Dubai. Atlantis, The Palm is a legendary, water themed hotel which is home to the magical Aquarium and thrilling Aquaventure Waterpark. Neighbouring Atlantis, The Royal offers an exclusive experience and is an excellent option for where to stay in Dubai for those seeking ultra-luxury.


Nakheel mall’s location in the heart of Dubai’s most famous man-made island makes it a great casual dining and shopping destination for everyone staying on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah. This location is also perfect for the main attraction here, The View. Standing at 240 metres above ground The View has a 360-degree observation deck which looks over the fronds, Dubai skyline and out beyond Atlantis The Palm to the Arabian Gulf. 


Sitting at the tip of Palm Jumeirah’s trunk is the The Pointe, a shopping and casual dining mall with uninterrupted views of Atlantis, The Palm. This waterfront location is especially atmospheric in the evening when its very own dancing fountain is lit up with over 3,000 LEDs.


 

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, UAE

JBR, Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island

This lively beachfront area and surrounding neighbourhoods offer the ideal combination of soft white sand, turquoise waters and buzzing promenade. Offering everything from sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching to watersports, play areas and plenty of dining options, it's a great choice for where to stay in Dubai if you're looking for the perfect beach day. 


As the sun sets this sun-soaked beach destination transforms into one of the most popular districts in the city for dining out with fantastic restaurants and lively bars. Whether you want a casual bite or gourmet meal there is something for every palate with many places enjoying an outdoor terrace perfect for balmy evenings. 


Home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, as well as plenty of trendy dining options and retail outlets, Bluewaters Island is fast becoming one of Dubai’s most popular neighbourhoods. Easily accessed from JBR via a scenic footbridge which looks back over Dubai’s skyline, this vibrant island is a great option for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.


A lively destination with outdoor trampolines and Aquafun, an inflatable waterpark, as well as delightful ice cream parlours, this area of Dubai is guaranteed to keep children entertained for hours. Parents can kick back and relax on the soft white sand with a cocktail in hand or get involved and show the children how it is done.


 

Traveller walking on a promenade, Dubai Marina

Downtown Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is a stunning feat of architecture and engineering around which downtown Dubai unfolds. Feel the enormity of the construction challenge as you ascend to the observation decks located on the 124th and 148th floors and marvel at the impressive views of Dubai’s ever evolving skyline which stretches out into the desert.


Feeling almost like a city itself, Dubai Mall has essentially redefined what it means to be a shopping centre. This entertainment hub pairs luxury brand shops and quirky retail finds with an Olympic sized ice rink and an immense aquarium. Dubai Mall also has a plethora of dining options including fast food, casual dining, and fine cuisine.


This mesmerising dancing fountain is spectacularly set in the middle of a lake with a remarkable backdrop of the Burj Khalifa. This spectacle is best enjoyed in the evening when the fountains are choreographed with lights as well as music.


 

Sunset panoramic view of downtown Dubai at Sheikh Zayed Road, UAE

Dubai Creek

Although now a world-famous, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city, Dubai was once a much simpler fishing and trading community situated along the banks of Dubai Creek. Abra and Dhow boats, once used for transporting goods, fishing and pearl diving, now sail Dubai Creek offering a glimpse into a world of years gone by. Wander the well-preserved winding alleys, sand colour towers and traditional courtyard houses of the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood which is located nearby.  


In a destination famous for large-scale shopping centres, the Arabian-style souks are a welcome venture into a more traditional Emirati world. Most famous of these markets are Dubai’s Gold and Spice souks. Located on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, the Gold Souk is filled with boutiques offering intricate gold jewellery which dazzles in shop windows. Nearby the Spice Souk is lined with stalls showcasing the best of saffron, cinnamon, frankincense and rose petals. 


Averaging just 15 minutes drive from the international airport, Dubai Creek is a convenient location with a range of hotels as well as easy access to dining outlets, great views and some local sights.


 

Abra - old traditional wooden boat and Al Farooq Mosque on the bay Creek in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Desert

Known as the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the desert on the outskirts of Dubai is a protected area home to a number of native species such as Arabian oryx, gazelles and desert foxes. Join a guided nature drive or walk to learn about the flora and fauna that thrive here or alternatively take to the skies in a hot air balloon at sunrise and enjoy the desert scenery and roaming wildlife from above.

In the evening, leave behind the bright lights of Dubai and head into the vast expanse of the desert where minimal light pollution means the sky comes alive, perfect for star gazing! For those staying in the desert over night, why not opt for a romantic desert diningexperience under the stars and absorb that true Arabian magic.

Offroad desert safari in Dubai (dune bashing)

For more inspiration, take a look at our Dubai Holidays page.

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Written by Holly Wallis

Holly is a Web Content Supervisor in our Marketing Team, based in our Kensington head office.

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