Ultimate Dubai Honeymoon Guide
A Dubai honeymoon is fun and fascinating. We’ve got everything you need to know to plan a honeymoon in Dubai!

Futuristic, cosmopolitan and glam with an endless array of activities to suit every taste, a Dubai honeymoon is fun with a capital F!
Epicureans, museum goers, sports fanatics, party animals, beach bums and bon vivants – whatever you want to do you’ll find it in this diverse desert city in the United Arab Emirates.
The hotels are unique and luxurious and sometimes over-the-top lavish (in the best possible way!).
You can find practically every cuisine you’re looking for. Where else can you have dinner in a Michelin star restaurant in a futurist skyscraper hotel one night and in a BBQ dinner in a desert camp the next?
In the morning take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride and in the afternoon go skydiving?
Whether you want action packed days or just to relax by a luxury rooftop pool or on the beach or a mixture of everything, a Dubai honeymoon ticks the boxes.
We love to visit this city and we’ve also planned hundreds of honeymoons there. Let’s take you to the best places to stay in Dubai, the most fun things to do, where to eat and drink with our Ultimate Dubai Honeymoon Guide…
We use affiliate links on our platform. If you click and book or buy through them, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the lights on at Honeymoon HQ! Rest assured, our recommendations are impartial and independent; we only suggest what we love and think you’ll love too! See our full disclaimer on our policies page.
The best time to visit Dubai for a honeymoon
The best time to honeymoon in Dubai is from October to April. From May to September, the weather is hot.
Temperatures reach well over 40° C / 100° F in July and August. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do a stopover but plan plenty of indoor activities – see our things to do for ideas.
In December, January & February, temperatures are more mild at around 20° C / 70° F. Even in winter, you’re very unlikely to experience a long spell of rain.
Where to stay on a Dubai honeymoon
There are almost 150 luxury hotels in Dubai, so we know overwhelming it can be to choose where to stay on a Dubai honeymoon.
Part of the appeal of a Dubai honeymoon is the incredibly luxurious hotels, so if your budget can stretch, we definitely recommend a night or two in a lavish hotel.
We’ve got the lowdown below on the best areas of Dubai, the most luxurious Dubai honeymoon hotels, plus some of our favourite hotels for couples who are planning a budget honeymoon escape.
Jump to:
Jumeirah Beach & Dubai Marina
Dubai Downtown
The Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Creek/Deira
Beyond Dubai
Jumeirah Beach and Dubai Marina
Jumeirah Beach stretches along a large part of the coastline of the city and the Dubai Marina is close to the famous Palm Jumeirah.
The beach and marina areas are the most desirable place to stay, with many luxury hotels and restaurants.
Jumeirah Beach is packed full of fun activities like Wild Wadi Waterpark and Kite Beach. The Marina has ‘ The Walk’ area along the city coastline plus Ain Dubai. It’s a lovely spot for dining and beach time.
Address Beach Resort – Guinness’ World Record breaking rooftop pool. We can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon on your honeymoon in Dubai.
Jumeirah Al Qasr – palatial Arabian beachside jewel, close to the Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab – among the most famous hotels in the world, this incredibly luxurious hotel is an icon. At least go for cocktails or afternoon tea.
Caesars Palace Dubai – beautiful beach resort beside Ain Dubai
Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach – one of the best located hotels in Dubai, directly on the Walk.
The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage – ultra lux Arabesque resort with private beach
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai – luxury resort at the heart of Dubai Marina
W Dubai Mina Seyahi – bright adult-only fun with an amazing pool
Rixos Premium Dubai JBR – cool five-star hotel close to the Walk
Rove Dubai Marina – we love these simple budget hotels spread across the city
Dubai Downtown
With the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountains at the centre, this is a lovely buzzy area of Dubai. Some of our favourite hotels are here too.
If you’re passing through Dubai on a stopover to a beach, you may want a more urban / city feel and an alternative to a beach stay.
This is why we love the Dubai Downtown area for a Dubai honeymoon stopover.
Address Dubai Mall – conveniently attached to the Dubai Mall and overlooking the Burj Khalifa. The Address hotel group knows how to do luxury hotels with dazzling views.
The Dubai EDITION – stylish addition to Dubai Downtown. We love.
Armani Hotel – for dedicated followers of fashion, this ultra lux in Burj Khalifa should be top of your list.
Palace Downtown – Elegant, long time Dubai honeymoon favourite in Dubai Downtown with beautiful views of the Dubai Fountain
The St. Regis Dubai Downtown – sleek option at Dubai Water Canal with infinity pool.
Rove Downtown – our favourite budget hotel in Dubai. very convenient to the Dubai Mall.
The Palm Jumeirah
You’ve seen the aerial view of the Palm Jumeirah in every article or blog about Dubai! It’s a unique piece of reclaimed land turned island.
A stay on the Palm for your Dubai honeymoon will feel have a more resort feel. You’re at least 15 minutes to the Dubai Marina area on the ‘mainland’.
It’s the location of one of our favourites of all time, Atlantis The Palm, but it’s dotted with other luxury resorts.
Atlantis, The Royal – new icon next door to the legendary Atlantis, The Palm with the most heavenly rooftop, Cloud 22, exclusively for guests.
Atlantis The Palm – iconic Dubai hotel and an attraction on its own. Fabulous dining and access to the best waterpark in the world. Try
Raffles The Palm Dubai – opulent ultra luxury resort, like you’ll only find in Dubai.
FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai – instafamous fun for party lovers.
Anantara The Palm – long-time favourite with overwater suites.
Aloft Palm Jumeirah – vibrant four-star hotel with incredible city views.
One&Only The Palm – ultra lux, tranquil and exclusive Arabesque gem.
Dubai Creek / Deira
These are the areas close to the airport, so many big hotel brands have hotels around this area. Deira & Bur Dubai are the older part of the city where the souk are located.
Dubai Frame is between here and Dubai Downtown. Many of the top sights are still only 20 minutes’ drive down the Sheikh Zayed Road (Dubai’s primary thoroughfare) and as you can see, some luxury resorts are dotted around here too.
If you’re not choosing to stay in one of the luxury resorts, stay around here if you’re on a tight budget and/or on a shorter stay as you’re so close to the airport.
Palazzo Versace – Italian palazzo with Arabic elements, this Dubai honeymoon hotel is perfect for lovers of luxuriant, ornate surrounds.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai – as insta-worthy as the original Miami beach club outpost.
Rove City Centre – perfectly located base for a short stopover.
Beyond Dubai
Dubai is just one emirate of seven in the federation that makes up the United Arab Emirates so if you’re looking for other honeymoon destinations in Dubai, there are some places to consider.
If you’re looking for a beach-stay outside the city, you could choose another emirate like Ras Al Khaimah (around 70-minutes drive / 115kms) or Ajman (50-minutes drive / 45kms).
You’ll find beautiful luxury resorts like the Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah and The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah and with overwater villas, the new, Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort.
Consider popping over the border to Oman and the wonderful Six Senses Zighy Bay. We love this unique hotel so much.
Get picked up by a luxury car at your Dubai hotel or from Dubai International Airport for the 120km journey. You then have a choice of how to arrive in this heavenly resort on Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, designed in a traditional Omani village style.
Arrive in a 4×4 through the breathtaking arid desert over the Hajar mountains or arrive by speedboat.
The third, and without a doubt our favourite way to arrive at a hotel ever, is to paraglide into the resort from the top of the mountain – 007 style. Just magic. The food is incredible too and the Pool Villas and peaceful setting are an absolute dream.
Anantara World Islands is just 4kms offshore from Jumeirah Beach. These reclaimed islands are perfect for a Dubai honeymoon stay, with a difference.
We’re kind of obsessed with the romantic desert landscapes of the Middle East and there are some stunning desert hotels close to Dubai, like Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Magic Camps.
The fascinating city, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is around 90 minutes’ drive/140 kilometres away.
Abu Dhabi is worth the trip alone to visit the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. While the consensus is that Dubai has more glitz, Abu Dhabi is not short of opulence and fun.
With hotels like The St. Regis Abu Dhabi or Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island and the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World.
You can also explore the romantic desert landscapes at the beautiful Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort or Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa.
Traverse the empty quarter (the world’s largest sand desert) by camelback. Dine under starry skies. Unwind with hammam and desert rose ritual in the spa.
Things to do on a Dubai honeymoon
You won’t be short of things to do on a honeymoon in Dubai. Whether you’re into adrenaline-pumping adventures or laid-back sightseeing trips, you’ll find it in Dubai.
You can kick back on the beach or shop till you drop or get the adrenaline going on one of Dubai’s many thrills. The possibilities are endless!
Aquaventure Waterpark – Yes, Aquaventure is one of our favourite recommendations for a Dubai honeymoon. We love a romantic day out, but we equally love fun days too. This is the world’s best waterpark. Entry is complimentary when you stay at the Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis Royal.
Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest building is an incredible feat of architecture. Take a trip up before sunset and look down on Dubai in all its glory by day and night. Spend a romantic evening having dinner overlooking the Dubai fountains.
Desert Safari – There are many options for a trip to the desert in Dubai. It’s up to you whether you want to include sand dune bashing, quad biking, a camel ride or a fun BBQ buffet dinner with Emirati entertainment.
Yacht around Dubai Marina – Spend a sophisticated afternoon on your Dubai honeymoon sailing the coastline past icons like the Burj Al Arab, the Atlantis and the Burj Khalifa towering high over the cityscape.
Zip line across Dubai Marina – The world longest urban zip line is not for the fainthearted, but you can definitely feel like a superhero sliding past the skyscrapers.
Hot-air balloon ride – Watch the colours of the desert change on a romantic Dubai honeymoon highlight. You can also opt for a hot air balloon ride over The Palm at Dubai Balloon at the Atlantis.
Cocktails at the Burj Al Arab – You can have afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar on the 1st floor but cocktails at the Burj Al Arab Skyview Lounge is a chic way to spend a night of your Dubai honeymoon.
Skydive Dubai – So many iconic buildings, this is one of our favourite places to skydive in the world.
Dubai Old Town – Explore the heritage quarter to get an insight into Arabic culture. Visit the coffee museum and perfume, gold and spice souks.
Dinner in the Sky – One of the most unique places you’ll ever eat. Enjoy a 3 course meal suspended 50 metres above ground with skyscraper views.
Jet ski Dubai – Jet ski (or flyboard or parasail) in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. Don’t forget to get a photo with the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab.
Dubai Opera – you can go on a tour of the building or check the listings to catch some world class shows.
Ski Dubai – Because where else can you ski when it’s 40 degrees outside?
Museum of the Future The building alone is incredible. Explore the latest innovations from around the world.
Shopping – We mentioned the souks of the old town above but for a more modern experience, head for the Dubai Mall (the largest shopping mall in the world) and Mall of the Emirates.
Where to eat and drink on a Dubai Honeymoon
Dubai always has somewhere new to dine, which makes it an exciting destination for a foodie honeymoon.
There is somewhere to eat for every budget and a cuisine for every taste – Italian, Lebanese, Peruvian, Japanese, Iranian, French or Mexican. Budget eats in the malls to Michelin starred restaurants in the luxury hotels.
In fact, you can find most of the top restaurants and lounges within the hotels. You don’t have to be staying in a hotel to dine there, but prior reservation is recommended.
The concierge at your hotel can sometimes work some magic too. We love the Michelin Guide and Time Out Dubai, but here are some of our recommendations:
- Thiptara – Find the best Thai food at the Palace Hotel with amazing views of the Dubai Fountains. A big favourite.
- Ossiano – Michelin star with aquarium surrounds of Atlantis The Palm
- Ling Ling Dubai – If Atlantis the Royal is not an option, the next best thing is dinner at this stunning location.
- ZETA Seventy Seven – Asian Fusion with beautiful skyscraper views from the Address Beach Resort
- The Noodle House JBR – Delicious Asian soul food in the Dubai Marina
- Gia – Lovely Italian food and cool cocktails in the Dubai Mall, book a table outside for Dubai Fountain views.
- Ayamna – Incredible Lebanese food in beautiful surrounds, one of our favourites in Atlantis The Palm
- Asil – Have the best Arabian night in this cool Turkish, Moroccan & Lebanese fashion in Rixos Premium
- Hakkasan – Michelin-star Cantonese food in the Atlantis. Perfect treat on your Dubai honeymoon.
- Karma Kafe – For fans of Buddha Bar in Souk Al Bahar with views of the dancing Dubai Fountains
- Armani/Hashi – High end Japanese recommended by Michelin at Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa
- Bussola – Italian in a lovely location in Westin Mina Seyahi on Jumeirah
- Treehouse Dubai – urban garden lounge at Taj Dubai
- CÉ LA VI Dubai – Contemporary Asian with stunning views at Address Skyview
- Flair 5 – Urban jungle vibes at the Ritz-Carlton
- Eve Penthouse & Lounge – Penthouse views from Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek
- Tong Thai – Red lights and authentic Thai street food
- STAY by Yannick Alleno – Ultra lux food in ultra lux surrounds of One&Only
Good to know about Dubai
Time Zone: GMT + 4
Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken with signage in both English & Arabic.
Population: 3 million
Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham – AED
A few phrases in Arabic:
Hi: Ahlan
Thank you: Shukran
Goodbye: Ma’a salama
Dubai, once a modest fishing village, has transformed into a dazzling metropolis known for its skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and ambitious projects like the Palm Islands.
Rich in oil wealth, Dubai is part of the UAE and has become a global hub for finance, tourism, and real estate.
While Dubai is a honeymoon destination in its own right, it is also one of our favourite destinations for a honeymoon city stopover.
As a major hub between the Middle East and Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Africa & Europe – if you’re thinking about planning a honeymoon on any of these incredibly diverse continents you often fly through Dubai so why not take at least a few days to explore this exciting metropolis!
Dubai Honeymoon Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubai good for a honeymoon?
Yes! Dubai is perfect for a honeymoon.
There are many misconceptions about Dubai, but it’s ideal for a city stopover if you’re flying through.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, do something sporty, cultural, or just have fun, you’ll find it all in this desert metropolis.
If you want to spend your whole honeymoon in Dubai, you definitely could!
Is Dubai safe for LGBTQ+ couples planning a honeymoon?
Dubai is an extremely safe destination when it comes to petty crime. Crime rates are low.
However, unfortunately, when it comes to equality for LGBTQ+ people, the United Arab Emirates has yet to join us in the 21st century.
Many LGBTQ+ people live and work in Dubai and it’s a fun destination for a honeymoon. However, anti-LGBTQ+ laws are not only discriminatory but they are also harsh.
The United Arab Emirates is conservative for everyone compared to some part of Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. We’d recommend even heterosexual couples who are inclined to public displays of affection, to be conscious of local sensibilities.
Many LGBTQ+ couples will visit Dubai on honeymoon and avoid drawing any attention to themselves by avoiding public displays of affection.
However, we know many couples do not want to hide who they are while on their honeymoon. So if this is the case, for you, we’d recommend choosing a more LGBTQ+ friendly honeymoon destination.
How long should we stay in Dubai for our honeymoon?
The duration of a Dubai honeymoon will depend on several factors, including your available time, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking to have.
Some couples planning a Dubai honeymoon stopover will stay for 3 to 4 nights and others will go for 7 to 10+ nights if the United Arab Emirates is their primary honeymoon destination.
We would recommend at least 4 nights for a Dubai honeymoon stopover, which will give you 3 full days to explore some of the city’s highlights.
How do we get to Dubai?
It’s easy to plan a Dubai honeymoon no matter where you are in the world. Many places are connected to Dubai!
In fact, Dubai International Airport (airport code: DXB) is the second biggest airport in the world by international passenger numbers in 2023 (after Atlanta).
Emirates has a vast network, and you can also fly from most major cities around the world.
You can also fly to Abu Dhabi with Etihad, which provides a complimentary coach to Dubai for their passengers. Other airlines fly to Dubai, too.
There is a second airport in Dubai, Dubai World Central (DWC), which is set to become the biggest airport in the world eventually.
Do we need a visa for Dubai?
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates. If you need help obtaining a visa, check out iVisa.com.
You need 6 months of validity left on your passport.
Do we need travel vaccinations for Dubai?
Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is a malaria-free and Zika-free honeymoon destination.
Some travel vaccinations are recommended.
We encourage you to visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a medical specialist.
How do we get around Dubai?
Dubai’s citizens may sometimes complain about traffic, but in our many visits, we’ve found Dubai is one of the easiest cities of its size to get around, although it is quite spread out!
Taxis, Uber, and the locally owned Careem are plentiful, and it’s never taken us over 30 minutes to get into the city.
Dubai isn’t exactly a walkable city, so unless you’re staying in your hotel or resort’s vicinity, it’s likely you’ll take a cab.
You can also take the convenient Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, which are clean, safe, and very efficient (and they go from the airport).
There are two lines that are easy to navigate. If you are planning a more sustainable honeymoon, this is the best way to travel.
We’ve never heard of couples hiring a car, but you could if you’re confident enough.
Is a Dubai honeymoon package expensive?
Dubai is a luxurious and relatively expensive honeymoon destination.
A lot of accommodation is high-end, and there aren’t a lot of free things to do in the city besides the beach.
However, the cost of a honeymoon in Dubai will vary widely depending on several factors, including the time of year, the type of accommodations, the length of stay, and what kind of activities are on your list.
Should we use a travel agent to book our honeymoon in Dubai?
A good travel agent who books Dubai honeymoons regularly will be able to take care of the nitty gritty and may even have preferential rates.
It’s definitely worth checking things with a trusted travel agent. Using a travel agent has a lot of great advantages.
If you want to book a D-I-Y Dubai honeymoon package, we’d recommend choosing a flexible hotel rate with free cancellation with Booking.com.
You can book transfers and ferries, along with tours and excursions on GetYourGuide or Viator.
When you’re booking flights, if you can’t fly directly and are booking connecting flights, give yourself enough time to change airplanes.
We’d recommend at least a 2 to 3-hour layover for a stress-free experience.
Don’t forget to have travel insurance in place before booking!
What about travel insurance?
Here at The Honeymoon Guide, we want you to have the best honeymoon possible. Safety is paramount, so it’s important to have travel insurance in place when you book your honeymoon.
If you don’t have travel insurance, check out WorldNomads.com to learn more.
World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
What should we wear on our honeymoon in Dubai?
Dubai’s dress code is one of the most common things couples are curious about. It’s also the source of one of the most common misconceptions about Dubai!
While the United Arab Emirates is a conservative Islamic country, common sense prevails.
If you’re by the pool and beach, bikinis are fine. If you’re visiting a mosque, cover up.
We recommend dressing relatively modestly. Dubai is a very family-friendly destination (perfect for a familymoon!) so keep this in mind.
For example, leave the hot pants at home, but if you wear shorts or a skirt, maybe cover your shoulders with a t-shirt. If you wear a tank top, wear longer-length trousers or a skirt.
We recommend respecting local customs wherever you are in the world!
What should we pack for a honeymoon in Dubai?
When packing for Dubai, include lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a hot climate. Think glam, yet comfortable and a little bit modest!
High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a reusable water bottle are essential for protection against the sun.
Don’t forget swimwear for the beaches and hotel pools. If you’re planning to hit some high-end restaurants, then pack your favourite dresses and heels.
You can buy almost everything you need in Dubai, too, so don’t overpack!
What should we buy in Dubai?
Dubai is one of the world’s shopping meccas. Most big US and European brands that you can think of have outposts in Dubai.
You’ll find standalone stores from high street favourites to high-end designer brands. From & Other Stories and Zara to Gucci, Chanel, and Celine.
Gold and diamond jewellery are good value. Check out the Gold Souk and the Gold & Diamond Park (we love Cara Jewellers).
Try the Perfume Souk for a unique fragrance that might be easier on your purse than gold or diamonds!
Visit the Spice Souk for many exotic flavours. We love the medjool dates from here.
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?
An important question if you envision your Dubai honeymoon involving cocktails delivered poolside by day and spending a night at a chic restaurant by night!
The good news is that it’s not hard to find alcohol in Dubai.
Although the drinking culture may differ compared to your home country, you can legally drink alcohol if you’re 21 or over. You cannot drink in the street or buy alcohol in the supermarket.
Only licensed premises can serve and sell alcohol. Typically, these are in hotel restaurants, bars, nightclubs, or dedicated liquor stores.
Should we bring cash / should we tip in Dubai?
Cards are widely accepted in Dubai but having some Dirham on you is a good idea.
Tipping is customary but not mandatory; consider leaving around 10-15% at restaurants if a service charge isn’t included.
Small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are also appreciated.
Where can we tag on to a Dubai for a multi-destination honeymoon?
The world! Dubai is one of the best hubs to fly through.
Dubai is around 5-7 hours from most European cities, so it’s easy to combine most European countries with Dubai.
With connections to the Indian Ocean, you’ve got the perfect city and beach honeymoon.
You can easily stay in a heavenly villa in the Maldives, go island hopping in Seychelles, relax in a stunning resort in Mauritius, or visit the African honeymoon gem, Zanzibar.
If you’re planning an adventure honeymoon in Asia, you can add Dubai to any of these wonderful destinations – Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and China.
You can tag Dubai onto a beautiful island-hopping honeymoon in The Philippines, or enjoy a tour of Thailand’s legendary islands or a stay in honeymoon favorite, Bali.
How about combining a honeymoon in Dubai with a honeymoon train tour of Japan?
If you’re planning a safari honeymoon in Tanzania, Kenya, or a magical road trip through South Africa, or a romantic honeymoon road trip in Australia or New Zealand, you may fly through Dubai, so why not stop?
You can also take a cruise from Dubai. Consider a neighboring country in the Middle East like Jordan or Oman for an incredible Arabian adventure.
The options are truly endless!
Things to consider before booking a dubai honeymoon
While we love to recommend a Dubai for honeymoon, there are some potential downsides that you might want to consider so you can make a well-informed decision and plan your dream honeymoon!
- Weather: Dubai gets extremely hot from May to September. The intense heat may limit outdoor activities during the day.
- Cost: A honeymoon in Dubai can be costly. The city is known for its luxury and extravagance. High quality accommodations, dining, and activities often come with a high price tag.
- Cultural Differences: Dubai is different in many ways to US & European cities. Dubai is relatively new so doesn’t have the extensive historical sites of other cities. It also has stricter laws and cultural norms, especially regarding dress, alcohol and public behaviour. While we don’t see this as a negative, you may prefer a more liberal environment.
Map of Dubai
TL;DR?
too long, didn’t read? some key Points…
We would love to hear from you if you are planning a Dubai honeymoon. Let us know if this guide was useful or if we left out any essential information!
Check out more of our Ultimate Honeymoon Guides series. We’re always adding new guides and please contact us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide!
Happy Planning x