Futuristic, cosmopolitan and glam with an endless array of activists 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.
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 may fly through Dubai so why not take at least a few days to explore this exciting metropolis.
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 both, a Dubai honeymoon has it all.
Let’s take you to the best places to stay in Dubai, the most fun things to do, where to eat and drink and answer some of your frequently asked questions. This is our Ultimate Dubai Honeymoon Guide.
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Good to know about Dubai
Where to stay in Dubai
Things to do in Dubai
Where to eat in Dubai
Frequently asked questions
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
Visa Required: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival for the United Arab Emirates
Health: United Arab Emirates is a malaria-free country, but some 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 Tropical Medicine Specialist.
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 honeymoon on a budget.
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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 Dubai honeymoon.
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
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, let’s say in Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles or Thailand, 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.
The 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 Downton – 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 Palm – iconic Dubai hotel and an attraction on its own. Fabulous dining and access to the best waterpark in the world. Try the new Atlantis, The Royal next door, a future icon.
Raffles The Palm Dubai – opulent ultra luxury resort, like you’ll only find in Dubai.
One&Only The Palm – ultra lux, tranquil and exclusive Arabesque gem.
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.
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 Gate 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. 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) which have beautiful luxury resorts like the Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah and The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah.
Consider popping over the border to Oman and the wonderful Six Senses Zighy Bay. We love this 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.
Be driven 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.
Fascinating 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.
15 things to do on your Dubai honeymoon
You won’t be short of thing to do on a Dubai honeymoon. Whether you’re into adrenaline-pumping adventures or laid-back sightseeing trips, there’ truly something for everyone. 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 largest 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.
Zipline across Dubai Marina – The world longest urban zipline 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.
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.
Sky dive 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.
Jetski 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, 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.
20 places to eat and drink on your Dubai Honeymoon
Dubai always has somewhere new to dine, which makes it an exciting destination for foodies. 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 strongly 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
- 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
- Asado – Carnivores will love this Argentina-style parrilla at Palace Downtown
- 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
- Neos – Slick bar on the 63rd floor of Address Downtown. Ask for a window seat with beautiful views of the Burj Khalifa.
- Hakkasan – Michelin-star Cantonese food in the Atlantis. Perfect treat on your Dubai honeymoon.
- Taikun Dubai – Glamour at this dinner & show at Hilton Habtoor
- 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
Dubai Honeymoon Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Dubai good for honeymoon?
What is the best time to visit Dubai for a honeymoon?
How long do we need for a Dubai honeymoon?
How to get to Dubai?
How to get around Dubai?
What to wear in Dubai?
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?
Is Dubai safe? Is Dubai safe for LGBTQ+ couples planning a Dubai honeymoon?
What to buy in Dubai?
Where can we tag on to a Dubai honeymoon?
Is Dubai good for honeymoon?
Yes yes yes! Dubai has something to suit every couple. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, do something sporty, cultural or just do something fun, you’ll find it in this desert metropolis.
What is the best time to visit Dubai for a honeymoon?
The best time to visit Dubai for honeymoon is from October to April. From May to September, the weather is hot and the 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.
How long do we need for a Dubai honeymoon?
Some couples planning a Dubai honeymoon will stopover for 4-4 nights and others will go for 7-10+ days if the United Arab Emirates is their primary honeymoon destination. We would recommend at least 4 nights, which will give you 3 full days to explore some highlights.
How to get to Dubai
It’s very easy to plan a Dubai honeymoon no matter where you are in the world. Dubai is well connected. In fact, it’s the biggest airport by international passenger numbers in 2022. Emirates have a vast network and you can also fly from most major cities around the world. You can also fly to Abu Dhabi with Etihad, who provides a complimentary coach to Dubai for their passengers.
How to get around Dubai?
The Emiratis and Dubai’s sizeable immigrant population may sometimes complain about traffic, but Dubai is one of the easiest cities of its size to get around. We’ve never heard of honeymoon couples hiring a car. Taxis, Uber and the locally owned Careem Car 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 extremely convenient Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, which is clean, safe and very efficient. It goes from the airport. There are two lines which are easy to navigate. If you are planning a more sustainable honeymoon, this is the best way to travel.
What to wear 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 a longer length trousers or skirt. We recommend respecting local customs wherever you are in the world.
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 on 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 and nightclubs or dedicated liquor stores.
Is Dubai safe? Is Dubai safe for LGBTQ+ couples planning a Dubai honeymoon?
Dubai is an extremely safe destination when it comes to petty crime. Crime rates are low. However, unfortunately, when it comes to equality, 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 appalling and 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 customs and 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 destination.
What to buy in Dubai?
Dubai is one of the world’s shopping meccas. Most big US and European brands that’s 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.
Where can we tag on to a Dubai honeymoon?
The world! Dubai is one of the best hubs to fly through. With connections to Indian Ocean gems like the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius, you’ve got the perfect city and beach honeymoon. If you’re planning an adventure honeymoon in Asia, you can add to Dubai to any of these wonderful destinations – Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and China.
You can tag Dubai onto a beautiful island hopping honeymoon in Thailand or The Philippines. Dubai is around 5-7 hours from most European cities. If you’re planning a safari honeymoon in Africa or a romantic honeymoon road trip in Australia or New Zealand, you may fly through, so why not stop? You can also take a cruise from Dubai.
Consider a neighbouring country in the Middle East like Jordan or Oman for an incredible Arabian adventure!
We hope you’ve found our Ultimate Dubai Honeymoon guide useful. Have you any Dubai honeymoon tips? Let us know in the comments!
