Dubai All-Inclusive Holidays: Local Experts Share Their Arabian Luxury Secrets

Known as the “City of Gold,” Dubai combines futuristic architecture with pristine beaches, desert adventures, and unparalleled luxury experiences. We’ve gathered insights from five Dubai tourism experts to create the ultimate guide to all-inclusive holidays in this dynamic emirate, complete with neighbourhood insights, transport tips, and a comprehensive hotel guide.

Area Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Location

Mohammed Al Sharif, a Dubai tourism veteran with 20 years of experience, breaks down the city’s main holiday areas: “Dubai offers remarkably diverse experiences depending on where you stay. Jumeirah Beach delivers classic beach resort experiences, Downtown provides urban excitement, while Palm Jumeirah offers exclusive island luxury.”

His recommendations by area:

• Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)/Dubai Marina: “Ideal for those seeking beachfront resorts with extensive dining, shopping, and entertainment options within walking distance”
• Palm Jumeirah: “Perfect for luxury seekers wanting exclusive island experiences, private beaches, and spectacular views of the Dubai skyline”
• Downtown Dubai/Business Bay: “Great for combining city experiences with luxury resorts, offering easy access to major attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall”
• Jebel Ali: “More secluded resort experiences with expansive grounds, multiple facilities, and a more relaxed atmosphere away from the city center”

The Complete Dubai Transport Guide

Fatima Rahman, a local transport specialist, shares essential information for exploring the city:

Public Transport

• Dubai Metro: Connects major areas (8-14 AED per journey)
• Public Buses: Extensive network (3-10 AED per journey)
• Tram: Serves Dubai Marina and JBR (4 AED per journey)
• Airport Transfers: Usually included in all-inclusive packages

Car Hire

• Economy: 150-250 AED per day
• Mid-range: 300-500 AED per day
• Luxury vehicles: 700+ AED per day

Taxi Approximate Costs

• Dubai Airport to JBR/Marina: 120-150 AED
• Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah: 150-180 AED
• Dubai Marina to Downtown: 60-80 AED
• Hotel to major attractions: 40-100 AED depending on distance

Transport Tips:

• Taxis are plentiful and use meters
• Consider a Nol Card for convenient public transport access
• Ridesharing apps like Uber and Careem are widely available
• Many resorts offer free shuttles to major malls and attractions

All-Inclusive Hotels in Dubai: A New Luxury Concept

Aisha Al Mahmoud, a Dubai hospitality expert with 15 years of experience, explains the city’s distinctive all-inclusive approach:

“Dubai has reimagined the all-inclusive concept to align with the city’s luxury positioning. Unlike traditional all-inclusive’s, Dubai offers ‘ultra all-inclusive’ experiences that include premium dining, top-shelf beverages, and exclusive experiences that would be costly add-ons elsewhere.”

Ultra All-Inclusive Beach Resorts (5-star)

• Typical Features: Multiple gourmet restaurants, premium branded spirits, water sports, access to private beach clubs, spa credits
• Popular Options: Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, JA The Resort Jebel Ali, Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate
• Special Appeal: Exceptional food quality, extensive drink selections, family-friendly facilities
• Price Range: 2,500-4,500 AED per night for two people (peak season)

Luxury All-Inclusive Family Resorts

• Typical Features: Kids’ and teens’ clubs, water parks, family rooms and suites, child-friendly dining options, entertainment
• Popular Options: Atlantis The Palm, Lapita Dubai Parks & Resorts, Rixos The Palm Dubai
• Special Appeal: Access to water parks and theme parks, extensive children’s programs, family-oriented entertainment
• Price Range: 3,000-6,000 AED per night for a family of four (peak season)

Premium All-Inclusive Urban Hotels

• Typical Features: Rooftop pools, city views, multiple dining venues, convenient access to attractions
• Popular Options: Grand Hyatt Dubai, Dusit Thani Dubai, Media Rotana
• Special Appeal: Combination of resort facilities with city convenience, extensive business services
• Price Range: 1,800-3,500 AED per night for two people (peak season)

Desert Resort All-Inclusive Experiences

• Typical Features: Desert settings, Arabic architecture, cultural experiences, adventure activities
• Popular Options: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Al Maha Desert Resort
• Special Appeal: Authentic Arabian experiences, desert activities, exclusive atmosphere
• Price Range: 4,000-10,000+ AED per night for two people (peak season)

Dubai All-Inclusive Inclusions

Aisha notes: “Dubai’s premium all-inclusive packages typically include:

• Dine-around options in multiple restaurants, often with à la carte choices
• Premium branded beverages, sometimes including champagne
• Selected spa treatments or credits
• Water sports and beach activities
• Kids’ club access and activities
• Shuttle services to major attractions
• Selected experiences or excursion credits”

Seasonal Price Variations

Khalid Al Zaabi, a Dubai pricing specialist, provides a breakdown of typical costs:

Peak Season (November-April, especially December-February)

• Standard 5-star All-Inclusive: 2,500-4,500 AED per night for two people
• Premium All-Inclusive: 4,500-8,000+ AED per night for two people

Shoulder Season (October, May)

• Standard 5-star All-Inclusive: 2,000-3,500 AED per night for two people
• Premium All-Inclusive: 3,500-6,000 AED per night for two people

Summer Season (June-September)

• Standard 5-star All-Inclusive: 1,500-2,800 AED per night for two people
• Premium All-Inclusive: 2,800-5,000 AED per night for two people

“Dubai offers excellent value during summer months,” notes Khalid. “While outdoor temperatures are high, all facilities are air-conditioned, and resorts offer fantastic pool facilities with cooling systems. Summer packages often include additional value-adds like spa treatments, attraction tickets, or room upgrades.”

Local Excursions and Activity Price Guide

Activities and Excursions (If not included in your package)

• Desert Safari with dinner: 300-500 AED
• Burj Khalifa observation deck: 150-400 AED (depending on level and time)
• Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark: 299-399 AED
• Dubai Frame: 50-80 AED
• Yacht cruise: 500-1,500 AED
• IMG Worlds of Adventure: 299-349 AED
• Dubai Miracle Garden: 55-75 AED (seasonal opening)

Hidden Culinary Treasures of Dubai

Chef Hassan Al Qassimi, a Dubai culinary expert, shares his insights: “Dubai’s dining scene is world-class, with restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs from around the globe. The best all-inclusive resorts now offer dine-around concepts that include signature restaurants rather than limiting guests to buffets.”

His recommended local restaurants for a night away from your all-inclusive:

• Al Fanar Restaurant (Al Seef): Authentic Emirati cuisine in a traditional setting
• 3 Fils (Jumeirah Fishing Harbor): Award-winning Asian fusion without the luxury price tag
• Bu Qtair (Umm Suqeim): Simple seafood restaurant beloved by locals and visitors alike

Cultural Experiences and Authentic Dubai

Dr. Layla Al Jasmi, a specialist in Emirati heritage, emphasizes the importance of experiencing the real Dubai: “Beyond the glittering skyscrapers lies a rich cultural heritage. The best resorts offer programs that introduce guests to Emirati traditions, from falconry and camel experiences to visits to the historic Al Fahidi district.”

Popular Cultural Experiences:

• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
• Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
• Gold and Spice Souks in Deira
• Abra (water taxi) ride on Dubai Creek
• Heritage desert experiences with Bedouin-style entertainment
• Prayer call from the magnificent mosques

Expert Tips for All-Inclusive Resort Selection in Dubai

• Check what is truly included in “all-inclusive” – definitions vary widely in Dubai
• Verify beach access details – some hotels advertise beach access but require shuttles
• Consider half-board or full-board options as alternatives if you plan to explore
• Look for packages including attraction tickets to major Dubai sights
• Confirm alcohol inclusion if important – some resorts offer alcohol-free packages only

Hidden Gems Near Popular Resort Areas

Dubai Marina/JBR Area

• The Beach at JBR: Public beach with numerous dining options
• Bluewaters Island: Home to Ain Dubai (world’s largest Ferris wheel)
• Dubai Marina Walk: Stunning promenade perfect for evening strolls

Palm Jumeirah

• The Pointe: Waterfront dining with views of Atlantis and fountain shows
• Boardwalk: 11km walkway circling the Palm fronds
• Palm West Beach: Trendy beach clubs and restaurants

Downtown Dubai

• Alserkal Avenue: Cultural district with galleries and trendy cafés
• Dubai Opera: World-class performances in a stunning venue
• Souk Al Bahar: Traditional market atmosphere next to modern Dubai Mall

Cultural Notes and Local Customs

• Respect local customs by dressing modestly in public areas (outside resort grounds)
• Ramadan observance affects dining and entertainment options
• Public displays of affection should be minimal
• Alcohol consumption is only permitted in licensed venues
• Photography restrictions apply to government buildings and local people

Seasonal Considerations for Dubai

• Peak Season (November-April): Perfect weather, outdoor activities, higher prices
• Shoulder Season (October, May): Very warm but manageable, good value
• Summer Season (June-September): Very hot, excellent indoor activities, best deals
• Ramadan: Dates vary annually; unique cultural experiences but some restrictions

Making the Most of Your All-Inclusive Package in Dubai

According to Mohammed Al Sharif, “Dubai offers a perfect balance of resort relaxation and exciting attractions. Use your all-inclusive resort as a luxury base while experiencing our city’s incredible architecture, shopping, and desert adventures.”

Money-Saving Tips for Dubai Holidays

• Travel during summer for dramatically reduced rates (May-September)
• Book well in advance (6-9 months) for winter visits to secure better rates
• Look for packages including attraction tickets, which can be expensive if purchased separately
• Consider resorts offering free kids’ places during promotional periods
• Watch for half-board options with generous dining credits as an alternative to all-inclusive

Dubai Tipping Guide: The Essentials

Tipping is customary in Dubai despite service charges:

• Hotel staff: 10-20 AED per service or 5-10 AED per day for housekeeping
• Restaurant service (outside your all-inclusive): 10-15% if service charge not included
• Taxi drivers: Rounding up the fare is sufficient
• Tour guides: 50-100 AED for a half-day tour

Planning Your Perfect Dubai Holiday

Aisha Al Mahmoud provides this final advice: “Dubai combines beach resort luxury with extraordinary urban experiences and desert adventures. The perfect holiday balances relaxation at your all-inclusive resort with exploration of our dynamic city. Consider a minimum of 5-7 days to experience Dubai’s diversity, and don’t miss the opportunity to experience both the ultra-modern city and our traditional heritage.”

Top 5 Must-Do Experiences in Dubai

1. Watch the sunset from the observation deck of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building
2. Experience a desert safari with traditional entertainment and dining
3. Visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (in neighboring Abu Dhabi)
4. Explore the contrast between historic Dubai Creek and futuristic Downtown
5. Indulge in Friday Brunch – a Dubai institution offering lavish culinary experiences

Note: All expert recommendations and prices are based on 2025 rates and professional experience in Dubai tourism and hospitality. Contact specific travel agents for current offerings and availability. Prices may vary by season and availability.