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All inclusive holidays to Dubai do exist, and they can work well for UK travellers who want a fixed budget in a destination where eating, drinking and extras can otherwise add up quickly. They are less common than in Spain, Turkey or the Canaries, though, so it pays to check exactly what a package includes before you book. This guide explains what all inclusive usually means in Dubai, how to choose a resort, who it suits and when it is better to choose a different board basis.
Dubai is a year-round destination for many UK holidaymakers, but the experience changes a lot with the seasons. The cooler months suit beach days, desert trips and sightseeing, while the height of summer is very hot and many people spend most of the day by the pool or indoors. Where you stay also matters, because Dubai is a large, spread-out city and the beach resorts are some distance from the older districts and the main attractions.
What does all inclusive in Dubai usually include?
The definition varies by hotel, so treat any general description with caution and read the inclusions list for the specific package. In most all inclusive deals you can expect breakfast, lunch and dinner, usually served as a buffet and sometimes with a choice of à la carte restaurants, plus snacks and soft drinks through the day. Many hotels licensed to serve alcohol include a selection of house wines, beers and spirits within set hours, because alcohol is generally only available in licensed venues such as hotels in Dubai.
Premium brands, room service, minibars, spa treatments, water sports, kids clubs and excursions are often charged separately, although some resorts include a limited programme of activities. Some hotels also offer a premium all inclusive tier with better drinks and more restaurant choice for an extra cost. If a particular restaurant or drink matters to you, check the small print rather than assuming it is covered.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner, often buffet style
- Drinks: soft drinks and, in licensed hotels, selected alcoholic drinks at set times
- Snacks: usually afternoon and late-night snacks
- Often extra: premium spirits, specialty restaurants, spa, excursions and some activities
Which are the best all inclusive resorts in Dubai?
There is no single best resort, because the right choice depends on your priorities, your budget and the time of year. Rather than recommend specific hotels, which change their offer and standards over time, it is more useful to know how the main areas compare and what to look for in recent guest reviews.
Beach resort areas
Areas with beachfront hotels, such as around Jumeirah, the Palm and Dubai Marina, tend to suit holidaymakers who want a mix of beach and city. These areas have a wide range of restaurants outside the hotels, so an all inclusive deal here can feel less necessary, but it can still be good value if you plan to spend most of your time at the resort.
Quieter resort-style stays
Some resorts sit further from the centre and offer a more self-contained holiday, with several pools, restaurants and activities on site. These are often the best fit for all inclusive, since you are less likely to want to eat out every evening.
What to check in reviews
- Recent comments on food quality, variety and queues at busy times
- Which restaurants and bars are included and during which hours
- The condition of the beach, pools and rooms
- Transfer time to the airport and to the attractions you want to see
- Whether the hotel is in a quiet area or close to building work
Is all inclusive in Dubai good value?
It can be, depending on how you holiday. Dubai has a reputation for being expensive, particularly for alcohol and for dining in busy areas, so a package that covers most meals and drinks can make costs more predictable. It tends to work best if you plan a relaxed, resort-based holiday with plenty of pool and beach time and a few excursions.
It is usually less good value if you want to eat out in different restaurants every night, visit attractions all day or you do not drink alcohol. In those cases, bed and breakfast or half board can be cheaper and give you more freedom. A simple way to compare is to estimate what you would normally spend on lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks, then add it up against the price difference between all inclusive and a lower board basis.
Remember to include flights, airport transfers, baggage and any resort fees when comparing packages, because the headline price does not always show the full cost. Our cheap holidays guide explains how to compare total prices.
Is there an adults only option in Dubai?
Adults only resorts are less widespread in Dubai than in some other destinations, but they do exist, and some hotels have adults only pools or sections. If a quiet atmosphere matters to you, check whether the whole hotel is adults only or just a pool, because a family hotel with one quiet pool can feel very different to a hotel with an age restriction throughout.
For families, many Dubai resorts have kids clubs, water parks and family rooms, and some all inclusive packages include children eating free or at reduced prices. Check age limits and which activities are included. If you are travelling with children, our all inclusive holidays guide explains how to choose a family-friendly hotel.
When is the best time to book all inclusive in Dubai?
Dubai is hot all year, but the most comfortable months for being outdoors are generally the cooler months, which are also the most popular and often the most expensive. Summer packages can be cheaper, but temperatures are very high, so check whether the hotel has shaded areas, indoor attractions and air conditioning that works well. Booking well ahead usually gives more choice for school holidays and the winter peak, while last minute deals can appear outside peak dates. Our last minute holidays guide explains how those deals work.
What else should you know before you go?
- Dress and behaviour: Dubai is tolerant of tourists, but modest dress in public areas, malls and cultural sites is expected, and public behaviour rules are stricter than in the UK. Check current guidance on gov.uk before you travel.
- Alcohol: it is generally served in licensed venues such as hotels, so all inclusive drinks packages are tied to the hotel.
- Passport and entry: check passport validity and current entry requirements on the official gov.uk travel advice for the UAE.
- Insurance: arrange cover before you book. See our travel insurance guide.
- Getting around: taxis and the metro are available, and a hire car can help if you stay outside the centre. See our car hire guide.
Is Dubai worth it for a UK holiday?
For many people, yes, particularly if you want warm weather outside the European summer, modern hotels and a mix of beach, shopping and desert experiences. It is a long flight compared with Spain or Greece, so it suits a week or more better than a short break. If you want a shorter trip, a European city break may be a better fit. See our city breaks guide for ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drink alcohol on an all inclusive holiday in Dubai?
In licensed hotels, many all inclusive packages include alcoholic drinks during set hours. Outside licensed venues, alcohol is generally not available, and rules differ between emirates, so check the hotel and current guidance.
Is Dubai too hot in summer for a beach holiday?
Summer is very hot and humid. Many visitors still go, but most spend the hottest hours indoors or in the water, so look for hotels with shaded pools and good air conditioning.
Are all inclusive holidays to Dubai more expensive than Spain?
Often they cost more, because of the longer flight and generally higher prices, but it depends on dates and the hotel. Compare the total price, not just the board basis.
How many nights should I book?
Seven nights is a common choice for a long haul trip, because of the flight time. A shorter stay can feel rushed once you allow for travel and recovering from the journey.
Do I need a visa to visit Dubai from the UK?
Entry requirements can change, so check the official gov.uk travel advice for the UAE and your airline before you travel. This article does not replace official guidance.
Should I book a package or flights and a hotel separately?
A package often includes transfers and some financial protection, while booking separately can give more flexibility. Compare both and check what protection applies.
How to compare all inclusive packages to Dubai
When you are comparing several packages, put the main details side by side so you can judge them fairly. Look first at the total price per person for your exact dates, including flights, transfers and baggage. Then compare what the board basis includes, such as which restaurants, drinks and hours are covered, and whether any activities are part of the deal.
- Check the flight times and the airline, since long haul flights vary a lot in comfort and timings.
- Note the transfer time from the airport to the hotel.
- Look at recent guest reviews for the exact room type you are considering.
- Check whether tourism fees or resort charges are payable on arrival.
- Confirm the cancellation and change terms before paying.
Taking the time to compare in this way helps you spot the difference between a genuinely good deal and one that looks cheap but costs more once extras are added.