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Discover the Arabian Peninsula
When to go - Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Oman
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman (Muscat) are fortunate to have year round sunshine and very little rain. As the hotels have developed their facilities and the destinations themselves have become more popular gone are the days when their summer months (May to September) saw few visitors. Although it's certainly hot in the summer months our clients and staff have had great holidays at this time of year and importantly have got to enjoy superb hotel rates!
- October to May - The best time of the year to visit the region with ideal temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius and humidity at its lowest. As these months are the most popular times of the year to travel booking early is advised.
- June to September - it's hot and humid throughout the region during these months, reaching over 40 degrees Celsius. You'll find all the hotels, restaurants, shopping centres are air-conditioned and if you are planning a day out an early morning adventure would be the best bet. At this time of the year with all of the superb hotel offers there are some great deals to be had.
Ramadam
During the holy month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It is important to respect the local customs during this holy month whilst also enjoying the festivities it brings with it. During Ramadan you will notice a change in policy regarding alcohol, eating arrangements and entertainment. Dates for Ramadan depend on the sighting of the new moon so are not yet set in stone for 2008, but we anticipate that Ramadan will commence from around 06 September 2008 for a month.
Building Work
The Arabian Peninsula continues to be an up and coming destination and new hotels, residential properties, business parks and shopping centres will be in development for the foreseeable future. Most construction work takes place 7 days a week and around the clock. Due to the scale of this work it is important to be aware that most hotels may experience occasional disturbance and guests will see, hear and most likely drive through areas of building works when on holiday.
Despite the immense scale of the building work the Arabian Peninsula remains a fantastic destination, the level of our repeat business is testament to this, so don't be put off, you'll have a great holiday in the region.
It is, however, important to note the developments are not under Beachcomber's control, nor are Beachcomber always made aware of them in advance. The building works and potential disruption change monthly and can be very different from the time of booking to your date of departure. If you are in any doubt about the work near your hotel, please keep in touch with us regularly and we will keep you updated accordingly.
What to wear
Although the dress code is fairly liberal in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman, in public areas please respect the local religion and culture. Swim wear is for the pools and beach only and, especially in Oman, if you are outside of the resort ladies may feel more comfortable covering up shoulders, arms and legs.
In the evening most restaurants have a smart casual dress code.
What to See and Do
Aside from the excellent, uncrowded beaches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman there's a huge range of activities and entertainment on offer to guests. You can relax on the beach, enjoy the nightlife, treat yourself in a spa, get some culture, play golf (Dubai is where you'll find the best golf), shop till your heart's content, dine in the desert, scuba dive, go deep sea fishing or even snow ski in Dubai! Here's just a few suggestions of what to do:
Dubai Holidays
- Shopping - there is an ever increasing number of huge shopping malls full of international branded shops and traditional souks which are well worth a visit.
- Wild Wadi Water Park - located adjacent to Jumeirah Beach Hotel it's a great day out for young and old.
- Golf - There's a number of fantastic golf courses in Dubai now. We are able to pre-book tee-off times for you before you depart the UK.
- Dhow and sunset cruises - there's a choice of dhow cruises along the creak or sunset cruises around the palm island. For a romantic evening with a difference there are also a few dinner cruises along the creek.
- Dune Dinners - another great way to enjoy an evening meal, drive out through the dunes and dine at a traditional Bedouin camp.
- Desert safaris - a breathtaking drive through the dunes in 4X4s.
- Horse racing - if you are into horse racing there's plenty of racing going on between November and April including the Dubai World Cup and night races at Nad Al Sheeba.
- City and cultural tours - a great way to get to really know Dubai
Abu Dhabi Holidays
- Shopping - like Dubai there's numerous shopping malls and traditional souks
- City and cultural Tours - a great way to get to know Abu Dhabi
- Desert Safaris - a breathtaking drive through the dunes in 4X4's
- Dune Dinners - possibly the best dune dinners in the UAE!
- Hire a boat - not a set excursion yet but with so many islands to explore, why not hire a boat for the day and spend the day on one of the many island just off the main land.
Oman Holidays
- Shopping - once again there's a number of shopping malls and traditional souks.
- City and cultural tours - with more history than it's neighbours there's plenty to see and enjoy on these tours including the amazing grand Mosque of Muscat.
- Day trip to Nizwa - see traditional markets and explore the ancient Omani forts including Nizwa Fort itself.
- Dolphin watching - there's some amazing pods of dolphin off the coast through most of the year.
- Turtle discovery - giant turtles breed on the Oman coastline, excursions can be organised to the main breeding beaches. The best time to see the Turtles is during the summer months although the number of Turtles returning to breed is growing smaller.
Currency
It's certainly worth buying some currency in advance, however when on holiday in Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi you'll have plenty of opportunities to change currency when and if you need it. Most UK bank cards do work in the ATMs in the region.Along with the international community, Dubai has a very clear policy regarding drug trafficking, smuggling and possession and this is one of the reasons why the emirate has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi currency is the Dirham
- Oman currency if the Rial
Visas for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman
British citizens do not require a visa for entry into Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but you will need to purchase a visa for Oman which can be done on arrival into Muscat. If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non-British passport please check with your appropriate Government consulate or embassy. For Oman if you are a non-British passport holder we can organise a pre-paid visa for you.
Advice on taking Medicines to Dubai
Along with the international community, Dubai has a very clear policy regarding drug trafficking, smuggling and possession and this is one of the reasons why the emirate has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. For a full list of restricted and controlled medicines in Dubai please visit the Government of Dubai, Ministry of Health website where you will find this useful list of restricted medicines in pdf format.
It is always advisable to take a doctors note and a copy of your current prescription so you can show any relevant authorities.
