How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon to Dubai

Part desert, part beach, and part city, Dubai offers a luxurious recipe for romance. Because of all this, and so much more, Dubai ranks among the top honeymoon destinations in the world.

To prove it, we asked the 1,500 people in relationships about their dream honeymoon destination and Dubai ranked in the top 10. According to respondents, 19% said they prefer a beach or tropical island, 16% said they lust after a city adventure, and 52% said they are ready for relaxation such as a spa day or lounging poolside. Culture was a high priority as well, with 48% wanting to visit museums, art galleries, and shows, and 42% craving restaurants, bars, and dancing. Dubai has it all, and here’s how to plan your honeymoon escape to this Middle East metropolis.

About Dubai

Dubai is situated along the Persian Gulf and is within the Arabian Desert. With summer temperatures regularly hitting well above 100° F (37.7 C), consider the cooler winter months if you tend to melt in the sun.

It is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Arabic is the official language. Although the US dollar is widely accepted, it’s recommended to convert some of your home currency into Dirham for convenience and savings. 

New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami all offer direct flights to Dubai International Airport. Taxis are a common way to get around Dubai, as is the city’s rideshare system, which is called Careem. The metro, tram, and monorail are also dependable means of transportation depending upon your itinerary. 

One more quick tip: Pack extremely light. Dubai is a shopping paradise, and you’re probably going to experience some major retail therapy that will require precious real estate within your luggage when you return home.

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What to see

There is so much to see and do in and around Dubai that it’s hard to whittle it down to just a few options. For a sugar-sand day in the sun, Al Sufouh Beach offers an off-the-beaten-path spot, Kite Beach has a trendy vibe, and La Mer is the perfect shopping-meets-shore destination.

There are plenty of romantic landscapes to be explored beyond the beaches too. Take a camel safari in the Red Dune Desert to soak in the wild landscapes, be treated to a traditional barbecue at Al Kayhama Camp, and some major dune-bashing aboard a 4WD vehicle along the way Alternately, spend the day exploring nearby Abu Dhabi, where Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Emirates Palace, and Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage Center are all must-sees. 

Where to eat

Enjoy city views and Dubai Creek atop the Palazzo Versace Dubai, where Michelin-starred Chef Mansour Memarian helms the Persian and Peruvian fine dining experience at Enigma. Plan to stay for live entertainment performed nightly until 11 pm. Next, step into Dubai’s iconic nightlife at PRIVÉ within the Armani Hotel for cocktails and dancing until the wee hours of the morning. 

Where to stay

Luxury accommodations are plentiful all around Dubai, including the opulent beach-side Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf in the neighborhood of Al Sufouh. Within walking distance of several attractions and restaurants, these Arabian-inspired summerhouses offer all of the 5-star amenities you’d expect with additional VIP Access perks for Expedia Rewards members.

Another five-star option located in the East Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made island in the world, is Sofitel Dubai The Palm. A Polynesian-inspired oasis just a short distance from the vibrant metropolis of Dubai, this romantic getaway is also LGBTQ-friendly.