Dubai is a dream destination for countless travellers, though many assume the famously expensive hotspot is beyond their budget during popular summer periods. But one travel expert revealed that the traditional off-season booking trick to get better rates in other countries actually works backwards in this Middle Eastern paradise.
Most holidaymakers believe sunny destinations offer their lowest prices during the winter months, when tourist numbers drop due to cooler weather. But Dubai’s scorching summer heat actually puts off more visitors than winter’s milder conditions, according to Betty Bouchier-Hobin, causing a bigger influx in November and December with better specials arising in August instead.
The travel specialist from Destination2 explained: “Brits wrongly believe that the summer months will be too hot in Dubai. In the UK, high temperatures mean sweaty trains, sleepless nights and half-melted ice creams.
“In Dubai, a much more enjoyable experience is on offer. Think poolside cocktails, chilled malls and luxury without the price tag.
“Summer is when Dubai’s best deals land and with fewer tourists, your budget goes further than you think, often costing less than a UK staycation.”
Dubai’s summer temperatures routinely soar to 40C, yet the city’s infrastructure is designed to cope with such extreme heat, like air-conditioned shopping centres, indoor attractions designed to shield visitors from the blazing sun, luxurious swimming pools at most hotels and cooling sprays that are misted onto shaded pavements to assist pedestrians.
Due to the mistaken belief that Dubai becomes unbearable hot during summer months, August getaways to the UAE city cost around 24% less than winter breaks, according to research by Destination2.
The experts discovered that some premium hotel packages were nearly £700 cheaper in summer compared to November or December prices.
Airlines also generally offer more substantial reductions and reduced fares to Dubai throughout the summer period.
Betty explained: “To sweeten the deal even further, anyone flying with Emirates between 1st April and 30th September 2025 can unlock exclusive discounts across the city with My Emirates Pass – simply by showing your boarding pass.
“From savings at top attractions like the Burj Khalifa and desert safaris, to discounts on spa days, restaurants and beach clubs, it’s your all-access pass to living large for less.”
The Foreign Office has not prohibited travel to or from Dubai but does advise that people heading to the UAE monitor news developments as the nation sits geographically near to the tensions between Iran and Israel.
The department also encourages travellers to bear in mind the country’s traditions and legislation. It states: “The UAE is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.
“Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in the UAE.”