Best beach holidays from Dubai

Are you looking for the best beach holidays from Dubai? Sure, the emirate itself is a top beach destination; but the travel bug will want you to traverse to other sandy beaches beyond borders. Because let’s face it; when temperatures drop, a dose of sun, sand and surf is all you need for a pick-me-up. Popular beach destinations six or so flight hours from Dubai include India, Seychelles, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Zanzibar. Here is an overview of each beach destination along with tourist packages offered by travel services in Dubai. 

Maldives

Our top destination for beach holidays from Dubai is the Maldives. And for good reason. Stunning white beaches, sprawling coral reefs, crystal clear lagoons and the chance to interact with underwater species are just some of the reasons why tourists flock to the tropical archipelago every year.

One of the best beach holidays near Dubai, Maldives must be on every resident’s travel bucket list. Those interested in visiting the islands may contact the HolidayMe travel agency, which offers a “tailor-made” holiday package to the exotic isle, complete with hotel and flight options. The Maldives Tour Packages from the agency are currently available for a discounted price starting from just over AED 4000 per person for two nights. So start making your travel plans today. 

• Address: Traveazy DMCC, Unit No. 1503, Swiss Tower, Cluster-Y, JLT – Dubai
• Contact: 800-454545 
• Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Estimated travel time: 4 hours

Thailand

Thailand is a natural pick for the best beach holidays from Dubai. Ornate temples, opulent royal palaces and Buddha statues aside, the country is renowned as a tropical beach paradise. A popular travel destination, especially for honeymooners, the capital is also famed for its luxury resorts.

Travel bugs planning to visit Thailand can make the most of their experience by booking their trip with Dnata Travel. The service is currently offering a 40% discount on a stay at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort on its Thailand package to Phuket. Close to Kamala Beach and Surin Beach, the 5-star hotel is an ideal retreat for your beach holiday from Dubai. The average cost for a beach holiday from Dubai to Thailand starts at just over AED 2500 for three days. 

Some locations of Dnata Travel service centres in Dubai include Mirdif City Centre, Nakheel Mall, Al Barsha Mall, Silicon Oasis and Business Bay.

• Address: Mirdif City Centre, ground floor, opposite Carrefour
• Contact: +971-4-251-4757
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Friday and Saturday)
• Estimated travel time: 6 hours

Seychelles

If you ever wanted to collect seashells in Seychelles, consider this destination for one of your beach holidays from Dubai. The place consists of more than 100 scenic islands scattered on the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean. Turquoise waters and powdery white sands aside, the island paradise is also perfect for tourists who enjoy fishing. 

If you plan on flying to Seychelles from Dubai, consider travel packages from Deira Travel and Tourist Agency.

The service offers a 3-night and 4-day package which covers a hotel stay at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Casino and flights with an association of Air Seychelles with prices starting from AED 2600 and going up to AED 4000 depending on travel dates. The Deira Travel and Tourist Agency has locations in Karama, Jebel Ali, Centurion Star Tower, and other areas in Dubai.

• Address: Centurion Star Tower, Port Saeed, Deira – Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-269-3000
• Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm | 05:30 pm to 09:00 pm (Friday) 
• Estimated travel time: 4 hours

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is another holiday destination that is famous for its beaches. We recommend visiting Colombo to get the most of your beach holiday in the city. The capital offers a vast selection of accommodations from rustic beachside shacks to stunning hotels. Another area in the country famed for its beaches is Negombo. After the beach, you can always visit the historical and cultural sites during your visit. 

Residents who wish to travel to the country may consider the Sri Lanka Package by Uranus Travel and Tours. The package includes 1-night accommodation in Colombo and 2 nights in Negombo, breakfast included. While the tour deal covers specific areas, there is no reason why you can’t visit the beach. Holidays to Srilanka are generally around AED 2500 per person, but this can change based on the date of departure. 

• Address: 1G/2B Sultan Business Centre, next to Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha
• Contact: +971-4-335-5559
• Timings: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm | Closed on Friday
• Estimated travel time:  4 to 6 hours

India

India may not be on everyone’s “beach holidays from Dubai” bucket list, but a visit to Goa is enough to change that. With a coastline stretching across the Arabian Sea, the seaside city in India is famed for glorious beaches, beach sports and hippie vibe. Goan beaches popular with tourists include Candolim and Anjuna beach. Most shacks offer free beach beds and umbrellas for the whole day with seafood being a speciality.

Air India offers non-stop flights from Dubai to Goa. Depending on your requirements, you can book your hotel rooms by contacting the hotel before your flight or after you arrive in the city. Air India branch offices are in Deira and Dubai International Airport. For more information on flight routes by the airline, refer to the following details:

• Address: Dubai International Airport
• Contact: +971-4-216-1845
• Timings: 06:30 pm to 02:30 am 
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours

Mauritius

The Indian Ocean island nation is famed for its beaches, reefs and lagoons. So, it’s not surprising why most residents opt for it as one of their beach holidays from Dubai. Often referred to as Paradise Island, the country has a favourable climate year-round with lots of sunshine throughout the year. Temperatures are still comfortable even during winters, which make it a perfect holiday destination for Dubai residents during winter months. There are over a hundred beaches across the coastline with each having its charm and beauty.

Non-stop trips are being offered by HolidayMe courtesy of Air Mauritius. Dubbed the Mauritius and Seychelles Spring Holidays Special. The packages also include a trip to Seychelles. Activities in the tour package include parasailing, snorkelling, and other water-based sports. The holiday packages to Mauritius from Dubai average at AED 3500 – AED 5000 per person for three days, but can go up if you choose more luxury resorts to stay at. 

• Estimated flight time: 6 hours, 45 minutes 

Zanzibar

An exotic island with a rich history, culture and loads of palm-fringed beaches, Zanzibar is next on our picks for beach holidays from Dubai. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are home to a plethora of marine species which makes the Tanzanian archipelago perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. 

Those who wish to visit the East African destination may refer to HolidayMe. The service is currently offering a holiday package that covers a visit to Zanzibar. The package includes flight tickets, hotel accommodations of your choice, city tours, activities and round trip transfers from hotel to airport. The average cost for beach holidays to Zanzibar is around AED 3000 to AED 4000, subject to booking period. 

That’s a wrap of our recommendations for beach holidays from Dubai. Other nearby destinations with stunning beaches include Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. 

If you still haven’t visited beaches in the emirate, there are several beaches in Dubai that are just as spectacular. Want to visit international beaches on your days off? Keep tabs on private sector holidays in the UAE while making travel plans. Don’t have a visa? You will be happy to know that UAE residents can visit several places without a visa. For more ocean-themed trips, check out our guide for luxury cruises in Dubai.

You can also book a travel agency in Dubai for a hassle free holiday.

For more information on holiday destinations in the UAE and beyond, visit MyBayut.