Looking for luxury experiences in Dubai? From renting a supercar or sailing on a private yacht, to desert safaris and fine dining, these experiences are unforgettable.
If there’s one destination that knows how to do luxury, it’s Dubai in the UAE. I’ve visited several times and while I’ve enjoyed visiting the famous sights, it’s been amazing to experience the more extravagant side of the destination, too. It’s somewhere that’s built around luxury, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a millionaire to enjoy the finer things in life. Some experiences are surprisingly accessible, while others you’ll want to save for a special occasion.
So, if you’re looking for luxury things to do in Dubai, here are a few of my favourite ways to make your trip extra special.
Rent a Supercar and Drive Around Dubai
Let’s start with one of the most exciting luxury Dubai experiences: renting a supercar.
Dubai is probably one of the few places where hiring a McLaren for the day feels completely normal! Just imagine being given the keys to a supercar, zooming down Dubai’s wide roads, whizzing past the city’s luxury hotels.
There are plenty of supercar rental companies in Dubai offering everything from Ferraris and Lamborghinis to McLarens. Personally, I’d rent a McLaren in Dubai. They’re incredibly fast, look spectacular, but also have a slightly more understated feel than some of the other supercars.
I’d recommend collecting the car in the morning and making a day of it. Drive along Sheikh Zayed Road, head towards the Palm, cruise around Dubai Marina and stop somewhere fancy for lunch. Don’t forget to snap lots of photos. You can brag to your friends back home that you’re living the millionaire lifestyle!
There’s something very “Dubai” about pulling up outside a five-star hotel in a McLaren, even if you’re only renting it for the day.
My verdict: An unforgettable splurge for car lovers and anyone celebrating a special occasion.
Hire a Private Yacht in Dubai
Dubai looks impressive from the ground, but there’s something extra special about seeing the city from the water.
One of my favourite ways to spend a luxury day in Dubai would be hiring a private yacht and taking in the views of the Palm. Rather than sharing a sightseeing boat with lots of other tourists, you can book your own yacht, with a captain and crew, and take in the scenery in peace. Many of these experiences include a chef and drinks too – what’s not to love? Plus, you can drop the anchor when you fancy and dive in the warm waters for a lovely swim.
For the ultimate Dubai sunset experience, book your trip late afternoon so you can enjoy the vivid oranges and golds. Dubai’s skyline looks particularly pretty as the sun goes down and the buildings begin to light up. For couples, this would be an especially lovely option for an anniversary, birthday or romantic getaway.
My verdict: One of my top choices for a romantic or celebratory luxury experience in Dubai.
See Dubai From the Air on a Helicopter Tour
I’ve seen countless photos of the Palm Jumeirah, but I don’t think anything quite prepares you for seeing it from above. A helicopter tour is a luxury experience that gives you a completely different perspective on the city. From the air, you’ll see all the famous sights, including the Palm, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina.
It’s a brilliant experience if you’re into photography. There are so many unique buildings in the city, it’s amazing to see them from the air. It might be a splurge for your bank account, but for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s worth considering.
My verdict: Definitely a bucket-list experience.
Book a Luxury Private Desert Safari
One of my favourite things about Dubai is how quickly you can escape the skyscrapers and be in the desert. The desert safari I did on my last trip was one of the highlights of my holiday, although I think I left my tummy behind during the dune bashing!
Desert safaris are really popular day trips, but you can elevate your experience by booking a private experience. You’ll have your own 4×4 and guide, with plenty of time to enjoy the desert rather than being rushed between activities in a big group.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about watching the sunset over the dunes. The colours change, the temperature starts to drop and suddenly the noise of the city feels a million miles away. Some private experiences include a romantic dinner under the stars too, before whizzing you back to the city.
My verdict: A wonderful contrast from Dubai’s bright lights.
Treat Yourself to a Luxury Spa Day
I’ve always found days in Dubai quite tiring, as there’s so much going on. It gets your brain in that overstimulating place! So, I think a spa day is pretty much essential, just to recharge your batteries. The city is home to lots of five-star hotel spas, so if you’re happy to splurge, you can have an amazing experience.
Rather than booking a quick massage between sightseeing, I’d make a full morning or afternoon of it. Choose a beautiful spa, book a treatment and give yourself time to actually enjoy the facilities afterwards. You could opt for a traditional hammam treatment, massage, facial or one of the more elaborate wellness experiences available at Dubai’s luxury hotels.
Personally, I think this is best booked halfway through your trip. After a few days of sightseeing and shopping (and melting in the heat!) there’s nothing better than relaxing in a spa for a day.
My verdict: The perfect way to recharge during a busy Dubai holiday.
Book an Unforgettable Fine-Dining Experience
Dubai is a serious foodie destination, and no list of luxury Dubai experiences would be complete without a spot of fine dining. I love how many cuisines are represented too. Last time I was in the city, I had some of the best Thai food outside of Thailand, and an incredible sushi platter with big skyline views.
If you’re looking to splurge, I’d book somewhere with incredible views, perhaps overlooking the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah or the Arabian Gulf. There’s something magical about arriving just before sunset, having a drink while the sky changes colour and then watching Dubai light up as the evening continues.
One of the names I’d have on my Dubai dining list is Gordon Ramsay, whose Bread Street Kitchen at Atlantis The Palm is a fun option if you’re after a lively, glamorous setting. There’s also Hell’s Kitchen, which brings the chef’s famous concept to Caesars Palace Dubai.
For something a little more sophisticated, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal is ideal for special occasions (but comes with a big price tag!) Heston is known for taking familiar British dishes and turning them into something much more theatrical, so dinner here is as much about the experience as the food.
Another name that caught my eye is José Avillez, one of Portugal’s most celebrated chefs. His restaurant Tasca at Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah brings Portuguese flavours to Dubai, with a beautiful beachfront setting thrown in for good measure.
If Asian food is more your thing, head to Nobu Dubai or Hakkasan Dubai. The food is top quality and the setting is very sophisticated.
My verdict: Save this one for a special night during your trip.
Relax at a Luxury Beach Club
Sometimes, the most luxurious thing you can do on holiday is absolutely nothing! Dubai has several spectacular beach clubs where you can spend an entire afternoon lounging by the pool, enjoying good food and taking in views of the Arabian Gulf.
This is an easy addition to any Dubai itinerary. Just book a daybed or cabana, arrive around lunchtime and settle in.
I’d happily spend a few hours swimming, reading, eating and generally doing very little.
If you really want to make it special, book a private cabana and stay until sunset. Then you can head straight out for dinner afterwards.
It’s not the most adventurous experience on this list, but I actually think that’s part of the appeal. After running around Dubai sightseeing, sometimes you need an afternoon where the only decision you have to make is what to order next.
My verdict: Essential for anyone who enjoys a glamorous pool-and-beach day.
As you’ve seen, there are plenty of luxury experiences in Dubai that will leave you with amazing memories. Renting a McLaren for the day. Seeing Palm Jumeirah from a helicopter. Having your own yacht for an afternoon. Watching the sunset from the desert. Or simply spending an entire afternoon being pampered in a five-star spa.
If I was planning my ultimate luxury Dubai itinerary, I’d pick one or two of these experiences, to fit around sightseeing, shopping and hotel time. After all, some of the best days in Dubai, are when you do absolutely nothing!