A Girls’ Trip to Dubai: Desert Drives, Rooftop Brunches and Beach Clubs

If you want to properly lean into it, you can even rent Lamborghini Urus in Dubai for a day or two. It’s a supercar that actually fits four of you and your shopping bags.

We’ve pulled together everything you need for a long weekend with the girls: the best time to go, how to plan your days, where to brunch, which beach clubs are worth the hype, and a few road trips that are far more fun than another taxi ride.

When to Go

Dubai’s sweet spot is November to March. Days are warm and sunny without being exhausting, evenings are perfect for rooftop terraces, and it’s the season when brunches, beach clubs and outdoor events are all in full swing. Summer is a different story, with temperatures well into the 40s, so save the trip for the colder months back home.

Long weekends work brilliantly. With direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and other UK airports, you can leave on a Thursday evening and be by the pool on Friday morning.

Where to Stay

Where you base yourselves shapes the whole trip, so pick an area that suits your group’s vibe.

• Dubai Marina and JBR. Lively, walkable and right by the beach. Great if you want restaurants and bars on your doorstep.
• Palm Jumeirah. Resort-style hotels, private beaches and big pool days. Ideal for a more indulgent trip.
• Downtown Dubai. Wake up to views of the Burj Khalifa and stroll to Dubai Mall. Perfect for first-timers.

Booking a villa or a large apartment can work out cheaper than several hotel rooms, and it gives you a shared space for getting ready together, which is half the fun.

Rooftop Brunches: A Dubai Institution

If there’s one thing you have to do on a girls’ trip to Dubai, it’s brunch. Forget a quick avocado toast. A Dubai brunch is a long, lazy, three- or four-hour affair, usually on a Saturday or Sunday, with live music, free-flowing drink packages and enough food to skip dinner altogether.

How to choose your brunch

• Pick the vibe. Some brunches are chic and relaxed; others turn into a full-blown party with DJs. Check recent photos before you book.
• Book ahead. The popular rooftop and hotel brunches sell out, especially during peak season.
• Compare packages. Most venues offer a soft drinks package and a pricier one with alcohol, so you can mix and match within the group.
• Dress up. Brunch is the time to bring out your best outfit. Smart casual is the norm, and nobody will judge you for going all out.

Rooftop terraces in Downtown, DIFC and Dubai Marina give you the classic skyline view, while the hotels on Palm Jumeirah offer a more resort feel with sea views.

Beach Clubs Worth the Hype

Dubai’s beach clubs are made for a girls’ trip. Think sun loungers, cabanas, poolside cocktails and a soundtrack that builds as the afternoon goes on. Most of the best ones are on Palm Jumeirah, along JBR and on the beaches near Bluewaters Island.

A few tips before you go:

• Reserve sunbeds or a cabana in advance, especially on weekends.
• Many clubs charge an entry fee that can be redeemed against food and drinks.
• Swimwear is fine at the beach and pool, but cover up when you head inside or into the hotel.
• Wear plenty of sun cream. The winter sun is still strong.

Desert Drives and Road Trips

This is where the trip goes from fun to unforgettable. Dubai has some fantastic roads, and having your own car means you can explore on your own schedule, stop for photos whenever you like and skip the tour bus crowds.

Hiring a car for the trip

Hiring something special is easier than you might think. Most companies offering luxury car rental Dubai deliver straight to your hotel and handle the paperwork in minutes. A spacious SUV like the Lamborghini Urus, a Range Rover or a Mercedes G-Class is perfect for a group of four, while a convertible is made for two friends chasing sunsets.

A few practical points to know before you book:

• Your UK licence works. Visitors from the UK can usually drive in Dubai on a valid UK licence, so you won’t normally need an International Driving Permit. Bring your passport too.
• Expect a deposit. Most companies hold a refundable deposit on a credit card in the driver’s name.
• Check the mileage. Many luxury rentals include around 250 km a day, which is plenty for a day trip but worth checking for longer drives.
• Know the rules. Traffic drives on the right, speed cameras are everywhere, and there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Save the brunch bubbles for the days you’re not behind the wheel.

Three drives we love

• Al Qudra and the desert road. Less than an hour from the city, this is where you’ll find sweeping dunes, quiet lakes and incredible sunsets. Bring snacks and a blanket for golden hour.
• Hatta. A scenic drive into the Hajar Mountains with turquoise water at Hatta Dam, kayaking, and plenty of photo stops along the way.
• Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah. The UAE’s highest mountain road, full of sweeping curves and big views. Leave early and make a full day of it.

A Sample Long Weekend Plan

A Few Practical Tips

• Dress respectfully in public places. Shorts and dresses are fine in malls and restaurants, but carry a light scarf or cover-up for the souks and older parts of the city.
• Getting around. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to use, and the metro is clean and cheap. A hire car is best for day trips out of the city.
• Stay hydrated. Even in winter, the sun is strong. Keep water with you, especially on desert drives.
• Book the big things early. Brunches, beach clubs and dinner reservations fill up fast during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai a good destination for a girls’ trip?

Yes. It’s safe, easy to get around, sunny all winter and packed with brunches, beach clubs and day trips that suit a group of friends.

Can I drive in Dubai with a UK licence?

Visitors from the UK can usually rent and drive a car in Dubai with a valid UK licence and their passport. Always check with your rental company before you travel.

How many days do you need in Dubai?

A long weekend of four or five days is perfect for a first girls’ trip. It gives you time for a brunch, a beach club day and at least one road trip.

What should we wear in Dubai?

Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools, and smart casual outfits work for brunches and restaurants. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the souks or religious sites.

Ready to Plan Yours?

A girls’ trip to Dubai gives you the best of everything: winter sun, long brunches, glamorous beach clubs and road trips you’ll be talking about for years. Pick your dates, round up your best friends and start planning. Just make sure someone is in charge of the playlist for that first drive out to the dunes.

Images with permission