Flying direct from Manchester to Dubai on Emirates’ newly refurbished A380 brings you from the Liverpool drizzle to blissful desert sunshine in just under seven hours, and the adventure starts the moment you step on board.
With the airline’s brand new Premium Economy cabin now rostered onto the EK18/19 services, families from Manchester and Liverpool can stretch out in roomy cream leather seats, enjoy elevated dining and land refreshed, ready to check in to palm fringed resorts, over water villas or mountain hideaways.
Below you’ll find a complete Unlock Liverpool travel guide covering flights, stays and spectacular things to do in Dubai.
Emirates from MAN to DXB
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Daily A380 service – Two flights operate most days; flight time is around 6h50m.
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Premium Economy perks – 19.5inch wide seats, 40inch pitch, a deeper recline, calf rests, in seat power and Chandon Vintage Brut 2016 served in proper glassware.
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Family friendly touches – Kids receive amenity kits and endless ice cream runs, while multi course children’s meals arrive first so parents can eat in peace.
Unlock Liverpool Tip: Prebook Premium Economy the moment seats release — demand on the Manchester route is soaring.
Where to Stay In Dubai
1. Dubai Creek – Culture on Your Doorstep
Grand Hyatt Dubai and Park Hyatt Dubai both sit beside the historic creek, with lagoon style pools, kids’ clubs and easy metro access. It offers a constant cool breeze and plenty of restaurants to explore.
2. Palm Jumeirah – Iconic Island Luxury
Atlantis The Palm or Waldorf Astoria deliver waterpark thrills, kids’ clubs and private beaches only 25minutes from downtown. It’s one of those bucket-list places to stay in Dubai!
3. Arabian Ranches – Home From Home Villas
Rent a three, or four bed villa in Dubai with garden and shared pool from sites such as VRBO or Airbnb; perfect for large groups who want space to barbecue after bedtime. Make sure to rent a car if you plan to stay in a villa. While you can easily Uber or call for a taxi it’s far more convenient to drive yourself around.
4. Hatta – Mountain Air & Adrenaline
Base yourselves at JA Hatta Fort Hotel if you prefer the comforts of a hotel break, or book a desert dome or cool camper van at Hatta Resorts and wake up to rugged peaks and cool temperatures 90minutes from Dubai.
Hatta Resorts has all kinds of activities to try, from waterslides and archery, to bike rental and horse riding. Just make sure to wear suntan lotion as the desert heat will hit you hard.
5. Ras Al Khaimah – Maldives Style Over Water Villas
Anantara Mina Al Arab brings the UAE’s first overwater pool villas — hammocks above the Arabian Gulf, mangrove views and kids’ activities galore. One of the most magnificent hotels available in Ras Al Khaimah, but note that you’ll need to rent a car to drive from Dubai to this city, which can be over 60 mins on the motorway. But once you arrive, you’ll understand why we’ve added it to our list.
Must Do Experiences
Water & Wilderness
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Kayak the turquoise Hatta Dam – Glide between craggy orange mountains; double kayaks and life jackets for children are available on site.
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Desert horse riding – Sunset hacks at Bab Al Shams cater to novices and under 12s with gentle Arabian horses.
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Rent a yacht from Dubai Marina – Two hour sunset cruises start around AED 500; bring your playlist and birthday cake.
Sport & Spectacle
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Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club brunch – Latin American Asado every Friday overlooking live polo matches; kids under six eat free.
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Global Village (Oct–May) – 90+ cultures, funfair rides and the region’s biggest street food court. Season 30 runs October 2025 – May 2026. Hands down, it’s our favourite thing to do in Dubai.
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SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – 100+ animal experiences and the world’s largest multi species aquarium, 60 minutes from Dubai.
Dubai Foodie Heaven
Dubai now boasts 15 Michelin starred restaurants ranging from modern British Orfali Bros to family friendly Trèsind Studio tasting menus. Book at least a month in advance to secure a table.
For families traveling from Manchester to Dubai, you’ll be glad to hear that most malls are packed with restaurants from fine-dining to fast-food and healthy brunch spots. Dubai Mall even has its own Chinese Food court which is incredibly family-friendlyPlus, head to the many food courts for exceptional choices from all corners of the world, at affordable prices with plenty of seating too. Dubai really is one of those destinations where you don’t need to worry about finding food.
Spicy, they’ve got it. English breakfast, everywhere. Chicken for the kids, easy to find in all the malls. Plus, supermarkets offer Western family favourites so no need to worry that the kids won’t have access to their favourite snacks while enjoying Dubai.
6 Days, 7 Nights: Manchester To Dubai Itinerary
Now let’s get into a week’s holiday in Dubai and what we’d personally recommend to have the most fun and create the best memories in Dubai.
Day 1 – Creekside Beginnings
Fly from Manchester to Dubai on the 2pm flight as you’ll land around midnight in Dubai, which minimises the jet lag. Touch down mid morning, breeze through DXB’s family lanes and check in at a beach front resort. Check into your hotel of choice and sleep as soon as possible to recover and wake up fresh the next day.
Day 2 – Palm & Splash Adventure
After a lazy buffet, grab a taxi to Palm Jumeirah. Race each other down Aquaventure’s record breaking slides, float the mile long lazy river and meet rays in the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Nap on soft sand, then dress up for dinner at Michelin starred Ossiano, where stingrays glide past your table (book that coveted 5pm slot for kids).
Day 3 – Mountain Thrills in Hatta
Drive 90minutes inland to Hatta’s cooler heights. Paddle twin kayaks across the turquoise Hatta dam ringed by craggy peaks, tackle the hillside zipline or simply picnic under shady ghaf trees. Check into JA Hatta Fort Hotel and let teens test the archery range while parents enjoy a sunset beverage on the terrace.
Day 4 – Desert Dreams & Brunch on Horseback
Roll back into the city via Arabian Ranches and move into your private villa with a garden and BBQ pit. Late afternoon, saddle up for a gentle desert hack with sunset photo ops – stables provide helmets and mounts for novices as young as six. On Fridays, swap the ride for Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club’s Latin American Asado brunch overlooking live polo chukkas.
Day 5 – Sea, Stars & Superyachts
Morning is free for pool time or a hop to Global Village if the season is on (Season 30 runs Oct 2025–May 2026). By 4pm, head to Dubai Marina and board a 52ft yacht for a two hour sunset cruise past Bluewaters Island and the Burj Al Arab — private charters start around AED 500 per hour when split between friends. Celebrate with cake, Bluetooth tunes and skyline selfies.
Day 6 – Capital Culture & Giant Aquariums
Rise early for the 60 minute drive to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Spend the day at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, home to the planet’s largest multi species aquarium holding 25 million litres and over 68,000 creatures – the Endless Vista viewing window leaves even grown ups speechless. Dinner back in Dubai at one of the city’s 19 Michelin starred restaurants – try 11 Woodfire for flame kissed sharing plates that keep little diners engaged.
Departure Day – Souvenir Sprint & Safe Flight Home
Pack, grab last minute camel milk chocolates, and check in for your PremiumEconomy roomy recliner seats, which means most kids will snooze before the airplane wheels are up, while parents toast an unforgettable seven nights in the sun.
Added Family Tips
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Value Hacks: Global Village tickets start at just AED 22 online, and children under three enter free.
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Getting Around: Careem offers family size taxis with child seats on request; Dubai Metro links Creek to Palm in under 30 minutes.
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Safety: The UAE ranks among the world’s safest countries, with rigorous hotel hygiene and English signage everywhere — a comfort blanket for first time travellers.
So if you’re thinking of flying Manchester to Dubai in 2025 or 2026, you’re in for one incredible family holiday. One we doubt you’ll ever forget. Trust us – book the trip!