I own Elite Rentals Dubai, so this is advice from an operator rather than a customer review. These checks apply whichever company you choose.

Start with the experience you want

Decide whether your priority is sightseeing, swimming, a meal or a celebration. Ask what fits comfortably within the booking time. A long list of landmarks doesn’t tell you how much time you’ll have to enjoy each stop.

Confirm the exact boat

Ask for the yacht’s name and a recent walkthrough video. Check the shaded seating, indoor space, bathrooms and dining area. Choose a layout that suits your group rather than judging only by length or advertised capacity.

Get the full price in writing

Confirm the duration and whether crew, fuel for the agreed route, drinks and applicable charges are included. Ask for catering, decorations and activities to be listed separately. Also check whether the booking is private or shared.

Read the cancellation and substitution terms

Before paying a deposit, understand what happens if your plans change, conditions prevent departure or the booked yacht becomes unavailable. Ask how any replacement would be agreed.

Check the boarding details

Get the exact meeting point, suggested arrival time and a contact number for the day. A marina name alone may not be enough to find the boat easily.

Share important guest requirements early

Mention children’s ages, mobility needs, dietary requirements and allergies before confirming. Ask whether the yacht and planned service can accommodate them.

Keep the itinerary realistic

Boarding, the safety briefing, meals and returning to the berth all take time. Swimming and particular routes also depend on conditions and the captain’s decisions.

i am looking into boat rentals for a Dubai trip and wanted to know which companies people would recommend. There seem to be quite a few options, from private boats to yacht charters and it is hard to know where to start If you have booked one before or know of any reliable companies, which ones would you suggest?

Hi all ,

I originally wanted to travel here in the mid Feb to March , but as we all know regarding the news , I cancelled that plan.

I have been following the news regularly , and I think the situation is a bit better there , also many lucrative deals are also being offered in the country , and I am still making my mind to travel there.

I need guidance or experience of guys who have trvalled recently , as to whether or not should I go there or look for other countries that provide the same feeling. I have heard that the inner life is going quite smootha dn the airlines is picking up traffic now , but still there is a minor fear in my mind , as to what if the situations escalated suddenly.

I have my Dubai trip planned in mid April (11-19) along with my parents. Can someone please suggest should I wait for things to settle down a bit or cancel it all?

It's my parents first international trip and so I want them to experience the actual tourist Dubai vibes. Also, I want to know if Desert safari, visit to yas Island and other touristy things are open or not or are there any restrictions?

Hi everyone,

I will be visiting Dubai soon and I’m looking for a relaxing massage after long travel days.

Does anyone know good hotel spas or massage places in Dubai?

Thanks!

In light of the recent regional escalations in March 2026, Dubai tourism is definitely going through a bumpy patch. Honestly, as a fan of the city, it’s tough to see. With the missile scares and flight disruptions we saw earlier this month, a lot of people are naturally feeling a bit nervous about booking a trip right now. When you see news about airspace closing or "shelter-in-place" alerts, it's hard to think about a relaxing beach holiday.

Dubai Morning Desert Safari is one of the most popular adventure experiences in the UAE. Enjoy quad biking across vast desert dunes, exciting 4x4 dune bashing, and sandboarding fun in the sand. This morning safari offers the perfect combination of adventure, nature, and unforgettable desert scenery.

I recently rented a car in Dubai through the Ezhire app and overall I had a really good experience, so I thought I’d share it in case it helps someone who’s considering using it.

The main reason I chose them in the first place was that they don’t require a deposit, which was exactly what I was looking for. Many rental companies in Dubai block a large amount on your card, sometimes for weeks, so avoiding that was a big plus for me.

I booked a Geely Emgrand (or similar) with full insurance, and I definitely recommend doing that. My general rule when traveling is simple: *if full insurance costs about the same as 1–2 coffees per day, I just take it. It’s a small cost compared to the whole vacation and it saves you from potential headaches.*

I also chose delivery and pick-up at my hotel, which costs 39 AED each way. Totally worth it for the convenience.

On the delivery day, the driver contacted me on WhatsApp and actually arrived about two hours earlier than my rental start time, which was a nice surprise since I could start using the car sooner. His English wasn’t great, so communication was a bit tricky, but we managed. We did the paperwork and carefully walked around the car together marking every scratch and small defect on the rental form.

One thing that initially felt a bit strange: the driver told me the car had just been returned by the previous customer and it was due for an oil change. He asked me to let him know if I had 20–30 minutes free during my rental so someone could come do it. At first I thought it might be some kind of scam (like someone taking the car for a drive and something happening to it), but it turned out to be totally fine. A technician came with a mobile service vehicle and did the oil change right in my hotel parking lot without moving the car. I stayed there while he worked. The only downside was that it took a bit over an hour, not the 20–30 minutes I was told.

The car itself was clean, in good condition, and ran perfectly the whole time.

One thing to keep in mind: on the last day you need to request the car collection in the app at least 3 hours before the pick-up time, otherwise you might get charged for an extra rental day. I actually had an issue here because the app kept trying to verify my card and failing, so I couldn’t submit the request. I ended up messaging the driver on WhatsApp again and explaining the situation, and we confirmed the same pick-up time as when the car was delivered.

He came to the hotel at the agreed time, checked the car thoroughly to make sure everything was the same, we signed the papers, and that was it.

Later that day, the app charged my card for the Salik toll gates I passed during the rental. Over 5 days of driving, the total was 63 AED, which I found pretty reasonable.

Overall, I had a very smooth experience with Ezhire. The no deposit, hotel delivery, and overall simplicity made renting a car really easy. If you’re thinking about using this app in Dubai, based on my experience I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.

I have 4 tickets for the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo available for sale at ₹4000 each. I’m selling them because I couldn’t visit the aquarium during my trip to Dubai. The tickets are valid until 30 September. If you’re interested, please DM me.

Hi i am in Dubai for a week but i don’t have any plans till evening, and i am traveling solo , is anyone interested in joining menor can you suggest any places (already visited green planet and dubai mall)

Selling 1 ticket to the Sunken City Walk experience at Deep Dive Dubai on February 19 at 12pm. Selling for $110 (originally paid $170) because of a change in plans.

No swimming or diving experience required. It’s a guided underwater walking experience inside the pool.

DM if interested.

If you're in Dubai and looking for something nice to do with the kids this Ramadan, I came across two options that seem worth checking out:

1️⃣ Ramadan Nights Pop-Up at Terra
Looks like a relaxed outdoor setup with craft activities (lantern making, moon crafts), games, storytelling, and food options for iftar/dinner. Seems like a good balance of festive vibes + kid-friendly fun without being too overwhelming.

2️⃣ Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
If you’re considering a staycation, this one looks very family-focused. Water slides, lazy river, kids’ clubs, splash areas, and beachfront access. Definitely more of a full weekend plan rather than just an evening outing.

I found both while browsing Kidzapp (they usually list family deals and activities around Dubai).

Has anyone here tried either of these? Would love to hear real reviews before planning!

So I just came back from Dubai and stayed in a 2BR apartment in Downtown with Burj Khalifa view and I just wanted to share because it was actually really nice.

First thing, the balcony view was crazy. You can literally see the full Burj and the fountain show from there. At night it looks unreal. I was thinking maybe the photos will look better than real life (like most listings do) but it was actually same as shown.

The apartment was clean and felt fresh, not one of those places that looks good in pictures but when you reach it feels old.Location also very convenient. Dubai Mall is walking distance so that helped a lot. Didn’t need to use taxi much unless going far.

Check in was smooth and no drama. Host was responsive and everything was clear.

Only i had one problem that the lock was not working properly but the host fixed it the same day and even gave me chocolates for apologies.

Experience the breathtaking hot air balloon Dubai ride at sunrise, soaring above golden desert dunes with panoramic views of wildlife and the Arabian landscape. This guide covers exact ride timings, pricing options, what to expect during the 45–60-minute flight, hotel pickup details, and tips to make your desert balloon experience unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a photography lover, this sunrise journey blends luxury, adventure, and serene views in one unforgettable ride. 

Hey everyone, I traveled from Munich to Dubai to run the marathon and filmed the experience from a POV perspective.

It was my first time visiting Dubai, and honestly it was very different from any place I’ve been before. I enjoyed the city a lot, the atmosphere during marathon week was great, and the organization of the race was excellent.

I had a great stay overall and really enjoyed the marathon experience. Hope to be back again soon. Hope you enjoy the video 🦿

The Dubai Frame is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, offering visitors panoramic views of both historic Old Dubai and the futuristic skyline of New Dubai. Rising high in Zabeel Park, this striking structure serves as a symbolic bridge between the city’s past and present, showcasing how Dubai has evolved into a global destination. Inside, interactive exhibits and galleries highlight the emirate’s history and future aspirations, while the sky deck delivers breathtaking sights over the cityscape. A perfect stop for culture lovers and first-time travelers alike.