Dubai
Dubai Travel Guides
Written by the specialists who plan our trips to Dubai: where to go, when, and what is worth knowing before you book.
All Dubai Travel Guides
The Maldives or Bora Bora – which is better?
The Maldives and Bora Bora are two of the world’s most sought-after island paradises. Both are famed for overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and unparalleled luxury. But if you’re planning a honeymoon or bucket-list trip, which destination should you choose? At Out Of Office, it’s a question we hear all the time from our clients. The truth is, both the Maldives and Bora Bora deliver unforgettable experiences - but in very different ways.
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Top Cities with Amazing Architecture
Top Cities with Amazing Architecture Many things can define how amazing any given city may be. From the scenic views of mountains or lakes to the abundance of things to do in the city at night, you will find something in almost every city worldwide that makes it stand out amongst others.
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The Law vs Reality: Gay Travel in Dubai
Homosexuality remains illegal in Dubai with severe penalties, yet thousands of LGBTQ+ travellers visit safely each year through discretion and careful planning. There’s even a sizable contingent of LGBTQ+ expats living in Dubai. While UAE law prescribes up to 14 years imprisonment for same-sex activity, enforcement has shifted dramatically since 2015, with no documented arrests of tourists for consensual private behaviour.
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Avoiding Middle East Flight Routes: Alternatives for LGBTQ+ Travellers
For many of our clients, the question of how to get somewhere matters almost as much as the destination itself. Transiting through Qatar, the UAE, or Saudi Arabia has become routine for long-haul travel from the UK, Europe, and increasingly the United States.
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The Safest Islamic Countries for LGBTQ+ Travellers
Navigating LGBTQ+ travel in Islamic countries presents unique challenges and complexities that require careful consideration and realistic expectations. While the landscape for LGBTQ+ rights remains difficult across much of the Islamic world, some destinations offer relatively safer experiences for discerning travellers who appreciate the nuances of travel in more conservative destinations. Understanding the Broader Context Before examining specific destinations, it's crucial to understand the broader reality facing LGBTQ+ travellers in Islamic countries.
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The Best Maldives Multi-Destination Trips
The Maldives is the most popular luxury tropical paradise destination, but many travellers want more than pristine beaches and blue lagoons. Twin-centre holidays combining the Maldives with culturally rich destinations provide the perfect solution. While the Maldives' remote location limits pairing options compared to other beach destinations, strategic planning opens up extraordinary journey possibilities that transform a simple beach holiday into a life-changing adventure. Why Choose a Maldives Twin-Centre Holiday?
ReadWe know where you will be welcome, and where to take more care.
Frequently asked questions
Travelling with Out Of Office
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.