Your geography school trip to Dubai offers your students the opportunity to explore human geography and sustainability!
Dubai is a fascinating place to study elements of human geography unlike any other in the world. Learn how this small pearl fishing village rose rapidly following the discovery of oil, before finding out more about the rapid urbanisation of the desert.
Examine how the use and exploitation of natural resources has shaped and influenced this sprawling city with its unique and innovative developments.
And visit modern Dubai and see the contrast with the old town, before venturing into the desert. Your school geography group will also have the opportunity to witness how the sea and desert are being exploited to meet the ever-increasing demands of the Emirati.
Suggested Itinerary (6 days, 5 nights)
Desert Safari
A desert safari is a completely unmissable experience during your school trip to Dubai. First, you’ll hop aboard 4x4s to enjoy some dune bashing, where your students will have the most unforgettable experience of what’s likely to be their first desert!
You’ll stop to watch the sunset over the desert, before heading to a traditional Bedouin camp, where you’ll be welcomed with a fragrant Arabian coffee.
You’ll then have the chance to ride a camel, before sitting down to a barbecue dinner with entertainment in the form of belly dancing!
Did you know?
The desert you’ll be exploring is the vast Arabian Desert, which covers much of the Arabian Peninsula and is the largest desert in Asia.
Dhow Cruise
Experience traditional Arabian hospitality on a dhow cruise along the seafront! This is one of the best ways to see Dubai, from its modern, luxury hotels to its more traditional architecture.
The dhow is a sailing vessel used along coastal areas of the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and was traditionally used to transport heavy items along the coast, including fruit and fresh water.
On your cruise, you’ll not only enjoy the spectacular views of the city, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience Arabian hospitality, as you’ll be served dinner followed by fragrant Arabian coffee.
Did you know?
No-one’s quite sure of the origins of this iconic vessel. Some scholars believe it originated in India between 600 BC and 600 AD. Others believe it comes from Arabia.
Dubai City Tour
Take a tour of Dubai to gain a better idea of the city’s history, culture and traditions.
You’ll see some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Burj Al Arab. The world’s only 7-star hotel stands on an artificial island and is one of the tallest hotels in the world. Compare this with the more relaxed vibe of the Majilis Ghorfat, the summerhouse of Sheikh Rahid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ruled the country for more than three decades.
You’ll also explore magnificent mosques and busy souks, and extravagant palaces. A tour of the city is the perfect way to start your school trip to Dubai, ensuring that your students discover all it has to offer.
Did you know?
Dubai is one of seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates and one of only two that holds a veto (the other being Abu Dhabi) in national politics.
Day 1
Morning
N/A
Afternoon
N/A
Evening
Flight to Dubai
Day 2
Morning
Arrive in Dubai
Panoramic city tour
Afternoon
Classic Dubai City Tour
Evening
Visit the Dubai Mall and see the Fountain Show
Day 3
Morning
Full-day tour to Abu Dhabi
Afternoon
Continue tour with a visit to Masdar City and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Evening
Evening dhow dinner cruise
Day 4
Morning
Visit Emirates Bio-Farm to learn about sustainable agriculture
Afternoon
Late afternoon - embark on an exciting evening of dune bashing in the desert
Evening
Traditional desert safari BBQ dinner
Day 5
Morning
Visit Al Hefaiyah Reserve to learn about water use in the Emirates
Afternoon
N/A
Evening
Free evening
Day 6
Morning
Return flight to the UK
Afternoon
Arrive back in the UK
Evening
N/A
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4 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Detailed information pack
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Free staff place ratio 1:10
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Guide and transport throughout
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Itinerary planning service
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Return airport transfers in resort
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Return flights from the UK
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Visits and entrances as shown in the sample itinerary
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Urban growth and change
- Environmental and social challenges
- Sustainable urban development
- Patterns of social inequality
- Population and the environment - food production and security
- Water insecurity
- Impact of superpowers on the global economy
- Consuming energy resources
- Resource management systems
- Hot desert systems and landscapes
GCSE
- Urban growth and change
- Management of urban resources
- Gaps in global development
- Sustainable tourism
- Energy, food and water security
- Impacts of food production on the environment
Educational activities and visits
Abu Dhabi City Tour
Abu Dhabi is the second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and capital of the largest emirate. Avisit… Read More
Desert Safari
The highlight of any visit to Dubai is undoubtedly this amazing tour. Board your luxury 4X4 in Dubai and head… Read More
Dhow Cruise
Your cruise aboard one of these traditional wooden vessels offers an intriguingly different view of this amazing city – a… Read More
Dubai City Tour
A fascinating historical excursion; yourroute takes you from Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s landmark hotel, to Majlis Al Ghorfat, a magnificent… Read More
Dubai Museum
A visit to the Dubai museum is a must on every Dubai itinerary. Housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi… Read More
Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre
See a natural way of treating wastewater in the United Arab Emirates… Read More
Emirates Bio Farm
Learn all about sustainable and organic farming in the United Arab Emirates… Read More
Accommodation
The Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, in Bur Dubai, offers over 750 accommodation units in configurations of studios and one, two and three bedroom apartments. A perfect place for large groups!
The Ibis Style Dubai Jumeirah is just 12km from Dubai International Airport and offers easy access to all of the city's main attractions.
The hotel offers modern, comfortable accommodation, with all rooms boasting en-suite bathroom facilities.
The hotel also offers a fully-equipped gym and temperature-controlled indoor swimming pool.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements
2 Launching your trip to parents and students
Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials
3 After you've booked
Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip
4 While you're away
You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help
5 After your trip
Head back to our resources section to continue the learning
Need help?
Zoe Campbell — Learning & Development Manager
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
Thank you for everything. After many years of doing Spanish homestays with other providers, this was by far the smoothest visit we have done. Everything was perfect and the pupils really enjoyed their stay. Halsbury and ISLA were both brilliant.— Forest School
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