Planning a stay at the all-inclusive Hotel Riu Dubai means weighing a straightforward promise — 24-hour access to food, drinks, pools, and a private beach — against the realities of its location on Dubai Islands and the specific rules of travelling in the emirate. This guide pulls together verified facts from the hotel’s official website, editorial reviews, and recent guest feedback to help you decide if this 4-star resort fits your trip.

Last checked: 2026-06-10

Hotel name: Hotel Riu Dubai · Location: Deira Islands, Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Opening date: September 2020 · Concept: All-Inclusive 24h · Number of pools: 3 · Number of restaurants: 4

How we researched this guide

Last checked: 2026-06-10.

Sources reviewed: Official RIU website, TripAdvisor reviews, The Telegraph Travel, Momondo, independent YouTube hotel walk-throughs, Facebook travel community posts.

Transparent limitations: No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification against seasonal variation.

Hotel Riu Dubai at a glance

1 24-hour all-inclusive
2 Private beachfront access
  • Loungers, umbrellas and towels provided on Dubai Islands beach (RIU official site)
3 4 restaurants, 6 bars
4 Water park (closed Mondays)
  • Splash Water World on-site but unavailable every Monday (RIU official site)

Year opened: 2020 — Distance from Dubai Airport (DXB): approx. 10 km — Tripadvisor rating (2025): 4.0 out of 5 — Number of swimming pools: 3 — Number of restaurants: 4 — Number of bars: 6

DetailInformation
Hotel nameHotel Riu Dubai
LocationDeira Islands, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening dateSeptember 2020
ConceptAll-Inclusive 24h
Number of pools3
Number of restaurants4
Number of bars6
Tripadvisor rating4.0 out of 5

Is Hotel Riu Dubai a Good Hotel?

Based on over five years of guest ratings and editorial reviews, Hotel Riu Dubai earns a solid 4.0 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. That score reflects a mix of praise for the all-inclusive value and recurring criticism about drink quality. The hotel opened in September 2020 as part of the RIU chain’s expansion into the Middle East, and it operates on the brand’s signature 24-hour All-Inclusive model — meaning the price covers meals, snacks, and drinks around the clock, not just during standard meal times.

The Telegraph Travel review describes it as “an affordable, all-inclusive beachfront retreat” with a kids’ club, playground, and a small water park. Guest feedback on Facebook groups (2025–2026) commonly calls it a “modern, all-inclusive beachfront resort with good food, friendly staff, and family-friendly atmosphere.”

What to watch: A 2026 TripAdvisor review notes that while pools and kids’ areas were clean, alcoholic drink options were limited in quality, and the Asian restaurant menu lacked Indian dishes — a point that matters for travellers expecting broader international cuisine.

How Far Is Hotel Riu Dubai From the Airport?

Hotel Riu Dubai sits on Dubai Islands (formerly Deira Islands), roughly 10 km from Dubai International Airport (DXB). The official RIU site and Momondo confirm the distance. In light traffic, the drive takes about 10 to 15 minutes via the Al Shindagha Tunnel and Al Khaleej Road. During peak hours, add another 10 minutes.

Why this matters: A 10-minute airport commute makes this one of the more accessible beach resorts in Dubai. Compare this to properties on Palm Jumeirah, where the trip from DXB can run 25–35 minutes in normal traffic.

Tip for first-timers: If you arrive after midnight, taxis are readily available at DXB. The short drive means you can be checked in before 11 p.m. even with a late landing.

How Much Is a Taxi From Dubai Airport to Hotel Riu Dubai?

For the 10 km journey from DXB to Hotel Riu Dubai, a standard Dubai taxi fare typically falls between 25 AED and 50 AED (approx. $7 to $14 USD). The exact amount depends on traffic, time of day, and whether the driver uses the toll road (Salik). Ride-hailing services like Careem or Uber may charge 40–70 AED for the same route.

The bottom line: Even at the upper end, the transfer cost is modest. Budget 50 AED to be safe and you’ll cover both the fare and a small tip for the driver.

How Far Is Hotel Riu Dubai From the City?

The resort is located on Dubai Islands, a quiet man-made archipelago northeast of the main city. The distance to Dubai’s traditional city centre (near Dubai Creek) is about 8 km — a 15–20 minute drive by car. Central areas like Burj Khalifa / Downtown are roughly 15–18 km away, taking 20–30 minutes in normal traffic.

The hotel’s location is quieter than the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) strip. You won’t have restaurants or shops within walking distance, but taxi rides into Deira or Bur Dubai are quick and cheap.

Hotel Riu Dubai Restaurants and Dining

The property runs 4 restaurants and 6 bars, all included in the 24-hour all-inclusive plan. According to the RIU official site, these comprise one main buffet restaurant plus three specialty restaurants (cuisines rotate, but guest reviews mention Asian, Italian, and international options).

A YouTube walk-through confirms the six bars include two swim-up bars in the main pool area. The all-inclusive also covers a free stocked minibar in every room — standard for RIU properties. Splash Water World, the on-site water park, is included in the stay but note that it is closed on Mondays per the hotel’s own website.

The pattern: Food quality gets consistently positive marks from guests. The main buffet is described as “canteen-like” by some but with wide selection. Specialty restaurants require reservations and offer quieter, sit-down service.

“As part of the all-inclusive package, you’ll get a daily breakfast buffet, plus unlimited snacks, drinks, and full meals.”

— Independent hotel reviewer, YouTube walk-through

What Are the 10 Rules in Dubai?

Travellers visiting Dubai — especially first-timers — need to respect local laws that differ from Western norms. Based on the UAE government guidelines and tourist advisories cited across multiple sources, the key rules are:

RuleWhat it means for tourists
1. Dress modestlyCover shoulders and knees in public places, including malls and streets.
2. No public drinkingAlcohol only in licensed venues (hotel bars, clubs, restaurants with permits).
3. No public displays of affectionKissing and hugging in public can lead to fines or deportation.
4. Photography restrictionsDo not photograph locals (especially women) without explicit permission.
5. Ramadan considerationsNo eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan.
6. Strict drug lawsAny amount of illegal substances carries severe penalties, including imprisonment.
7. No swearingProfanity and offensive gestures are punishable by fine or arrest.
8. No litteringFines are heavy; use bins at all times.
9. Driving rulesSpeed limits strictly enforced; phone use while driving is illegal.
10. Respect for religionDisrespect toward Islam or other religions is a criminal offence.

What this means for Hotel Riu Dubai guests: The resort’s pool and beach areas are private hotel property, meaning you can wear swimwear there. But on the walk from the hotel to Deira Islands’ public beach or into the city, cover up. The hotel bars serve alcohol legally — that’s fine. But take drinks only within the licensed premises, not onto the street.

Important: These are real laws, not just cultural suggestions. Dubai’s legal system enforces them, and ignorance is not accepted as a defence. If in doubt, the UAE government’s official tourist portal (visitdubai.com) maintains a current list of dos and don’ts.

Hotel Riu Dubai Reviews and Ratings

Aggregated across platforms, the Hotel Riu Dubai holds approximately 4.0 out of 5 on TripAdvisor based on reviews spanning 2020–2025. Common praise themes include cleanliness, facility variety (pools, water park, beach), and the value of the all-inclusive package. Common criticism clusters around: limited quality of alcoholic drinks, the main buffet feeling “canteen-like,” and the location being quieter than JBR or the Marina.

A 2026 TripAdvisor review wrote: “All pools and kids’ slide areas were clean” but noted that “alcoholic drink options were limited in quality.” Another reviewer on the TripAdvisor forum mentioned “1 main canteen … and 3 specialty restaurants all included in the price,” a breakdown consistent with the official facilities list.

The bottom line: The hotel delivers on what it promises — a 24-hour all-inclusive beachfront stay with solid family facilities. But guests expecting premium drinks or a wide à la carte dining experience should temper expectations.

“For grown-ups, there’s a spa, gym and a selection of bars, including two swim-up options and one with a terrace overlooking the coastline.”

— The Telegraph Travel review

Best for segments: couples, families, all-inclusive enthusiasts

The Hotel Riu Dubai works well for specific traveller types. Based on the Telegraph review, Facebook group feedback, and TripAdvisor patterns:

  • Families with children: The water park (Splash Water World), kids’ club, playground, and three pools are strong draws. Baby cribs are available free on request. The water park is closed Mondays, so plan accordingly.
  • Couples: The swim-up bars, spa (treatments extra), and quiet location on Dubai Islands appeal. However, the property is not adults-only; families dominate during school holidays.
  • All-inclusive enthusiasts: The 24-hour model delivers genuine value: meals, snacks, drinks, minibar, pool/beach access, entertainment, and Wi-Fi all bundled. The proprietary “All-Inclusive 24h” concept means you can grab a drink or snack at 3 a.m. if you wish.

Our pick for first-time Dubai visitors: If this is your first trip to the emirate and you want a straightforward, beach-based holiday without worrying about per-meal costs, Hotel Riu Dubai delivers transparent value. The short distance to DXB makes arrival easy. Just factor in that you’ll taxi into central Dubai for sightseeing — the hotel itself is not walkable to major attractions.

Our recommendation

Hotel Riu Dubai is a strong fit for first-time Dubai visitors seeking all-inclusive value, and for families who want a beach resort with a water park included in the nightly rate. For travellers who prioritise premium brand drinks or a vibrant location within walking distance of shops and restaurants, properties on The Palm or JBR may suit better — at a higher price point.

Alternatives to Hotel Riu Dubai

If the location or the specific all-inclusive plan doesn’t match your needs, consider these alternatives (drawn from travel comparison platforms and editorial reviews):

  • Long Beach Hotel, Turkey: Read our review — A similarly 24-hour all-inclusive resort on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, comparable in concept but different destination.
  • Poseidon Resort, Benidorm: Read our guide — All-inclusive resort on Spain’s Costa Blanca; family-friendly with multiple pools and entertainment.

Neither is in Dubai, but both share the “book once, everything included” model that Riu Dubai offers, if you are open to a different country.

Additional sources

youtube.com, facebook.com

FAQ

Is Riu Dubai a good hotel?

Yes, it holds a 4.0 rating on TripAdvisor based on reviews since its 2020 opening, reflecting consistent praise for cleanliness and all-inclusive value.

How far is Riu Dubai from the airport?

Approximately 10 km from Dubai Airport (DXB), about a 10–15 minute drive in normal traffic.

How much is a taxi from Dubai airport to Riu Dubai?

Taxi fare typically ranges from 25 to 50 AED (approx. $7–$14 USD) for the 10 km journey, depending on traffic and tolls.

How far is Riu Dubai from Dubai city centre?

It is located in the Deira Islands area, roughly 15–20 minutes by car from the traditional city centre.

What dining options does Hotel Riu Dubai offer?

The hotel has 4 restaurants (1 buffet + 3 specialty) and 6 bars under its 24-hour All-Inclusive concept, including two swim-up bars.

What are the main rules for tourists in Dubai?

Key rules include dressing modestly in public, no public alcohol consumption outside licensed venues, respecting Ramadan practices, and strict drug laws with severe penalties.

Sources cited