Soft All Inclusive Dubai: What It Means, What’s Included, and How to Book (2025)

You saw a deal that says "soft all-inclusive" and wondered what that even means in Dubai. Here’s the simple truth: in Dubai, all-inclusive often doesn’t include alcohol. That’s by design. The city’s hotels lean on a plan that gives you meals and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, while alcohol stays separate. If you’re expecting Caribbean-style free cocktails all day, you’ll likely pay extra by the glass. If that’s fine with you-or you don’t drink at all-this plan can save real money.

TL;DR

• Soft all-inclusive in Dubai = breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks at set venues + unlimited water, soft drinks, juices, tea/coffee. Alcohol is not included.
• Typical uplift vs B&B (2025): about AED 180-350 per adult per day; full all-inclusive with alcohol usually adds another AED 150-300 on top.
• Great if you don’t drink or only have the odd glass at dinner. If you want several alcoholic drinks daily, full AI or pay-as-you-go might be better.
• Always check: which outlets are included, hours, drink list, kids’ rules, blackouts, and whether dine-around applies.
• Expect 5% VAT and a nightly Tourism Dirham fee per room (set by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism). Alcohol is restricted to licensed venues; legal drinking age is 21.

If you only remember one line, it’s this: soft all inclusive Dubai means food and soft drinks are covered, alcohol isn’t.

What “soft all-inclusive” means in Dubai (and why it exists)

Dubai is a licensed market for alcohol. Hotels, resorts, and certain restaurants can sell it, but it’s regulated and taxed. That’s why many city and beach hotels push a softer version of all-inclusive: it keeps things simple for families and non-drinkers, and it avoids baking alcohol costs into every guest’s rate. So the plan is generous with food and non-alcoholic drinks, but it draws the line at beer, wine, and spirits.

What you usually get under a soft all-inclusive plan in Dubai:

• Daily meals: typically buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the main restaurant. Some hotels let you swap a buffet for a set menu in selected à la carte venues (“dine-around”).
• Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks: still/sparkling water, sodas, juices, tea, coffee. Often available during meal times and at chosen bars from late morning until late evening.
• Snacks: afternoon bites, ice cream, or poolside nibbles at set hours (varies by hotel).
• Kids’ benefits: discounts or free dining for younger kids within age limits; check the fine print.

What’s usually not included:

• Alcohol: beer, wine, spirits, cocktails. Some hotels sell “alcohol packages” on top of soft AI, either by day or for the whole stay.
• Premium food items: steakhouse cuts, seafood platters, specialty coffees, fresh juices, room service, minibar, shisha.
• Activities: water sports, spa, beach club day passes, kids’ clubs beyond base access, theme parks, and transfers.

Timing and access matter. Many hotels define when and where your plan applies. Think of windows like 12:00-22:30 for included soft drinks, or “at main pool bar and lobby lounge only.” Breakfast might be open to everyone, but snacks could be limited to one outlet. Read the list of included venues and hours before you book.

How this compares to other meal plans in Dubai:

• Bed & Breakfast (B&B): Only breakfast is included. You pay as you go for lunch, dinner, and all drinks.
• Half Board (HB): Breakfast + dinner (or lunch). Drinks are typically not included, except for water, tea, and coffee at breakfast.
• Full Board (FB): Breakfast + lunch + dinner. Drinks usually not included outside breakfast.
• Soft All-Inclusive (SAI): FB + unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and usually snacks at set times.
• Full All-Inclusive (AI with alcohol): SAI + a selection of alcoholic drinks during the outlet’s service hours.

Why hotels do this: Alcohol is sold only by licensed venues and is subject to local rules. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism licenses and oversees tourism operations; alcohol service is permitted in licensed outlets, with a legal drinking age of 21. The UAE Federal Tax Authority applies 5% VAT to most hotel services. You’ll also see the Tourism Dirham, a nightly per-room fee that’s set by Dubai authorities and varies by hotel category. Many hotels also display municipality fees and service charges in the final price. Check your booking breakdown so there are no surprises.

Ramadan nuance: Hotels keep serving food and soft drinks to guests, though some outlets may adjust hours or screens. Alcohol is served in many licensed venues during Ramadan, but policies vary by hotel and emirate. If your travel dates fall in Ramadan, confirm outlet hours and inclusions-soft AI benefits still apply, but service style might change.

Key expectations to set now:

• If you want multiple alcoholic drinks a day, soft AI won’t be “all you can drink.” You’ll pay per drink or upgrade.
• If you don’t drink or only sip a glass with dinner, soft AI often beats paying à la carte for sodas and coffees all day.
• Value swings by season. November-April is peak beach weather. Rates jump then, and the uplift for soft AI may shift too.

How to choose, budget, and book (step-by-step with numbers)

Use this simple flow to decide if soft AI fits your trip and wallet.

1. Map your day. Will you spend most time at the resort or roam the city? If you’ll be out touring, half board (breakfast + dinner) can be smarter. If you’ll lounge by the pool and snack often, soft AI makes sense.
2. Estimate your drinks. In resort outlets, soft drinks run roughly AED 18-30, specialty coffees AED 20-35, mocktails AED 30-45. If you’ll sip 6-10 soft beverages daily across breakfast, pool, lunch, and dinner, SAI’s unlimited soft drinks pay for themselves fast.
3. Check the uplift. Compare the same room on the same dates across plans. Note the daily price difference per adult. In 2025, a typical uplift vs B&B for SAI sits around AED 180-350 per adult per day at many 4-5-star properties, though luxury beachfront resorts can charge more.
4. Look at outlets and hours. You want at least the main buffet, a pool bar, and a lounge included. Dine-around to one or two specialty restaurants is a bonus. Make sure snack times line up with how you actually eat.
5. Check kids’ rules. Many hotels let kids under a certain age dine free on the same plan when sharing room with adults. Common brackets: under 6 free, 6-11 at 50%, 12+ adult. Confirm the hotel’s exact policy.
6. Scan the exclusions. If you love fresh juices or specialty coffee, see if they’re in or out. Room service and minibar are usually excluded on SAI.
7. Factor taxes/fees. UAE VAT of 5% applies to hotel services. Dubai adds a nightly Tourism Dirham per room. Many rates already include municipality/service charges, but check the final summary.
8. Price it three ways. Get quotes for B&B, HB/FB, SAI, and AI (alcohol). Compare the uplift to your expected consumption. Tour operators sometimes bundle SAI cheaper than booking direct-worth a quick check.
9. Get it in writing. Before you pay, ask the hotel to email what’s included: outlets, hours, drink list, dine-around rules, and any blackout dates. Save it on your phone.

Here’s a practical comparison to anchor your math. These figures are common in 2025 across mid to top-tier hotels, but properties can sit outside these bands, especially ultra-luxury beach resorts.

Quick break-even trick for SAI vs FB: Add up what you’d likely spend on soft drinks and snacks. If the SAI uplift is AED 220/day and you’d otherwise buy 8 soft beverages at an average AED 25 (AED 200) plus a snack (AED 40), you’re at AED 240. SAI wins. If you’re out most afternoons and only drink at dinner, FB may be better.

What about alcohol? If you usually have, say, two beers by the pool (AED 40-55 each) and a glass of wine at dinner (AED 45-65), that’s roughly AED 130-175 per day. If the jump from SAI to AI is AED 170/day and includes those drinks, it’s marginal. If you want more than three alcoholic drinks daily, AI often pays off. If you only sip one glass, stick to SAI and pay as you go.

Price seasonality you can count on in Dubai:

• Peak beach season (roughly Nov-Apr): higher base rates; SAI uplifts can be firmer; resort outlets busier-book dine-around early.
• Summer (May-Sep): low base rates; SAI can be a great value if you plan to stay by the pool (expect heat; pools and indoor spaces are cooled).
• Event spikes: New Year, major shows, sports tournaments-hotels may cap dine-around or limit included outlets. Ask before you confirm.

Important rules and who says so:

• Alcohol serving rules and the tourism framework fall under Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Alcohol service is allowed only in licensed venues; legal drinking age is 21 in Dubai.
• VAT at 5% is administered by the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
• Tourism Dirham is a nightly per-room fee set by Dubai authorities; the band depends on your hotel category. Hotels must show it in your bill.

Booking smart tips:

• Compare direct hotel offers with tour operator packages. Operators sometimes bundle SAI with airport transfers at a better total rate.
• Ask for the beverage list. You want clarity on included sodas, bottled water, brewed coffee vs specialty coffee, and whether mocktails count.
• If you’re picky about restaurants, confirm dine-around restaurants and limits (days of the week, set menus, supplements for premium dishes).
• Check if “kids eat free” applies to your child’s age and dates. Many hotels define child ages differently.
• Check Ramadan dates (they shift yearly). Ask how service times and entertainment change. Plans still work; flow just feels different.

Checklists, examples, FAQs, and your next steps

Here’s the no-miss list to run through before you pay.

• Written inclusions from the hotel: meals, outlets, hours, snacks, soft drink list, dine-around rules, blackout dates.
• Daily uplifts per adult and per child vs other plans on the exact same dates.
• Kids’ policy: age brackets, supplements, if kids must dine with adults, and buffet vs à la carte rules.
• Room service/minibar are almost never included. Confirm to avoid surprise bills.
• Which outlets serve your plan during the day (pool bar? lobby lounge?).
• Any supplements for premium items (fresh juices, specialty coffees, steaks, seafood).
• Taxes and fees: 5% VAT, Tourism Dirham per room per night, and any service/municipality charges shown on the booking.
• Cancellation rules and change fees. Free cancellation windows can be shorter on packages.

Two quick scenarios to make the choice feel obvious:

Family of four (kids 5 and 9), pool days
You’ll be on the loungers most days. The 5-year-old is free on SAI, the 9-year-old is half rate. By the pool, you’d likely buy 6-10 soft drinks daily across the four of you, plus ice creams and afternoon snacks. Paying per item adds up fast. SAI usually wins here, and you can still buy a glass of wine at dinner without committing to AI.

Couple in the city, sightseeing every day
You’ll eat lunch out while exploring and only return for dinner. You drink one soft drink each with dinner and maybe a coffee in the morning. HB probably fits better. If you have a beach day planned, you can add a day-pass to the hotel’s SAI (some properties allow day upgrades) or keep it pay-as-you-go just for that day.

What soft drinks usually include

• Still and sparkling water (brand may be fixed)
• Standard sodas and classic mixers
• Brewed coffee and tea (espresso-based drinks can be extra)
• Selected juices (fresh-pressed juices often carry a supplement)
• Mocktails in some hotels-but not all. Always check this line item.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Assuming “all-inclusive” means free alcohol. In Dubai, soft AI usually doesn’t.
• Not checking outlet list and hours. If the pool bar isn’t included, you might not use the plan as much as you think.
• Expecting room service. It’s almost always excluded even on AI. The plan covers dine-in venues only.
• Forgetting about supplements. That fancy latte or fresh juice might not be part of the plan.
• Not budgeting for the Tourism Dirham. It’s small per night, but it adds up over a week.

Mini‑FAQ

• Are mocktails included on soft AI? Sometimes. Some hotels include a list of mocktails; others treat them like specialty drinks with a charge. Ask for the menu.
• What happens during Ramadan? Hotels serve meals and soft drinks to guests; some outlets adjust hours or entertainment. Alcohol policies vary by hotel, but many licensed venues still serve. Confirm your dates with the property.
• Can I upgrade from SAI to AI with alcohol? Many hotels sell a daily alcohol add-on. Ask the per-day price and what brands are included.
• Is bottled water included in the room? Often, yes, a daily basic allocation. Minibar premium water is usually extra. At outlets, included still/sparkling water is common on SAI.
• Can non-guests join me for dinner on my plan? They can join, but they’ll pay the outlet price or a set fee. Your plan benefits don’t extend to visitors unless the hotel offers a guest pass.
• Is tipping included? Many bills include a service charge, but modest tipping (5-10%) for great service is common and appreciated.
• What if a venue says my plan isn’t valid? Show the written inclusions on your phone and ask the duty manager. Hotels usually honor what’s stated.
• Is airport transfer included? Not on SAI by default. Some packages bundle it. Check your confirmation.

Quick decision helper

• Do you drink zero or little alcohol? Pick SAI.
• Plan to have 4+ alcoholic drinks daily? Consider AI.
• Will you be out at lunch most days? HB could be the sweet spot.
• Love lounging with snacks and sodas? SAI shines.

Realistic cost sketch (per adult, per day, 2025 city resort averages):

• Soft drinks/coffee bought à la carte: AED 120-220 if you drink throughout the day.
• Snacks at pool bar: AED 40-80.
• Alcohol (optional): AED 130-250 for 3-4 drinks.
• SAI uplift: AED 180-350 (covers the first two lines).
• AI uplift vs B&B: AED 320-650 (covers softs + alcohol basics).

Pro tips from the ground

• Ask if the hotel offers a one-day upgrade. Useful for a planned pool day.
• Book early if you want festive season dates. Dine-around slots fill up fast.
• Check if beach club access is included or discounted. It often isn’t, even on AI.
• If you care about brands (water/coffee), check which ones are included.
• Bring a refillable bottle. Many resorts happily refill at outlets within plan rules.

Next steps

1. Shortlist 2-3 hotels that match your vibe (city vs beach, kid-friendly vs adults-forward).
2. Ask each for a one-page inclusion list for SAI and AI. Save the PDFs.
3. Price your dates across B&B, HB, FB, SAI, and AI. Note the per-adult uplifts.
4. Run the break-even math against your habits for drinks and snacks.
5. Book the plan that matches your day-to-day-not a fantasy version of your trip.

Troubleshooting on trip

• Outlet mismatch: If an outlet refuses SAI benefits that your email says are included, show the email and ask the manager to confirm. Hotels usually honor written terms.
• Brand confusion: If a server says a drink brand isn’t covered, ask for the “included list.” Pick from there to avoid charges.
• Bill surprises: Before signing, scan bills for supplements. Ask to remove items you didn’t intend to order outside plan.
• Need more flexibility: Ask for a one-day AI upgrade if available. It’s often cheaper than paying per drink all day.
• Traveling during Ramadan: If hours feel limited, ask the concierge to map which outlets are open when. They’ll steer you to the right spots.

Bottom line: soft all-inclusive in Dubai is built for easy days and clear budgets, minus the alcohol. If that matches how you travel, lock it in. If you want cocktails by the pool every afternoon, price the full AI or budget those drinks separately-either way, you’ll walk in with eyes open and spend on what you actually use.