United Arab Emirates, UAE flights - cheap international flight tickets and hacker fares to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah,
Flights to Dubai. Book plane tickets to Dubai International Airport (DXB) online.

The UAE is open to international tourism

The United Arab Emirates is open to travelers from all countries. Vaccinated visitors must present the vaccination certificate, while those who are not fully vaccinated should present a negative result of an RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours before arrival. Passengers, irrespective of whether they are vaccinated, do not need to quarantine on arrival.

Depending on your nationality, you can get a VoA (Visa on Arrival) or apply for your prearranged Visit Visa from Dubai Immigration before you travel. Nationals of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia – are allowed to enter the UAE with their national identity card.

Transiting through Emirati airports is permitted. Transiting passengers are not required to present a health certificate (unless it is mandated by their final destination).



Arriving in United Arab Emirates

  • If you are flying to United Arab Emirates from abroad, you will most likely land at one of its biggest international airportsits main international airportDubai International Airport DXB, Abu Dhabi International Airport AUH, or Sharjah Airport SHJ.

    These are also the best (and the cheapest) airports to fly into United Arab Emirates. As they are used by many airlines serving the same routes, the competition for passengers is fierce – with decreased airfare as a result.
  • Once in United Arab Emirates, take advantage of frequent intercity flights operated by domestic airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, FlyDubai, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Rotana Jet, and Royal Jet. Those in-country carriers typically offer lower fares, operate from smaller airports located closer to city centers (you save on ground transportation), and provide flexible schedules – with a wide range of departure times.
  • Planning to explore the region? Popular destinations near United Arab Emirates can be easily reached with regional low-cost carriers (LCCs) by the likes of AirArabia, Air India Express, FlyNas, Flyadeal, FlyDubai, Jazeera Airways, Pegasus Airlines, Saudia, SalamAir, Smartwings, Vistara, and Wizz Air. If you have a layover in United Arab Emirates and plan to fly only a short distance to one of its neighboring countries, these budget airlines are an excellent way to save money. However, the “no-frills” carrier may not provide free checked baggage allowance, complimentary food, in-flight entertainment systems, and fast customer support. You may not even get to choose your seats, unless you pay extra.

Airports of United Arab Emirates

Best airports to fly into United Arab Emirates: Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), Ras Al Khaimah (RKT), Al Ain (AAN)
United Arab Emirates has has 12 main airports, and the following are the most significant – Dubai International Airport DXB, Abu Dhabi International Airport AUH, Sharjah Airport SHJ, Ras Al Khaimah Airport RKT, and Al Ain International Airport AAN.
Things to know before flying to UAE
Airlines flying to UAEAeroflot, Air Arabia, Air Astana, Air Baltic, Air Blue, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air India Express, AnadoluJet, Arkia Isreali Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Condor, Cyprus Airways, Egypt Air, El Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Expo Aviation, FlyArystan, FlyNas, Flyadeal, FlyDubai, Etihad Airways, Go First, Gulf Air, IndiGo, Iran Air, Iraqi Airways, Jazeera Airways, Kam Air, KLM, Kenya Airways, Korean Airlines, Kuwait Airways, LOT, Lufthansa, Luxair, Mahan Air, Middle East Airlines, Neos Air, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Palestinian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Qeshm Air, Rwand Air, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Royal Nepal Airlines, Saudia, SalamAir, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Serene Air, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, SriLankan Airlines, Smartwings, SWISS, Syrian Arab Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Wizzair, Vistara
Airlines of UAEEmirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, FlyDubai, Wizzair Abu Dhabi, Rotana Jet, Royal Jet

Main airports in UAEDubai International Airport (DXB) — Dubai
Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central) (DWC) — Dubai
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) — Abu Dhabi
Sharjah Airport (SHJ) — Sharjah
Ras Al Khaimah Airport (RKT) — Ras al-Khaimah
Al Ain International Airport (AAN) — Al Ain
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) — Dubai
Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) — Abu Dhabi
Fujairah International Airport (FJR) — Fujairah
Regular price (roundtrip)✈ €200 – €500 (from Europe)
✈ $600 – $900 (from USA)
Flight hacks 40% — 80% off regular fare
Airline discountsDiscounted airline tickets to United Arab Emirates (student/family/seniors/military)

Low-cost flights from United Arab Emirates

Stay ahead of the game. Fly to popular destinations at a fraction of the regular fare.

Home check-in service on Emirates

In Dubai and Sharjah, Emirates partnered with DUBZ to offer a “home check-in.” DUBZ agents complete the check-in process in your home or hotel and take your bags to the airport. You can just enjoy the rest of your day and breeze through the airport later. Remember to book the service at least 24 hours before your flight.

The home check-in service is complimentary for First Class passengers.

Duty-free rules

The United Arab Emirates is serious about the duty-free concession. There is a limit for bringing in certain items. As of [current_date format=”F Y”], alcoholic beverages for personal consumption – such as wine or spirits – cannot exceed 4 liters per person (or 24 cans of beer), and you can carry only 400 cigarettes or 2kg of tobacco. The total market value of all other articles and gifts must be under AED 3,000 (~$810).

Anything above those limits must be declared at the airport.

Know your time zone

The United Arab Emirates has only one time zone – it observes UAEST (United Arab Emirates Standard Time) all year, which is UTC/GMT+04 time zone. As a result, clocks in UAE are 3 hours ahead of London and 8 hours ahead of New York. UAEST does not have an associated daylight saving time.

When checking flights and airport transfer times, ensure you know the local time zones. The departure time on your plane ticket is always listed based on the time zone of the departure airport. We suggest resetting your watch during the flight – it will help your brain adjust to the new time zone and to deal with jet lag.

The cheapest time to fly to United Arab Emirates

Middle East countries, like UAE, are extremely hot from April to September. So, if you have a choice, try visiting Dubai between November and March for cooler weather (the temperates range from 30° C to 12° C). However, as these are the best months for tourists, they see a sharp spike in tourist footfall. Travelers from different parts of the world love to visit Dubai at the end of December and celebrate the new year as well – make sure to reserve your flights, hotels, rental car, etc well in advance.

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Flights to United Arab Emirates from United States and Canada

  • There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to United Arab Emirates. However, most major hubs in Asia have non-stop flights to United Arab Emirates, as do some larger airports in the Middle East – your journey will have at least one stop. Direct flights from Canada (Toronto) to UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) are operated by three airlines: Air Canada, Emirates, and Etihad Airways, with an average flight time of around 13 hours. If you're looking for non-stop flights from the US, check out Emirates, Etihad Airways, JetBlue, and United Airlines for the latest offers. They have direct to Dubai from the largest hubs in the US, including Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington.
  • United Arab Emirates is well-served via one-stop flights from North America. Flights to United Arab Emirates with one layover depart from most major North American airports, including Atlanta ATL, Dallas DFW, Denver DEN, Chicago ORD, Los Angeles LAX, Las Vegas DFW, Miami MIA, Seattle SEA, Houston IAH, New York JFK, and San Francisco SFO in the United States and Toronto YYZ, Vancouver YVR, Calgary LAS, and Montreal YUL in Canada.
  • The best airlines to fly to United Arab Emirates from the US and Canada are: Air Canada, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines. They are top full-service carriers, offering exceptional customer service, in-flight comfort, a generous checked baggage allowance, and reliable customer support channels – all included in the ticket price.

United Arab Emirates from US & Canada.
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Oryx hotel inside the Doha airport

Airside of the Hamad International Airport in Doha, there’s a conveniently located Oryx hotel, offering transiting passengers a choice of six different room types. You can make a booking for a night, but the hotel also accepts bookings by the hour – great for a little nap during the layover.

All guests are offered complimentary access to the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre during their stay, with the choice of spa, massage treatments, fitness, and squash activities.

As the rooms tend to be often fully booked (with only expensive suites left), we recommend booking in advance.

Avoid currency exchange kiosks at airports

Airports are infamous for making an exuberant amount of money from their currency exchanges due to the extremely high margins, and Emirati airports are no exception. Airport kiosks usually charge higher fees which are sometimes hidden within the poorer exchange rates they offer – their business is based on charging extra for being a convenient, last-minute option.

It is always a good idea to bring some cash with you to UAE. Plan ahead and exchange some money for Emirati dirham at home, or use one of the many ATMs located at the airport and in almost every city.

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Flights to United Arab Emirates from UK, Germany, France, Netherlands and other countries in Europe

  • There are no direct flights from Europe to United Arab Emirates — you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia. Direct flights from Europe to UAE are just a few hours long (around 6 hours if you fly non-stop from Frankfurt, and just 4 hours 30 minutes from Athens). Most European hubs have a nonstop connection to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, including Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Warsaw, Vienna, and Zurich. Among the airlines that operate Europe - UAE routes, you'll find both full-service carriers such as Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Neos Air, SWISS, Turkish Airlines, and low-budget companies by the likes of AirArabia, Eurowings, FlyDubai, Pegasus Airlines, Smartwings, and Wizz Air
  • Airlines that frequently fly from the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries to United Arab Emirates include Air France, British Airways, Condor, Cyprus Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Luxair, SWISS, and Turkish Airlines.
  • Consider departure airports in neighboring countries to increase your chance of spotting the best deal. Especially look for large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines. For example, if you live in Western Europe, check air tickets to United Arab Emirates from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Leverage frequent promotions from European budget carriers like RyanAir, EasyJet, and Eurowings to reach a major hub; from there, take a cheaper long-haul flight to your final destination, potentially saving hundreds of euros.
  • These major European airports are excellent departure points for trips to United Arab Emirates: London LHR and Manchester MAN in the United Kingdom, Frankfurt FRA and Munich MUC in Germany, Paris CDG and Nice NCE in France, Amsterdam AMS in the Netherlands, Madrid MAD and Barcelona BCN in Spain, Rome FCO and Milano MXP in Italy, Brussels BRU in Belgium, Copenhagen OSL in Denmark, Oslo OSL in Norway, Stockholm ARN in Sweden, Zurich ZRH in Switzerland, Lisbon LIS in Portugal, Vienna VIE in Austria, Warsaw WAW in Poland, Prague PRG in the Czech Republic, and Dublin DUB in Ireland.

United Arab Emirates from Europe.Flight schedule and ticket prices.

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Check different departure airports

Consider neighboring cities when choosing the departure airport – especially look for larger cities with airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines.

For example, if you live in West Europe, check prices for flights departing from Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, or Vienna. In 9 out of 10 cases, the cheapest flight to United Arab Emirates will depart from one of these hubs, and it may be €500 less or more than your first choice. Yes, you may have to fly a few hundred kilometers to this hub, but low-cost airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, or WizzAir will happily take you there for €50 – €100.

Use a similar tactic if you depart from the US or another region. It’s one of the best ways to save hundreds on trips.

Book flights from many departure airports
By entering more than one departure city in the flight search engine (at the top of this page), you can quickly find the airport with the cheapest flights to your destination

Last-minute flights to United Arab Emirates. The real cost of convenience.

Last-minute flights are often touted as a great way to save money, but the reality is far from it. Booking last-minute flights to United Arab Emirates almost always never works out.

Based on years of research, the airlines know what people are willing to pay for specific flights and dates. To make the most money, they will sell their cheapest fares first and then increase the prices right before the flight to take advantage of these travelers who are willing to pay the premium price for late booking.

Occasionally, airlines can offer last-minute deals to fill the remaining seats, but these are for unusual times and unpopular places. Popular destinations and dates tend to sell out quickly.

Planning ahead is key to securing a good deal on your flight. Last-minute flight deals are hard to come by, so as soon as you have a tentative travel timeline, book your flight. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to save money. If you are looking for a good deal, the best time to book your flight to United Arab Emirates is 2-8 months before the takeoff.

Airlines of UAE

The United Arab Emirates has two flag carriers – Dubai-based Emirates and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. According to SkyTrax, both airlines have a high 4-star rating for product quality (seats, amenities, catering, cleanliness, etc) and staff service. They are also known for their big planes, comfortable seats, and spacious premium cabins. Emirates’ network is far superior for overall connectivity – the airline now flies to more than 150 destinations across 85 countries, while Etihad currently serves less than 70 international destinations.

Most short-haul and medium-haul routes from/to UAE are operated by its local airlines: Air Arabia, FlyDubai, Wizzair Abu Dhabi, Rotana Jet, and Royal Jet. These are all budget airlines (AKA no-frills airlines) that offer flights at much lower prices in comparison to full-service airlines such as Emirates and Etihad. Because budget airlines manage affordable tickets by cutting down on their operation costs, they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight refreshments and meals, or Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. In most cases, their tickets are fixed and non-refundable in case of no show-up or cancellation.

Flights to United Arab Emirates from Australia and New Zealand

  • Australia and New Zealand offer robust flight networks to key APAC locations, United Arab Emirates included. While domestic carriers like Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand provide solid options, several major international airlines also serve these routes. These include ANA, Cathay Pacific, EmiratesGaruda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways — expanding your choices for travel between Australasia and Asia.

    There are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to United Arab Emirates. You’ll need a layover in one of the major hubs in Asia.
  • Airlines have different pricing strategies for different routes. A flight to United Arab Emirates could be significantly cheaper from Sydney than from Melbourne, depending on airline partnerships, demand, and even time of year. Compare fares from different international airports in Australia: Sydney SYD, Brisbane BNE, Melbourne MEL, Perth PER, Adelaide ADL, Cairns CNS, Gold Coast OOL, Canberra CBR, Darwin DRW, Hobart HBA, Alice Springs ASP, and in New Zealand: Auckland AKL, Wellington WLG, Christchurch CHC, Queenstown ZQN, Dunedin DUD, and Hamilton HLZ.
  • If you’re looking to save, consider flying from Australia or New Zealand to a primary Asian hub, then catch a connecting flight to United Arab Emirates with a regional budget airline such as AirArabia, Air India Express, FlyNas, Flyadeal, FlyDubai, Jazeera Airways, Pegasus Airlines, Saudia, SalamAir, Smartwings, Vistara, and Wizz Air.

    For the initial leg of your trip, full-service airlines such as Qantas or Virgin Atlantic offer premium comfort and exceptional service, albeit at a premium price. However, many Asian airlines, including budget carriers, operate out of Australia and frequently feature sales and promotions. For instance, AirAsia runs deals to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore; Cebu Pacific to Manila; Scoot to Singapore; VietJet Air to Ho Chi Minh City; Jetstar to Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo; Bamboo Airways to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing; Batik Air to Jakarta and Singapore.

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Booking group flights to United Arab Emirates

Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights to United Arab Emirates can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.

To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the airline, group size, and travel dates, and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.

Airlines and flight search websites typically limit automatic group bookings to 10 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline or a travel agent directly.

Most airlines have a group booking form or phone number (see examples at Emirates and Qantas). Fill out the form, and the airline will come back to you with the proposed group rate. If your group is large and a scheduled flight cannot accommodate everyone, the airline may offer you a charter flight.

Additionally, there are various perks that your group may be eligible for:

  • free seats (complimentary tickets for every 10 or 20 passengers that book together)
  • free checked baggage allowance
  • dedicated group check-in counter at the airport
  • cabin crew who speak your group’s language
  • flexible booking terms (that allow changes without fees)

Booking group flights to United Arab Emirates is similar to booking individual flights. The main difference is that you’ll need to provide personal information for all passengers, and the airline may request additional details, such as meal preferences or accommodations for disabled travelers. A deposit – typically 10-50% of the total cost – may be required to secure the booking. However, some airlines offer deferred payment options where you can secure a reservation with a booking fee and pay the balance later.

If you’re open to different airlines or want more personalized service, a travel agent may be a better choice. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates to United Arab Emirates and can help with logistics and scheduling.

“Hot seats” on long-haul flights

Those days seat selection is considered an optional, extra paid service – seats with extra legroom (front and exit rows) are usually priced higher. However, if you’re about to take a long-haul flight to United Arab Emirates, those “hot seats” are worth considering – expect to pay $50-$100, which is much less than upgrading to Premium Economy.

If you want to choose your seats, do this early (ideally during the booking) for a more extensive selection of available options.

Booking hot seats (preffered seats with extra legroom) on plane
Choosing a hot seat during the flight booking process is usually worth it. For a reasonable price, you will get more room to stretch your legs, as well as a wider seat pitch.
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Flights to United Arab Emirates from Bali, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and other major hubs in Asia

  • Asia is probably the best continent for short-haul and mid-haul flying. The sheer scale of this most populous region on Earth is reflected in the type of aircraft operating many shorter routes: intra-Asia flyers benefit from comfortable, wide-bodied aircraft by the likes of Boeing 777, 787 or Airbus A350, A330, and A380. When booking your flight to United Arab Emirates look for these bigger planes as they will almost always give you the best experience in every cabin, including better seat pitches, higher ceilings, and larger overhead bin space.
  • Asia is also home to most of the world’s best airlines. There are only ten airlines that received the prestigious 5-star mark of quality from Skytrax, and all of them are from Asia: ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. Choosing one of these airlines for your trip to United Arab Emirates will guarantee a pleasant journey – delicious meals served during the flight, great in-flight entertainment, and above-average airline customer service.
  • Asia is extremely well served by low-cost regional airlines. If you are visiting UAE and want to see several other countries on a tight budget, they often have great sales with rock-bottom prices, while still offering a relatively comfortable flight experience. Among the best Asian budget airlines you can book without hesitation are AirAsiaCebu Pacific, Citilink, FlyDubai, Indigo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet. The cons? Being no-frills airlines they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight meals, or onboard entertainment. The departure times may also be quite inconvenient as they try to save money by flying at off-peak hours.
  • Most major Asian airports have convenient and frequent flights to United Arab Emirates — including Changi (Singapore), Dubai (UAE), Hong Kong (China), Incheon (Seoul, South Korea), Indira Gandhi (New Delhi, India), KLIA (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Narita (Tokyo, Japan), Denpasar (Bali, Indonesia), Soekarno–Hatta (Jakarta, Indonesia), Ninoy Aquino (Manila, Philippines), Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, Thailand), Taoyuan (Taipei, Taiwan), and others.

United Arab Emirates from major Asian airports.Flight prices in March 2024.

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Lost luggage prevention: Essential tips

Every year, airlines handle millions of bags and a small percentage never make it to their final destinations. Avoid lost luggage nightmares on your trip to United Arab Emirates by removing old tags from previous flights on your suitcases – they can confuse baggage handlers and conveyor belt scanners. It’s also a good idea to label your luggage with your name, address, and phone number (both inside and outside the case) and attach a GPS-tracker device like Apple AirTag or Samsung SmartTag.

For peace of mind, consider purchasing travel insurance to cover the full value of your luggage, as airline liability usually doesn’t reflect the actual value of the baggage content.

“Book Flights Now, Pay Later” — is it worth it?

Booking a flight and paying for it later has recently become a popular trend in the travel industry, with many airlines offering delayed payment plans. They will allow you to make flight reservation to United Arab Emirates now and then pay the bill in installments. But should you take advantage?

Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans are essentially short-term personal loans. By partnering with financial companies such as Affirm, Afterpay, PayPal Credit, Fly Now Pay Later, and Uplift, airlines can offer their loan services on the checkout page. When you book the flight with the BNPL option, the company pays the airline, and you repay the loan in installments over a set period (usually up to 24 months), with a set interest rate.

BNPL providers have varying terms and fees. Some may offer interest-free loans but have fees for late payments and require forced autoplay on your bank account, while others may have high annual percentage rates (up to 30-40% APR). There may also be transaction fees, down payment requirements, and many companies even run a credit check on the traveler.

Fly now pay later - delayed payments for flight reservations
Fly Now Pay Later works with numerous popular travel brands to provide delayed payment options

Among the airlines that offer a “fly now, pay later” option are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic.

Is BNPL financing worth it? If paid off on time, interest-free delayed payment on your flight ticket to United Arab Emirates can be a great way to free up your cash flow. However, there may be safer alternatives available – such as taking advantage of an introductory 0% interest offer on a credit card or using flight price “freezing” services like Hopper.

Proof of onward travel – a simple hack

Travelers who go on long trips often don’t have a set itinerary and fly on one-way tickets. The problem? For many APAC countries, proof of onward travel is a legal requirement. If you arrive at the airport without an onward ticket (from UAE to another country), you’ll either be forced to buy one online or forbidden from boarding the plane altogether.

The cheapest solution? Renting an onward ticket! Use the websites such as OneWayFly or OnwardTicket to get a flight reservation for a limited amount of time (usually 2 to 14 days). They work by actually booking you on a real flight out of UAE and giving you a confirmable flight reservation with a PNR (Passenger Name Record) under your name. After the time limit, your spot on the flight is automatically canceled. Such “temporary tickets” tend to cost anywhere from $10 to $20.

Confirmed flight ticket reservation
Proof of onward travel: confirmed flight ticket reservation (source: OnwardTicket)