Made up of seven emirates (sheikdoms), the United Arab Emirates is near Saudi Arabia and Iran, separated by the Persian Gulf. It is the fourth-largest oil producer in the world and one of the Middle East’s most oil-rich countries, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. But tourists don’t book flights to the United Arab Emirates for oil consumption.

The main tourist draw to this country is its landscape. Surrounded by mountains and beaches, the United Arab Emirates is a diamond in the rough of Southeast Asia. A cheap flight to the United Arab Emirates means extra money to spend in the flashy city of Dubai. The second-largest emirate in the kingdom, Dubai lures tourists with duty-free shopping and glitzy nightlife.

Flights to the United Arab Emirates are easy to come by and thanks to the renewed tourism interest in the area, the emirates are quickly becoming a destination hot-spot.

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United Arab Emirates Climate

Warm winters and hot, humid summers give the United Arab Emirates its defining character. Winter daytime temperatures settle around 80 degrees, while daytime summer temperatures inch all the way up to 113 degrees F. If you’re booking flights to the United Arab Emirates in the winter, be sure to prepare for rain and cool nights, when the thermostat drops down to the 40’s. 

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When to Fly to United Arab Emirates

To maximize time for outdoor activities, book flights to the United Arab Emirates when the weather is pleasant and mild between the months of October and May.

Peak Season: Hot days and sultry evenings reaching 95 degrees F make the fall months the best time to plan flights to the United Arab Emirates. If you prefer to go later, the weather is still warm between November and February, when temperatures toggle back and forth between the 50F and 70F.

Off-peak Season: You won’t see many crowds June through September because of the sweltering summer days, but it’s the best time to find deals on accommodations and cheap flights to the United Arab Emirates.

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Getting Around United Arab Emirates

Once your flight to the United Arab Emirates lands, you’ll be itching to see the rest of the country. A few options will get you where you need to go. If you prefer to drive, car-rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Thrifty provide good options for independent United Arab Emirates travel. Since this is an oil-producing country, it’s not surprising that oil is very cheap and accessible. Drive on the right, and watch carefully for other vehicular traffic.

The intercity bus is also a great way to go longer distances. Taxis are plentiful and very inexpensive, and water taxis will get you across the water easily.

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United Arab Emirates Insider Information

  • Al-Ain: While it’s easy to get lost in this town, Al-Ain is worth the fury. The main town of the Buaimi Oasis, it’s heavily influenced by Oman, and has much to offer. The Al-Ain Museum, for example, exhibits life before the oil rush. It also displayed Bedouin jewelry, weaponry, and instruments. Walk a little further and you’ll run into the Buraimi Souk, where fresh fruits and vegetables are for sale in open market stalls. Around the corner is the livestock souk that attracts folks from all over looking for the best sheep and goats available. Think twice about purchasing one of these furry friends: The pilot on your return United Arab Emirates flight may not be pleased with your live carry-on.
  • Diera Gold Souq: Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but they also make for a great tourist attraction. If you’re booking flights to the United Arab Emirates with jewelry shopping in mind, the Diera Gold Souk is the ideal spot for gem-gazing. With jewels every color and size imaginable, you can find single stones, Arabian and Indian wedding necklaces, bangles, and head dresses. It’s located near Sikkat al-Khali in Dubai, just look for the wooden lattice work outside.
  • Dubai Museum: For an alternative to shops and beaches, head to the oldest building in the city, located in the Al-Fahidi Fort. Full of social and cultural history, it offers anyone booking flights to the United Arab Emirates a great chance to learn about weaponry, music, dance, commerce, and everyday life for locals. Outside, the Bedouin lifestyle is represented by the vast array of flora and fauna surrounding the grounds.
  • Liwa Oasis: Sand dunes and starry night skies are the norm for the Liwa Oasis. Now a popular weekend getaway for locals, the area also attracts vacationers booking flights to the United Arab Emirates. Beautiful horizons and grazing camels add to the scenery of village and farm lands that stretch for more than 90 miles.

 

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United Arab Emirates Airports

Your flight to the United Arab Emirates may arrive at any of the following airports:

Abu Dhabi (AUH) is 20 miles east of the city.

Al Ain International Airport (AAN) is 8 miles northwest of Al Ain.

Dubai (DXB) is 2.5 miles southeast of the city.

Sharjah (SHJ) is 6 miles from the city.

Ras al-Khaimah (RKT) is 9 miles from the city.

There is also an airport at Fujairah with duty-free facilities.

 

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Passport/Visa

All visitors to the United Arab Emirates must hold a passport that is valid for three months from the date of entry. All passport photographs are to be recent color photographs. Visitors must hold documents and tickets needed for their next destination.

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Entry Requirements

Your flight to the United Arab Emirates requires a passport valid for up to three months. Your return tickets and documents should stay on you at all times, and a visa isn’t necessary unless you’ll be there for more than two months.

 

 

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Approx flight times

New York City to Dubai:
12 hr 55 mins
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In-flight Reading

Mother Without a Mask: A Westerner's Story of Her Arab Family

Patricia HoltonA fascinating story about “Mrs Tea Cup”, who welcomed two Arab boys into her London home in the 1970s and how she became part of their extended family in the UAE.

The Wells of Memory: An Autobiography

Easa Saleh Al-GurgMemoir of the United Arab Emirates' Ambassador to London and Dublin. Gives a glimpse into Arab affairs during the period when the Gulf States moved from rags to riches.

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Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

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Wordtravels.com

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