Cheap flights to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates

Peak Season:

Sunseekers needing some vitamin D should book cheap flights to Dubai for a short break or stopover en route to their final destination. In terms of beach weather, this desert city has two seasons, hot and hotter. Blue skies and sunshine abide all year round, and the temperatures average in the mid-60’s and 70’s in the peak tourist season of November/December to March (winter). Expect to bump elbows however, as Dubai’s cooler (yet still quite warm) weather during this period attracts visitors from all over the world for a little retreat to one of the island’s luxury beach resorts. The Christmas holiday period and the short time after it are when prices are at their highest. Flights to Dubai are easy to come by though since this is the hub for the airline Emirates, which has flight routes all over the world, and is a popular stopover for Kiwis travelling to Europe. Book flight tickets and accommodations well in advance and keep an eye out for Emirates flight sales.

Off Season:

June through September, especially July and August, are uncomfortably hot and humid in Dubai, as one would expect from the desert. If you don’t mind hanging out in air conditioned hotels you’re most likely to find the cheapest flights to Dubai during these summer months, and you’ll escape the large crowds. The weather isn’t optimal for sightseeing unless you go outside very early in the morning or at dusk however. Be sure to wear lots of sunscreen and drink lots of water, regardless.

Also, Ramadan is a Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the United Arab Emirates. During this time, it is illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset. The dates of the holy fasting month of Ramadan change each year, so it pays to note the dates. It’s easy to find cheap flights to Dubai and discounted hotel accommodations during this time.

Dubai Travel Guide

When your flight to Dubai arrives, you’ll find yourself in the second-largest emirate in the seven United Arab Emirates. Dubai has significantly grown from its modest beginnings as a seaport city to one of the world’s biggest financial centers and high-trafficked luxury beach resorts. Dubai offers visitors a little sass and sophistication in Southeast Asia, while at the same time holding firm to its Muslim roots. 

Once an unassuming port town content on pearl diving as its main form of financing, Dubai has grown into one of the glitziest tourist destinations on the planet. Today’s travelers book flights to Dubai for a little excessiveness in the lap of luxury. From world-class boat races to breathtaking air shows, Dubai continues to attract millions of visitors every year. But the seasoned traveler booking trips to Dubai knows a thing or two about doing it right; a cheap flight to Dubai means a lot of extra money to spend in this first-rate shopping destination. Everything in Dubai is duty-free, and for many travelers this translates into guilt-free.

Often nicknamed the “Vegas of the Middle East”, Dubai is much more than a town filled with hotels and flashing lights, however. Admittedly, everything here is larger than life and it’s true that some of its shopping malls verge on being ostentatious. But if you look beyond its shiny exterior you’ll discover a tiny emirate that has everything you could ask for in a vacation. Miles of white sandy beaches provide great spots for a barbeque or for simply relaxing beneath a palm tree, while adrenaline-seekers can go para-sailing or jet skiing instead. And since many travelers take cheap flights to Dubai because it acts as a hub to stopover on route to Asia, why not stay a few days – or a week – and explore all that this desert city has to offer.

Dubai’s shopping malls and souks surmount any in the region and are usually the first stop for travelers. The Mall of the Emirates is the largest and has an indoor ski slope, the first of its kind in the Middle East; while Deira’s Gold Souq has an extensive selection of Indian and Arabian gold.

Considering its size, towering skyscrapers like the world famous Burj Khalifa, and glitzy ambiance, it’s incredible to think that Dubai was little more than a sleepy fishing village just a few brief decades ago. The city has experienced some incredible boom times and tourists flock there for premium entertainment and excitement. If you are looking to escape the winter for more hot weather, a cheap flight to Dubai is all you need. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip to this remarkable city.

Getting to and around the city of Dubai

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the primary airport serving the city of Dubai and is the busiest airport in the world in terms of international passenger traffic. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is located about 2.5 miles southeast of Dubai city center, and a little over 8 miles from the main downtown area where the Burj Khalifa is located. Because of its location, getting from the airport to central Dubai is very easy.

The airport has good public transport connections. Outside terminal 1, there is a bus stop across the road to the right as you exit customs; at terminal 3, there is a bus stop on the second level of the terminal. It’s important to note that you cannot pay in cash on the bus from the airport (or in the city, for that matter), so you will need to buy a NOL card, which is an electronic payment card that works by touch-and-go technology. NOL cards come in four different colors, each with different access to modes and frequency of transport: silver, blue, gold and red. The silver card is the best option for those who want to travel regularly between different points in the city.

In addition, two lines of the Dubai Metro travel between the airport and the city center. Taxis and limousine services are a popular alternative, albeit more expensive, while many hotels offer free shuttle transport from the airport, but, in many cases, you will need to arrange this in advance. All major brands of car rentals are available at the airport as well, with pickup and drop off locations in Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore, you’ll find that tourists usually choose to make their way through Dubai by taxi. The privately owned taxis are the only ones allowed at the airport and are not metered, so you will have to agree on a fare before departing. Metered taxis can be found everywhere else and will be beige-colored with uniformed drivers. You can also get around by bus; buses crisscross the city and routes are easy to decipher. Routes are printed in both Arabic and English and discounted tickets offer unlimited travel on one or both sides of Dubai Creek. The Dubai Metro is also available as a public transportation option, and is very clean and easy to navigate as well. With an NOL card, you can use it to travel around the city with ease. Walking is the best way to see the older parts of Dubai, where you can visit the souks and museums. If you need to cross the creek, abras (water taxis) are convenient and provide a nice view of the waterfront. Pay your fare once you’re afloat. Many people also rent cars to get around the city. Please note that you drive on the right side of the road in the UAE.

Tips for your stay in Dubai

• If you love shopping, then you’ll love Dubai Mall, the largest complex in the world with all the major fashion brands you know and love. 
• Spend a day exploring Dubai’s ubiquitous souks. Start in the Bur Dubai souk where you’ll discover lots of different textile, clothing, and antique stores housed under arabesque arcades and wind-towers. Then head to Deira’s Gold Souk, a crucial stop for anyone visiting Dubai. Its wooden archways give way to a treasure-trove filled with the most ornate Indian and Arabian jewelry. After spending much more than you intended, take a short walk to the Deira Spice Souk and pick up some aromatic incense and spices.
• Built to resemble a traditional Arabian marketplace, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is well worth a visit. Take a ride in its waterways and admire the stunning hotels, then explore the numerous shops and pop into one of the many cafes for some mint tea.
• Escape the chaos of the city and take a short drive to the desert where the real action takes place. If you’re feeling adventurous then there’s nowhere better than Dubai to go dune bashing. Strap yourself into the 4×4 Jeep, take a deep breath, and off you go over the sand dunes.
• If you get tired of shopping and eating (of which you will do quite a bit) then spend a tranquil afternoon in XVA, an old courtyard residence that’s been restored and turned into a contemporary art gallery, cafe and boutique hotel.

Finding Flights from Dubai

If you want to continue your trip after Dubai, Cheapflights can get you the best deals wherever you want to go. Emirates Airlines can take you back to the United States, or you can catch a flight to more international destinations. Visit https://www.cheapflights.co.uk for the top flight deals for routes out of Dubai.

You can get to Dubai International Airport on a taxi or bus, but the ultra-modern Dubai Metro provides the nicest ride. The airport is one of the busiest in the world, so it’s smart to get there early.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Dubai airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates airport overview

One of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a wealthy player in this oil-producing region. The city is one of most visited in the world; in fact, Dubai relies on tourism, and has marketed itself as the “shopping capital” of the Middle East. Indeed Dubai International Airport’s duty-free areas are a major tourist attraction in their own right. The airport is a major aviation hub in the area, and one of the biggest airports in the world by passenger volume.

Transfers at Dubai International can be stressful. It’s a huge, linear building – so be prepared to do some walking if you’re catching a connecting flight. Terminals 1 and 3 are used solely for international tourists and make up 90% of the airport’s total passenger traffic. Terminal 3 is used only by Emirates Airlines and is connected to Terminal 1 via a transit area, so you don’t need to go through immigration to get from one to the other. However, you do have to make your way through the duty-free area – which is often very crowded. Terminal 2 is used by regional and low-cost airlines. It’s on the opposite end of the airport, so you’ll have to get to and from it via airport shuttle, an almost 30-minute journey.