Flights to United Arab Emirates
Book flights to United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is easy to reach, with frequent flights from Europe, Asia, and across the Middle East. Most travellers arrive into Dubai or Abu Dhabi, depending on where they’re planning to stay.
- Dubai International Airport is the main arrival point for city breaks and luxury stays, with easy access to iconic attractions, shopping, and beach resorts.
- Abu Dhabi International Airport offers a gateway to a more relaxed side of the UAE, with cultural landmarks, stunning architecture, and convenient access to nearby islands and desert experiences.
You’ll find a mix of full-service airlines and more affordable options flying to the UAE, giving you plenty of flexibility when planning your trip.
With regular routes and high demand throughout the year, it’s a good idea to book early when you find a great fare!
How to find direct flights to United Arab Emirates
Looking for a direct flight to the United Arab Emirates? Non-stop routes are widely available, but your options will depend on where you’re flying from and the time of year.
Start by entering your departure airport and selecting “direct flights only” in the filters. This makes it easy to see which airlines fly non-stop to the UAE.
- From the UK, you can fly direct from London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport, with airlines like Emirates and Etihad Airways.
- From the US, direct flights are available from major cities such as John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with routes into Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport.
- From Canada, non-stop routes operate from Toronto Pearson International Airport and other major cities, especially during peak travel periods.
If you don’t see a direct option, try adjusting your dates or checking nearby airports—small changes can open up more flight choices and better prices.
Airlines flying to the United Arab Emirates
Choosing the right airline can shape your whole trip, especially on longer routes. Here are three popular options for flights to United Arab Emirates:
Emirates
Serves over 130 destinations across 80+ countries with over 3000 flights a week! Within the United Arab Emirates, this airline only flys to Dubai (Dubai International Airport DXB).
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates. In the United Arab Emirates, Etihad flys to Abu Dhabi (Zayed International Airport AUH), Dubai (Dubai International Airport), and Al Ain (Al Ain International Airport AAN).
British Airways
Serves over 200 destinations, including 2 destinations in the United Arab Emirates. British Airways flies to Abu Dhabi (Zayed International Airport AUH) and Dubai (Dubai International Airport DXB).
Buy Flights to United Arab Emirates and Pay Later
Looking to buy flights to the United Arab Emirates but want are being held back by the upfront costs? Your in luck. At Alternative Airlines you can fly now and pay later to the United Arab Emirates.
Spread the cost of your flights over time with our flexible payment options. We have over 15+ trusted buy now pay later providers including big names like:
When you use a payment plan for your flight you can pay in smaller, manageable instalments that fit your budget, making your trip more affordable, accessible.
Discover more about Buy Now Pay Later for residents of the United Arab Emirates and Dubai. 👇👇👇
Why book flights to United Arab Emirates with Alternative Airlines?
Booking a flight to United Arab Emirates can feel like a lot to manage. Prices change fast and paying upfront doesn’t always suit your plans. That’s where Alternative Airlines helps:
- Search 600+ airlines. Compare flights to United Arab Emirates in one place and find an option that fits your travel plans.
- Spread the cost of your flight. Split the cost into smaller payments with Buy Now Pay Later and book when the timing feels right.
- More ways to pay. Choose from 40+ payment methods, including cards, digital wallets and flexible payment options.
- Simple and secure booking. Clear pricing and a smooth checkout, without unnecessary surprises.
- Help when you need it. Our Customer Service team is here before, during and after you book.
Best airports to fly into The United Arab Emirates
Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates? Choosing the right airport can make your journey smoother and set the tone for your entire trip. Here are three of the best options to consider. ✈️
Dubai International Airport
Dubai 📍
- The most popular, ideal for city breaks, luxury stays, and global connections.
- It is one of the busiest airports in the world by international passenger traffic and a major global hub.
- Main airlines: Emirates, flydubai
Abu Dhabi International Airport
Abu Dhabi 📍
- It is one of the region’s key aviation hubs, linking Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Great for culture, landmarks, and a more relaxed vibe
- 30 km east of central Abu Dhabi, UAE
Cheapest time to fly to United Arab Emirates
Looking for cheap flights to the United Arab Emirates? Here’s a quick guide to when you’ll usually find the cheapest flights to the United Arab Emirates:
☀️ Summer months (June–August)
This time of year tends to be the lowest‑priced time to fly because it’s very hot in the UAE and fewer tourists travel then. Airlines drop fares to attract more bookings.
📉 Shoulder/off‑peak months (May,September and early autumn)
This time is also often show cheaper flights compared with peak winter season. During these months, tourist demand slows down after the busy winter holidays
🌸 Spring months like March (especially early)
Can also have lower average fares depending on your route and airline. This is because it falls just before the peak winter tourist season winds down, so demand is slightly lower.
Tips for making flights cheaper:
- Booking your flights with low-cost carriers instead of a full-service airline like Air Arabia.
- Book early morning or late night flights (red-eye flights).
- Paying for your flights over time is one of the best ways to make more expensive flight tickets accessible and budget friendly.
- Being flexible with your flight times and dates can make your flights cheaper.
- Use our best fare finder tool to find the cheapest days to fly.
Things to do in the United Arab Emirates
There is plenty to see in the United Arab Emirates. Here are our top 3 places to visit.
Yas Island
One of the largest tourism projects in Abu Dhabi, Yas Island promises thrills, excitement, and an all-around great day out. For thrill-seekers, you have Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World, and Sea World. Yes, that's right, four theme parks!
Hatta (Dubai)
The mountain village of Hatta is a great day out for those looking for an adventure outside of the city. Explore a recreated ancient village at the Hatta Heritage Museum or take part in some water sports at Hatta Dam. There is plenty to do at Hatta and its only little over an hour out from Dubai!
Ajman Beaches
While Ajman doesn't have the same amount of tourist spots as other locations in the United Arab Emirates, it does have some of the nicest beaches in the country. Ajman has pristine white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters that are perfect for relaxed days in the sun.
Discover Abu Dhabi 🕌
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and a major travel hub with international flights. It offers a mix of cultural attractions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
If you're a thrill-seeker, put some time aside to visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi as it's got the world's fastest roller coaster. Or if you'd just like to learn about Abu Dhabi's traditional way of life, visit the Al Ain Oasis a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to over 140,000 date palms!
Whatever your reason for visiting Abu Dhabi, you'll easily find flights from many cities worldwide as it's a major international travel hub. Determining the best time to visit depends on the activities you want to do when you get there.
The United Arab Emirates: dos and don'ts
Local laws & customs
- Don't drink in public - Only licensed establishments and specific locations are allowed to serve alcohol. It is illegal to drink in public.
- Don't carry or use illegal drugs - It is illegal to carry or use certain drugs. This can come with severe punishments for those found with them. Make sure to check your prescriptions before carrying them in the UAE.
- Do avoid public displays of affection - PDA is considered unacceptable in the UAE and has been known to have legal consequences. Even the smallest PDA will earn you disapproving looks.
Dining & alcohol
- Do follow Ramadan in public - When in public follow the rules of Ramadan. This involves no eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during daylight hours. Once it is Iftar, you can eat, drink (non-alcoholic), and smoke in public.
- Do use napkins properly - When sitting it is normal to unfold your napkin and place it on your lap, signifying you are ready to start your meal.
- Don't use your left hand - In Islamic culture, the left hand is seen as unclean due to it being used for personal hygiene. With this in mind, never shake hands, greet people or eat with you left hand.
Social norms
- Do respect Islam - The majority of the population in the UAE are Muslim, so respecting Islam is essential. This involves following Ramadan fasting hours when in public. Whatever you do, don't insult Islam as that is highly disrespectful.
- Don't swear - Avoid swearing in the UAE as it is disrespectful and will be met with disapproval. Some have gotten into trouble after swearing in the presence of an undercover police officer.
- Don't express your homosexuality - Unfortunately homosexuality is currently illegal in the UAE. PDA between members of the same sex can have severe repercussions. Please bear in mind it is also illegal to cross-dress in the UAE.
Dress code
- Do wear conservative clothing - For women, covering your shoulders and knees is recommended, as well as carrying a pashmina or headscarf to cover up even further if needed.
- Do wear modest clothing to religious sites - Religious sites in the UAE have a stricter dress code, usually requiring women to cover up more. Not following this dress code is disrespectful.
- Don't wear tight or revealing clothing - When your not at the beach, avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing or tight as it is generally frowned upon.
Flights to similar destinations
Looking for similar locations to the United Arab Emirates. Check out our top 3.
Wherever you're looking to go next, we'll get you there on your terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What language do they speak in the United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, the native language spoken is Arabic. Don't know any Arabic? Don't worry; the second most spoken language is English, as well as many street signs, menus and more are in multiple languages.
Is it safe to visit the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates is generally a safe country for tourists. However, it is recommended by multiple government foreign offices to exercise increased caution when in the country due to the threat of terrorism, particularly a threat against people from western countries. If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, it is still safe to visit the UAE but you must avoid any public displays of affection or expressions of homosexuality as it is sadly against the law in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the safest cities in the United Arab Emirates for tourists and families. So if you are travelling to the UAE and want peace of mind, it may be worth travelling to either of these locations.
What is the currency in the United Arab Emirates?
In the UAE, the official currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) so make sure to exchange your currency before flying.
Do I need a visa to travel to the United Arab Emirates?
If you are travelling from the UK or USA you do not need to apply for a visa in advance to travel to the United Arab Emirates. You will be granted a a free tourist visa when you arrive in the UAE.
Tourist visa's generally last for 30 days, with some nationalities being eligible for 90 day visas.
For further information visit the UAE government website.





