With a glitzy skyline, a gorgeous Persian Gulf shoreline, and a growing list of larger-than-life attractions, Dubai entices a wide range of tourists from all over the world. The city is not only a hot destination on the tourist map, it is literally hot all year round! From November – April, the average temperatures are 75 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the peak tourist season, when the day temperatures are hot, but the nights are slightly cooler. For the remaining 6 months, the average temperatures range from 100 – 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Outdoor activities are less enjoyable because of the scorching heat. Being a desert location, there are not a lot of shady places in the city. If you visit during this time, protect yourself from the heat. Use a generous amount of sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and try to not to be outdoors for too long.
In the past two weeks, users have booked deals to Dubai for $118/person, which is 84% cheaper than the average flight to Dubai. To find the cheapest price to Dubai from your area, use momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
In general, April is the cheapest month to fly from United States to Dubai. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around $799. If you’re not able to fly to Dubai in April, then March is your next best option. Flight prices from United States to Dubai during March average around $825.
The ideal time to book your flight to Dubai is 60 days in advance when prices tend to average $899. Keep in mind that you might be able to find cheaper flights to Dubai at any time. In fact, our users found flights for as low as $568 in the past 72 hours.
On average, the least expensive day to fly to Dubai from United States is on a Thursday. momondo users have found tickets for Thursday departures for as low as $882. However, this price may fluctuate depending on the airline, the season, and holidays. Flights from United States to Dubai on a Friday will generally be more expensive and average around $970. Keep in mind that these prices on both days could fluctuate depending on the season and the demand.
At noon is the cheapest time of day to fly from United States to Dubai when you can find flight prices for as low as $803. Flying to Dubai at noon is an ideal time because this is during off-peak travel hours. In the morning is when there is more demand to fly to Dubai, so prices are often more expensive at around $1,053 per ticket.
Hikers looking for a more family-friendly day in the great outdoors would be best suited to plan their flight to Dubai for January, February, and December, when they can visit Safa Park and enjoy all that the park has to offer.
Those flying to Dubai could potentially find better pricing at Sharjah Airport (17 mi from Dubai city center), Dubai Al Maktoum Intl Airport (22 mi from Dubai city center), Ras Al Khaimah Airport (50 mi from Dubai city center), Abu Dhabi Intl Airport (66 mi from Dubai city center) or Al Ain Airport (68 mi from Dubai city center) depending on the month and departure airport.
Prices vary based on where travelers are departing from, but on average, the cheapest airport to fly to in Dubai is Sharjah Airport where the average price is $459pp. Users typically find the best prices when using momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
Currently, United Arab Emirates travel restrictions include travel to Dubai. Entry restrictions
The United Arab Emirates has restricted the entry of most non-residents. However, there is a separate set of regulations specifically for entering Dubai, which was announced on June 21 and is now in effect for Dubai residents and visitors.
Entry requirementsTravelers must meet entry visa requirements to visit the UAE. UAE nationals are exempt from doing the COVID‑19 PCR test prior to departing from the country of origin to Dubai. They will be tested on arrival in Dubai. Traveling to Dubai. Travel requirements for Dubai residents: Depending on travelers' UAE visa, they need to apply to either the GDRFA or ICA for approval to return. Travelers who are Dubai residence visa holders must have return approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Travelers holding a visa from any other emirate outside of Dubai, you must obtain entry permission from the Federal Authority. Travelers arriving from Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UK or US have the option to present a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 96 hours prior to departure or take the COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai. The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai. The medical certificate must be printed in English or Arabic, no hand written, SMS or digital certificates will be accepted. Children under the age of 12 and travelers with a severe or moderate disability are exempt from the PCR test. All travelers arriving from Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe must take two COVID‑19 PCR tests: one 96 hours prior to departure, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai. The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai. The medical certificate must be printed in English or Arabic, no hand written, SMS or digital certificates will be accepted. After taking the test upon arrival they must remain in their hotel or residence until they receive the test result. Children under the age of 12 and travelers with a severe or moderate disability are exempt from the PCR test. Tourists traveling to Dubai: All travelers arriving in Dubai from GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) are not required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test prior to departure. You can opt to do the test on arrival at Dubai International Airport. The test on arrival in Dubai also applies to passengers traveling from the UK and Germany. All travelers still have the option of taking the test 96 hours before departure in their country of origin. All travelers arriving from Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, US must present a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 96 hours prior to departure. The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai. The medical certificate must be printed in English or Arabic, no hand written, SMS or digital certificates will be accepted. Children under the age of 12 and travelers with a severe or moderate disability are exempt from the PCR test. All travelers arriving from Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe must take two COVID‑19 PCR tests: one 96 hours prior to departure, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai. The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai. The medical certificate must be printed in English or Arabic, no hand written, SMS or digital certificates will be accepted. After taking the test upon arrival they must remain in their hotel or residence until they receive the test result. Children under the age of 12 and travelers with a severe or moderate disability are exempt from the PCR test. The UAE government has specified designated laboratories. All travelers can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID‑19 PCR test. However, travelers flying from India, Pakistan or Bangladesh must get their certificate from one of the labs listed in the designated laboratories document to be accepted on the flight. Upon arrival, all travelers must download and register their details on the COVID-19 DXB App (iOS)-(Android). Travelers must have a medical travel insurance with international coverage that covers COVID-19 before traveling. Travelers will need to sign a declaration to bear all costs of quarantine and treatment and complete a Health Declaration Form before departure confirming they are not displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Before visitors fly to Dubai, they will also be required to complete a Health Declaration Form and a Quarantine Form. Both forms need to be printed, completed and handed over to Dubai Health Authority staff on arrival. Passport holders from certain countries including the US, Canada, and the UK may be able to receive a tourist visa on arrival in Dubai, typically valid for 30 days. To see more information on this and other regulations for travel to Dubai, check this page. Traveling to Abu Dhabi: Depending on flight origin, test must be carried out between 48, 72 or 96 hours ahead of flight departure time. Travelers to Abu Dhabi from the 'green' list of countries, regions and territories will be required to present a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to their departure. Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi: Tourists arriving to Abu Dhabi by land via other emirates, from countries included on the 'green' list will be allowed entry to Abu Dhabi after presenting a negative PCR test, valid for 48 hours. Visitors coming in from other destinations who wish to enter Abu Dhabi through neighboring emirates will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of receiving the examination, in addition to undergoing a quarantine period in Abu Dhabi if they have been in the UAE for less than 10 days (quarantine period requirement depends on the number of days spent in the UAE prior to entry into Abu Dhabi). Traveling to Sharjah: Travelers must have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 96 hours prior to travel. Visitors and tourist must have an international medical insurance and a local UAE Mobile Number starting with 050, 056, 057 or 058 for PCR track and trace purposes. Without a UAE Mobile Number, passengers will not be allowed into the UAE. Telecom providers have booths in the Arrival PCR Testing Zones, so that a UAE SIM Card can be purchased, if needed. Travelers are required to download ALHOSN app.
Quarantine requirementsStringent entry restrictions remain in place upon arrival at all airports in the UAE which may include, but are not limited to, a Health Authority COVID-19 PCR test on arrival, mandatory quarantine period, usually via self-isolation at a private address if suitable, or a hotel or Government facility, for at least 14 days, and follow up testing before you are able to complete quarantine. Once any quarantine period is complete you must continue to comply with all measures put in place by the UAE authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Abu Dhabi Quarantine Requirements: Travelers from one of the 'green' countries, regions and territories will be exempt from the quarantine period. Upon arrival, they will need to take a second test and self-isolate until the results of this test are received. All travelers will need to take a PCR test on day 6 for those staying for 6 days or more, and on day 12 for those staying for 12 days or more. For travelers entering from destinations not on the 'green' list, procedures include the following: Upon arrival to Abu Dhabi, medical authorities will conduct another PCR test after they have are disembarked from their flight. Following the PCR test, travelers will then need to register under the quarantine system. they will be provided with an electronic wristband, which they will need to wear throughout the ten-day quarantine period. The health authorities will evaluate the most appropriate location for their quarantine. This may be their home, a hotel, or accommodation provided by medical authorities. All travelers will need to take a PCR test on day 6 for those staying for 6 days or more, and on day 12 for those staying for 12 days or more. Should they receive a negative result, 10 days after their arrival into Abu Dhabi, the electronic wristband will be removed by medical authorities, and they can finish their quarantine period. Sharjah Quarantine Requirements: Travelers will have to undergo another PCR test upon arrival at Sharjah Airport regardless of their earlier negative report. All incoming travelers are subject to self-isolation at their residence until the results of their PCR test are notified. In case the result is negative, the self-isolation period will end. In case of a positive case of PCR test, the period of medical isolation is 14 days, with travelers or their sponsors bearing the expenses of treatment and isolation.
Transiting rulesTravelers transiting in Dubai from Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK or US are not required to present a COVID‑19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by the country of origin or final destination. Travelers transiting in Dubai from Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia or Zimbabwe must have a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of test, as well as any requirements for their final destination. Travelers transiting through Abu Dhabi or Sharjah must have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 96 hours before departure of the last direct flight to United Arab Emirates.
If you are planning to travel to Dubai at this time, it is recommended that you stay up to date on current restrictions and follow proper safety measures while in public.Direct international flights from the U.S. to Dubai are available exclusively from Emirates. All other airlines that fly this sector offer flights with 1 or more stops. You can choose from jetBlue, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Japan Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Qantas, Saudia, EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian, Kuwait Airways, Turkish Airlines, South African Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Swissair, Air France, TAP Air Portugal, KLM, Finnair, and Aeroflot.
DXB is the primary international airport serving Dubai, and has been consistently named amongst the top 5 busiest airports in the world. The airport is located in the Al Garhoud district, about 8 miles from Downtown Dubai. Here are the options to get around from the airport to the downtown area.
Metro
Dubai Metro offers a fast, convenient, and affordable way to travel from the airport to central Dubai. Take the Red Line from the Terminals 1 or 3 and ride the train to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station in Downtown Dubai in 24 minutes. Trains run roughly every 10 minutes from approximately 6.00 a.m. – midnight. On Fridays, the service starts only at 1.00 p.m. The one-way adult fare is 5.00 AED. Cash payment is not accepted on any public transport in Dubai. You can purchase a Red Ticket for 2.00 AED from any ticket vending machine and load it with up to 10 single trips. This ticket can be used only for 1 mode of transport at a time. Alternately, you can purchase a NOL Silver Card for 25.00 AED and load it up to enjoy access to all modes of transport.
Buses
To travel between Terminals 1 and 3, you can use the free 24-hour shuttle bus service. The RTA-operated Dubai city buses have several routes that go past the airport terminals and travel to various parts of Dubai. Buses are mainly suitable for residents or people familiar with the city, as 1 or more changes are required to complete the journey to Downtown Dubai. Bus #55 travels from the airport to the Ibn Battuta Metro station every hour when the Metro services are in operation.
Taxis
Taxis are available at the taxi ranks outside the airport terminals. There is a flag charge of 25.00 AED from the airport, followed by 1.96 AED for each subsequent kilometer. Typically, a ride to Downtown Dubai will cost 52.00 AED – 55.00 AED and the trip will take about 15 minutes.
Car rentals
Most of the major car rental agencies have a presence at DXB. You could also consider booking ahead and get some great deals on car rentals with momondo.
Dubai is a large metropolis and you will need to rely on a set of wheels to get around from one place to another. The city offers a well-developed and efficient public transport network that includes metro, buses, trams, and boats.
Metro
Dubai Metro is a world-class, fully-automated, driverless railway system that operates mostly above ground. The Metro connects you to many of the popular tourist attractions such as Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, the Gold Souks and Dubai’s Financial District (DIFC). Fares are based on number of zones travelled. A standard adult ticket price could range from 4.00 AED – 8.50 AED.
Buses
RTA operates 1500 buses in Dubai and the fares are usually combined with the Dubai Metro ticket prices. You can explore Dubai with the Big Bus, Dubai’s hop-on hop-off bus service that makes stops at all major landmarks throughout the city. A 1-day ticket costs approximately 225.00 AED.
Trams and monorail
Dubai Tram runs from Al Sufouh to Jumeirah Beach Residences in about 42 minutes, and connects directly to the Palm Monorail. The tram makes stops at attractions such as the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and more. The Palm Monorail runs from the trunk of the Palm to the Atlantis, The Palm. Monorail tickets are not integrated with the rest of the public transport. Single trip fares range from 10.00 AED – 20.00 AED based on distance traveled.
Boats and ferries
Explore Dubai in its traditional mode of transportation, the ‘abra’. Boats ride across Dubai Creek or through Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the fare is 1.00 AED per ride. Check out the larger dhow boats that offer dinner cruises in the Dubai Marina or the Dubai Water Canal. Tour packages start at approximately 150.00 AED. The RTA-operated Dubai Ferry offers 4 different hour-long round trips that start at the ferry station and tour around local areas of interest. Ticket prices range from 50.00 AED – 75.00 AED based on the class you choose to travel in.
Taxis
Taxis are easily available and you can hail one directly from the streets at any time. If you prefer to pre-arrange your ride, you can call for a Dubai taxi pick-up at +971 4 208 0808. While taxis in Dubai are reasonably priced, you may experience surge in fares due to factors such as traffic, time of day, and road tolls.
Biking
Cycling around Dubai is becoming increasingly popular and a large number of cycle paths have also come up in the city. Nextbike is the official bike share program in Dubai. You can rent a bike at any BYKY station in the city and you are charged 15.00 AED for the first 30 minutes, 20.00 AED for an hour, and 25 AED for 2 hours. Staggered pricing continues upwards up to 80.00 AED for 24 hours.
U.S. nationals do not need to make any advance visa arrangements to enter Dubai. Once you disembark from your flight, you can proceed to immigration where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visitor visa, free of charge. For foreign nationals, please check the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs – Dubai website.
One of the most unique cities in the world, Dubai is a traveler’s dream. The city offers several historic sights, contemporary, edgy architecture, trendy nightlife, and a bunch of over-the-top attractions. Dubai also boasts a thriving arts and culture ecosystem, and an ever-evolving culinary scene. There is so much to see and do, that it may be overwhelming to choose what to include in your itinerary, when you travel to Dubai. Here are a few suggestions.
Buy a Go Dubai Card
Invest in a Go Dubai Card for discounted entry to several top museums, tours, activities, and attractions. The all-inclusive card starts at 759.00 AED for an adult and 519.00 AED for a child (ages 3 – 12). Depending on your itinerary, you can buy a 3, 4, 5, or 7 calendar days’ card.
Go on a food journey
Dubai’s food landscape is a melting pot of over 200 nationalities and cultures. Indulge your taste buds in a wide range of cuisines to make the most of Dubai’s culinary offerings. You can sample several ethnic cuisines including Arabic, Persian, Moroccan and Lebanese. The Emirati food is known to be all about spice and flavor. Try Emirati specialties like al machboos (a flavorsome dish of meat cooked with spice blends and rice), chebabs (Emirati pancakes infused with saffron and date syrup), khameer (bread stuffed with sweet or savory fillings), kunafa (Middle Eastern version of a cheese Danish), and luqaimat (deep-fried dumplings served with local date syrup). Coffee lovers should taste the ‘Gahuwa Arabia’, a coffee that features lightly roasted beans mixed with saffron and cardamom.