Flights to Dubai

Tips for First-Time Travellers Aboard Cheap Flights to Dubai

Book your tickets to Burj Khalifa before you arrive

As one of the top attractions in Dubai, you'll want to pre-book your tickets to Burj Khalifa. For the best photos, pick a sunset slot. Booking in advance will also save you time waiting in long lines outside the building.

Swearing is against the law

As soon as your flights to Dubai land at Dubai International Airport (DXB), you'll want to keep any swear words out of your vocabulary. It is against Islamic law to swear in public as well as on social media while you're in the city. If caught by the local authorities, you can face deportation as well as jail time and fines.

Avoid visiting over Ramadan

Before you book your return flights to Dubai, check the dates for Ramadan. It's one of the holiest events on the Islamic calendar, but it's tough to sightsee over this period. Most restaurants and attractions will be closed during the day, and you'll have to avoid eating and drinking in public between dusk and dawn.

Public Transport and How to Get Around

Taxi

Once your flights to Dubai land, the best way to get around is with a taxi. It will save you time, and you can also book cabs that are driven only by women. At Dubai International Airport (DXB), you'll find the cab drivers waiting outside of the arrivals hall, and a flat rate of 20 AED ($7.68 AUD) is charged. You can also use ride-sharing service Uber to get to your accommodation and attractions.

Metro

The metro is one of the cheapest ways to get from Dubai International Airport (DXB) into the city. You can buy a Nol Card at the airport and use it to pay for fares on the city's metro, bus and waterbuses. Keep in mind that the subway starts operating from 5am except on Fridays when the service only opens at 10am.

Bus

With more than 100 routes across the city, Dubai's public bus service is reliable and extensive. The fares are affordable, and prices will depend on how many zones you pass through on a single trip. The most popular bus line for tourists travelling on plane tickets to Dubai is #8 as it stops at the top attractions like the Dubai Marina and Burj Al Arab.

Car rental

Renting a car in Dubai is easy. You can add a vehicle while booking your flights to Dubai with Webjet or select one once you arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Keep in mind that the city does experience congestion. However petrol is cheap, and it's an affordable option for travellers planning day trips to nearby cities like Abu Dhabi. 

The Best Time to Visit on Return Flights to Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March. It's winter in the city, but temperatures are warm enough for days at the beach. The exception to this is during January and March, when the city experiences short showers during the day. It is also high season in Dubai. You can expect prices for flights to Dubai to increase and the city's top hotels to book up. Be sure to plan your trip well in advance to avoid disappointment. For budget travellers looking to buy an airfare to Dubai, you'll want to visit the city between April and October.

The heat and high humidity levels keep most people away, and you'll have an easier time finding cheap flights to Dubai. While exploring the city, make sure to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and avoid being outside during midday when the temperatures are at their hottest. Another thing to keep in mind is that Ramadan does fall over these months.

Etiquette Tips for Tourists Booking Flights to Dubai

Dress Code

Dubai follows Islamic law and all travellers buying flights to Dubai will need to follow the local dress code. You should avoid showing your shoulders, knees and any cleavage. Choose clothes that are loose fitting and only wear swimwear in pool areas and beaches. It's also a good idea to pack a scarf that you can use to cover yourself up at if you want to visit any mosques or religious sites. You can buy one at the local markets or inside the airport when your flights to Dubai land.

Public displays of affection

Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Dubai. Once your flights to Dubai land, you'll want to avoid kissing and canoodling in public. However, it is acceptable to hold your wife or husband's hand.

Hand gestures

You can face prison time, a hefty fine and deportation if you're caught using rude hand gestures in Dubai.

Drinking in Dubai

It is illegal to be drunk in public. If a police officer catches you intoxicated, you can expect a fine or deportation. Once you're ready to go back to your hotel after a few drinks at a bar, get into a taxi immediately and don't loiter. If you want to buy alcohol once your flights to Dubai land, you'll need to get a licence.