Tag: Dubai

These Are The Top 3 Off Path Alternatives To Dubai That Offer World Class Luxury
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There’s no doubt that Dubai is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. In fact, the city won the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for the second time in a row this year.

But with overwhelming crowds of over 14 million visitors per year and ever-rising prices topping the global daily tourist spend charts, some travelers are looking for alternatives.

So why don’t tourists try someplace else? Well, Dubai really knows how to do luxury, and everybody knows it. With over 150 five-star properties with excellent reputations, it comes as no surprise that travelers think first of Dubai when looking for a taste of the good life.

However, there are a few elite gems in the Gulf giving Dubai a run for its money.

For those willing to get off the beaten path, here are the top three alternatives to Dubai that offer world-class luxury.

1. Muscat, Oman

Prices in Muscat are about 40% lower than in Dubai while still maintaining top-quality luxury and world-class hospitality.

Top award-winning five-star properties in Muscat include:
- The Chedi Hotel – Palm trees line a sleek pool with ocean views, while minimalist clean lines blend seamlessly with Omani architecture in a true oasis of understated opulence.
- Kempinski Hotel – This splashy beach resort can do no wrong but can give the properties of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah a run for their money.
- Al-Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel – If the record-breaking crystal chandeliers and fascinating history of the building weren’t enough, guests will be impressed by the peerless quality of meticulously curated experiences throughout their stay.
- Shangri-La Al Husn – This adult-only clifftop retreat on the bay of Barr Al Jissah recalls Arabian royalty in its indulgent brand of luxury.
But the luxury doesn’t stop at accommodation. Oman Air is ranked in the top 10 business classes and first classes to fly in the world and was awarded the most comfortable seat in the Middle East.

Like Dubai, Muscat airport is a convenient (albeit smaller) hub connecting flights between Europe, Asia, and Africa, featuring a business class lounge ranked in the top ten globally.

Muscat doesn’t have anything like the Burj Khalifa, but it has something that ultra-developed Dubai is missing: the balance between old and new.

While modern world-class hospitality is still the name of the game, Oman is absolutely steeped in a depth of tradition missing from other luxury destinations. Maintaining its organic character in its architecture, hospitality, and way of life sets this Gulf nation apart from the competition.

The Sultanate is predominantly Ibāḍī, practicing a branch of Islam that is less conservative in social practice than many neighboring societies.

Muscat’s social climate is relatively relaxed and tolerant of other cultures. Tourists can enjoy alcoholic drinks on their trip and have peace of mind knowing that Oman is widely regarded as the most female-friendly country in the region.

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While the extraordinary service and striking architecture of Muscat’s luxury properties might tempt you to never leave your hotel, Oman’s true gems lie in the excursions.

No trip to Muscat would be complete without marveling at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, wandering around the Royal Opera House, or shopping in the vibrant maze of Muttrah Souk. Just an hour southwest of Muscat lies the ancient capital of Nizwa, surreally frozen in time yet welcoming to visitors.

Venture an hour and a half east along Oman’s coastline, and you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty and refreshing waters of Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid, and Wadi Tiwi. The nature here also knows a little something about true luxury.

2. AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s new tourist magnet AlUla offers a unique brand of exclusive luxury. The Kingdom describes this desert retreat as “a living museum of preserved tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings… that hold 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history.”

Detox and reconnection with nature are AlUla’s specialties. (Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, so you might as well go all in on the cleanse.)

From ancestral Bedouin healing practices to trendy oil therapies and yoga practices, the wellness centers at AlUla’s top resorts are fully equipped for desert rejuvenation.

Luxury properties in AlUla offer something for every kind of traveler. Award-winning Habitas Alula is nothing short of other-worldly. Self-proclaimed “luxury for the soul,” this resort hosts 96 five-star villas, each with unique interiors, scattered across the desert sand alongside a miraculous swimming pool and yoga deck.

Focused on seamless integration with the show-stopping scenery, Banyan Tree Alula features 47 sand-colored tented villas and an infinity pool filling an organic space between towering Martian cliffs.

3. Doha, Qatar

Qatar is quickly making a name for itself as a leading luxury destination, starting with its capital city of Doha.

Banana Island Resort by Anantara offers a private island stay with uber-Instagrammable floating meals served in the pool. Private villas here sit on stilts above crystal clear waters and come complete with a private butler, boat, and pool.

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som provides a secluded oasis where desert meets nature and traditional Qatari architecture meets modern clean lines. Just an hour from the capital, this five-star property is the first luxury wellness destination in the region to focus on Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine.

Other top resorts include:
- Mandarin Oriental, Doha – Home to opulent pearl-based spa treatments, twin rooftop pools, and a restaurant specializing in Italian white truffle
- Mondrian Doha – An award-winning art hotel in the West Bay with a bustling social scene and creative interiors at every turn
- Marsa Malaz Kempinski – A European-inspired beach resort on an artificial island featuring 281 ocean-view rooms and 7 restaurants, a popular choice with families
For excessive luxury, look no further than The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made peninsula packed with the finest dining, trendiest cafes, and most lavish hotels in the country, cementing Doha’s place as a worthy rival to Dubai.

From Nobu to Morimoto to Hakkasan, truly world-class Asian-inspired fine dining is one of the many elite tricks Doha does best.

Travelers can revel in top-tier private excursions like helicopter rides, luxury yacht charters, 24-carat gold spa treatments, or personal stylist-led shopping trips to the designer wing of the Mall of Doha.

When it’s time to fly home, don’t be too disappointed. Qatar Airways has been voted the World’s Best Airline seven years in a row, not to mention the best airline in the Middle East and one of the top business classes in the world.

It’s safe to say you’ll leave behind your luxury vacation in continued comfort with outstanding service.

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June 10, 2023
How You Can Get A Free Hotel Stay In Dubai With Emirates This Summer
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Are you thinking of flying to, or transiting via Dubai this summer? If your travel dates are approaching and you haven’t booked your tickets to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yet, you will want to hear this out: you may be eligible for a free hotel stay in the country’s exciting tourism hub, as long as you’re flying with Emirates.

The UAE’s national carrier will cover your accommodation costs, and make sure you have the highest level of comfort during your Dubai stopover, as long as you observe some simple criteria:

How To Apply For A Free Dubai Stay With Emirates

As you probably know by now, a Dubai trip, no matter how short, could set you back by a few thousand dollars due to the city’s high cost of living – it is one of the most expensive city breaks in the world – and in order to truly live out the UAE experience, setting some money aside is advised.

While there are budget-friendly accommodation options out there, with up to 866 three or four-star stays listed on Booking.com within the US$50 – US$100 price range, hotels in Dubai are generally more on the pricey side, and the mounting costs of travel can be an impediment to some visitors.

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Luckily, the Emirates’ leading carrier is expanding their Stopover program through an irresistible offer, and allowing both returning and potential customers an opportunity to either visit, or transit the world’s top tourist destination without bearing the additional burden of accommodation.

Sounds appealing to you? This is how it works:

Eligibility Criteria

As long as you book a flight within the validity of the offer, and you intend to fulfill your stay within the specified travel period, you are automatically eligible for a free hotel stay in Dubai with Emirates.

The relevant dates are the following:
- Book your flight between May 22, 2023 and June 11, 2023
- Travel and fulfill your stay between May 26, 2023 and August 31, 2023
In other words, you have 10 more days to book your flights before the offer expires, though your dates of travel can be anytime between late May and late August, spanning the duration of the Northern Hemisphere summer.

There is more: if you’re flying First Class or Business, you have yet another reason to rejoice.

First-Class And Business Passengers Get Chauffeur Service

First Class and Business passengers will be awarded a two-night sejour at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, a luxurious Accor listing located on the lively Trade Centre Street, with Bedouin-style medium rooms equipped with king-sized beds and boasting incredible city views.

Other than the room, you will also have access to a Chauffeur traveling to and from the airport, complimentary lounge access, and of course, Emirates’ signature luxurious in-flight service.

Meanwhile, passengers flying Economy will benefit from a single night’s stay at the Novotel Trade Centre Dubai, a four-star hotel in the heart of Dubai’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Despite being more modest, it’s received rave reviews on Google, with guests praising the comfort of the rooms, the excellent location, and the breakfast spread.

I order to access all of these benefits with Emirates, there is one final condition to be met: your stopover must be at least 24-hours long.

Those booking tickets within the validity period who will only be transiting Dubai for between 12-16 hours, or less, cannot apply for a hotel stay.

You can still enjoy numerous other perks connecting flights in Dubai through Emirates, such as free attractions, or complimentary city tours. Learn more about different stopover programs here.

Don’t Forget To Send Your Booking Confirmation To Emirates

Once booking their flights, eligible travelers contact the airline’s call center or their travel agent, or send an email to EmiratesOffer@emirates.com informing their booking reference, date of arrival in the city, the passenger’s name, contact number, and email address.

Emirates staff will handle reservation for you, so all you have to do is relax and wait for the trip of your dreams. Eligible travelers are also advised to retain a copy of their Emirates boarding pass as they may be eligible for other offers and discounts across the UAE.

Book your flights here before this incredible offer is no longer valid.

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June 1, 2023
Dubai Is The World’s Top Tourist Destination – This Is Why It’s So Incredible
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Beating Paris, London, New York, and other competitors to the number one spot, Dubai has been named the top destination worldwide, consolidating its status as a leading hub for both tourism and business. But how exactly did this newly founded metropolis surpass other iconic and far older cities in popularity, and what makes it so incredible to visit?

The Number One City Break Worldwide

For the second year in a row, Dubai was crowned the number one destination at the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, based on ‘millions’ of ‘real and unbiased’ reviews by visitors over a 12-month period, from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022, who commended the plethora of tourist activities available and excellent service provided.

Among the extensive list of attractions, they have enlisted the following as Dubai’s absolute best:
- Strolling Alserkal Avenue, a cultural district lined with contemporary art galleries
- Exploring Old Dubai, a surprisingly picturesque district packed with bazaars and traditional food markets
- Dining out at one of Dubai’s 11 MICHELIN-approved restaurants
- Admiring the cityscape from one of its many rooftop pools, including the Aura Skypool
- Visiting one of the world’s largest and most luxurious spas, Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
According to Forbes, Dubai’s success is also attributed to ‘significant efforts’ put in by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote it.

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The Sheikh’s primary goal is to make Dubai ‘the most visited’ city. While yet to attain the title currently held by the City of Love, it is openly challenging it by investing heavily in tourism initiatives – and believe it or not, the dethroning of Paris is imminent, as Dubai has already been named the preferred destination for weddings.

Other than being a promising elopement spot, Dubai is experiencing a rise in demand among young travelers, particularly digital nomads, due to the high quality of services provided, infrastructure, cleanliness, and high levels of safety, which surpass those of most Western countries, especially some crime-ridden cities in the U.S.

Dubai is so safe that dozens of viral videos are circulating about how people use their phones and wallets to reserve tables at busy restaurants or inside malls, without worry their personal possessions will be taken.

@baymabay Replying to @SeriSkill That safety feeling 😊👍🏼🤩 #baymabay ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

The roads are so clean and free of potholes that some highways have a speed limit of up to 140 km/h, and finding a piece of trash or random graffiti tag proves to be extremely difficult.

Even hailing an Uber in Dubai is a totally different experience than in many cities, with the base level car ‘Uber Comfort’ usually being a brand new full-size Lexus or Tesla, and a 10-15 minute ride not costing more than $10-$12 USD.

With inflation being the biggest headline of the past year, it’s hard to comprehend prices for any service going down, but that’s exactly what happened with taxi prices in Dubai just a few weeks ago. With the lower cost of fuel, the government made the call for taxi fares to be decreased so tourists and residents can benefit from the savings.

Flights Galore

Tourists looking to visit Dubai this year will be pleasantly surprised by the vast amount of direct flights in and out of the city, at every budget and level of service. Budget travelers can find affordable flights on ultra-low cost airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair for $100 round trip from Europe, while those looking for an exceptionally luxurious experience can fly first-class with top airlines like Emirates and Qatar.

City For The Future

Taking into account that modern-day Dubai is only four to five decades old, it is surprising how quickly it’s diversified its oil-based economy. In only a few years, the Arabian plains surrounding the area, packed with oil wells and drill holes, started changing drastically following an increase in tourism and the arrival of wealthy investors.

Dubai is nicknamed the City for the Future, and it’s not hard to see why: its skyline and urbanism are textbook examples of 21st-century greatness, what with the towering skyscrapers, wide boulevards, leisure complexes and lush green parks rising out of a vast, arid landscape that only 56 years prior had been home to a fishing village and trading port.

There are certainly parallels to be drawn between the Emirate of Dubai’s real estate development boom and Mexico’s Tulum, which began as a small settlement itself before the luxury resorts were brought in. Unlike in Tulum, however, Dubai’s stratospheric rise and rapid internationalization have not proven detrimental to its unique character.

It is a newborn, mostly man-made city, and there is plenty of room for growth – that is precisely what makes it so intriguing. From gigantic moon-shaped resorts with zero gravity experiences to improbable ski stations in the heart of the desert, there are no limits to what developers can achieve here, and they’re always striving for bigger and better.

The Arab World At Its Most Liberal

Luckily for tourists, the world’s greatest city is open and restriction-free. Since November 8, 2022, all foreigners have been allowed to enter Dubai regardless of immunization status and without being subject to strict health checks upon landing, such as undergoing mandatory testing or observing quarantine.

Westerners are reminded that, despite the loosening of health restrictions, other rules continue to apply to those entering the United Arab Emirates for tourism purposes. While the country stands among some of the most liberal of the Arab World – no clothing restrictions apply in most settings – there are still other rules that need to be observed.

Some limits are placed on alcohol consumption and import of certain medications, for instance, and in order to avoid getting on the wrong side of UAE border officers or breaking some lesser-known law that is not enforced in their country of origin (e.g., the United States), travelers are advised to do some research in advance.

Dubai is Attracting More Than Tourists

Between offering a popular digital nomad visa and extremely attractive zero-tax benefits for some free-zone companies, Dubai is attracting entrepreneurs, business owners, and start-up talent from every corner of the world. More golden visas and residency visas were issued last year than at any other time in history, with no signs of slowing down.

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February 6, 2023
The Latest Alcohol Rules For Tourists In Dubai After Government Reduces Prices

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Trips to Dubai just got cheaper for travelers who enjoy a drink on vacation with the government removing its 30% municipality tax on alcohol sales. The country has also removed its AED 270 (US$73) fee for liquor licenses that allow people to buy alcohol to drink at home. The reduction in fees and taxes has gone into effect now and will be trialed for a year.

Major alcohol purveyors are already celebrating the news on their social channels, instantly reflecting the new pricing on their stock in-stores but are caveating that the 5% VAT fee will still apply.

“You no longer need to make trips across the country to stock up on your favourite drinks. With the removal of 30% municipality tax and FREE alcohol licence, buying your favourite drinks is now easier and cheaper than ever!” said MMI Dubai, a major purveyor of alcohol, on its Instagram.

This move is expected to boost the appeal of Dubai as a destination for tourists and digital nomads, to compete with its neighboring countries that also carry hefty taxes on alcohol. Tourism is an important income stream for Dubai, with tourist numbers growing more than 180% in the first half of 2022, compared to the same time period a year prior, while new establishments are constantly popping up to meet this demand.

Do I Need A Liquor License To Drink At My Accommodation?

For tourists staying in hotels, the answer is NO.

Tourists that are staying in private accommodations like rentals or Airbnb’s will have different rules if they are looking to buy bottles to bring home. Tourists can apply for a free 30-day license to purchase alcohol, which is a simplified process that you can do at two of the main purveyors of alcohol in Dubai – MMI and African + Eastern. You just need to be at least 21 years of age and will need to bring your passport and a valid visitor visa to the store to obtain the license.

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Where Can I Buy Alcohol?

MMI and African + Eastern are the two main legally operated liquor stores in Dubai and collectively have almost 40 stores in Dubai, which stock the most popular wines, spirits, and beer brands.

Tourists also have access to the Legal Home Delivery service, which is the only legal alcohol delivery service in Dubai operated by MMI and African + Eastern. This service means you can avoid going into the store and opt for delivery to your accommodation instead, which is available 7 days per week between 10 am and 10 pm.

The system doesn’t currently offer same-day delivery, so you will need to order before 12 pm to get next-day delivery and order a minimum of UAE 150 (US$40). Currently, there is no limit set by law on how much alcohol you can purchase, as long as you have a liquor license to purchase it.

Where Can I Drink Alcohol?

Drinking alcohol is restricted to certain locations that are considered legal. This includes your residence or accommodation, and in licensed venues around the city.

Alcohol is not widely served in Dubai due to its Muslim population and Islamic laws, so you can only drink at officially licensed establishments such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs that are targeted toward expats and tourists. It is recommended by the Embassy of the UAE not to ask for alcohol if it isn’t on the menu. If you come across locations with signs saying “dry,” this means they do not serve alcohol.

Dubai’s clubs normally kick into gear around 10am and close around 3am, with alcohol service stopping at around 1 am, but each location has its own schedule.

Is Alcohol Expensive In Dubai?

A wide range of alcohol is served in Dubai, but it typically comes with a larger price tag than home. Drinking alcohol in Dubai is considered a privilege, but the recent removal of the 30% of tax should make it more attractive for tourists.

Some remain skeptical that these savings will be passed on when drinking on-site at bars and restaurants. According to The Washington Post, a pint of Budweiser costs about $13 at a hotel bar close to Dubai airport, while Legal Home Delivery advertises prices for a 1L of Absolut Vodka at UAS 191 (US $52), while wines start from UAE 22 (US $6), excluding 5% VAT tax.

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January 9, 2023
Why Dubai Is An International Hotspot For Remote Workers And Digital Nomads In 2023
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Dubai, an intriguing city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has become one of the most popular destinations in 2022 among international travelers. Its impressive skyscrapers, beautiful beaches, and incredible attractions have been getting much attention lately—especially among TikTokers— and now more digital nomads are interested in staying for a few months at this exciting destination.

In 2021 the government introduced a Remote Working Program for Dubai, allowing remote workers to live for up to a year in this fascinating city. And now, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with Airbnb and launched a new working hub as part of the Live and Work Anywhere program.

The government is interested in attracting digital nomads, and now travelers from all over the world have their eyes on this city, which is considered one of the top 20 destinations supporting remote work around the world. Here’s why Dubai will be an international hotspot in 2023:

Remote Worker-Friendly

Digital nomads’ main challenge when deciding on a new destination to live for a couple of months is having a legal status. Dubai is offering remote workers and business owners the possibility to apply for a remote work visa program.

These are the main considerations for applicants:
- Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
- Health insurance that covers the UAE.
- Employees: proof of employment and a minimum salary of $3,500 per month.
- Business owners: proof of ownership of the company for at least one year or employment outside the UAE, monthly income over $3,500.
- Applicants must fill out an application form and pay fees. It costs $611 in total.
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More details can be found on the official website. Once approved, travelers can live for 1 year in Dubai —they are allowed to travel but can’t be absent for over 6 months— and have residents’ benefits, like the Emirates ID that digital nomads can use to rent a place or open a bank account.

Another attractive perk for remote workers is that they don’t have to pay any local income tax while living on this visa.

Airbnb’s New Hub

Airbnb has been focusing on the digital nomads market, and the company is now one of the main references for governments who want to develop special programs for this kind of traveler while considering the benefits they can bring to the local economy.

Listings on Airbnb go from $34 per night in a private room to $972 per night at a luxurious villa. And now, with the new alliance, Airbnb will promote the city, provide guidance for those interested in working remotely, and develop a special connected ecosystem for digital nomads.

On their platform, Airbnb has a special section for this destination, Live and Work in Dubai, with valuable information for remote workers interested in living in this city.

Why Dubai?

Tourism in Dubai has significantly increased this year —over 185% during the first six months of the year compared to 2021— and the government is focused on its vision: “To make Dubai the city of the future and the world’s best place to live, work, and invest.”

Besides the amazing buildings like the 160-story skyscraper Burj Khalifa, the jaw-dropping moon-shaped luxury resort opening soon, the impressive artificial archipelago Palm Jumeirah, water parks, beaches, and interesting local culture, there are other appealing advantages for remote workers:
- Dubai’s average internet speed is 118.52 Mbps, according to data from 2021, and the country has recently ranked as the third-best internet connection in the world according to the Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL).
- Even though the official language is Arabic, English is the most commonly spoken language. Dubai is considered one of the easiest destinations for expats to settle.
- Crime rates are very low. Dubai is considered a very safe destination, however, digital nomads and travelers must bear in mind local laws, religion, and culture. American citizens should consider the U.S. State Department’s Travel advice.
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December 29, 2022
Flying To Dubai? UAE Finally Lifts All Entry Requirements
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UAE Removes All Travel Restrictions

The United Arab Emirates is the latest country to drop all entry requirements and remove internal COVID-related restrictions.

As of November 7, this Gulf state finally joins more than 120 countries that have gotten rid of travel restrictions, returning to normal travel.

The UAE is a popular tourist destination in the Middle East, with Dubai being the top place to visit in the country.

But up until this recent change, the UAE maintained strict entry requirements and internal restrictions that dissuaded many travelers from visiting for the past two and a half years.

In order to enter the country, travelers were required to comply with a myriad of restrictions in place.

However, as of November 7, all of these rules have been dropped.

What Does This Mean For Travelers?

Previously, visitors to the UAE were required to demonstrate proof of vaccination or present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of their arrival in order to enter the country.

Within the country a variety of COVID-related restrictions were in effect.

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This included indoor mask mandates, as well as the usage of a “Green Pass” on the Al Hosn app in order to enter most public places. These restrictions made travel within the country more difficult.

But according to an update from the Gulf Times, all of these internal restrictions have been dropped as of November 7, 2022.

Travel as usual has resumed in the UAE, making it easier to visit this Middle Eastern country once again.

Dubai is an extremely popular destination, and it’s also a common stopover on Emirates and Etihad flights which transit through this major travel hub.

With the previous restrictions in place, it was more difficult for travelers to visit the country.

Now, it’s a simple process. American and Canadian travelers do not need to apply for a visa to visit the UAE, and there are several nonstop flights available from the United States and Canada to Dubai.

Flights To Dubai

Ready to book a trip to the UAE? Here are some of the best flights available from the United States and Canada.

Prices were determined by Google Flights for the best fare on a one-week round-trip flight within the next six months.
- New York to Dubai: $884 on United Airlines
- Toronto to Dubai: $917 on Air Canada
- Los Angeles to Dubai: $1,292 on Emirates
- Miami to Dubai: $1,253 on Emirates
Flights on Emirates may also qualify for the airline’s Dubai Connect stopover program, which provides travelers with layovers of between 10 and 24 hours a free hotel room and airport transfer.

This is a great way to explore Dubai on a short stopover before making your way to another destination on Emirates.

Dubai is a popular stopover on trips to destinations further afield in Asia.

Why Visit The UAE?

The UAE has exploded in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, specifically its largest city of Dubai.

Dubai has expanded rapidly in the past two decades, with a focus on tourism and luxury. Some of the most extravagant hotels in the world are in Dubai, and the city is also known as a luxury shopping paradise.

Some of the top things to do in Dubai include visiting the Burj Khalifa, which currently holds the title as the tallest building in the world and shopping at the Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world.

Although Dubai is a glitzy and glamorous city, you’re never too far from the desert, which makes 4×4 desert off-roading another popular activity.

The capital city of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, is another ultra-modern, ultra-luxury destination in the country that is worth a visit.

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November 10, 2022
United Airlines Becomes The First U.S. Carrier To Offer Nonstop Flights To Dubai
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Proving the ties between North America and the Middle East are stronger than ever now that Covid restrictions have eased, United Airlines has just been granted the honor of being the first U.S. carrier to offer nonstop flights to Dubai, at least in a long while. Pretty soon, Dubai and its many wonders will be a lot more accessible to Americans.

Demand for the United Arab Emirates has soared this year after international tourism resumed: even though the country had remained open, albeit with varying degrees of restrictions, throughout most of the crisis, it wasn’t until recently that bookings went through the roof and an accentuated recovery was noted.

Now, it is without a question one of the most sought-after destinations, both by Americans and globally:

United Returns To Dubai For The First Time In Six Years

Starting next year, United Airlines will have a direct link between its New York hub of Newark (EWR) and Dubai International (DXB), marking the first time a U.S. carrier returns to the Emirate since 2016. At the time, a feud had started between America’s three largest airlines, namely United, Delta and American Airlines, and Persian Gulf’s main carriers.

The daily service is launching officially on March 25, 2023, and is a sign of change for two airlines that had once been hostile to one another over market share for nearly six years. In fact, Emirates Airlines, Dubai’s main server, even warmed to the idea of initiating a codeshare agreement in what could be described as a watershed moment for U.S.-UAE connectivity.

On top of that, customers on both ends will have access to each other’s Frequent Flyer membership, and all the perks that this status confers, whether it’s Business Class upgrades, access to exclusive airport lounges and much more. Luckily, those most enthusiastic about Emirates’ world-class service won’t have to sacrifice their comfort when flying United.

United Brings In Its Boeing 777-200ER

A Boeing 777-200ER has been deployed for the trajectory, and it features a total of 276 seats. Out of those, 50 are Business Class (or Polaris), 24 Premium Plus, or United’s equivalent to ‘premium economy seats’, 46 Economy Plus with extra legroom, and 156 regular Economy, at the lowest-possible fare.

On those, tickets can go as low as $548 one-way.

Emirates has gained a reputation for being a high end airline with true inflight luxury, and has nearly become an essential part of the overall ‘Dubai experience’. United is well aware of that, and while it is no longer Emirates’ fierce competitor, it is rising up to the challenge in providing its loyal Polaris customer a near, if not equal, Emirates-level of quality.

United’s business seats were ‘designed for comfort and convenience’, and have been described as ideal both for those who want to relax ahead of landing at their final destination, or work for a few hours during their flight. Some of the features are a ‘six-way adjustable headrest’ and a seat cushion that ‘cradles’ passengers when reclining.

Also included:
- Multiple storage spaces for personal items;
- A water bottle console;
- An electronic device holder fit for both smartphones and tablets;
- Universal AC power plug;
- An extendable cocktail table;
- DIRECTTV access, etc.
More Details About The Flight

As for the flight itself, duration is 13h25 eastbound and 14h50 westbound. The daily scheduled is as follows: UA164 departs Newark at 22:15, arriving in Dubai 19:40 local time, on the following day. Returning home, flight UA163 leaves Dubai at 2:15 in the morning, arriving back to New York-Newark at 9:05 in the same calendar date EST.

Prior to the launch, United’s route to the Emirate departing from Newark had mandatory layovers in other airports in Europe, such as Paris’ Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam’s Schiphol, which has been facing severe travel delays lately. On the other hand, Emirates has been flying nonstop to JFK for years, a hub that has persistently shunned United’s efforts to expand.

The agreement will allow Emirates to continue operating from JFK, where it even maintains a lounge and has built strong partnerships, while United serves Newark instead. Moving forward, we expect to see this relationship deepen further, and new routes to be announced from the U.S. to the Middle East now that the air bridge has been amended.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

United Airlines Adding New Flights To 3 European Capitals

Dubai Is Opening A Huge Moon Shaped Resort For Luxury Stays

Why Dubai Has Become A Top Destination For International Travelers

Layover in Dubai? Emirates Offers Free Hotel For Transiting Passengers

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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September 16, 2022