The bold architecture and overt glamour of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates have the city likened to Las Vegas. The sheer scale of the grandeur of Dubai has helped to make the city one of the most popular places to visit in the Middle East. There are supersized luxurious hotels, delicious buffets, shopping centres, aquariums, amusement parks and designer cars and yachts to satisfy any curious traveller. With Dubai boasting the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa- and the world’s biggest flower arrangement (five million flowers positioned to form an Airbus A380 plane) at the Dubai Miracle Garden, your Instagram will be teeming with photos showcasing the luxury, sophistication and brilliance that the jewel of the United Arab Emirates has to offer.
Airlines flying to Dubai
Fly nonstop between Australia and Dubai.
From Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney Emirates and Qantas fly daily to Dubai (DXB) International Airport.
Get more out of your Dubai holiday with an en-route stop. The following airlines depart from Australia and offer Dubai connections from the following cities.-
- China Eastern (via Shanghai)
- China Southern (via Guangzhou)
- Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur)
- Royal Brunei (via Brunei)
- Singapore Airlines (via Singapore)
- Sri Lankan Airlines (via Colombo)
- Thai Airlines (via Bangkok)
Peak and off season. When to get the best deal
It is recommended to book at least three weeks prior to departure to get a below-average price on flights to Dubai. Often the cheapest month to fly to Dubai is in May, with the high-season considered to be June, July and August.
Getting to and from the airport
Getting from Dubai airport to the city centre is achievable through train, bus and taxis services. Taking a bus will be approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes duration depending on the location of your hotel, with ticket prices starting from $2. The underground train system is faster and highly recommended, being only a mere 50 minutes, with tickets also from $2. The starting price for a Taxi is $43, taking tourists to the remotest desert hotels in approximately 46 minutes.
Dubai International Airport Facilities & Services
Dubai airport’s three terminals are world-class, offering an array of facilities to make any traveller feel at home. There is a health club, spa, zen garden, a great selection of airport lounges and even a 5-star hotel. It has free unlimited WIFI, car hire services and a variety of duty-free shopping outlets.
Getting to Dubai
The easiest and often the fastest way to navigate Dubai is via public transport. Fares start at around $2 for buses and the metro system. Buses continue operation at night, and the metro red line is accessible to all major hotels, meaning that public transport is an excellent option for new and experienced travellers. Uber and Lyft are also available throughout the city, commonly servicing the Dubai International airport and local tourist attractions, helping to make local transport easier to use.
What to do in Dubai
The attractions that the city offers are world-class, with an assortment of things to do to suit any type of traveller. No trip to Dubai is complete without the At The Top experience at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Take in the spectacular views at the world’s largest highest outdoor observatory and enjoy the magnificent Dubai Fountain show from this idyllic view. You can also enjoy the Royal Arabian Safari and a 5-star dinner at the Sahara Desert Resort, experiencing the majesty and beauty that Dubai’s surrounding desert has to offer. This nature drive is conducted from the comfort of a luxurious Hummer H2 or Land Cruiser, with on-board refreshments provided. Once in the desert, you can enjoy your surroundings with an adventurous camel ride and buffet from inside an Arabian fortress.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, visits to Aquaventure, Ski Dubai and Motiongate Dubai are a must. With Aquaventure offering an array of outdoor water rides, it is one of the best ways to combat the Dubai heat and have a great day out with friends and family. Ski Dubai, the region’s biggest indoor ski resort, is in one of the world’s biggest shopping malls. Ski Dubai is home to the world’s first indoor black diamond run, for those who dare to test their skills on the slopes. Ski lift ferries run throughout the park, along with sled rides, toboggans, ice caves and climbing towers to entertain little ones. Alternatively, Motiongate Dubai is an entertainment themed park offering visitors a chance to step into the action of their favourite films, like Ghostbusters, Smurfs, Shrek and The Green Hornet. There is an array of attractions and live shows to keep you and your family entertained on short stopovers or longer visits.
What to eat in Dubai
Considering the luxury that Dubai has to offer, it is no surprise that the food experience is also phenomenal. Visit Pierchic for award-winning seafood dishes, La Petite Maison for delicious Mediterranean fare and Al Hadheerah for authentic mouth-watering Arabic cuisine.