Overview
Dubai is the glittering jewel of the United Arab Emirates — a city of record-breaking skyscrapers, luxury shopping, desert adventures and golden beaches. It is one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers, whether for a winter-sun break, a stopover on the way to Asia or Australia, or business. Flights arrive into Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world's busiest and a major global stopover hub. Comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Dubai quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Dubai
Dubai enjoys sunshine nearly all year. The cooler months from November to March are the most comfortable and popular, ideal for the beach and outdoor sightseeing, so fares run higher over this winter-sun season. Summer, from June to September, is very hot but often brings lower prices and hotel deals. Check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Airlines and routes
Emirates and British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Dubai in around 7 hours, with Emirates also flying direct from Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle. Virgin Atlantic serves the route too, while connecting options include Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and others. As one of the world's great aviation hubs, Dubai is also the ideal stopover point for onward flights across Asia and Australasia. Compare carriers for your exact dates to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Dubai
Dubai blends futuristic ambition with Arabian tradition:
- Burj Khalifa: the world's tallest building, with observation decks offering breathtaking views.
- The Dubai Mall: a vast retail and leisure complex with an aquarium and ice rink.
- Palm Jumeirah: the iconic man-made palm-shaped island lined with beach resorts.
- Dubai Desert: dune bashing, camel rides and Bedouin-style dinners under the stars.
- Old Dubai & the Creek: traditional souks, abra boat rides and the historic Al Fahidi quarter.
At Dubai International Airport (DXB)
DXB sits just 5 km east of the city centre, with world-class duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges and dining. The Dubai Metro Red Line connects the airport to the city in minutes, while taxis and ride-hailing apps are plentiful and inexpensive. Its position and frequent flights make it one of the smoothest stopover hubs anywhere.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Dubai
- Book roughly 4–8 weeks ahead — fares to Dubai rise close to departure.
- Avoid the winter-sun and school-holiday peaks; summer often brings lower prices.
- Be flexible with dates — midweek departures often beat weekend prices.
- Consider a Dubai stopover if flying onward to Asia or Australia — it can add value at little extra cost.
Travel essentials
- UK passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days in the UAE.
- The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED).
- Dress modestly in public areas and respect local customs, especially during Ramadan.
