The Middle East is increasingly becoming a popular destination for both business travellers and holidaymakers, and Dubai remains its most popular city.
Known for its huge skyscrapers and extravagant hotels, Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest man-made building.
Standing at 828 metres tall, it truly is a sight to behold, and if you’re feeling brave, you can head up to the observation deck which is 452 metres up, and offers great views across the city.
Back on terra firma, outside the building itself you’ll find the world’s largest water fountain, complete with water and light shows set to music!
Shoppers will be right at home in Dubai, with the Dubai Mall, which claims to be the largest shopping centre in the world and was visited by a staggering 92 million people in 2015!
The complex doesn’t just contain over 1,200 shops, but is also home to 120 restaurants and cafés, an ice rink, cinema, indoor theme park and hotel.
The Mall of the Emirates is another good option, which contains its own ski slope of all things, or for a more traditional experience try one of the souks.
The city is also home to some great beaches, whether it be the man-made Palm Islands or Palm Jumeirah or the more traditional Jumeirah Beach.
5 Things You Need to Know About Dubai
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, here are five things which you might want to know before packing your bags:
Time Difference: UTC +3 Hours
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Native Language: Arabic
Weather: Average temperatures of 96°F during the hottest month (August) and 66°F during the coldest (January)
Sales Tax: 30% tax on alcohol, 5% on rooms, food, other services
Flying to Dubai from the US
Here’s everything you’ll need to know when booking flights from the US to Dubai, including flight times, airlines and entry requirements.
Flight Times
The flight time from the US to Dubai will obviously vary depending on where you’re flying from, but flights will generally take between twelve and a half and sixteen hours when flying direct.
Indirect flights will of course take longer, so get in touch with one of our travel consultants who will work with you to find the most convenient route for you.
Entry Requirements
US citizens don’t require a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates, but will require a valid passport which doesn’t expire within six months of expected arrival, and a confirmed round-trip airline ticket.
Airlines That Fly to Dubai
All direct flights from the US to Dubai are operated by Emirates, although there are a number of airlines offering indirect routes, such as:
- Air Canada
- Qatar Airways
- JetBlue
- Turkish
Feel free to get in touch with our friendly travel consultants who will help you plan the best route for you if you can’t catch a direct flight to Dubai.
The Airport(s)
Dubai is served by two international airports:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
If you’re flying direct from the US to Dubai, you’ll land at Dubai International, the world’s busiest airport, which is situated about nine miles east of downtown Dubai.
There is a regular metro service which runs roughly every ten minutes and has multiple stops in the city.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Some indirect flights from the US which change at Doha may land at the area’s other airport, Al Maktoum, which is about 33.5 miles southwest of downtown Dubai.
The airport is linked to the city by a bus service, or you could also book a taxi, which should take around 45 minutes.
10 Dubai Must-Dos
If you’re visiting Dubai for the first time, here are the ten things which you absolutely must try and see and do:
- Burj Khalifa
- Burj Al Arab
- Dubai Creek
- Palm Islands
- Wild Wadi Water Park
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Marina
- The Dubai Mall
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Museum
Book Cheap Flights to Dubai with Airtickets
So if you’re thinking of booking a trip from the US to the glamour of Dubai, look no further than Airtickets, where our experienced team of travel consultants will work with you to build the ultimate package for your journey, including flights, hotels and car hire.