The UAE is famed for its winter sun, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery for the cooler months of 2021, you’ve come to the right place.
With the mercury in decline, it’s the perfect time be catching some rays, be it at home or abroad.
Here are all the best winter travel destinations from the UAE for 2021.
Egypt
History and mystery combined, Egypt is one of the most interesting travel destinations on the planet.
Jet into Cairo to marvel at the ancient pyramids of Giza, view mummies at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations or admire the architecture of the Al-Azhar Mosque and Coptic Church.
From soaking up the rich culture and history in Alexandria to scuba diving in the Red Sea, you won’t be short of wow moments in the land of the pharaohs.
Dubai-Cairo airfares start from Dhs1,295 (EgyptAir).
Abu Dhabi-Cairo airfares start from Dhs923 (Air Arabia).
Flight times from Dubai: 5am (Egypt Air), 8.10am (Emirates), 9.15am (Egypt Air), 3pm (Emirates), 4.20pm (Egypt Air). 7pm (Egypt Air), 8.50pm (Emirates).
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 5.05am (EgyptAir), 9.20m (Etihad), 1.45pm (Etihad), 3.10pm (EgyptAir), 8.15pm (Air Arabia), 10pm (Etihad).
For more details about health and safety measures in place for travelling to Egypt, click here.
Germany
Craving bratwurst? Or just want to get stuck into those cute Christmas markets Europe is famed for? Germany is welcoming travellers from the UAE this winter, and we’re giddy at the thought of wrapping up like a tightly packed shawarma and getting fresh ink in our passports. Berlin is the obvious pick for its rich historic significance (hello, wall), and booming nightlife scene (guten tag Warschauer Strasse). But you’ll need to get there via Frankfurt, which itself boats postcard town squares and a raft of must-visit museums.
Dubai-Frankfurt airfares start from Dhs1,585 (Luftansa).
Abu Dhabi-Cairo airfares start from Dhs2,065 (Etihad).
Flight times from Dubai: 1.50am (Lufthansa), 8.40am (Emirates), 3.250pm (Emirates).
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 7.05am (Etihad).
Kenya
Wild and free? The spellbinding adventures of Kenya will make for a memorable vacation.
From ultimate safari experiences to thrilling hiking jaunts, Kenya is as exciting as it gets. And when you’ve seen it all, unwind on one of Kenya’s white sandy beaches.
Dubai-Nairobi airfares start from Dhs1425 (Kenya Airways), Dhs1,545 (Emirates).
Abu Dhabi-Nairboi airfares start from Dhs1,170 (Egypt Air).
Flight times from Dubai: 1.45am (Kenya Airways), 2.10am (Emirates), 6.55am (Kenya Airways), 9.35am (Emirates).
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 5.05am (EgyptAir), 7.45am (Etihad), 3.10pm (EgyptAir).
For more details about health and safety measures in place for travelling to Kenya, click here.
Lebanon
Lebanon has opened its doors to travellers from Dubai and we can’t wait to stroll through the streets of Beirut to breathe in the spirit of this beautiful country.
Rightfully known as the Pearl of the Middle East, Lebanon is a great mix of nature, luxury, culture and history.
Revel in nature’s best at the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, take a dip into history at the sanctuary of Baalbek or experience the best of nightlife at Jbeil, Lebanon will not fail to amaze.
Dubai-Lebanon airfares starting from Dhs1,225 (Royal Jordanian). Abu Dhabi-Nairboi airfares starting from Dhs1,170 (Egypt Air).
Flight times from Dubai: 7.30am (Emirates), 3.10pm (Emirates), 6.45pm (Fly Dubai), 8.55pm (Emirates).
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 7.30am (Emirates), 3.10pm (Emirates), 6.45pm (Fly Dubai), 8.55pm (Emirates).
For more details about health and safety measures in place for travelling to Lebanon, click here.
Malaysia
Rightfully claimed as Malaysia truly Asia, this exotic destination displays glimpses and traces of the Chinese, Indian, Sri Lankan, and other Asian cultures. Malaysia allures with its mesmerising beaches, lush rainforests, adventure activities, history and architecture, city-life, great shopping and amazing food. When you’re done taking in the sights and sounds of this buzzing country, unwind in one of its famed spas and feel your woes melt away.
Dubai-Istanbul airfares starting from Dhs1,995 (Emirates).
Abu Dhabi-Istanbul airfares starting from Dhs1,915 (Etihad, Malaysia Airlines).
Flight times from Dubai: 8.20am (Emirates).
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 1.35am (Etihad, Malaysia Airlines).
Oman
History, nature and culture, Oman has something for everyone. From its open deserts to stunning wadis and rocky mountains to serene beaches, the Sultanate is a hidden gem on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula. Absorb the spirit of traditions in smaller villages like Misfat al Abryeen or drench in the beauty of Salalah, a green oasis with seasonal waterfalls and streams.
Dubai-Muscat airfares start from Dhs1,404 (SalamAir).
Abu Dhabi-Muscat airfares start from Dhs815 (Etihad).
Flight times from Dubai: 1.30am (Air France), 1.50am (Lufthansa), 2.20am (SWISS), 2.40am (Turkish Airlines), 4.05am (Ukraine International). 7pm (Egypt Air), 8.50pm (Emirates).
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 5.05am (EgyptAir), 9.20m (Etihad), 1.45pm (Etihad), 3.10pm (EgyptAir), 8.15pm (Air Arabia), 10pm (Etihad).
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has recently opened its doors to tourism and Riyadh is the hottest new entry on the holiday destination charts. If you are looking to avoid crowds and visit an all new winter vacation spot, make sure to put Riyadh on your bucket-list.
Experience true Middle Eastern luxury roaming around Riyadh’s huge malls, or climb up the Skybridge skyscraper if you don’t know what being on top of the world feels like.
But if you’re more on the adventurous side, turn to dune bashing in the deserts of Riyadh or take in the breath-taking uninterrupted view of the horizon from atop Edge of the World mountain range.
Touching down in Saudi and looking for awesome things to do? Time Out Riyadh has you covered. Click here for everything you need to know about life in the Kingdom’s capital.
Dubai-Riyadh airfares starting from Dhs1,280 (Fly Dubai).
Abu Dhabi-Riyadh airfares starting from Dhs1,155 (Saudia Airline).
Flight times from Dubai: 5.40am (Fly Dubai), 6.15am (Emirates), 10.40am (Saudia), 1.40pm Saudia, 4pm (Saudia), 4.40pm (Emirates), 5.10pm (Fly Dubai), 6.15pm (Saudia), 6.40pm (Emirates), 7.10pm (Fly Dubai), 8.30pm (Saudia), 10.30pm (Saudia).
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 1.05am (Etihad), 10am (Etihad), 2.50pm (Saudia), 4.45pm (Etihad), 7.15pm (Etihad).
For more details about health and safety measures in place for travelling to Saudi Arabia, click here.
Tanzania
Home to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park, and packed with raw nature and wild life, Tanzania is an adventurer’s dream vacation.
A holiday in Tanzania will range from exhilarating wild safaris in vast national parks, bird watching hundreds of rare feathered wonders, lazing on serene beaches with crystal clear waters and snorkelling undersea witnessing the colourful sea life and coral reefs.
Dubai-Dar es Salaam airfares start from Dhs1,455 (Kenya Airways).
Abu Dhabi-Dar es Salaam airfares start from Dhs1,515 (Qatar Airways).
Flight times from Dubai: 9.30am (Emirates), 6.55am (Kenya Airways).
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 5.20pm (Qatar Airways).
For more details about health and safety measures in place for travelling to Tanzania, click here.
Thailand
Thailand is arguably one of the most popular holiday destinations of the world. It’s beyond beautiful islands and beaches have tourists flocking from every part of the world all through the year.
In Thailand, you will experience a different kind of city life bustling with the sights and sounds of motorbikes, tuk tuks, Buddhist temples, farming villages and ancient ruins. Nowhere better than Thailand if tropical holidays is what you like with a touch of modern.
Dubai-Bangkok airfares starting from Dhs1,535 (Singapore Airlines). Abu Dhabi-Bangkok airfares starting from Dhs1,965 (Qatar Airways).
Flight times from Dubai: 3.05am (Emirates)
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 8.50am (Etihad), 9.45am (Etihad).
For more details about health and safety measures in place for travelling to Thailand, click here.
Turkey
A crossroads between Asia and Europe, the rich history and culture of Turkey attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Here, you will be spellbound by the mosques of Istanbul, the beautiful blue hues of the Bosporus and the mysterious caves of Cappadocia. Oh, and the temp is just gorgeous.
Dubai-Istanbul airfares starting from Dhs1,115 (Turkish Airlines). Abu Dhabi-Istanbul airfares starting from Dhs1,155 (Turkish Airlines).
Flight times from Dubai: 2.30am (Turkish Airline), 4.55am (Turkish Airlines), 8.40am (Turkish Airlines), 10.15am (Emirates), 10.40am (Turkish Airlines), 2.20pm (Emirates), 8.45pm (Fly Dubai).
Flight times from Abu Dhabi: 2.10am (Turkish Airlines), 9.30am (Etihad).
For more details about health and safety measures in place for travelling to Turkey, click here.
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