Skyscanner’s Everywhere search shows you the cheapest flights from your nearest airport, allowing you to see all the bargain direct flights on a particular date (especially useful to make the most of the UAE’s public holidays this year!) or at the cheapest time of year. Read more about the tool here.
Or, here’s some of our favorite destinations, all just a single plane ride away…
Cheap Direct Flights From Dubai
| Destination | Flights Starting From |
| Oman | AED 477 |
| Bahrain | AED 497 |
| India | AED 533 |
| Pakistan | AED 741 |
| Poland | AED 762 |
| Saudi Arabia | AED 772 |
| Hungary | AED 806 |
| Turkey | AED 838 |
| Nepal | AED 846 |
| Georgia | AED 943 |
| Denmark | AED 1,014 |
| Philippines | AED 1,032 |
Direct Flights: Under 4 hours from Dubai
Tbilisi, Georgia
Approximately 3 hours, 30 minutes away
This former Soviet republic is a 3.5 hour flight from Dubai, so it’s perfect for a long weekend trip or an Eid escape. Tbilisi, the capital, sits on the banks of the Kura River and it dates back to the 5th Century. It has lots of new restaurants and cafes to try, as well as beautiful botanical gardens, and some sulfur baths where you can relax with the Tbilisi locals.
Jaipur, India
Approximately 3 hours away
It takes 3 hours to arrive in India’s ‘Pink City’, making it an easy place to visit for a short trip. Hire a driver for a few days and ask them to take you to the Hawa Mahal (the palace which gives the city the ‘Pink’ title), the City Palace, and one (or more) of the many, many forts. Some of the most stunning include the Jaigarh Fort, which overlooks the city and gives you an idea of just how vast Jaipur is. There’s also the Amber Fort, about 13km from the city center, which has some beautiful displays of precious stone wall and ceiling mosaics. And you don’t have to slum it on a trip to India, even luxury is very affordable. A room at the boutique Lebua Resort costs from around Dh500 and is about a 30 minute drive out of the city. It has a Spa by L’Occitane, swimming pool, and opportunities to go on a jeep safari and star gazing trips.
Amman, Jordan
Approximately 3 hours, 30 minutes away
While many of the short-haul Middle East destinations are sadly now off-limits, Jordan is still as popular as ever. It’s just 3 hours from Dubai and has some of the world’s most incredible historic tombs carved into the distinctive ancient city of Petra. Amman itself is a very family friendly city so easy to take the children away for a long weekend. Visit its citadel, museums and Roman theater, and make sure to enjoy its local cuisine.
Direct Flights: Under 5 hours from Dubai
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Approximately 4 hours, 30 minutes away
The beauty of Sri Lanka is you’ll always find somewhere on the island with good weather, all year round. If you want dry weather, head to the north and east of the island between May and September, or to the south and west between December and March. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, do the opposite!
There are some glorious beaches near Colombo, or hire a car and go off on a mini road trip. If you’re a surfer, Arugam Bay on the east coast has a thriving diving scene and lots of cheap and cheerful guest houses to rest after a day on the waves. If you prefer to be inland, take a tour of one the many tea plantations near Kandy in the mountains. You can either drive or take a stunning train journey.
Larnaca, Cyprus
Approximately 4 hours, 30 minutes away
As well as being an excellent place to get married, Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean’s best islands with arguably some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Check out Nissi Beach, one of the 15 most popular beaches in the world, or Cape Greco, which is a few miles away from Ayia Napa but feels like a world away from the infamous party town. Larnaca itself is a pleasant hybrid of modern shops and cafes, and archaeological landmarks.
Direct Flights: Under 6 hours from Dubai
Bucharest, Romania
Approximately 5 hours, 35 minutes away
Bucharest is probably in the top 5 of Europe’s most exotic – and chaotic – cities. There is plenty to love about Bucharest. Visit the Cișmigiu Gardens and watch old men battling over games of chess, or wander to the 15th-century Old Court where you’ll find a statue of Romania’s most famous celebrity, Vlad the Impaler (a.k.a Dracula). The city has a busy music and dance diary so check what’s on before you visit to avoid missing out.
Moscow, Russia
Approximately 5 hours, 40 minutes away
Once you’ve secured your visa, head to Moscow for a cultural holiday. Visit St Basil’s Cathedral, one of Moscow’s most iconic buildings that lies to the east of The Kremlin, a must-see on any trip to Russia’s capital city, as is the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, the State Historical Museum and the Bolshoi Theater. The country’s national theater is considered one of the best of its kind in the world and tickets sell out fast, so book early.
Direct Flights: Under 7 hours from Dubai
Bratislava, Slovakia
Approximately 6 hours, 30 minutes away
This is one of the cheapest European holidays you could have without sacrificing culture or beauty. It dates back to around 500BC but is much less visited than its neighbor, Prague. Its tiny old town is about a kilometer square so it’s a good city to explore on foot. You should also take in some of the contemporary galleries – including Danubiana, which is built on a thin stretch of land that juts out into the Danube just south of the city, as well as the old 18th-century pastel buildings.
Mauritius
Approximately 6 hours, 40 minutes away
Because of its history as a Dutch, French and British colony, Mauritius has a very diverse culture. It has a reputation as a honeymoon hotspot but if you prefer adventure holidays to lying on a beach all day, Mauritius has plenty to offer. Dive alongside whale sharks in the crystal clear ocean, hike up one of the many volcanic island summits, or kayak down a fast-flowing river. When you’re finished for the day, relax on the private white sandy beach at the Solana Beach Resort, where rooms cost as little as Dh500 a night.
More travel tips:
Travel News: New routes from the UAE in 2019
Best places to find halal food around the world
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Places to Eat: Best Restaurants in Dubai
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*Published February 2019. Prices correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
