Cheap Flights to Dubai from Australia
Dubai is the Middle East's gleaming powerhouse — a city where you can ski indoors in the morning, ride camels at sunset and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant by night. The skyline is unforgettable, the shopping is world-class and the experiences are unmatched.
At iFly.au we compare hundreds of fares across 500+ airlines to find you the best deal on flights to Dubai from Australia — including direct flights on Emirates and Qantas from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. No booking fees, genuine expert advice.
Dubai — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~14 hours (direct)
Flight time from Perth
~11 hours (direct)
Best time for cheap fares
May–August (summer)
Peak season
November–March (cool weather)
Main airport
Dubai International (DXB)
Visa required
Free 30-day on arrival
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED د.إ)
Top Things to Do in Dubai
Burj Khalifa & At the Top
The world's tallest building at 828 metres. Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck for jaw-dropping views over Dubai, the desert and the Arabian Gulf. Book sunset for the best experience.
The Dubai Mall & Fountains
More than 1,200 stores, an aquarium, an ice rink and the famous Dubai Fountain show every 30 minutes from dusk. The largest shopping destination on earth.
Desert Safari & Dune Bashing
A must-do half-day experience. 4WD over towering red dunes, watch the sunset from a Bedouin camp, ride camels and enjoy a traditional Arabic feast under the stars.
Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis
The world-famous artificial palm-shaped island, home to the iconic Atlantis hotel, Aquaventure waterpark and pristine beaches. Take the monorail to take in the scale.
Dubai Marina & JBR Beach
A glittering canal city of skyscrapers, yachts and waterfront restaurants. Walk the Marina promenade or relax on the white sand at Jumeirah Beach Residence beach.
Old Dubai — Al Fahidi & Souks
Step back in time at the Al Fahidi historic district, then cross Dubai Creek by abra (water taxi) to the bustling Gold Souk and aromatic Spice Souk.
When to Fly to Dubai
May to August is Dubai's low season — fares are cheapest because temperatures regularly hit 40°C+. The city is built for it (indoor everything, air-conditioned everywhere), so it's still a great trip if you can handle the heat. Peak season is November to March when temperatures are pleasant (20–28°C). Avoid Christmas, New Year, and Dubai Shopping Festival (Dec–Jan) when fares are highest.
Dubai's Airports
DXB
Dubai International Airport
One of the world's busiest airports and Emirates' home base. Modern, efficient and 15 minutes from downtown by Dubai Metro. The Emirates A380 lounges are legendary.
DWC
Al Maktoum International
Dubai's secondary airport, located 40km south of the city. Used mainly by budget carriers and cargo. Check which airport your flight uses to avoid confusion.
Getting Around Dubai
The Dubai Metro is fast, modern and air-conditioned — get a Nol card at any station. Taxis and rideshare (Careem, Uber) are affordable and the best option for areas the Metro doesn't reach. Walking is uncomfortable in summer; stick to malls and indoor air-conditioning.
Before You Fly
- Visa: Australian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in Dubai. Just present your passport and you're through. For longer stays, apply for a visa extension before expiry.
- Dress code: Dubai is more liberal than other parts of the UAE but modest dress is appreciated, especially in mosques and government buildings. Shoulders covered, knees covered.
- Alcohol: Available in hotel restaurants and bars (legal age 21). Do not drink in public spaces or get intoxicated in public — penalties are serious.
- Travel Insurance: Medical costs in Dubai can be very high for visitors. Comprehensive cover is essential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Dubai?
Emirates operates the most direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Qantas codeshares with Emirates on many routes. Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and Qatar Airways (via Doha) also serve Australian travellers to Dubai with one stop.
Is there a direct flight from Australia to Dubai?
Yes — Emirates flies direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Dubai. Qantas operates direct flights from select cities. Flight times are around 11–14 hours depending on departure city.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Dubai?
May to August is the low season with the cheapest fares — be ready for 40°C+ heat. Peak season (when fares are highest) runs November to March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid Christmas, New Year and the Dubai Shopping Festival period.
Do Australians need a visa for Dubai?
No — Australian passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in Dubai. Simply present your passport at immigration. For longer stays, you can apply for an extension before it expires.
What's the best Dubai stopover for longer trips to Europe?
Dubai is an ideal stopover en route to Europe or the UK — Emirates and Qantas both offer attractive stopover packages. Even 2–3 days in Dubai is enough to see the highlights and break up the long-haul journey.