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One of the great things about living in Dubai is that you’re just a four-hour flight from one-third of the world’s population. That means it’s a great time to explore unique travel spots that are easily accessible, from popular nearby getaways like the Maldives and Oman to lesser-known destinations like Almaty and AlUla.
Here are 16 amazing destinations within a 4-hour flight from Dubai.
Kazakhstan, Almaty
Getting there: Emirates and Fly Dubai offer direct flights from DXB to Almaty, with a journey time of 4 hours.
For adventure seekers… With its stunning scenery and fascinating architecture, the mountainous region of Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city and business and cultural center. Enjoy the great outdoors by day with hiking, skiing, paragliding, and horseback riding, and by night, catch live music, club-hop, check out art galleries, and visit breweries. The best time to visit is from June to September, when temperatures remain moderate between 20 °C and 30 °C.
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Getting there: Flynas and Fly Dubai fly direct from DXB to AlUla, with a journey time of 3 hours.
This ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site is sure to be on your bucket list, offering countless experiences in some of Saudi Arabia’s most beautiful and pristine landscapes. The site was opened to international travelers for the first time in 2020, allowing visitors to explore a remarkable and rich historical and archaeological site. Even though AlUla has experienced over 200,000 years of history, it is also transforming into a center of arts, health, culture and entertainment. Where to stay? Check out the luxurious Habitus AlUla or the newly opened Banyan His Tree.
beirut, lebanon
Getting there: Emirates and Fly Dubai offer direct flights from DXB to Beirut, with flight times of approximately 4.5 hours.
Also known as the Paris of the Middle East, Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is a fascinating destination and one of the world’s oldest cities. Full of energy and character, you can spend days sightseeing, socializing, and shopping. The people of Beirut are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, and traveling to Beirut is very flexible depending on the type of traveler and budget. Where to stay? For a boutique stay in the city’s arts district, check out Arthouse Beirut.
cairo, egypt
Getting there: Emirates flies direct from DXB to Cairo, with a flight time of approximately 4 hours.
Visit one of the world’s oldest wonders in Cairo. Interesting fact: Of the original Seven Wonders of the World, only the iconic Pyramids of Giza remain. Egypt’s capital, located on the Nile River, is also known for its museums, medieval mosques, lively souks, and citadels. The most popular period is between October and April.
colombo, sri lanka
Getting there: Emirates flies direct from DXB to Colombo with a flight time of 4 hours.
If you’re looking for a holiday filled with just the right amount of adventure, culture and wellness, look no further than Sri Lanka. Say “Ayubowan” (hello) to the endless green landscapes, plantations, wildlife, rainforests and waterfalls. You can fit as many day trips into your itinerary as you like (taking time to sip locally made tea by the infinity pool is totally fine and encouraged). Main tourist attractions in Sri Lanka include riding the picturesque train from Kandy to Ella, climbing Sigiriya His Rock, and checking out beautiful beaches such as Dalawela.
doha, qatar
Getting there: Fly Dubai flies direct from DXB to DOH and the flight time is approximately 1 hour.
The vibrant and rapidly growing city of Doha is just an hour away from Dubai and is waiting to be explored. From breathtaking art and high-end shopping to desert adventures and epic water parks, this multicultural city has plenty to offer for every kind of traveler. Get inspired by the impressive architecture of Qatar National Museum and Museum of Islamic Art. Escape to Purple Island to reconnect with nature. See breathtaking structures in the desert in East/West/West East by Richard Serra.
goa, india
How to get there: Air India flies direct from DXB to Goa with a flight time of approximately 3 hours.
For those looking for a tropical beach vacation, this small coastal state of India is the perfect choice. Whether it’s a last-minute getaway, a romantic getaway or a family getaway, Goa is full of memories. The most popular period is from November to February, and from March to May, when temperatures begin to rise, the beaches are considerably less crowded. June to October is the monsoon season. Where to visit? Dudhsagar waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in India and the famous Palolem beach. Are you ready to go to Goa?
Gudauri, Georgia
How to get there: Emirates and Fly Dubai fly direct to Tbilisi (2 hours drive from Gudauri), with a flight time of approximately 3.5 hours.
This Eastern European destination is becoming increasingly popular among UAE residents looking to make the snowy mountains their playground due to its affordable accommodation and proximity to the emirate. The best ski resort in the country is Gudauri, located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Thanks to its high altitude and impressive snowfall, which can reach up to 2.5 meters. In addition to skiing, the slopes also offer exhilarating experiences such as snow tubing, heli-skiing, and freeriding. The food and wine sector is also booming, with an increasing influx of hotels, restaurants and bars in the area.
jaipur, india
Getting there: Air India flies direct to Jaipur, starting from Dhs849
Just a three-hour flight from Dubai, India’s gorgeous Pink City is a feast for the senses. From architectural wonders and beautiful palaces to bustling markets and amazing street food, Jaipur is the perfect blend of heritage, adventure, and luxury. The most popular period is from October to March. The Holi festival, which will be held in Jaipur on March 8, is a must-visit and bucket-list experience.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Getting there: Flydubai and Nepal Airlines offer direct flights to Kathmandu, starting at Dh1,387 and taking approximately 4 hours.
Enjoy a rich blend of simplicity, history, spirituality and natural beauty in this unique destination. Discover the charm of the historic buildings of Durbar Square, enjoy spiritual tranquility at Swayambhunath Stupa, and explore Thamel’s narrow alleys for unique souvenirs. Savor a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional momos to exotic Newar cuisine. Kathmandu offers a tranquil getaway against the backdrop of the Himalayas, a world away from Dubai yet just a four-hour flight away.
Cyprus, Larnaca
Getting there: Emirates flies direct from DXB to Larnaca, with a flight time of approximately 4 hours.
Larnaca is a 600-year-old coastal city in Cyprus known for its beautiful palm-lined beaches, wonderful climate, famous salt lakes, and ancient gemstones. The island is divided into Turkish and Greek halves, allowing him to immerse himself in two different cultures in one trip. If you’re interested in diving, be sure to visit the Zenobia Shipwreck in Larnaca. This is said to be one of the best diving spots in the world.
Mahe Island, Seychelles
Getting there: Emirates flies direct from DXB to Mahe Island, with a flight time of just over 4 hours.
Located in the Indian Ocean, Mahe Island is the third largest island in the Seychelles archipelago and is a beach lover’s paradise with year-round sunshine. Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches, hiking through the rainforest, and wandering through the colorful markets stocked with fresh fruit, handicrafts, and fish. From Mahe, you can also easily explore other islands by boat hopping.
male, maldives
Getting there: Fly Dubai and Emirates offer direct flights from DXB to Male, with flight times of approximately 4 hours.
A place that needs no introduction, the Maldives is the perfect island getaway to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. From aqua blue waters to unique hotels, you’ll be spoiled for choice on why to visit the Maldives.
Petra, Jordan
Getting there: Emirates flies direct from DXB to Amman, taking approximately 3.5 hours.
Explore the must-see historic sites of the Rose City of Petra, approximately a 3-hour drive from Amman. To experience Petra by night by candlelight, we recommend staying at least one night at the 90-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to enjoy the best views, wear comfortable shoes as you will have to do a lot of walking. Other nearby attractions you can explore during your stay: Wadi Rum, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea.
red sea, saudi arabia
Getting there: Fly Dubai flies direct from DXB to the Red Sea, with a flight time of approximately 3 hours.
A luxury destination located on the northwest coast of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea is one of the last unspoiled natural landscapes and a haven for adventurers, luxury travelers, and luxury vacation seekers. It is promised that it will happen. He currently has two resorts open on the Red Sea, with a third scheduled to welcome guests later this month. Once completed by 2030, visitors will be able to choose from a total of 50 hotels scattered between land and island. Those looking for a secluded, luxurious desert escape can stay at Six Senses Southern Dunes, while those looking to enjoy a slice of island paradise can stay at the newly opened St. Regis Red Sea Resort You can select.
Oman, Salalah
Getting There: Emirates and Fly Dubai offer direct flights to Salalah, with flight times of approximately 2 hours.
Salalah is located in Oman’s Dhofar province and is known for its sunny skies, banana plantations, beautiful beaches, and marine life. From picture-perfect waterfalls (Ain Atum) to white sand beaches surrounded by green mountains, Salalah is a must-see destination for every UAE resident.
Image: What’s On/Unsplash
