Dubai, famous for its magnificent skyline, high-end attractions, and energetic culture, is the hub of tourists around the globe. Once you have seen the tourist places and sightseeing attractions in Dubai, you may be interested in expanding your travel plans to nearby countries. The good news is that its geographical location puts Dubai as the entry point for some of the world's most exciting destinations. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 5 countries you can visit near Dubai, covering visa requirements, tickets, short itineraries, and how to get there.
1. Turkey
Visa Requirements:
UAE residents can apply for a Turkish e-visa online. UAE nationals can enjoy visa-free travel to Turkey for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Flights and Tickets:
Flights directly from Dubai to Istanbul take around 5 hours. The best airlines offering these flights are Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Flydubai. Depending on the season, the starting price for a ticket is around AED 1,200 round trip.
Short Itinerary:
Day 1: Visit Istanbul's historical landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Day 2: Go shopping at Grand Bazaar and cruise along Bosphorus.
Day 3: Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia or cultural visit to Ephesus.
How to Go There:
Direct flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Istanbul Airport (IST). The country offers the most diversified landscapes and rich history, making it an ideal getaway.
2. Sri Lanka
Visa Requirements:
UAE residents can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online for tourist visits. Visa on arrival is also available for UAE nationals.
Flights and Tickets:
It takes about 4.5 hours to fly from Dubai to Colombo. Emirates, Flydubai, and SriLankan Airlines offer direct flights, and the price begins at AED 900.
Short Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore the streets of Colombo and Galle Face Green.
Day 2: Visit Kandy to see the Temple of the Tooth Relic and tea plantations.
Day 3: Enjoy the beaches of Bentota or take a safari at Yala National Park.
How to Go There:
From Dubai International Airport (DXB), take a direct flight to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Sri Lanka is just next door, perfect for a quick getaway.
3. Armenia
Visa Requirements
UAE citizens can travel to Armenia visa-free. For others, an e-visa can be obtained online.
Flights and Tickets
Flights from Dubai to Yerevan take about 3.5 hours. Flydubai and Air Arabia offer direct flights, and ticket prices start at AED 800.
Short Itinerary:
Day 1: Tour around Yerevan, like visiting Republic Square, Cascade Complex, and Vernissage Market.
Day 2: Travel to Lake Sevan for fantastic scenery and the ancient monastery of Noravank for a glimpse of history.
Day 3: Explore Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery as both are world heritage sites from UNESCO.
How to Get There:
Fly straight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). With its incredible mix of nature and ancient past, Armenia offers travelers a fundamental change of scene.
4. Thailand
Visa Requirements:
Emiratis can travel to Thailand visa-free and stay for up to 30 days. Depending on their nationality, other citizens can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa.
Flights and Tickets:
A direct flight from Dubai to Bangkok takes approximately 6 hours. Emirates, Flydubai, and Thai Airways conduct multiple flights daily. The ticket prices range from AED 1,400.
Short Itinerary:
Day 1: Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and street markets in Bangkok.
Day 2: Visit the floating markets and take a day trip to Ayutthaya for historical ruins.
Day 3: Relax at Phuket's beaches or enjoy the nightlife in Pattaya.
How to Go There:
Take a direct flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Thailand's vibrant culture and tropical charm make it a favorite among Dubai travelers.
5. Azerbaijan
Visa Requirements:
UAE residents can apply for an e-visa online. UAE nationals do not require a visa and can stay for up to 30 days.
Flights and Tickets:
The flight from Dubai to Baku takes approximately 3 hours. Flights are available directly from Flydubai and Azerbaijan Airlines, and ticket prices start from AED 700.
Short Itinerary:
Day 1: Old City of Baku, Flame Towers, and Baku Boulevard
Day 2: Gobustan National Park- ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes.
Day 3: Day trip to Gabala or Sheki for incredible landscapes and cultural landmarks.
How to Get There:
Fly direct from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). Azerbaijan is a perfect destination for those who love a mix of modernity and tradition.
Why Fly from Dubai?
Dubai’s central location connects travelers to some of the most exciting destinations in under 6 hours. After exploring Dubai tourist places, Dubai sightseeing places, and Dubai tourist spots, these countries offer unique cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and scenic beauty, making them ideal extensions to your travel plans.
Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, nature’s tranquility, or vibrant nightlife, these nearby countries have something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and embark on a journey beyond Dubai’s glittering skyline!
