Flights from Basra to Dubai

Intriguing Dubai

Dubai provides a multifaceted experience that includes history, culture, and business. The food, array of shops and warm temperatures provide for interesting travel throughout the year.

Plan travel around holidays

The best time to travel, according to the weather, is between October and April when temperatures are cooler and average between 25° and 35° C. Summer temperatures can rise to 45°C. However, Dubai is still an excellent year-round travel destination because of its climate. It can be crowded around National Day on Dec 2 and the various Islamic holidays. The most important Islamic festival is Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. 

Things to know before you go

Those travelling to Dubai don't need special vaccines, only up to date routine innoculations. British citizens can apply for a 30-day visa upon arrival, but will face fines if visas are outstayed. The UAE has very strict regulations regarding alcohol consumption. There are also strict rules during Ramadan in that no one is allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public during the day. 

The time zone in Dubai is Gulf Standard Time (GST) and is three hours ahead of London UTC/GMT +4. It is cheaper to live and buy in Dubai than in London. Restaurants are, on average, 45 percent cheaper. Electronics can be bought inexpensively, but European goods are much more expensive. It is advised to remember that every price is negotiable, so haggle until the price drops.

Local information on transport, accommodation

There are options for both public transportation and taxis from Dubai airport. There are two metros which run Saturday through Thursday between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. They also run on Fridays from 1 p.m. until midnight. The red line metro stops at Terminals 1 and 3 every 10 minutes. The green line metro stops at the Airport Free Zone near Terminal 2. As for pricing, the red ticket is the best option for tourists because it is cheap and convenient, reducing normal prices by around 50 percent. It allows a maximum of 10 trips and is valid for 90 days. Other prices are approximately 4 AED for 1 zone, 6 AED for two zones, and 8.50 AED for three zones. A single ticket for the metro or a bus is inexpensive with an average price of 4 AED. The buses stop at all terminals from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. The bus numbers are 4, 11, 15, 33 and 44. Taxis are available and cost more than public transportation, but nevertheless less than in the United Kingdom because petrol is inexpensive in Dubai. 

Accommodation comes in a variety of options. Hostels offer budget accommodation from around 100 AED. A single hotel room will cost approximately 800 AED. It is best to book rooms early during the peak tourist season, which lasts from September until May.