More Information about Dubai

Destination Overview

Dubai is the largest and most populated city in the United Arab Emirates. With some of the most expensive hotels in the world, it is one of the most expensive cities in the Middle East. Having been called the “shopping capital of the Middle East”, Dubai has over 70 shopping centers including the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping center. Dubai has a large range of activities and attractions to offer tourists, including Dubai Creek Park which features attractions such as the Dolphinarium, Cable Car, Camel Ride, Horse Carriage and Exotic Birds Shows. With their beautiful beaches, Dubai truly has something to offer everyone.

Flying to Dubai

1. Which airports serve Colombo to Dubai?

Bandaranaike International Airport is the most popular airport serving flights from Colombo to Dubai and it is the main international airport for Sri Lanka. It is located about 32.5 km north of Colombo. Flights from Colombo to Dubai primarily land at Dubai International Airport.

2. Which airlines operate flights from Colombo to Dubai?

Emirates is the major provider for these flights, with daily departures and no connections required. Flydubai and Srilankan also offer daily departures with no connections. Other airlines, including Air India, Cathay, China Eastern, IndiGo, Jet Airways, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman Air, Singapore, SpiceJet, Saudi Arabian, Thai and Turkish also offer daily departures but require a connection. China Southern, Gulf Air, JAL, Korean, KLM, and UIA offer some additional departures throughout the week as well.

3. How long is the flight?

If you booked a direct flight from Colombo to Dubai, you can expect the flight to take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. However, there are many other options that may take upwards of 7 hours with layovers included. Colombo is 1 hour and 30 minutes ahead of Dubai.

4. Climate changes between Colombo to Dubai

While Colombo’s warm temperature is consistent throughout the year, Dubai experiences more varied weather with extreme heat from May through September. Dubai has very little rain, while Colombo has two monsoon seasons, with most rain falling between May and August and again between October and January.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

Dubai’s currency is the UAE Dirham and it can be acquired at most Dubai banks, international airports, hotels and currency exchange providers located in large malls. Credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa can be used at ATMs to obtain currency as well.

A visitor visa is required to enter the UAE if you are visiting as a tourist for 30 days or less. It can be obtained upon arrival in Dubai.

City Information

As one of the most expensive cities in the Middle East, visiting Dubai may be a bit of a shock to the pocketbook. Dubai’s economy largely relies on revenues from tourism, and with tourism being so popular in Dubai, there is much to see and do.

The Burj Al Arab hotel should not be missed. Sitting on its own artificial island, this hotel is Dubai's signature building. Some other places and activities of interest include its beautiful beaches, Dubai Creek Park, Dubai Mall, guided tours of the desert, and Dubai Museum.

With a truly international restaurant scene, Dubai has something to appeal to every taste profile. Alcohol is available in hotels, restaurants, and pubs.