Tours to UAE from Astana: prices

From Astana to the Emirates, the most convenient way to fly is a direct flight to Dubai or Abu Dhabi — the journey takes about five hours. The best season for a holiday in the UAE is from October to April, when the temperature stays around 25–30 degrees. In summer, the air warms up above 40 degrees, but tour prices are noticeably lower.

Visa, flight and first steps in the Emirates

Tours to the UAE from Astana begin with simple steps that take less time than packing a suitcase. The capital of Kazakhstan is conveniently connected to the region, and the time difference is barely noticeable.

Entry documents and insurance

Before traveling to the Emirates, check the validity of your passport: registration takes place upon arrival, but check the exact conditions on the website of the MFA of the RK (https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa, date checked 04.09.2026). Medical insurance is not mandatory for entry, however tour operators often include it in the tour package. For a holiday in the UAE, this is convenient: when visiting a doctor, the expenses are covered by the policy, not by your personal budget. Take a printout of your hotel booking and return tickets. Keep copies of documents separately from the originals. At the arrival airport, tours to the UAE from Astana pass standard control quickly.

Direct flights and connections from the capital of Kazakhstan

Direct flights from Astana to Dubai and Abu Dhabi are operated by several airlines. Connection options through third countries are usually cheaper, but add several hours to the journey. The time difference between the capital of Kazakhstan and the Emirates is one hour. Acclimatization with such a shift is imperceptible. Night departures allow you to arrive in Dubai by morning. Take light clothing in your hand luggage. Trips to the UAE from Astana are convenient to start from Dubai, and from there move to other emirates.

How to choose an emirate for a holiday?

The seven emirates differ greatly in rhythm, prices and atmosphere. The choice depends on what you expect from a holiday in the UAE.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi: the rhythm of big cities

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are suitable for those who want to combine beaches with city life. Dubai is home to skyscrapers, shopping malls and water parks. Abu Dhabi is calmer, with more parks and museums. Hotels in both emirates are more expensive than in the north of the country. The beaches in Dubai are well-maintained, and entry to many of them is free. A holiday in the UAE in these cities requires a larger budget for taxis and entertainment. A bus runs between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the journey takes about two hours. For families with children, areas with developed infrastructure are convenient. Choose Dubai for dynamism, and Abu Dhabi for a measured pace.

Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and the northern emirates

Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah attract with nature and prices lower than the capital ones. In Ras Al Khaimah, mountain excursions and thermal springs are popular. Fujairah is known for its beaches on the Indian Ocean and diving. Sharjah is interesting for its museums and cultural districts. Ajman and Umm Al Quwain are small emirates with affordable hotels and a calm atmosphere. A holiday in the UAE here is quieter and cheaper than in Dubai. The journey from the airport takes from forty minutes to two hours. For a long holiday in the UAE, the northern emirates offer more privacy.

Choosing a hotel and transport

Accommodation and the way you get around determine how much time and money a holiday in the UAE will take. Both issues should be resolved in advance.

Accommodation categories and tourism fee

Hotels in the Emirates are divided into categories by stars, but the service in 5 stars and 4 stars differs greatly. Dubai has a tourism fee system, paid at hotel check-in. The amount depends on the room category and is calculated per night. Meals come in three types: bed and breakfast, half board and all inclusive. For beach holidays in the UAE, hotels with their own beach are convenient. When booking, check whether the fee is included in the tour price. In the northern emirates, accommodation prices are lower. Such trips from Astana often include transfer to the hotel.

Metro, taxi and car rental

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have developed public transport, including the metro, which allows you to save on taxis. The metro in Dubai is clean and runs until late at night. Taxis in the Emirates are more expensive than in Kazakhstan, but the rides are short. Car rental is available with an international license, but there are many toll roads and cameras in the cities. Fines for violations go to the renter, and are then charged to the card. For trips between emirates, a car is convenient. Within the city, it is easier to use the metro and buses. A holiday in the UAE without a car is also possible.

How to prepare for the trip?

Preparing for a holiday in the UAE takes less time than it seems. The main thing is to resolve issues with money and clothing.

Money, cards and tips

The dirham is the local currency, the exchange rate is pegged to the dollar, and exchange is more favorable in banks, not in hotels. Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted almost everywhere, but cash will come in handy at markets and in taxis. Take a little dollars or euros for exchange. ATMs in the Emirates are common. Tips in restaurants are usually already included in the bill; an additional 5–10% is left for good service. In taxis, tips are not mandatory. A holiday in the UAE does not require a large amount of cash. A trip to this country from the Kazakh capital is convenient to pay for by card before departure.

Clothing, water and rules of behavior

Tap water is not drinkable; hotels provide bottled water. To enter the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, women need a headscarf and covered clothing. Swimsuits are appropriate on the beaches, but modest outfits are better in the city. In summer, light fabrics and a hat are needed. In winter, a light jacket may be needed in the evening. A holiday in the UAE is comfortable if clothing covers the shoulders and knees in public places. Take sunscreen. Buy drinking water in stores.

What is important to know about local customs?

Local customs in the Emirates affect the schedule of establishments and the availability of drinks. These details should be considered in advance.

Ramadan, weekends and the operation of establishments

During Ramadan, many cafes are closed during the day, and in the evening special tents with iftar operate. Friday and Saturday are weekends in the UAE; on these days, beaches and shopping malls are overcrowded. During Ramadan, tourists should respect the fast. Stores operate on a reduced schedule. A holiday in the UAE during this period is calmer but requires flexibility. Sightseeing tours also follow a changed schedule. Such trips during Ramadan are cheaper. Check the opening hours of restaurants at the hotel.

Prohibition and norms in different emirates

Sharjah has prohibition; alcohol is sold only in licensed hotels. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, alcohol is available in bars and restaurants at hotels. The import of alcohol is restricted; check the exact norms on the UAE customs website (https://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae, date checked 04.09.2026). Drinking drinks on the street is not allowed. A holiday in the UAE in the northern emirates takes place without alcohol. In Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, the rules are stricter than in Dubai. Check the conditions of the specific hotel.

Briefly

• A direct flight from Astana to Dubai takes about five hours.
• The high season in the Emirates lasts from October to April.
• Dubai and Abu Dhabi are suitable for cities, the northern emirates — for beaches.