Nauryz in UAE from Almaty: tours

Nauryz in the UAE falls on March 21–23, but there are no official days off in the Emirates: banks, offices and government institutions work as usual. For a tourist from Almaty this is convenient — hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, excursions, parks and beaches in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are open without holiday restrictions. March is high season, it is worth booking accommodation 2–3 months before departure.

Nauryz Meiramy in the Emirates: what awaits a tourist from Almaty

The spring holiday in the Emirates is modest, because for locals these are ordinary working days. A tourist from Almaty should know that Nauryz in the UAE is not accompanied by official days off.

Holiday dates and the country's working rhythm

The holiday in the UAE falls on March 21–23, but public days off are not provided on these days. Banks, government institutions and offices work on a standard schedule. For tourists from Almaty this is even more convenient: shopping malls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are open without holiday restrictions. Excursions, amusement parks and beaches also operate as usual. Holiday fairs or mass festivities, as in Kazakhstan, are not held here. It is celebrated mainly by people from Central Asia — in the circle of family and diaspora. A tourist from Almaty should check the working hours of specific establishments in advance if the trip coincides with these dates.

Time difference with Kazakhstan

The time difference between Almaty and the Emirates is only one hour. Almaty lives by UTC+5, and the UAE — by UTC+4. Acclimatization during the flight is practically not felt. A tourist from Almaty can safely plan a busy first day without long rest. Morning flights arrive in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and by lunchtime you can already go for a walk. In the evening, the one-hour difference hardly interferes with sleep. For a short trip of 4–5 days, such a shift is a noticeable plus.

When to fly and how to choose trip dates?

March in the Emirates is a transitional month: it is already hot during the day, while evenings remain comfortable. The choice of trip dates depends on the budget, school holidays and the desired balance between beach and excursions.

Ticket prices in March and spring holidays

In March, the cost of a flight from Almaty to Dubai is noticeably higher than in the winter months. The reason is school spring holidays and the general growth in demand for the destination. Tickets for Air Astana, flydubai and Emirates flights are snapped up quickly, especially for dates around March 8 and the end of the month. For a tourist from Almaty, it is more profitable to look at options 2–3 months before departure. A flight to Abu Dhabi is sometimes cheaper than to Dubai, but you will have to take into account the road between the emirates. Departure on a weekday, rather than on Friday or Saturday, also lowers the price. Flexible dates plus early booking are the main way to save on a trip to the Emirates in spring.

High season and hotel booking

March in the Emirates is the peak of high season, and Dubai hotels raise prices accordingly. Accommodation should be booked 2–3 months before the trip, otherwise the choice will narrow to expensive options. In Abu Dhabi, accommodation prices are on average lower than in Dubai, with a comparable level of service. A tourist from Almaty can save by staying in Sharjah or Ajman and going to Dubai for an excursion. Beach hotels in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are also in demand in March, especially on weekends. Early booking in the Emirates is not marketing, but real savings.

Visa, documents and entry rules

Preparation for a trip to the Emirates begins with documents, and here a tourist from Almaty has a noticeable advantage. Citizens of Kazakhstan do not need a preliminary visa for a short trip.

Visa-free regime for Kazakhstanis

Citizens of Kazakhstan can enter the UAE without preliminary clearance for up to 30 days. This is enough for a short spring vacation, including a trip for Nauryz. The passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry. A tourist from Almaty should check the validity of the document in advance so as not to reissue it in a hurry. At the border in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, they may ask for a return ticket and confirmation of hotel booking. It is better to clarify current requirements before departure with official authorities, since the rules are periodically updated.

Insurance and medical formalities

Medical insurance for tourists with visa-free entry to the Emirates is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended. Medicine in the UAE is high-quality and expensive, and an insurance policy covers unforeseen expenses. A tourist from Almaty should take out a policy with coverage for active recreation if trips to Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah are planned. No special vaccinations are required for a trip to the Emirates. It is better to take a first-aid kit with usual medicines with you, since some medicines in local pharmacies are dispensed by prescription. It is convenient to store copies of documents and the policy in your phone in case the original is lost.

How to get there and where to stay?

The logistics of a trip to the Emirates from Almaty are conveniently arranged: direct flights, the metro in Dubai and a developed network of hotels for any budget. The choice of emirate for accommodation depends on what is more important — city or beach.

Direct flights from Almaty and airport transfer

Direct flights Almaty — Dubai are operated by Air Astana, flydubai and Emirates, travel time is about four and a half hours. From Dubai airport to the city center it is convenient to get by metro: the red line connects the terminals with key districts. The fare depends on the zone, payment can be made with a transport card. Taxis in Dubai are comfortable, but will cost more than the metro, especially during rush hours. A tourist from Almaty flying to Abu Dhabi can get to the city by bus or taxi. For a trip to Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, car rental is more convenient than public transport, since bus service between the emirates is poorly developed.

Comparison of accommodation prices by emirate

Dubai remains the most expensive emirate for accommodation, especially in high season. Abu Dhabi offers comparable service at more moderate prices. Sharjah attracts families with its calm atmosphere and affordable hotels. Ajman is the smallest emirate, known for its beaches and the Ajman Saray hotel; from Dubai it takes about 30–40 minutes by car. Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are suitable for those who want privacy and nature. Umm Al Quwain is the least touristy emirate, interesting for its mangroves and measured pace.

What to consider when travelling around the emirates

A trip to the UAE in March coincides with Ramadan, and this affects the country's daily rhythm. A tourist from Almaty should plan transport and payment methods in advance.

Ramadan and how establishments operate

In 2025, Ramadan in the UAE begins around 1 March and lasts about a month. During the daytime, some cafes and restaurants are closed or operate on a changed schedule. A tourist from Almaty should choose hotels with breakfast to avoid looking for food in the morning. In shopping malls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, food courts usually operate, but with restrictions. Eating and drinking outdoors during daylight hours is not customary. In the evening after sunset, iftars open — special festive dinners that are worth trying. Ramadan in the UAE does not hinder holidays if local customs are taken into account.

Car rental, transport between the emirates and payment

Car rental in the UAE is convenient for trips between the emirates, especially to Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Intercity buses run, but the schedule is limited, and getting to remote resorts without a car is difficult. In the UAE, there is a system of fines for traffic violations, so before renting it is worth carefully studying local traffic rules. A tourist from Almaty needs an international driving permit and a bank card for the deposit. Payment in the UAE is predominantly by card; cash dirhams will be useful for markets and taxis. Sharjah has a dry law: alcohol in public places is prohibited, this is important to consider when choosing an emirate for a holiday.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, https://icp.gov.ae/en/. The information on this page was verified on 14.09.2026.

In short

• Nauryz in the UAE is a regular working day, without official days off.
• The time difference with Almaty is one hour, acclimatisation is almost unnoticeable.
• March is high season, hotels are worth booking 2–3 months in advance.
• Direct flights from Almaty to Dubai take about four and a half hours.
• Ramadan changes the schedule of cafes and restaurants during the daytime.