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Travelling from Nairobi to Dubai: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering where you'll catch your flight from Nairobi to Dubai. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Wilson Airport (WIL) are the main airports in Nairobi.
Dubai Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are Dubai's major gateways.
Hop on a direct Nairobi to Dubai flight and you'll be flying for an average of 5 hours 10 minutes.
Dubai is one hour ahead of Nairobi and observes the UTC+4 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Nairobi to Dubai is from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Dubai Airport (DXB). You can select from 26 services every week between these two airports. If you want to be on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from NBO to DXB is the 16:35 Emirates service. If you prefer to travel later, the final departure is at 23:20 with Kenya Airways.
To ensure you get on your Nairobi to Dubai flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Travelling during a popular month like July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Dubai
To secure cheap Nairobi to Dubai flights, book your journey one month before your planned departure.
April is the best month for scoring an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Nairobi to Dubai. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Finding a cheap flight from Nairobi to Dubai is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Find an affordable Nairobi to Dubai flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
If you're after a direct flight from Nairobi to Dubai, you can depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Travel from NBO to Dubai Airport (DXB) in one continuous trip.
Emirates is a popular airline that offers direct Nairobi to Dubai plane tickets leaving from NBO.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even explore a different city. When searching for Nairobi to Dubai flights leaving from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Mogadishu International Airport (MGQ)
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
The journey from central Nairobi to NBO takes around 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Searching for a handy hotel close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Nairobi to Dubai, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
67.1% of flights departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) to central Dubai takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 10 kilometres away.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 50 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to DXB if you have a late flight from Nairobi to Dubai. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Follow your own route with a Dubai Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from AMEX, Autostrad Rent A Car or Quicklease Car Hire and chase adventure across Dubai and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Dubai Airport about three weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
After your flight from Nairobi to Dubai has arrived, you can reach the city centre in around 45 minutes by car. Central Dubai is roughly 40 kilometres from Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 2 hours 5 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near DWC. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Nairobi to Dubai:
Quicklease Car Hire, Quick Drive and Golden Key Car Hire make picking up a Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport rental car quick and easy. These companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Securing your ride from DWC three weeks in advance often means lower prices and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Dubai
April is the quietest month for flights from Nairobi to Dubai, while January is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to visit Dubai based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Nairobi to Dubai ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Dubai to range from 30ºC to 42ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Nairobi to Dubai in January when temperatures average between 14ºC and 25ºC.
More about Dubai
Start your Dubai trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Nairobi to Dubai, explore our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall Heart and Desert safari tourism are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Dubai itinerary.
Explore more of United Arab Emirates
You've visited Dubai, now it's time to discover other corners of United Arab Emirates. Travel around 23 kilometres north-east to Sharjah to tick off its must-visit sights. From Al majaz waterfront to Petrofac and Al Montazah Park, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Abu Dhabi is another well-known destination in United Arab Emirates and is around 121 kilometres south-west of Dubai. No journey is complete without experiencing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Dubai and Qasr Al Watan.
