Travelling to Maldives from the UAE: A complete guide
Maldives attracts tourists from all over the world. With exotic islands, sparkling beaches, unmatched luxury and a variety of activities, this gorgeous destination is particularly popular with UAE residents. Planning a holiday there? We’ve got all the information you need to travel from the UAE to the Maldives.
Major Attractions
Maldives is an island nation located in South Asia that has garnered a reputation for being a tourist hotspot. It’s currently one of the most popular destinations for those travelling from the UAE, since it offers visas on arrival for residents.
With turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, waterside villas and untouched nature, the Maldives is known for its tropical charm and balmy coastal temperatures.
There is plenty to do on the island. You can go deep diving to watch the manta rays and sea turtles, or enjoy a performance of the traditional Boduberu (a popular folk dance). Also, make sure to visit Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll. Often called the Sea of Stars, Vadhoo boasts an abundance of plankton that shimmer in the night, swept onshore by the tides, making the surrounding waters appear as if they are filled with stars.
Visa Information
The first thing you need to consider when planning a trip from the UAE to the Maldives is the visa requirements. Fortunately, travellers from the UAE don’t need a visa pre-approval as the Maldives issues a 30-day visa on arrival to all nationalities.
To receive a visa upon arrival in the Maldives, you must provide the following documents.
- A passport or travel document that is valid for at least one month.
- Sufficient funds to cover the cost of the stay in the Maldives. You can show a confirmation of the resort reservation.
- A valid ticket for your journey out of the Maldives within the stipulated time frame.
Currency and Costs
The Rufiyaa (Rf) is the official currency of the Maldives. 1 AED = 4.14 Rufiyaa.
Wondering how much does a trip to the Maldives cost from the UAE? The travelling cost varies depending on the season, length of stay and type of accommodation. Staying in hotels and resorts can be expensive, as they are luxurious locations. Guesthouses are an excellent alternative for those seeking budget-friendly accommodations. The hotel stay can cost anything from AED 300 to AED 6,000.
The UAE to the Maldives ticket price also varies depending on the time of the year. You can also choose UAE’s budget airlines for cheap flights to the Maldives from the UAE. If you are flying with Emirates, the return ticket from Dubai and Male will cost you AED 4,855 onwards, while the flights via FlyDubai start from AED 3,307.
Flight Booking
Several airlines offer both direct and connecting flights from the UAE to the Maldives. These include Emirates Airlines, flydubai, Qatar Airways, IndiGo and SpiceJet. You can fly from the Dubai International Airport to Gan Airport in Gan Island or the Velana International Airport in Male. The flight duration from Dubai to Male is 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Accommodation
Some luxury hotels in the Maldives include:
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
- Anantara Veli Maldives Resort
- Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
- The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Hard Rock Hotel Maldives
- Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort
The Maldives offers numerous budget-friendly accommodation options. These include Ameera Maldives, Lagoon Villa Thoddoo, Crown Beach Hotel, TME Retreats Dhigurah and Liberty Guest House.
Getting Around
Depending on your mode of transport and location, the cost of transportation when visiting the Maldives can change.
Here are three UAE to Maldives travel tips:
- Domestic flight: A domestic flight may be required if you’re moving between islands in the Maldives.
- Speedboat: Many hotels, resorts and inns provide speedboat transportation from the airport to their locations.
- Public ferry – If you’re on a tight budget, you can take a public ferry between some of the Maldives’ islands. Although the price is typically lower, the journey duration may be longer, and the schedules may be less frequent.
FAQS ABOUT UAE to Maldives travel
What is the flight time from the UAE to the Maldives?
The minimum UAE to Maldives travel time is approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives from the UAE?
If you’re planning UAE to Maldives travel, the appropriate time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is dry, sunny and ideal for beach holidays. This period offers the calmest seas, making it perfect for diving, snorkelling and island hopping.
IS MALDIVES AN EXPENSIVE DESTINATION?
Yes, the Maldives is considered an expensive option due to greater lodging costs and traveller taxes. However, from May to November, prices drop significantly during the rather ‘wet’ season.
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And this concludes our blog on the Maldives travel guide for UAE residents. Note that the island is one of the destinations UAE residents can visit without a visa. So what are you waiting for? Plan a Maldives trip from the UAE this summer!!!
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