Travel to Maldives from Dubai

The Maldives — just four hours away from Dubai, yet it feels like another world.
A world of overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and sunsets that look unreal until you’re standing there yourself.

If you’re based in the UAE and dreaming of a Maldives getaway, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of travelers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi escape to this tropical paradise for honeymoons, family trips, or simply to unwind.

But before you start packing your beachwear, a few practical questions come up:

  • How do I get there from Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

  • Do UAE residents need a visa for the Maldives?

  • What happens after I land in Malé?

  • And how much should I budget for flights, hotels, and transfers?

This detailed guide answers every one of those questions and walks you through the complete process of traveling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to the Maldives — step-by-step.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to plan your trip confidently and avoid unnecessary costs or confusion.

Check Maldives Tour Packages from Dubai with Holiday Offerz — flights, transfers, and stays included.

Step 1: Getting from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to the Maldives

Getting to the Maldives from the UAE is easy. Daily direct flights operate from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Malé International Airport (Velana International Airport – MLE), the main entry point to the islands.

You can choose between full-service airlines for extra comfort or low-cost carriers if you’re trying to save a bit on your travel budget.

Direct Flights — The Most Convenient Option

  • For most UAE travelers, direct flights are the simplest and fastest option.
    You board in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah — and four hours later, you’re in paradise.

    Here’s an overview of the routes and airlines:

From Airlines Flight Duration Frequency
Dubai (DXB) Emirates, Flydubai, Wizz Air 4 hours 10 minutes Daily
Abu Dhabi (AUH) Etihad, Wizz Air 4 hours Daily
Sharjah (SHJ) Air Arabia 4 hours 20 minutes 3–5 times per week

Flights usually depart in the morning, ensuring you reach the Maldives by afternoon, which gives you enough daylight to take your resort transfer right after arrival.

Tip: For families or honeymooners who want a seamless experience, booking a Maldives package that already includes flights and transfers through Holiday Offerz is often more cost-effective and convenient than handling each element separately.

Average Flight Prices from the UAE to the Maldives

  • Flight prices depend heavily on the time of year. The Maldives has two main seasons:

    • Peak Season (December–April): Best weather, but prices are highest.

    • Shoulder/Off Season (May–November): Light rain and lower costs.

    Here’s an estimate to help you plan:

Airline Type Average Return Price (AED) Notes
Full-Service (Emirates, Etihad) 2,000–2,800 Includes meals and checked baggage
Budget Airlines (Flydubai, Air Arabia, Wizz Air) 1,400–1,900 Add-ons for baggage or meals may apply

Prices fluctuate based on early booking, promotions, and seasonality.

Tip: To save, try to travel between May and June or October and November — the weather is still pleasant, and resorts offer some of their best deals during these months.

Book Maldives Packages with Holiday Offerz — bundled flights and hotels ensure better value than booking separately.

Step 2: Transfers in the Maldives (Airport to Resort)

There are three main ways to reach your resort from Malé Airport:

  1. Speedboat Transfer:

    • Duration: 15–60 minutes

    • Ideal for resorts located close to Malé

    • Perfect for families and shorter trips

    • Operates day and night depending on sea conditions

  2. Seaplane Transfer:

    • Duration: 30–45 minutes

    • Used for luxury and remote resorts located in far atolls

    • Offers spectacular aerial views of islands and reefs

    • Operates only during daylight hours

  3. Domestic Flight + Boat Combo:

    • Duration: 1–2 hours (depends on island distance)

    • Usually for budget-friendly or outer atoll resorts

    • Good option for longer stays

Important: You don’t have to book these transfers separately. Your resort or Holiday Offerz will arrange them automatically when you confirm your Maldives package.

Choosing the Right Transfer Type

Transfer Type Best For Cost Range (per person) Travel Tip
Speedboat Close-by resorts AED 400–800 Great for families, less waiting
Seaplane Luxury and remote islands AED 1,200–2,000 Ideal for honeymooners, but operates only in daytime
Domestic Flight Farther resorts, budget stays AED 800–1,200 Suitable for longer vacations

Transfers are a key part of the Maldives experience. Seaplanes are particularly memorable — you’ll see coral islands scattered like pearls across the Indian Ocean.

For convenience, Holiday Offerz ensures all transfers are arranged and synchronized with your flight schedule, so you don’t have to wait hours at the airport.

Step 3: Visa Requirements for UAE Residents

process — or rather, the lack of one.

All UAE residents, including expatriates, get a visa on arrival in the Maldives. No pre-application, no embassy visit, no forms to fill before you go.

Here’s a simple summary:

Visa Type Fee Documents Required Stay Limit
Tourist Visa on Arrival Free Passport valid for 6 months,
hotel booking, return flight
30 days (extendable to 90 days)

Checklist for Arrival:

  • Passport valid for at least six months

  • Confirmed hotel or resort booking

  • Return or onward flight ticket

  • Proof of sufficient funds (rarely asked but good to have)

The immigration process is fast and friendly. Most travelers clear within 10–15 minutes of landing.

Tip: Keep your hotel confirmation (printed or digital) ready, as immigration officers sometimes ask to verify it.

Get your free Maldives Visa Checklist PDF with Holiday Offerz — sent instantly to your WhatsApp or email.

Step 4: Travel Cost Breakdown for UAE Travelers

Understanding your travel budget helps you make smarter choices and compare packages effectively.

Here’s an approximate breakdown of what an average Maldives trip from Dubai or Abu Dhabi costs for 3–5 nights:

Category Budget Range (AED) Notes
Flights 1,500–2,800 Prices vary with airline and season
Hotels / Resorts 2,500–8,000 Based on star category and board plan
Transfers 400–1,800 Included in most Holiday Offerz packages
Meals / Extras 300–1,000 Depends on resort meal plan
Total Estimate 5,000–9,000 Mid-range package (3–5 nights)

Tips for Saving Money:

  • Travel off-season (May–June or October–November) to enjoy discounts of up to 40%.

  • Choose all-inclusive packages to avoid paying extra for food or transfers.

  • Book in advance to secure early-bird resort offers.

When you book with Holiday Offerz, all major elements — flights, stays, transfers — are bundled into one package, making it easier to manage costs and avoid hidden charges.

Check Maldives Packages from Dubai with Holiday Offerz — curated options for couples, families, and groups.

Step 5: Why Book Through a DMC Like Holiday Offerz

Booking flights and hotels separately online might look cheaper at first, but it often comes with confusion — mismatched flight timings, unclear transfer arrangements, or hidden resort taxes.

A Destination Management Company (DMC) like Holiday Offerz solves all of that by managing your journey end-to-end.

Here’s what makes it worth booking through a trusted Dubai-based agency:

  • Local Expertise: Holiday Offerz is based in Dubai, so you get regional support before and during your trip.

  • Exclusive Resort Partnerships: Access to negotiated rates and complimentary upgrades you won’t find online.

  • Complete Coordination: Flights, seaplane schedules, and resort check-ins are all pre-arranged.

  • 24/7 Support: WhatsApp assistance throughout your stay — from arrival to departure.

  • Custom Itineraries: Honeymoon, family, or friends’ packages tailored to your needs.

A recent traveler shared:
“We booked our Maldives trip through Holiday Offerz, and everything — from airport pickup in Dubai to our resort transfer — was perfectly managed. It saved us time and unexpected costs.”

Booking through professionals means you can focus on enjoying your trip, not figuring out logistics.

Get your personalized Maldives tour quote from Holiday Offerz — flights, transfers, and stays all handled for you.

Final Take: Plan Smart, Fly Easy

There’s a reason the Maldives remains one of the most popular short-haul getaways from the UAE.
It’s close, safe, visa-free, and ideal for travelers who want both peace and adventure.

In short:

  • Flights are quick and frequent.

  • Visas are simple and free.

  • Transfers are organized for you.

All that’s left for you is to pick your resort and start packing.

Plan your Maldives trip from Dubai with Holiday Offerz — flights, transfers, and visa support included.

Free Download: Maldives Travel Checklist for Dubai Travelers

Before you finalize your booking, download your Free Maldives Travel Checklist — a one-page guide that covers:

  • Flight and document reminders
  • Visa and transfer steps
  • Packing essentials
  • Pre-travel tips for Dubai residents

Download your free PDF checklist now and plan smarter with Holiday Offerz.

Quick FAQs

How long is the flight from Dubai to Maldives?

 Direct flights take about four hours.

 No. Visa-on-arrival is free for 30 days for all nationalities residing in the UAE.

December to April offers perfect weather, while May to June brings great value deals.

Yes. Holiday Offerz packages include return flights, transfers, and hotels in one booking.

 Between 15 and 60 minutes by speedboat or seaplane, depending on the island’s location.