How to Fly to the UAE and Where to Beach in Different Emirates

Growth of Air Links Between Russia and the UAE

Since the start of the year, the number of direct flights from Russia to the United Arab Emirates has hovered around ninety‑five per week. By the end of October 2026 the plan is to push that figure to three‑hundred‑twenty, almost three times as many. The jump comes from a broader launch pad: direct services will soon be available from fourteen Russian cities, including major hubs in the Urals and the Volga region. In the Emirates, five airports across four jurisdictions – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras al‑Khaimah – will handle them.

Airlines on the route will also multiply. Today four carriers operate – Aeroflot, Emirates, flydubai and Etihad Airways. By autumn another six may join: Air Arabia, Pobeda, Ural Airlines, Utair, Azimuth and Red Wings. Some have already started to return, the rest are planning to add frequencies.

For tour operators that means more flexible packages. Large agencies have already built blocks from different Russian regions: some sell seats on flydubai, others on Air Arabia, and Space Travel revived hard‑block bookings from nine cities. Flight frequency ranges from three a week on quieter legs to several daily departures from Moscow.

What Changed After the Spring Slump

In March 2024 flights to the Gulf were halted after the foreign ministry’s advice and restrictions from the Ministry of Economic Development. When the bans were lifted in June, the government again allowed tour sales, and Aeroflot was the first to restart the Moscow‑Dubai service. Since then the schedule has been creeping upward, and autumn is seen as the point when the market will be fully back.

Interestingly, the same pattern is playing out across the rest of the Middle East. By the end of October, about ninety‑to‑one‑hundred direct flights a week from Russia to seven neighbouring countries are expected, with arrival points expanding to eleven.

Beaches of the Different Emirates: What to Expect

If you’ve already decided to fly to the UAE, the next question is where to spend time by the sea. Each emirate offers its own character of beach holiday, and the choice depends on the rhythm you prefer.

• Dubai – the beaches sit inside the city, right next to skyscrapers and malls. Handy if you want sun mixed with shopping and nightlife.
• Abu Dhabi – quieter, often framed by luxury resorts and green belts. Good for those who value privacy but still want infrastructure nearby.
• Ras al‑Khaimah – known for more natural shores, where the desert vibe stays visible. Fewer crowds, water often clearer.
• Fujairah – on the eastern coast where sea meets mountains. Beaches are rockier, and diving or snorkeling opportunities are stronger.
• Sharjah – leans toward family‑friendly holidays, with many beaches equipped with kids’ zones and gentle waves.
• Ajman – the smallest emirate, yet its coastline offers modest, less‑packed strips where you can simply unwind.

When you pick a spot, think about how close you need to be to a big city, the level of service you expect, and whether you plan to try active water sports.

How to Plan the Trip

1. Pick your arrival airport. If your city has a direct flight to Dubai, that will be the quickest option. For the other emirates you’ll usually need to change in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
2. Check the schedule. Frequencies differ a lot: from Moscow there are several daily departures, from regional hubs you’ll see one to three flights a week.
3. Choose a tour operator. Large firms have already tweaked their packages for the new routes, so you can book a deal that departs from the airport nearest you.
4. Mind the season. The peak tourist period in the UAE is autumn and winter, when temperatures are more comfortable. That’s also when flights are busiest.
5. Book early. More flights mean more demand, and rooms at popular hotels or spots on crowded beaches can sell out well before your departure date.

Other Things to Know

• Visa. Russian citizens can apply for an e‑visa online; the process usually takes a few days.
• Airport transport. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have extensive metro and taxi networks; in the other emirates renting a car is common.
• Culture. Even though the UAE is geared toward tourists, traditional norms remain. Respect local customs, especially in public places.

When you plan your getaway, remember that the surge in air links opens up flexible routing options, and the variety of beaches lets you match any preference. Pick a convenient flight, choose the right shore, and enjoy a break in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru, atorus.ru.