Due to persistently high prices on several routes leading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), some residents are adjusting their travel plans. They are changing travel dates and selecting different airports to reduce costs when returning after the summer vacation.
Previously, Khaleej Times reported that the cost of airline tickets to certain destinations in the UAE had more than doubled between the second and last weeks of August, with a significant increase observed on popular Indian flights. However, travelers are now preferring to adapt their schedules instead of paying peak fares during the rush at the end of August and beginning of September.
Fazil, whose family is in Kochi, initially planned to bring them back to the UAE closer to the end of August. But uncertainty about his job caused him to postpone buying tickets for his family. He said he initially planned the trip for late August, but due to doubts about his employment, he did not want to spend large sums on tickets. When his company contacted him and confirmed his continued employment, he felt great relief.
By the time he started checking prices, the cost had already risen. His travel agent informed him that tickets for four people from Kochi to the UAE in the first week of September would cost approximately 7000 dirhams. Fazil decided to return earlier himself because he needs to resume work, while his family will travel on September 15th. By postponing the trip until after September 10th, they can save about 3200 dirhams, as the price for four would be around 3800 dirhams.
He noted that for one passenger, it is possible to manage the higher price, but when booking for the whole family, the difference becomes huge, so they prefer to wait a few more days rather than spend thousands of dirhams more.
A. Tiwari, whose family lives in Delhi, found another way to reduce costs. Instead of buying tickets to Dubai for September 3rd, his family of four decided to fly to Abu Dhabi. According to Tiwari, the average ticket price from Delhi to Dubai was about 1200 dirhams per person. Upon checking flights from Delhi to Abu Dhabi on the same date, they found tickets for about 850 dirhams.
This allows them to save about 350 dirhams per passenger, or approximately 1400 dirhams for a family of four. Tiwari considers this substitution convenient since the family resides in Dubai South. He added that Abu Dhabi does not present major difficulties for them: upon landing, they can take a taxi or arrange a car and drive home. Even accounting for transportation, they still save a significant amount compared to buying four tickets directly to Dubai.
He emphasized that when calculating for a family, one must look at the total cost, not just one ticket, because 300 or 350 dirhams might seem like a minor difference for one person, but with four people traveling, this amount accumulates.
Travel agents note that such changes are becoming increasingly common as passengers try to avoid the most expensive travel periods. Barat Aidasani, managing partner of Pluto Travels, stated that demand for flights to the UAE is likely to remain high until around September 10th. He explained that there is strong demand for flights arriving in the UAE, especially at the end of August, as many residents return from summer holidays, which supports high airfares on many busy routes.
Aidasani predicts a decrease in prices after the main flow of returning passengers subsides. He added that if travelers are not tied to a fixed date, they can save by delaying the trip by a few days, as after September 10th, they are likely to find better fares compared to the end of August or the first week of September.
The airline Emirates has implemented a series of measures aimed at increasing flexibility for passengers when booking and changing trips, including the ability to change flight dates to Dubai an unlimited number of times free of charge.
Starting August 10, customers traveling to Dubai can change their trip dates as many times as needed without any additional fees, using a wide range of fares. This policy applies to Saver and Flex fares in Economy class, as well as Special, Saver, and Flex fares in Business class. Economy Flex Plus, Premium Economy, Business Flex Plus, and First Class fares remain fully flexible.
Furthermore, the airline has reduced cancellation fees for flights to Dubai. For Economy class passengers, fees are $50 USD for Saver fares and $25 USD for Flex fares. In Business class, fees are set at $50 USD for Special and Saver fares, and $25 USD for Flex fares.
Emirates stated that these changes are intended to allow customers to cancel or change bookings with smaller penalties. Passengers traveling to other destinations on the Emirates network also have the right to one free date change for tickets booked from April 2, including routes with a stopover in Dubai. Additionally, customers can reserve a fare for 24 hours without payment while finalizing their travel plans.
Emirates also offers its Comprehensive Travel Insurance, which provides protection against various travel disruptions. This insurance covers medical expenses of up to $25,000 in conflict-related situations and allows for free extension of the trip by up to 30 days. Coverage also includes trip cancellation, delay, and lost baggage, unlimited worldwide medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
This policy is available in 27 countries and can be purchased at booking or added later via the Emirates Manage Booking service. The airline reported that in case of its flight disruptions, accommodation will be provided directly to affected customers. If subsequent connections on other airlines are affected or Emirates services are unavailable, passengers can rebook to their final destination free of charge, even in cases involving airspace violations.
Members of the Emirates Skywards program are also offered additional bonuses until August 31. Members will require 20 percent fewer Tier Miles to achieve Silver, Gold, and Platinum statuses. Furthermore, Emirates and flydubai flights will earn a bonus of 20 percent Tier Miles. The airline also offers a Cash+Miles promotion at a rate of 2000 Miles for $30, which is more advantageous than the regular cost of $15 when miles are used for Emirates or flydubai flights, extra baggage, lounge access, and seat selection.
With the launch of passenger services on Etihad Rail on June 30, 2026, the format of short trips across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has changed. The initial route connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah quickly became popular among local residents, offering a scenic and tranquil alternative to a long journey across the country.
The route runs three times a day in each direction and takes about one hour and forty-five minutes. It transports passengers from the urban area of Abu Dhabi through golden sand dunes and the dramatic Hajar Mountains in Fujairah.
Since the start of operations, tickets, especially for weekends, have been in high demand, and UAE residents highly appreciate the convenience and comfort of the trains. Khaleej Times surveyed three families who took this trip to find out how Etihad Rail is transforming their travels.
For working mother Raya Al Baroudi, who lives in Abu Dhabi but is originally from Kalba, the new rail service solved an old problem: how to get home without exhausting herself and her children. She noted that the main reason for choosing it was the desire to find a safe and comfortable way to travel, avoiding the difficulties of a two-and-a-half-hour journey with children, especially after work.
Al Baroudi made a trip from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, an emirate closest to her hometown, and said the experience exceeded expectations. She described the journey as incredibly wonderful and beautiful, noting the warm service and hospitality. For the children, it was much easier than long car rides because they had more space for comfort and entertainment during the trip.
The children were fascinated by the landscapes along the route. Raya Al Baroudi added that their reaction was full of enthusiasm and joy; they enjoyed the views of different regions of the country, observed camels, antelopes, deer, and livestock, and learned about trees, plants, and mountain scenery on the way back.
Furthermore, Al Baroudi highlighted the practical benefit of the service for her elderly mother. This option is ideal for her mother to easily attend appointments in Abu Dhabi and return to Kalba without fatigue.
Asma Al Marzouki, an employee and mother of seven children from Abu Dhabi, had been waiting for this moment since the first announcement of the national passenger railway. As soon as the first service to Fujairah started, she and her family immediately bought tickets.
She recounted: 'From the moment the idea of Etihad Rail appeared, we waited for the day we could travel from one emirate to another.' When the first train from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi was announced, they were very excited and bought tickets right away. Since they did not plan to travel abroad, they decided to visit beautiful Fujairah.
The family chose Premium Class, which starts from 120 dirhams per ticket. Al Marzouki stated: 'The trip was luxurious in every sense of the word. From arriving at the station, the amenities were magnificent, the seats comfortable, and the hospitality excellent.'
Asma Al Marzouki carefully planned the trip, researching hotels near the station in Fujairah. She found the Sea Hotel, located a ten-minute drive away. Upon arriving at the Fujairah station, there were many taxis. They took a taxi to the hotel and traveled around Fujairah by taxi; this created the feeling of a real foreign trip.
She is already planning the next trip: 'We will definitely use Etihad Rail always. The next plan is to travel by train to Al Dhafra, Dubai, and Sharjah, God willing.'
Umm Rashid Al Zahmi from Fujairah was motivated by a simple desire to relax. She and her family took a train trip from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi and back, finding the experience comfortable and pleasant for all ages. She noted that it was a wonderful and very comfortable impression, which was much more fun for the children, and that it was definitely a lighter and more enjoyable experience for all family members.
Despite the short duration of the trip, it made a strong impression. Umm Rashid Al Zahmi reported that they have another trip planned in a week, and her children really want to repeat the experience.
Currently, Etihad Rail operates three daily services between Mohammed bin Zayed Station in Abu Dhabi and Al Hilal Station in Fujairah. Initial fares start from 55 dirhams for Comfort Class and from 120 dirhams for Premium Class. Discounts are available for children aged 2 to 17 and for seniors over 60 years old. Tickets can be purchased on the Etihad Rail website or mobile application, and passengers are advised to arrive at the station no later than 20 minutes before departure. Free parking is provided for ticket holders at the Abu Dhabi station, and a 10 dirham shuttle connects the station with Reem Mall, the headquarters of Adnoc and Adnec. Taxis are easily accessible at the Fujairah station for further travel.
The Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route is just the beginning. On September 30, 2026, passenger services will expand to include the Dubai station near Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Al Dhaid station in Sharjah. The construction of additional stations in the Al Dhafra and Sharjah University City areas is planned by the end of 2026 and throughout 2027. Once fully operational, the 900 km network will connect 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates, from Al Saila in the west to Fujairah on the eastern coast.
