Book Flights to Dubai from South Africa – Cheap Dubai UAE Flights & Best Fares

Dubai is one of the world's most visited cities — and for South African travellers, it has never been more accessible. With multiple airlines operating daily flights to Dubai from South Africa, competitive fares in ZAR, and seamless connections through Dubai International Airport, your gateway to the UAE is just a click away. Whether you are looking for cheap flights to Dubai for a leisure getaway, a business trip, or an onward connection to Europe or Asia, Travelwings ZA makes it easy to search, compare, and book the best Dubai UAE flights at the most affordable prices.

 Why South Africans Choose Dubai as Their Top International Destination

Dubai consistently ranks as one of the most popular international destinations for South African travellers — and it is easy to see why. Positioned approximately 7,400 km (4,600 miles) from Johannesburg, Dubai offers a remarkable blend of luxury shopping, cultural landmarks, world-class entertainment, year-round sunshine, and a vibrant food scene that caters to every taste and budget. Whether you are visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, exploring the souks of Old Dubai, or venturing out into the vast desert, the emirate delivers extraordinary experiences at every turn.

Flying is by far the fastest and most practical way to make the journey. Direct flights from Johannesburg to Dubai land you in the UAE in as little as 8 to 9 hours — making it an ideal destination for a week-long holiday, a long weekend break, or a stopover on the way to other international destinations. With Travelwings ZA, you can search real-time fares across multiple airlines, compare schedules in one place, and book your Dubai UAE flights securely online in minutes.

Airlines Operating Flights to Dubai from South Africa

South African travellers are well served by a choice of major and budget carriers on the Johannesburg–Dubai and Cape Town–Dubai routes. Each airline offers a different balance of price, comfort, and service — and Travelwings lets you compare them all side by side.

 Emirates – Premium Flights to Dubai from South Africa

Emirates is the flagship carrier of Dubai and the most popular airline for flights to Dubai from South Africa. Operating daily nonstop services from both O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International Airport, Emirates offers South African travellers world-class inflight entertainment, generous baggage allowances, and award-winning cuisine across all cabin classes.

Current Emirates flight fares from Johannesburg to Dubai on the Travelwings platform start from approximately R7,943 one-way and from R12,181 return per adult in Economy Class, inclusive of taxes and fees. Emirates flights from Cape Town to Dubai are also available — fares start from R8,843 one-way and R14,759 return. Fares are subject to availability and seasonal fluctuation.

Pro tip: Emirates Skywards members can earn miles on every Travelwings booking — a great way to unlock future upgrades or reward flights.

 Flydubai – Low Cost Flights to Dubai from Johannesburg

For travellers prioritising value, flydubai is one of the best options for cheap flights to Dubai from South Africa. As Dubai's own budget carrier, flydubai operates competitively priced services from Johannesburg (JNB) with fares currently starting from as low as R6,813 one-way and R10,686 return — making it the most affordable low cost flight to Dubai available on the Travelwings platform at the time of publication. Fares are inclusive of taxes and fees.

Flydubai offers optional add-ons including checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals — allowing budget-conscious travellers to customize their experience. It is an excellent choice if you want to secure cheap flights to Dubai without compromising on the quality of your Dubai experience once you land.

 South African Airways – Flights to Dubai from Cape Town & Johannesburg

South African Airways (SAA) operates connecting flights to Dubai from major South African cities, offering flexible schedules and competitive fares in ZAR. SAA fares from Cape Town (CPT) to Dubai on the Travelwings platform currently start from R8,843 one-way and R14,759 return, inclusive of taxes and fees.

SAA is a strong choice for travellers who value the familiarity of South Africa's national carrier, loyalty rewards, and the convenience of departing from Cape Town International Airport with a direct service to DXB.

Additional Airlines on the South Africa–Dubai Route

Beyond Emirates, flydubai, and SAA, travellers can also reach Dubai from South Africa via connecting services with the following carriers:

• British Airways: Connecting services via London Heathrow — ideal for travellers combining a UK stopover with their Dubai trip.
• Turkish Airlines: Routes via Istanbul with convenient transit connections.
• Qatar Airways: Via Doha, offering a popular Middle Eastern hub connection.
• Kenya Airways: Via Nairobi — an option for travellers from eastern South Africa.

Use Travelwings to compare all available airlines, schedules, and fares in one place — and find the option that best suits your travel dates and budget.

 Current Dubai UAE Flight Fares from South Africa at a Glance

All fares are inclusive of taxes and fees. Prices are indicative, based on historical data, subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. Check live fares on travelwings.com for up-to-date pricing.

 

Airline	Route	Type	Fare From (ZAR)
Flydubai (WB)	JNB → DXB	One-Way	R6,813
Flydubai (WB)	JNB ⇄ DXB	Return	R10,686
Emirates (EK)	JNB → DXB	One-Way	R7,943
Emirates (EK)	JNB ⇄ DXB	Return	R12,181
South African Airways (SA)	CPT → DXB	One-Way	R8,843
South African Airways (SA)	CPT ⇄ DXB	Return	R14,759

Seasonal Airfare Guide: When to Find Cheap Flights to Dubai

Flight prices between South Africa and Dubai fluctuate significantly throughout the year based on demand, school holidays, and major events in Dubai. Understanding the seasonal patterns is the smartest way to lock in the cheapest airline fares to Dubai for your travel dates.

Season	Months	Typical One-Way Fare	Notes
Low Season	May – August	R7,500 – R9,500	Best value; fewer crowds in Dubai
Standard Season	September – November	R9,500 – R12,000	Pleasant weather in Dubai
Peak Season	December – January	R15,000+	Dubai Shopping Festival; school holidays
Peak Season	February (Eid periods)	R13,000+	High demand; book well in advance

 The low season (May to August) consistently offers the best cheap flights to Dubai from South Africa. Midweek departures — particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays — tend to attract lower fares than weekend travel. Booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance for standard season travel, and 3 to 4 months ahead for peak season, gives you the best chance of securing affordable fares.

 How Long Is the Flight from South Africa to Dubai?

The flight duration from South Africa to Dubai depends on your departure city and whether you travel on a direct or connecting service:

• Direct flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Dubai (DXB): Approximately 8 to 9 hours. Emirates operates a nonstop daily service from O.R. Tambo International Airport.
• Direct flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Dubai (DXB): Slightly longer due to distance — typically 9 to 10 hours
• 1-stop connecting flights: Total travel time of 12 to 16 hours, depending on the transit city and layover duration
   

For most South African travellers, a direct Emirates or flydubai flight from Johannesburg to Dubai is the quickest and most convenient option — landing you in the UAE in time to start exploring the same day.

 South African Departure Airports for Dubai Flights

South African travellers can book flights to Dubai from three major international airports:

 O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) – Johannesburg

O.R. Tambo is South Africa's busiest airport and the primary hub for flights to Dubai from South Africa. Multiple daily direct flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) depart from JNB, operated by both Emirates and flydubai. The airport is accessible via the Gautrain rapid transit system, metered taxis, and ride-hailing services, and offers extensive lounges, dining, and retail options across its three terminals.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) – Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport serves direct flights to Dubai from South Africa with both Emirates and SAA. The airport provides shuttle services, long-stay parking, departure lounges, and a full range of pre-departure amenities. For Western Cape travellers, CPT offers the most convenient gateway to Dubai without the need to transit through Johannesburg.

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) – Durban

King Shaka International Airport in Durban offers fewer direct options to Dubai, but KwaZulu-Natal travellers can connect conveniently through Johannesburg or Cape Town to access the full range of Dubai UAE flights available through Travelwings.

 Arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International Airport is one of the world's busiest and most well-equipped airports. Terminal 3 — the largest terminal at DXB — is the exclusive home of Emirates, while flydubai operates primarily from Terminal 2. The airport offers world-class lounges, duty-free shopping, diverse dining, and a seamless immigration process for arriving passengers.

From DXB, the Dubai Metro Red Line provides fast, affordable access to the city centre and key destinations including Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina. Taxis and pre-arranged hotel shuttles are also readily available. Most major hotels in Dubai are 20 to 45 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.
 

Tips for Booking the Cheapest Flights to Dubai from South Africa

Getting the best deal on Dubai UAE flights comes down to smart timing, flexibility, and using the right platform. Here are Travelwings' top tips for securing cheap flights to Dubai:
 

• Book 6–8 weeks ahead: For standard season travel, this window typically offers the most competitive fares before prices rise due to demand.
• Plan 3–4 months ahead for peak travel: December, January, and the Dubai Shopping Festival period see demand surge — early booking is essential for affordable fares.
• Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently attract lower fares than Friday and Sunday. Flexibility on departure day can save hundreds of rands
• Compare all airlines on Travelwings: The platform displays Emirates, flydubai, SAA, and other carriers simultaneously — so you can see all available fares in one place without switching between sites
• Consider the low season: May through August offers the lowest fares to Dubai and fewer crowds at top attractions — ideal if you can travel outside school holiday periods.
• Travel light on budget carriers: When booking cheap flights to Dubai on flydubai or similar low-cost options, factor in checked baggage fees. Pack light or include baggage in your booking to avoid higher last-minute charges
• Sign up for fare alerts: Register with Travelwings to receive notifications about promotional fares, seasonal discounts, and flash sales on flights to Dubai from South Africa.
   

Planning Your Dubai Trip: Popular Travel Scenarios

 The Dubai Long Weekend (3–4 Days)

A long weekend in Dubai is entirely achievable from South Africa. Take a Thursday evening flight from Johannesburg, arrive Friday morning Dubai time, and enjoy three full days of sightseeing — the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, a desert safari, and a Dhow Cruise along Dubai Marina — before a Sunday or Monday return flight. Direct Emirates flights make this itinerary both practical and comfortable.

The 7-Night Dubai Holiday

A week in Dubai gives you time to explore both the modern spectacle of Downtown Dubai and the traditional charm of Old Dubai, with opportunities for a day trip to Abu Dhabi and a desert overnight experience. Travelwings offers bundled Dubai holiday packages that combine flights with accommodation, transfers, visa, and guided tours — making a 7-night trip more affordable and easier to plan than booking each component separately

The Dubai Stopover

Dubai International Airport is one of the world's great transit hubs, connecting South Africa with destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. If you are booking flights to Dubai from South Africa as part of a longer journey, Travelwings can help you plan multi-destination itineraries and stopover packages that allow you to enjoy the city before continuing to your final destination.

 Why Book Your Dubai Flights with Travelwings ZA?

Travelwings is a trusted South African travel platform with a dedicated local team and a track record of helping South Africans book great Dubai trips. Here is why travellers consistently choose Travelwings for their flights to Dubai:

• Real-time fare comparison: Compare Emirates, flydubai, SAA, and other carriers across all available schedules and seat classes in one search.
• ZAR pricing: All fares displayed and payable in South African Rands — no surprise currency conversion fees.
• Instant e-ticket confirmation: Receive your booking confirmation and e-tickets immediately after payment.
• Flexi Pay: Spread the cost of your trip across installments — making even premium Emirates fares more manageable
• Bundled holiday packages: Combine your Dubai flights with accommodation, transfers, visa, and tours for maximum convenience and value
• 24/7 dedicated support: A team of travel experts available around the clock for schedule changes, cancellations, or any travel query
• Serving South Africa with a smile: Locally based and fully focused on South African travellers' needs.
   

To book your flights to Dubai from South Africa, call +27 (0)12 006 0002 or visit travelwings.com/za to search live fares and grab today's best deals.

DISCLAIMER
Please note: Package prices, availability, and itinerary details are subject to change. Starting prices listed reflect the lowest available fares at the time of writing and may vary by cabin type, departure date, and inclusions. Some packages shown as 'sold out' may have updated availability — contact us for current listings.

 

DISCLAIMER
Please note: Package prices, availability, and itinerary details are subject to change. Starting prices listed reflect the lowest available fares at the time of writing and may vary by cabin type, departure date, and inclusions. Some packages shown as 'sold out' may have updated availability — contact us for current listings

Frequently Asked Questions – Flights to Dubai from South Africa

1. What is the cheapest flight from Johannesburg to Dubai right now?
The lowest current fare on Travelwings ZA is flydubai from Johannesburg to Dubai, starting from R6,813 one-way inclusive of taxes and fees. Emirates one-way fares from Johannesburg start from R7,943. Fares fluctuate daily based on demand and seat availability — visit travelwings.com/za and search live to see the cheapest available fares for your specific travel dates. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) and bookings made 6–8 weeks ahead consistently return the lowest prices.

2. Is there a direct flight from Cape Town to Dubai, or do I need to connect through Johannesburg?
Yes — there are direct flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Dubai (DXB) without needing to transit through Johannesburg. Emirates and South African Airways both operate nonstop services on this route. One-way fares from Cape Town to Dubai start from R8,843 on Travelwings ZA, and return fares from R14,759, inclusive of taxes and fees. Flight time from Cape Town to Dubai is approximately 9 to 10 hours.

3. What is the baggage allowance on Emirates flights from Johannesburg to Dubai?
Emirates Economy Class passengers are typically allowed 1 checked bag of 23 kg plus one carry-on bag (7 kg) on the Johannesburg to Dubai route. Business Class passengers receive 2 checked bags of 32 kg each. Exact allowances can vary by fare type — Economy Saver fares may have different conditions to Flex fares. Always confirm your specific allowance in your booking confirmation or directly with Emirates before travel to avoid excess baggage charges.

4. What is the difference between flying Emirates and flydubai from South Africa to Dubai?
Emirates is a full-service carrier offering nonstop flights, meals, 35+ kg baggage allowance in Economy, world-class ICE entertainment, and lounges at DXB — at a higher starting fare (from R7,943 one-way). Flydubai is Dubai's budget carrier with fares from R6,813 one-way, where meals, baggage, and seat selection are optional paid add-ons. If you travel light and prioritise cost, flydubai delivers strong value; if you want all-inclusive comfort on an 8–9 hour flight, Emirates is worth the premium.

5. Which month is the cheapest to fly to Dubai from South Africa, and why?
May, June, July, and August are consistently the cheapest months for flights to Dubai from South Africa — not because demand from South Africa is low, but because fewer international travellers visit Dubai during the Gulf summer when temperatures exceed 40°C. This suppresses overall demand on the route and fares drop to R7,500–R9,500 one-way. If heat doesn't deter you, summer is by far the best time to secure cheap flights to Dubai. Avoid December and January when the Dubai Shopping Festival and South African school holidays combine to push fares above R15,000.

6. Do South African passport holders need a visa to enter Dubai?
Yes. South African citizens are not eligible for a UAE visa on arrival and must obtain a UAE tourist visa before travel. This is typically a 30-day or 60-day single or multiple-entry visa, applied for through a UAE embassy, accredited travel agent, or via the airline you are flying with (Emirates facilitates visa applications for its passengers). The process usually takes 3–5 working days. If you book a Dubai holiday package through Travelwings ZA, the UAE tourist visa is included in the package price.

7. How early should I book Emirates flights from Johannesburg to Dubai to get the best price?
For standard season travel (September to November), booking 6–8 weeks ahead typically secures the most competitive Emirates fares on the Johannesburg–Dubai route. For peak season — December, January, and the Eid al-Adha/Eid al-Fitr periods — book 3 to 4 months in advance, as Emirates seats on popular departure dates sell out and prices escalate significantly. Setting a fare alert on Travelwings ZA is the most practical way to track Emirates price movements for your preferred dates without monitoring manually.

8. Can I use Dubai as a stopover on the way to Europe or Asia when flying from South Africa?
Absolutely — Dubai International Airport is one of the world's premier stopover hubs, and Emirates actively promotes Dubai stopovers for passengers transiting through DXB. If you are flying from Johannesburg or Cape Town to a European destination (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome) or an Asian destination (Bangkok, Singapore, Mumbai), routing via Dubai allows you to spend 1 to 4 nights in the city at little or no additional flight cost. Travelwings can assist with multi-destination itineraries that include a Dubai stopover as part of a longer trip.

9. What terminal does Emirates use at Dubai International Airport, and how do I get into the city?
Emirates exclusively uses Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) — the world's largest airport terminal, with dedicated lounges, duty-free shopping, extensive dining, and fast immigration. Flydubai operates from Terminal 2. From DXB, the Dubai Metro Red Line connects directly to major city destinations including Union Square, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Marina in 20–45 minutes for around AED 8–12. Taxis and pre-booked hotel shuttles are also available at every terminal for a more direct journey.

10. What is the flight time from Durban to Dubai?
There are no direct flights from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban to Dubai. Durban-based travellers typically connect through Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) first, adding approximately 1 hour of domestic flight time plus transit time to the journey. Total travel time from Durban to Dubai via Johannesburg is typically 11 to 13 hours with a smooth connection, or longer depending on the layover. Book both legs together on Travelwings ZA for the most convenient routing and pricing.

11. Is flydubai a good airline? What is the onboard experience like?
Flydubai is a well-regarded low-cost carrier wholly owned by the Dubai government, with a strong safety record and a modern fleet of Boeing 737 MAX and 737-800 aircraft. The onboard experience is no-frills Economy by design — seats are comfortable but tight, meals and baggage are paid extras, and the entertainment system requires a paid subscription. For a focused 8–9 hour flight where you plan to sleep or have your own entertainment device, many South African travellers find flydubai a perfectly acceptable choice at a meaningfully lower fare than Emirates.

12. What documents do I need to board a flight from South Africa to Dubai?
You will need a valid South African passport (ensure it has at least 6 months' validity from your travel dates), a valid UAE tourist visa obtained before travel, and your e-ticket or booking confirmation. If you have booked a Dubai holiday package through Travelwings ZA, your visa will typically be arranged as part of the package. On arrival at Dubai International Airport, you will pass through the UAE immigration e-gates — have your passport and visa ready. Travel insurance documentation is also strongly recommended though not mandatory for entry.

13. Does Emirates offer Business Class from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Dubai, and is it worth it?
Yes — Emirates Business Class (Business Class) is available on all nonstop services from both Johannesburg and Cape Town to Dubai. The cabin features fully flat-bed seats (in a 2-2-2 configuration on wide-body aircraft), premium dining designed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs, lounge access at O.R. Tambo and DXB, and a significantly enhanced baggage allowance. Business Class fares on the JNB–DXB route are significantly higher than Economy — but for a business trip or special occasion, many South African travellers consider the fully flat bed on an 8–9 hour overnight flight excellent value compared to a sleepless Economy journey.

14. Can I fly from Johannesburg to Dubai and then connect to London, Bangkok, or Singapore on the same booking?
Yes. Dubai is one of the world's best-connected transit hubs, and Emirates operates seamless connections from DXB to over 140 global destinations. Booking a through-ticket (JNB → DXB → LHR, or JNB → DXB → BKK) on a single booking means your checked baggage is transferred through, your connection is protected if the first flight is delayed, and you often pay less than booking two separate tickets. Use Travelwings ZA to search multi-leg fares in one transaction, or call +27 (0)12 006 0002 for help building a multi-destination itinerary.

15. What is the difference in price between flying from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Dubai?
Based on current fares on Travelwings ZA, Cape Town to Dubai fares (from R8,843 one-way with Emirates/SAA) are slightly higher than Johannesburg to Dubai fares (from R6,813 one-way with flydubai, R7,943 with Emirates) — reflecting the slightly longer route distance and fewer competing carriers. Return fares from Cape Town start from R14,759 versus R10,686 from Johannesburg. For Cape Town-based travellers, it is worth comparing a direct Cape Town–Dubai fare against the cost of a domestic JNB connection plus an international fare, as the direct option is often more convenient and comparably priced.