Travelling from Dubai to Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most easily accessible destinations for holidaymakers from Dubai, thanks to the short flying duration and regular flights. Major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Flydubai offer direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Velana International Airport.

Flying from Dubai to Maldives

The flight duration from Dubai to Maldives is approximately 4 hours. Meanwhile, the flight duration from Abu Dhabi to Maldives is roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Airlines that offer direct flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Velana International Airport (MLE):

Emirates
FlyDubai

Airlines that offer direct flights from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to Velana International Airport (MLE):

BeOnd

Airlines that offer direct flights from Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Velana International Airport (MLE):

Etihad Airways
Wizz Air

Airlines that operate flights from the United Arab Emirates to Maldives with stops:

Vistara
IndiGo
Saudia
Gulf Air
Sri Lankan Airlines

Flights with a stopover can take 6-8 hours or more.

Arrival in the Maldives

Upon arrival in the Maldives, tourists of any nationality can obtain a 30-day visa. You'll need:

A valid passport
Return ticket
Proof of accommodation

The 30-day visa can be extended for up to 90 days in total. However, extensions are granted at the discretion of the Maldivian immigration and may require additional documentation.

After the immigration process and collecting luggage, you'll exit into the arrivals area. Resort representatives will then greet you here with name boards.

You will then be transferred to your resort by speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flight, depending on the resort's location.

Time Difference Between Dubai and Maldives

The Maldives is 1 hour ahead of the UAE. So when you land, adjust your watch forward. Time zones for both of the countries are:

Dubai: Gulf Standard Time (GST), GMT+4
Maldives: Maldives Time (MVT), GMT+5

A few resorts in the Maldives unofficially add an extra hour to their local time. If you're travelling to a specific resort, it's always a good idea to confirm their time zone directly with them.

Best Time to Fly from Dubai to Maldives

Early morning is the best time to travel from Dubai to the Maldives. By doing so, you can avoid Dubai's heat and reach the Maldives by midday. This is ideal for seaplane transfers, as they operate only during daylight hours. Additionally, you will be able to make the most of your first day in the Maldives!

Another option is to travel in the evening to avoid the midday heat in both cities. If your resort is closer to Malé, you can proceed with your speedboat transfer. Otherwise, you can spend the night in Malé and travel fresh in the morning to your resort.