Travel is back after the coronavirus hiatus and while the best time to book flights is typically 21 weeks in advance, it’s not too late to find cheap summer flights.
Etihad Airways has launched a summer flight sale with cut-price fares to destinations such as Turkey, Thailand, Seoul and Chicago. Return economy fares start from Dh795 ($216) on flights to Tel Aviv, and business-class flights from Dh9,995 are available for travellers that want to fly in style to Bangkok.
Emirates also has special offers on airfares to selected destinations this summer, with booking available until the end of this month. The Dubai airline is offering discounted flights to Phuket and Sri Lanka, as well as return economy flights to Kenya starting from Dh1,895.
Low-cost airlines are also slashing fares for summer, with Wizz Air offering seasonal prices from Abu Dhabi to the Maldives, Cyprus and Georgia. Air Arabia, meanwhile, is offering flights from Sharjah to Uganda for less than Dh1,500.
If you’re still deciding where to go this summer, here are 10 of the best flight deals to book now.
Go with Etihad to Austria with flights from Dh1,195
One of Europe's most beautiful cities is Austria's classical capital. Known as the City of Music because it was home to more famous classical composers than any other city in the world, Vienna proudly showcases the work of greats such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. Only six hours from the UAE, the city shines in summertime, when people flock to its outdoor swimming pools, ice cream parlours, public parks and riverside areas.
Fly from Abu Dhabi to Vienna in economy class with Etihad this summer, with fares from Dh1,195. Bookable until May 19 for travel between June 4 and November 30.
Summer in Cyprus with Wizz Air for under Dh400
The island of Cyprus makes for a great seaside summer getaway and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is offering return flights to the eastern Mediterranean nation for under Dh400. Flying to Larnaca, the third-largest city in Cyprus, travellers can explore one of the oldest settlements in Europe or get to know the Finikoudes — the city's bustling coastal promenade and the place to go for beachside lounging, afternoon strolls and evening sundowners.
Wizz Air return flights from Abu Dhabi to Larnaca start from Dh358 for travel in June, excluding check-in bags.
Low-cost flights from Dubai to Manila with Cebu Pacific
Travellers who prioritise price over comfort and want to visit the Philippines in June can find bargain airfares to Manila with Cebu Pacific. The capital of the Philippines is a city like no other, thronging with colour, crowds, culture and more. It also offers bargain shopping, eclectic street food and is home to the world's oldest Chinatown. Of course, the gateway city is also the jumping off point for island-hopping in this beautiful archipelago, with access to Palawan, Boracay, Corona and more.
Summer flights for travel in June from Dubai to Manila with Cebu Pacific start from Dh1,538, on a basic fare basis.
Fly Abu Dhabi to Istanbul for under Dh1,000 with Etihad
Fewer than five hours from Abu Dhabi, centuries-old Istanbul intrigues with its fusion of East meets West. Travellers keen to explore history will be spoilt for choice with the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Dolmabahce Palace among the city's famous landmarks. Summer comes with the perfect climate for eating mezze, visiting the beach or enjoying a day trip to Princes' Islands, south-east of the city in the Sea of Marmara.
Etihad economy flights to Istanbul start from Dh935, when booked before May 19 for travel until November.
Go to Georgia with Wizz Air for under Dh300
Georgia is rapidly becoming a bucket-list destination — whether for skiing in Gudauri or summer hiking in the country's mountainous north. Travellers keen to follow the crowd can fly with Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi to Kutaisi, Georgia's southern gem. With its ancient cathedrals, fascinating caves and futuristic architecture, it's well worth a visit.
And with July flight prices with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi starting from only Dh288, excluding checked baggage, it's a summertime escape that won't break the bank.
Fly to Uganda with Air Arabia, return fares from Dh1,450
For something a bit different this summer, try a back-to-nature visit to Uganda. Less than a six-hour flight from the UAE, the south-east African country experiences its dry season from June to August, which makes it one of the best times of year to visit for spotting wildlife in the national parks. Summer is also a great time for mountain gorilla trekking, a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fly from Sharjah to Entebbe, with Air Arabia fares starting from Dh1,450 in July.
Early summer escape to Sri Lanka with Emirates
The island of Sri Lanka is within an easy four hours from the UAE and has plenty to offer holidaymakers, from beautiful coastlines to mist-shrouded highlands. Travellers looking for an early summer getaway at a good price can book to fly to Colombo from Dubai with Emirates. In June, the south-west monsoon rains are falling over Colombo and the Tea Country, but these often consist of a few showers each day. The country's north-eastern half is dry at this time, giving adventurous travellers a great opportunity to visit less-explored regions.
Emirates special fares to Colombo start from Dh1,745, for travel until June 22. Business-class passengers can enjoy Emirates' promotional fares all summer long, with return airfares from Dh5,945.
Travel to the Maldives for less than Dh800
A perennial holiday favourite, the Maldives never fails to impress with its azure blue waters and pristine shores, not to mention overwater villas and thriving Indian Ocean marine life. And while luxury has long been the calling card for Maldives tourists, travellers hoping to get to the islands on a budget can do exactly that with Wizz Air's summer flight deals from Abu Dhabi. The cheapest fares exclude check-in baggage but packing light shouldn't be too much of a problem since most days in the Maldives are spent lounging on the beach or in the ocean.
Return flights with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi start from Dh718 in July.
See Slovenia this summer with flydubai
Slovenia is the world's first certified green destination and a great choice for a summer escape thanks to its abundance of nature, culture, history and more. Sandwiched between Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy, the nation has Alpine mountains, lush forests, lakes and an Adriatic coastline. Travel with flydubai to Ljubljana, the country's vibrant capital where there is plenty to see and do, as well as a thriving culinary scene.
Return economy flights from Dubai to Ljubljana with flydubai start from Dh2,115, with a journey time of just over six hours.
Explore bustling Bangkok, Air Arabia's newest destination
Thailand's capital city is the latest addition to Air Arabia's network, with direct flights starting from June 30. The new route gives travellers keen on checking out the Thai capital's Sukhumvit Road, Chinatown, flower markets and endless temples a pocket-friendly way to get there. Summer in Bangkok means rainy season, so be prepared for humidity, but it's no reason not to travel. July and August are also quieter months when there are fewer tourists, hotels are cheaper, daily temperatures are cooler and the surrounding countryside is lush and green.
Return flights from Sharjah to Bangkok start from Dh1,800 with Air Arabia, with flights starting on June 30.
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 390bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km
The biog
Name: Samar Frost
Born: Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends
Favourite singer: Adele
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
RESULTS
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MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Fernandes pen 2') Tottenham Hotspur 6 (Ndombele 4', Son 7' & 37' Kane (30' & pen 79, Aurier 51')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Meydan racecard:
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (PA) Group 1 | US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) Listed | $250,000 (D) | 1,600m
7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) Conditions | $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m
8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) Group 3 | $200,000 (D) | 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m
10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Things Heard & Seen
Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton
2/5
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21
- Trench Town Rock: Jamaican-style curry goat served in a pastry basket with a carrot and potato garnish
- Rock Steady Jerk Chicken: chicken marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked on the grill
- Mento Oxtail: flavoured oxtail stewed for five hours with herbs
- Ackee and salt fish: the national dish of Jamaica makes for a hearty breakfast
- Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
- Jamaican beef patty: a pastry with ground beef filling
- Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
- Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Jebel Ali results
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner: AF Al Moreeb, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Shamikh, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 64,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: One Vision, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
3.30pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Gabr, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson
4pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 96,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Just A Penny, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
4.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Torno Subito, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner: Untold Secret, Jose Santiago, Salem bin Ghadayer
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics