Wanderlust pending…

Has the Dubai heat got you itching to jump on a plane and escape for a while? You don’t need a huge budget to be able to fly away this summer, we’ve done some digging and found nine destinations that you can travel direct from Dubai to and back, for less than Dhs2000.

Muscat – Dhs599

Don’t have much time? Or just hate flying? Dubai to Muscat, Oman only takes one hour, 10 minutes and you’ll feel like you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Temperatures tend to be a few degrees cooler than the UAE, which is welcome at this time of year. Travellers can explore the historical sights of this ancient city, or take a road trip further afield to explore the many attractions Oman has to offer.

Flights by SalamAir

Kathmandu – Dhs1,412

For those who love action-packed adventure holidays, Nepal’s Kathmandu could be the perfect destination. With so much to see and do, you’ll have to schedule in some time for relaxing too. Explore the beautiful temples, monuments and museums for a taste of rich Nepalese culture.

Flights by FlyDubai

Istanbul – Dhs1,514

Istanbul is only a five hour flight away, and you’ll find yourself in one of the world’s most alluring cultural destinations. The Turkish city is an epicentre for East meets West in terms of architecture, food and culture. You can explore stunning landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque or browse the many markets in search for hidden gems.

Flights by Pegasus

Colombo – Dhs1,529

Sri Lanka is a beautiful getaway for UAE residents as you can fly direct within five hours and it has plenty of beaches, wildlife and excursions to enjoy. Colombo doesn’t have a huge amount of attractions, but you can easily explore the island through reputable tour guides.

Flights by FlyDubai

Tbilisi – Dhs1,530

Explore the stunning Georgian city of Tbilisi this summer. The beautiful landscape is one that has to be seen to be fully appreciated and there are plenty of historic sites to explore. From monasteries to cathedrals, Tbilisi has a breadth of attractions a world away from Dubai’s skyscrapers.

Flights by FlyDubai

Zanzibar – Dhs1,659

If you’re looking for somewhere to completely switch off and rejuvenate, Zanzibar is the place. You can go snorkelling in the crystal clear ocean, relax on the breathtaking beaches, or explore all of the nature that the destination has to offer.

Flights by Emirates

Beirut – Dhs1,662

Lebanon’s capital city has plenty to offer in terms of both culture and nightlife. Beirut is a hub of activity all throughout the summer with European style weather, plenty of nightclubs, bars and restaurants to explore and historical ruins to discover. As the city is small, you can also venture out towards the mountains for a more traditional Lebanese experience.

Flights by FlyDubai

Manila – Dhs1,764

What’s not to love about the capital of Philippines? With its rich history, beautiful landscape and friendly locals, Manila makes the perfect extended getaway. The flight time from Dubai comes in at around nine and a half hours.

Flights by Cebu Pacific

Kyiv – Dhs1,820

Kyiv (also known as Kiev) is the capital city of Ukraine and would make a great summer break for Dubai residents looking to explore one of Eastern Europe’s oldest cities. Not only are there an abundance of historical buildings to see but also an emerging hipster scene through urban art, vintage cafes and 24-hour parties.

Flights by Ukraine International

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Images: Getty

Flights: SkyScanner