UAE

Cheap flights to Abu Dhabi

Luxury · Culture · Beach. Compare cheap flights to Abu Dhabi from UK airports — flight time 7h 12m from London.

7h 12m
Flight from London
from £320
Typical price
Nov–Mar
Best season
Price intelligence

When to fly to Abu Dhabi for the cheapest fare

Source: Travelpayouts
updated 2026-07-27
Average return
£232
From £180 on a great day
Cheapest month
Aug
Avg £232 return
Peak month
Aug
Avg £232 return
Good-deal threshold
£211 or less
25th-percentile fare
Cheapest day to depart: Sunday
Most expensive day: Monday

Flying to Abu Dhabi — what to know

Abu Dhabi is a long-haul destination from the UK — around 7h 12m in the air from London, which makes it a realistic one- to two-week trip. Travellers come for luxury stays, the culture and the beaches. Returns from around £320 are typical when booked ahead.

Most visitors aim for Nov–Mar. Typical advance returns sit around £320. On the ground, UAE dirham (AED) is the local currency and Arabic, English widely used the dominant language — English coverage is solid in tourist quarters and at the airport. Visa: Visa on arrival — free 30-day tourist visa for UK passport holders. 8–14 weeks ahead is the long-haul sweet spot — earlier doesn't reliably help, later starts to hurt; last-minute bookings can run two to three times the advance fare.

Good to know

Booking flights to Abu Dhabi — the answers that matter

How much is a return flight to Abu Dhabi from the UK?

Direct answer. Return fares to Abu Dhabi typically start around £320 when booked ahead — it's a long-haul route, roughly 7h 12m in the air from London.

8–14 weeks ahead is the long-haul sweet spot — earlier doesn't reliably help, later starts to hurt. Last-minute bookings are where this route punishes you — waiting until inside two weeks of departure usually costs well over the advance fare.

Key fact: A typical advance return to Abu Dhabi is around £320; flight time from London is about 7h 12m.

When should you book flights to Abu Dhabi?

Direct answer. Book 8–14 weeks ahead, and aim for Nov–Mar if you want Abu Dhabi at its best — that window balances weather and crowds rather than chasing a mythical cheapest day.

Before you commit, the admin: Visa on arrival — free 30-day tourist visa for UK passport holders. Currency is UAE dirham (AED); Arabic, English widely used is the main language, with English widely understood in tourist areas.

Key fact: Best months to visit Abu Dhabi: Nov–Mar. Flight time from London: about 7h 12m.

Plan ahead

Practical information for UK travellers

Flight time from London~7h 12m direct
Typical priceFrom £320 return — booking 6–8 weeks ahead is generally cheapest
Best monthsNov–Mar
VisaVisa on arrival — free 30-day tourist visa for UK passport holders
CurrencyUAE dirham (AED)
Time zoneGST (UTC+4)
LanguageArabic, English widely used
Things to do

Top experiences in Abu Dhabi

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Multi-day tours

Guided tours in UAE

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from the UK to Abu Dhabi?

Direct flights from London to Abu Dhabi take approximately 7h 12m. Total journey time depends on your departure airport and any connections.

Do UK passport holders need a visa for UAE?

Visa on arrival — free 30-day tourist visa for UK passport holders

When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?

The best months to visit Abu Dhabi are Nov–Mar, when conditions are most comfortable for sightseeing and weather is settled.

What currency is used in UAE?

UAE dirham (AED) — most major hotels and restaurants in Abu Dhabi accept card payments, but cash is useful for smaller establishments and tipping.

What language is spoken in Abu Dhabi?

Arabic, English widely used. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and major restaurants.