Dubai is one of the easiest destinations for a first trip abroad. You don't need a visa, the flight is 3 hours, there's no time difference, and the city is clean, safe and very easy for visitors. Skyscrapers, desert, beaches and huge malls are all in one place. Below are the main things to know before your first visit.
Visa and documents
Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates have a mutual visa-free regime: citizens of Azerbaijan can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days without a visa. It's recommended that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel. Rules can change, so check official sources before you go. For other visa-free destinations, see our article on visa-free countries in 2026.
Flights and time difference
Direct flights from Baku to Dubai are operated by AZAL and flydubai, and the trip takes about 3 hours. Dubai is on the same time as Baku, so there's no adjusting to a new time zone. Most flights land at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Before you pack, have a look at our article on hand luggage and baggage.
When is the best time to go?
The most comfortable time is from November to March. Days are warm but not draining, and evenings are cool. In summer the temperature often goes above 40°C and walking around outside gets hard, though hotels are usually cheaper. Prices go up over New Year and the school holidays, so book early for those dates.
From the airport to the city
Metro. DXB Terminals 1 and 3 are on the metro Red Line; Terminal 2 has no metro. The metro runs from early morning until around midnight and closes a bit later on Fridays.
Taxi. There are official taxi ranks outside the terminals, and fares are metered.
Apps. You can also book a car through apps such as Careem and Uber.
The Nol card and public transport
You pay for the metro, tram and buses with a Nol card. The most popular Silver card costs 25 dirhams, 19 of which go on the balance. Fares depend on how many zones you cross and range from about 3 to 7.5 dirhams. The metro has a separate carriage for women and children, plus a more comfortable Gold Class carriage. In the old part of the city you can cross the Creek on an abra, a traditional wooden boat. It's part of public transport too, and very cheap.
Where to stay
- Downtown. Next to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The easiest area for a first visit.
- Dubai Marina and JBR. For the beach, the waterfront promenade and restaurants.
- Deira and Bur Dubai. Old Dubai, souks and more budget-friendly hotels.
- Palm Jumeirah. For beach resorts and a quiet break.
What should you see?
- Burj Khalifa. The world's tallest building. Observation deck tickets are cheaper online and in advance, and sunset slots are the most in demand.
- Dubai Mall and the fountain show. The evening fountain show outside Dubai Mall is free to watch.
- Old Dubai. The Al Fahidi historic district, an abra ride across the Creek, and the gold and spice souks.
- Dubai Frame and the Museum of the Future. Icons of the city's modern architecture.
- A desert safari. A 4x4 drive over the dunes and an evening programme.
- Beaches. JBR, Kite Beach and other public beaches.
For more places, see our Dubai travel guide.
Good to know
- The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED). Cards work almost everywhere.
- Modest clothing is recommended in malls and religious sites, and required when you enter a mosque.
- Some medicines are strictly controlled in the UAE. Bring prescription medicines together with the prescription.
- Avoid long walks outside at midday and drink plenty of water. Save outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
- Alcohol is only sold in licensed venues, and drinking in public places is prohibited.
There's more about the country in our UAE travel guide.
One last thing
Dubai is a good start for anyone going abroad for the first time: no visa, a short flight, no time difference and a city that's easy to find your way around. Go between November and March, get a Nol card, and don't stop at the skyscrapers: make time for old Dubai too. You can compare Baku–Dubai tickets on AviaBazaar.
