Cheap Flights to the Middle East from the UK
Best student & youth fares right now to the Middle East
The below prices show our best deals and prices on flights to the Middle East right now. They’re all updated daily, so keep checking back for our best fares!
Student flights from the UK to the Middle East
The Middle East is a region of incredible contrasts, from the futuristic skylines of cities like Dubai and Doha, to the ancient wonders of places like Petra and the Dome of the Rock. It’s one of the world’s most interesting places to visit, and while some areas are currently off-limits due to various conflicts (like Iraq and Syria), most of the region is perfectly safe to visit—and you should!
Countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (that’s where you’ll find Dubai) are amazingly welcoming. While general attitudes tend to be on the more conservative side, as long as you do a little research before going, you’ll have no problem fitting in.
StudentUniverse has partnered with several major airlines that operate in and out of the Middle East, including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, which means you can always find amazing deals and discounts with a quick search using the box above.
What are the main Middle East airport hubs?
The Middle East has several major airport hubs. The busiest is Dubai International Airport (where Emirates is based), which is serviced by 140 airlines travelling to 270 destinations around the world. The airport sees almost 100 million passengers a year through its cavernous terminals, making it the world’s busiest airport as far as international travellers are concerned.
Other major hubs include Doha’s Hamad International Airport (home of Qatar Airways), Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport, the UAE’s Abu Dhabi International Airport and Lebanon’s Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.
How to fly from the UK to the Middle East
The UK enjoys good air connections with the Middle East, with several major airlines providing regular direct flights from major UK airports.
The UK’s flagship carrier, British Airways, operates flights to all the major destinations in the Middle East, including the UAE, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Major hubs within these countries include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Doha and Jeddah.
Other airlines you can fly with include Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Middle East Airlines, Saudia and Royal Jordanian.
When is the best time to fly to the Middle East?
Much of the Middle East is desert and as such the climate in most areas is hot and arid, though the intensity does fluctuate depending on the season. It’s generally agreed that the best time to visit the Middle East is during spring (March to May), when the temperatures are hot but manageable. During the summer months it gets so fiercely hot it can be difficult to spend time outside (Dubai, for example, hits temperatures well in excess of 40 degrees from June to September).
When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the UK to the Middle East?
Prices based on bookings made 30-60 days prior to departure.
Why do British students love visiting the Middle East?
The Middle East hasn’t yet established itself as a major study abroad destination for UK students. However this isn’t to say young British travellers don’t visit in droves anyhow, and for good reason. English is widely spoken throughout the region (certainly in the major cities) and there are some truly world-class things to see and do.
Middle East universities and campuses
Top universities in the Middle East include King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia, Khalifa University in the UAE, Jordan University of Science and Technology and United Arab Emirates University. As above, though, at the time of writing there isn't a huge amount of options for international students to enroll, but it’s always worth checking with your uni.
Middle East lifestyle and culture
Generally speaking the Middle East is quite conservative compared with the UK, though this differs from country to country. Saudi Arabia, for instance, is probably the most traditional, whereas places like Lebanon are more reminiscent of European cultures. For example, Beirut offers some of the most epic bars and clubs anywhere in the world.
Exploring the Middle East on a student budget
There is plenty to see in the Middle East on a student budget, with many of the major attractions—like the Burj Khalifa—offering student discounts. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beirut and Amman can all be explored on a shoestring, and there are always plenty of free attractions to choose from, including simply walking around on foot and soaking up the culture.
Frequently asked questions about flying from the UK to the Middle East
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