Quick answer
Egypt and Dubai combine naturally for Australians because many one-stop flights to Cairo already connect in Dubai. Stop for two or three nights in Dubai, ideally on the way out to break the journey, then spend 8–10 days in Egypt; the Dubai–Cairo flight takes about 3.5–4 hours, and November to March is the best season for both.
Why combine Egypt and Dubai?
Because the routing is already there: Dubai is one of the main connecting hubs between Australia and Cairo, so a stopover adds a second destination without adding a flight. At the time of writing, Emirates flies to Dubai from several Australian capitals and on to Cairo, and you can often add a stopover to the same ticket. Our flights from Australia to Egypt guide covers the carriers and journey times.
The two places are also a rewarding contrast. Egypt is about five thousand years of history and a big, chaotic, warm-hearted capital; Dubai is a city that barely existed beyond the Creek before the 1960s, with glass towers, malls, beaches and smooth logistics. After the intensity of Cairo and Luxor, two days of air-conditioned ease is a genuine pleasure; before them, Dubai is an easy place to sleep off the long flight.
Should you do Dubai before or after Egypt?
Before Egypt if jet lag hits you hard; after Egypt if you want to finish with a treat. Either works, so let flight times and your energy decide.
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai first | Fly Australia to Dubai (about 14–15 hours from the east coast), stay 2–3 nights, then a short hop to Cairo | Older travellers, families, anyone who struggles with long flights |
| Dubai last | Fly Cairo or Hurghada to Dubai, stay 2–3 nights, then fly home | Honeymooners, beach and shopping finish, splitting the hard homeward journey |
| Both ways | One or two nights each way | Long trips; travellers who want the shortest flights possible |
Dubai first has a practical advantage: you arrive in Egypt already halfway adjusted to the time zone, so your first Cairo morning at the pyramids is a good one rather than a blur. Dubai last has a different one: the Gulf carriers fly to Dubai from several Egyptian airports, so you can end at the Red Sea and fly out from there without returning to Cairo, where schedules allow. Routes change seasonally, so check when booking.
A 12-day Egypt and Dubai itinerary
Three nights in Dubai and eight in Egypt covers both properly, with the classic Cairo, Luxor and Aswan route in the middle.
- Day 1, Dubai: arrive from Australia; rest, a swim and an evening walk by the Dubai Fountain.
- Day 2, old and new Dubai: Al Fahidi, the Creek and the souks in the morning; Burj Khalifa at sunset (timed plan below).
- Day 3, desert or Abu Dhabi: a day trip to Abu Dhabi, or a lazy beach morning and an afternoon desert drive.
- Day 4, fly to Cairo: about 3.5–4 hours; transfer to a Giza hotel.
- Day 5, Giza and the GEM: pyramids at opening, the Grand Egyptian Museum in the afternoon.
- Day 6, Saqqara and Islamic Cairo: the Step Pyramid in the morning, Khan el-Khalili in the evening.
- Day 7, fly to Aswan: Philae Temple and a felucca at sunset.
- Day 8, Abu Simbel: early trip to the temples; afternoon at leisure.
- Day 9, Aswan to Luxor: by road via Kom Ombo and Edfu, or on a short cruise if the days line up.
- Day 10, Luxor West Bank: optional balloon, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple.
- Day 11, Luxor East Bank: Karnak and Luxor Temple; fly to Cairo in the evening.
- Day 12, depart: fly home via the Gulf.
Our Egypt and Dubai, 12 days follows a similar plan. With less time, pair two Dubai nights with the shorter routes in Egypt in 5 days.
What should you do with two or three days in Dubai?
Spend one day on the old Creek and the towers, one in the desert or Abu Dhabi, and leave the rest of the time for the pool; resist the urge to pack Dubai as tightly as Egypt. A good first full day, timed around the heat:
- 8am: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, a quarter of restored wind-tower houses, small museums and cafés on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek.
- 10am: cross the Creek on an abra, the wooden water taxi, for the spice souk and gold souk in Deira.
- 12.30pm: lunch, then retreat to the hotel through the hottest hours.
- 4.30pm: the Burj Khalifa observation decks, timed for sunset; book a slot in advance, as sunset times sell out.
- 7pm: the Dubai Fountain show from the lake promenade, then dinner.
For the second day, choose between an afternoon desert drive (pick-up around 3pm, dunes and sunset, dinner at a camp, back around 9pm) and Abu Dhabi, about 1.5 hours by road. In Abu Dhabi, start at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the morning, with arms and legs covered and a headscarf for women, then spend the afternoon at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. If the White Desert is already on your Egypt plan, Abu Dhabi is the better use of the day; our White Desert overnight trip beats any desert safari.
When is the best time to visit Egypt and Dubai?
November to March is the best window for both: Dubai has warm, dry days around the mid-20s and Egypt's monuments are comfortable to explore. October and April work well too, though Dubai is already hot. From June to September Dubai is extremely hot and humid, often above 40°C, and Upper Egypt is similarly fierce, so a combined trip in Australia's winter school holidays needs early starts and long middle-of-the-day breaks in both countries.
Dubai's peak, around Christmas, New Year and major events, pushes hotel prices up sharply, while Egypt's busiest weeks are the same, so book six to nine months ahead for that period. Check Ramadan dates for your year, as opening hours shift in both countries; see travelling Egypt during Ramadan and the best time to visit Egypt.
Visas, money and practical differences
Treat the two countries separately: each has its own entry rules, currency and customs, and Dubai is noticeably more expensive day to day.
- Visas: at the time of writing, Australian and New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the UAE, and need a visa for Egypt, by e-Visa or on arrival. Rules change, so check Smartraveller or SafeTravel for both countries, and our Egypt visa guide.
- Money: the UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar, and cards work almost everywhere in Dubai. In Egypt you will want Egyptian pounds in cash for tips and small purchases.
- Costs: hotels, meals and drinks in Dubai typically cost well above Egyptian levels; Egypt's larger costs are guiding, flights and cruises.
- Dress and behaviour: both are Muslim countries. Dubai is relaxed in hotels and malls but expects modest dress in traditional areas and mosques; public displays of affection and drunkenness are taken seriously.
- Medicines: the UAE has strict rules on some prescription and over-the-counter medicines; check before you pack.
- Time: Dubai is 2 hours ahead of Egypt in the northern winter and 1 hour ahead while Egypt observes daylight saving.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Dubai to Cairo?
About 3.5–4 hours. Several airlines fly the route daily at the time of writing, including Emirates and flydubai; check schedules when you book.
How many days do you need for Egypt and Dubai?
Allow 11–14 days: 2–3 nights in Dubai and 8–10 days in Egypt for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. With a week in total, keep Dubai to two nights and Egypt to Cairo and Luxor.
Is it better to visit Dubai before or after Egypt?
Before Egypt if you want to break the long flight from Australia and arrive refreshed; after Egypt if you want a relaxed finish. Flight times and your stopover options usually decide it.
Can I add a Dubai stopover to my Egypt flights?
Often, yes. Many fares via Dubai allow a stopover, sometimes for little or no extra cost. We can book flights and both stays together so the timings line up.
Do Australians need a visa for Dubai?
At the time of writing, Australians can obtain a visa on arrival in the UAE for short visits. Entry rules change, so check Smartraveller and your airline before you travel.
