The Maldives, the tropical paradise with luxurious resorts, beautiful fine sandy beaches, and crystal clear sea has emerged as one of the most favoured holiday destinations for people in UAE. It is actually only a couple hours by flight, making it the ideal destination for a tropical break. For either a conservation holiday or otherwise an adventurous one, the Maldives has everything for the general tourist. Here, you will find information about when it is most appropriate to travel to Maldives from UAE, how to get there, expert advice, preferred schedules, and other information to ensure that your first time traveling to this tropical haven is both smooth-sailing and truly amazing.
WHY CHOOSE THE MALDIVES FOR YOUR FIRST OVERSEAS TRIP?
When considering your next holiday, the Maldives presents itself as a dream destination. Here’s why:
Proximity and Accessibility:
It takes only 4 to 5 hours to travel directly from the UAE to the Maldives. This makes it a perfect place to go for a few days holiday without worrying much of the number of hours it will take to get there. If you are flying from Dubai or Abu Dhabi or Sharjah you will find plenty of direct flights available.
Exclusive Resorts
Luxury Maldives accommodation is one of the main attractions; many hotels and resorts offer exclusive finest overwater villas accommodations on solitary islands.
Crystal Clear Waters and Marine Life
Seventh, if enthusiast into snorkeling or diving, then Maldivian has some of the best underwater views. Fishing, snorkeling, diving, deep water exploration, and the possibility to swim with dolphins and whale sharks throughout the year, colorful corals and the exotic fishes make the location one of the best for underwater attractions.
Tranquility
Maldives is all about tranquility, privacy and solitude as complimented by its beaches and the islands that accommodate tourists in their solitude. Regardless of whether you are planning a lovers’ getaway or a holiday with children, it’s a place where you can relax to the max.
WHEN IS THE OTHER BEST TIME TO GO TO MALDIVES FROM UAE
Before you even start to plan where to go, it is very important to know when to go since the Maldives experiences different weather patterns all year-round. Unfavourable weather is always a major disadvantage in the enjoyment of your holiday, for instance when going for a diving or sun bathing session.
Dry Season (November to April)
These months are said to be the high season for the Maldives. These are the best months to visit Tanzania since weather is cooler, the skies are blue and the seas are calm. Vacation activity for places such as snorkeling, diving and swimming, beach holidays, and even visiting beach resort hotels can be done. But that is also the most costly time to travel especially when renting a resort or and flights. This is the best time to visit Maldives from UAE, especially during the months of December to February because most of the UAE residents travel at this time especially due to public holidays and long weekend.
Wet Season (May to October)
Some of you may prefer going to this area in the dry season when there’s almost no precipitation and certainly no storms, but it means that the tourist flow will be higher, and the prices will be considerably higher as well. It rains for about 5- 7 days in a week and you find it’s neither too cold nor too hot a climate. This period is one I recommend to surfers or those who are not so bothered by the rainy season as resorts are less crowded and there are normally discount offers.
FLIGHTS TO MALDIVES FROM UAE
The most important and easy part of the process of going to the Maldives is that it is not a challenge at all for people residing in UAE. Connecting airports offer several flights to Malé, the capital city of the Maldives over the UAE’s airports. Here’s what you need to know:
- Airlines Offering Direct Flights
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Flydubai
- Air Arabia
- Flight duration
The Maldives is only 4 to 5 hours of flight from the UAE which makes it the ideal long weekend or short vacation destination.
Flight Costs
The round-trip airfare ranges between AED 1,200 and AED 3,500 depending on the time of the year and availability of the tickets or the times they were booked. Availing the flights and accommodation is cheaper during the off-peak months a factor that contributes to low prices.
“Tip: To get the best deals on flights to Maldives from UAE, it’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like December to February.”
ACCOMMODATION IN THE MALDIVES FOR FIRST-TIMERS
Luxury overwater bungalows are the most famous type of accommodation in the Maldives, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to spend a fortune to have a great stay there. There are a range of options available depending on your budget:
Luxury Resorts
For tourists who want to stay in luxury then there are special resorts such as Soneva Fushi and Anantara Veli Maldives Resort that has luxurious overwater villas, private beaches, awesome services as well offer great views of the Indian Ocean. The prices of such private accommodation would be approximately AED 3,000, AED 10,000 or more per night.
Mid-Range Resorts
If you are looking for a cheaper resort the resorts of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi or Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives are waiting for the guests. These resorts cost from AED 1,500 to AED 4000 for a one night accommodation.
Budget Accommodation
If you’re traveling on a budget, local islands like Maafushi and Dhigurah AED 800 per night.
Read This Article: Recent Travel Policy Updates for UAE Expats and Residents
SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR FIRST-TIMERS
For first time visitors to Maldives, this will require proper planning in order to schedule the best experiences to enjoy while in Maldives. These are some recommendations for the first time visitors that can be followed in five days:
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
- You will then be taken to your resort either by seaplane or speedboat after you land at Malé International Airport.
- Arrive at the resort and retire the rest of the day at the beach.
- Spend time in eating by the seashore in the eve of the sunset.
Day 2: Water Activities
- Go on a guided snorkeling tour to explore the underwater world.
- Enjoy water sports like kayaking, jet-skiing, or parasailing.
- In the evening, take a sunset cruise to spot dolphins and enjoy the scenic views.
Day 3: Day Trip to a Local Island
- Visit neighboring island for the day, for instance Maafushi or Dhigurah. There is opportunity to learn about the local traditions, purchase some gifts for friends and taste the authentic Maldivian cuisine.
- After the evening meal retire the Resort and proceed to the Spa to be pampered.
Day 4: Diving and Underwater Dining
- Spend the day diving or taking a glass-bottom boat tour.
- In the evening, indulge in an underwater dining experience at one of the resorts offering this unique setting.
Day 5: Departure
- Enjoy a final breakfast by the beach before heading to the airport for your flight back to the UAE.
EXPLORING MALDIVIAN CUISINE
Visiting the Maldives with out trying some of local food would not be complete. In this regards, Maldivian food is predominantly based on fishing and in relation to the climate, the islands are tropical. Here are some must-try dishes:
- Mas Huni: A breakfast Maldivian staple food prepared from tuna, coconut, onion and chili often taken with flattened bread.
- Garudhiya: A light meal of fish soup with rice, small lime and chili paste for garnishing.
- Hedhikaa: These snacks include fish roll, coconut cake and stuffed breads short eats found in Maldives.
Most resorts offer a variety of international dishes, so there’s something for every palate. Be sure to try the Maldivian curry and enjoy fresh seafood, as it’s abundant in the region.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN FOR MALDIVES TRAVEL
Traveling to the Maldives can be as luxurious or as budget-friendly as you wish. Here’s a rough breakdown to help you plan your finances:
- Flights: AED 1,200 – AED 3,500
- Accommodation: AED 200 (budget) – AED 10,000 (luxury) per night
- Food: AED 150 – AED 500 per day, depending on your dining choices
- Activities: AED 300 – AED 1,000 per day (snorkeling, diving, spa treatments, etc.)
Tip: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip, consider staying in guesthouses on local islands and using public ferries instead of private transfers.
HIDDEN GEMS IN THE MALDIVES
While the Maldives is famous for its luxurious resorts, there are a few hidden gems that many tourists miss out on:
- Vaadhoo Island: Known for, luminous water plotted by dinoflagellates plankton that gives a fairy-like appearance at night.
- Dhigurah Island: A relatively less populated circle of islands which has the best spot to encounter with whale sharks and much serenity.
- Hulhumalé: Artificial supplementary atoll, with cheap lodgings and pristine sand, within easy striking distance from the place’s central hub, Malé.
EXPLORING THE MALDIVES: ACTIVITIES FOR FIRST-TIMERS
The Maldives is a country with many features that can suit everyone’s fancy as following are the activities one can do during tours in the Maldives. The Maldives is a tropical tourist’s dream destination whether in search of a thrill, serenity or the local touch. Here are some of the top activities that you should probably try for the first time during your trip:
Snorkeling and Diving
Although the aquatic adventure in the Maldives is well known and amazing for both divers and snorkel lovers. It also has beautiful beaches and more importantly clean sea with rich coral reefs making it one of the best destination for snorkeling and diving in the world. Other water activities include snorkeling where guides take you through a session where you can meet the beautiful fish, turtles and also manta rays in case you are in a nearby resort. Some of the famous dive points are Maaya Thila and Fish Head, the areas famous for the great marine life.
Luxury Spa Treatments
Spa treatments are an essential part of your travel itinerary when on a Maldives vacation. Some of the Maldivian resorts provide superior spas where one can get a needed massage, facial or even a genuine Maldivian curing session. Take your beauty treatment session and pamper yourself to enjoy the healthy vacation of the Islands.
Private Beach Dinners
When it comes to dining, most of the Maldives resorts guarantee the couple an intimate candle lit dinner on the beach as a private couple. The beach side/sea side dinner; this means arranging a candle lit table and then serving food on the beach. It is generally prepared with local Maldivian dishes and also it may contain the food from other parts of the world.
Island Hopping and Cultural Tours
Apart from the glamorous luxurious tourist resorts, tourists in the Maldives have a lot to explore. The most popular activity is the island-hopping, for example you would be able to go to different local islands and have a possibility to see how unique they are. During your time on these islands you are able to practice the Maldivian culture, meet people and even buy souvenirs. Some of the local islands are Maafushi, Dhigurah, and Thulusdhoo, which are still closer to a genuine Maldivian environment.
Sunset Cruises
Since it was our first time in the Maldives, we were forced to take a sunset cruise as it’s one of the things to do. It can be an excellent chance to sail round the Maldives and admire the magnificent sunset while leisurely travelling abord cruases. It also has the possibility to meet dolphins on your rout, which will make your trip magical.
MALDIVES VISA FOR UAE RESIDENTS
For UAE residents it is relatively easy to visit the Maldives since it provides a visa on arrival not exceeding 30 days. All passengers who are resident in UAE or holding the UAE passport do not require a visa in advance. On arrival immigration authorities issue a free visa for the period of 30 days if the traveler has valid passport of minimum 6 months validity, confirmed return ticket and sufficient money for his stay.
It Is also recommended that you should also have the proof of accommodation like the Hotel reservation or resort booking because at this time some airlines may ask for it before issuing the boarding pass.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND SETERISM IN THE MALDIVES
Beautiful beaches and blue sea water are always associated with the Maldives but seldom is this tourist destination associated with environmental issues. Climbing sea levels and deteriorating state of coral reefs coupled with tourist overcrowding have put stakeholders in the region on conservation of tourist traffic. Here is some guidance and advice specifically for first-time MV visitors in order not to spoil the nature of Maldives:
- Choose eco-friendly resorts: Most resorts in the Maldives are shifting their dependence to sustainable source of energy, water reuse, and thirdly, ban on the use of plastics. But, it is encouraging to be able to help these efforts and staying at an eco-conscious resort is one good way to do it.
- Avoid touching coral reefs: When swimming, especially snorkeling or diving do not come into contact with the coral reefs as it will harm the reef. It is important to give heed to a guide and do not harm the marine area where tourists go for a trip.
- Support local communities: When you are in local areas you should try to use what locals offer as products and services. Customers realize that by shopping in their local stores it is advantageous to their economy and the service rendered is peculiar.
CONCLUSION
For UAE residents, the Maldives is the perfect getaway destination offering something for everyone: gorgeous lodgings, spectacular sea creatures, and the sea splendor in the South Pacific. For a first timer or a repeat tourist, this tropical destination will indeed rejuvenate the body, mind and soul of any tourist. Right from the process of choosing your flights from UAE to Maldives to selecting the best vacation packages for residents of UAE
