How to Fly to Dubai with Points

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026

The short answer: Dubai is served nonstop by Emirates, whose A380 first class with an onboard shower and excellent business class are the marquee redemptions, bookable through Emirates Skywards. Qatar Qsuite via Doha is another superb option. Dubai also makes an ideal stopover en route to Asia, Africa, or the Maldives.

This guide covers the best ways to fly to Dubai with points, the standout premium cabins, and how to use Dubai as a stopover. Award prices and availability change constantly as programs devalue and adjust, so treat every points figure here as a rough, illustrative guide rather than a guarantee. Always confirm the current price and that an award seat is actually available on the airline own site before you transfer points, since transfers are one-way and cannot be reversed.

Getting to Dubai

Dubai biggest draw for points travelers is Emirates, which flies its flagship A380 nonstop from several US gateways to its Dubai hub. You can also reach the region through Doha on Qatar Airways, a short hop from Dubai, or through Abu Dhabi on Etihad, with onward connection. United also serves Dubai. The nonstop Emirates A380 is the headline option.

Because Dubai is a major hub, it is well connected, and the main decision is which premium product to fly. See our first class guide.

The Emirates A380 experience

The Emirates A380 is a bucket-list aircraft. Its first class offers private suites with closing doors and the famous onboard shower spa, where you can shower at altitude, while its business class is spacious and comfortable with an onboard bar. Flying the A380 to Dubai is, for many, the highlight of the trip itself.

Emirates is bookable primarily through its own program, Emirates Skywards, which transfers from American Express, since partner award availability on Emirates can be limited. So transferring Amex points into Skywards is usually the path to these seats. See our Amex ecosystem guide.

The best programs for Dubai

For Emirates, Emirates Skywards, fed by Amex transfers, is the main route to first and business class, given limited partner space. For Qatar Qsuite via Doha, Oneworld programs like American AAdvantage and the Avios programs work. For Etihad via Abu Dhabi, its own program and certain partners apply, and United can book its own Dubai flights.

Because the marquee Emirates product is best booked through Skywards, Dubai is one destination where a co-branded or transfer relationship with Emirates is especially useful. See our business class guide.

Dubai as a stopover

Dubai geography makes it an ideal stopover on the way to other regions. Through the right routing, you can break a journey to Asia, Africa, or the Maldives with a few days in Dubai, effectively adding a destination. The Gulf hubs of Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi all serve as gateways onward to the Maldives in particular, pairing a great flight with an overwater resort.

If your ultimate destination is beyond the Gulf, consider building in a Dubai stopover to experience the city and the Emirates product. See our Maldives guide and booking tactics guide.

Economy and when to go

Given the long flight, a premium cabin to Dubai is especially rewarding and is where points shine, so many travelers prioritize Emirates first or business. Economy works when cash fares are high. Compare the cash price against the points cost as always.

Dubai cooler months, roughly November through March, are the most comfortable and popular for visiting, so demand and award competition are higher then, while summer is very hot but can have more availability. Award prices and availability change constantly as programs devalue and adjust, so treat every points figure here as a rough, illustrative guide rather than a guarantee. Always confirm the current price and that an award seat is actually available on the airline own site before you transfer points, since transfers are one-way and cannot be reversed. See our economy redemptions guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to fly to Dubai with points?

Fly the Emirates A380 nonstop, booking through Emirates Skywards, which transfers from American Express. Its first class has an onboard shower and its business class is excellent. Qatar Qsuite via Doha is another superb option.

How do I book Emirates first class with points?

Emirates is best booked through its own program, Emirates Skywards, fed by American Express transfers, since partner award availability on Emirates is often limited. The A380 first class with its onboard shower is the marquee redemption.

Can I use Dubai as a stopover?

Yes, ideally. Dubai geography makes it a great stopover on the way to Asia, Africa, or the Maldives, letting you add a few days in the city. The Gulf hubs are also key gateways onward to the Maldives overwater resorts.

Which programs book flights to Dubai?

Emirates Skywards, fed by Amex, for Emirates A380 first and business. For Qatar Qsuite via Doha, Oneworld programs like American AAdvantage and Avios. Etihad via Abu Dhabi and United also serve the region.

When is the best time to fly to Dubai?

The cooler months from roughly November through March are most comfortable and popular, so demand and award competition are higher then. Summer is very hot but can offer more availability. Premium cabins are where points shine on the long flight.