Emirates nonstop returns in 6.5 hours eastbound; Gulf-carrier connections add options below EUR 400.
The eastbound leg benefits from tailwinds, cutting the flight to about 6 h 30 min on Emirates' daily nonstop. Departure from MAD is typically early afternoon, arriving DXB late evening. Qatar via DOH and Etihad via AUH offer one-stop alternatives that occasionally dip below EUR 350 return during sales. With Madrid - Dubai, small time shifts often unlock better fares and smoother airport transfers.
Spanish passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in the UAE. The process at DXB is fast: biometric scan, passport stamp, and you are through in under 10 minutes. Dubai metro's Red Line connects the airport to downtown hotels in about 25 minutes. Madrid - Dubai timing usually sits around ~6 h 30 min eastbound, so departure windows matter.
Dubai's peak tourism season (November-February) means higher hotel rates but not necessarily higher airfares from Spain. The cheapest MAD-DXB flights appear in late April to June and September when Dubai's summer heat deters leisure visitors. Ramadan periods can also produce soft fares. On Madrid - Dubai, compare airport pair MAD -> DXB and total trip cost before paying.
No. Spanish passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at DXB. No advance application is needed. Passport must have at least 6 months validity.
Eastbound flights benefit from prevailing westerly winds, cutting MAD-DXB to about 6 h 30 min versus 7 h 30 min on the westbound DXB-MAD leg. Compare nearby dates before booking.
Late April to June and September offer the lowest fares. Avoid Christmas/New Year and Spanish holiday periods (Semana Santa, August) when demand pushes prices up significantly.
