Quick answer: Dubai to Riyadh averaged about AED 721 return over the past 12 months. March was the cheapest month (about AED 474) and May the most expensive (about AED 1,061). Direct flights take about 2h 10m, with SAUDIA, flynas and flyadeal operating over 120 flights a week. Thursday departures were about 20% below the typical day, and Sunday about 32% above.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Average return from Dubai | About AED 721 |
| Average return from Sharjah | About AED 672 |
| Cheapest month | March, about AED 474 |
| Most expensive | May (about AED 1,061), June (about AED 929) |
| Direct flight time | About 2h 10m |
| Cheapest day to fly | Thursday |
Table of Contents
A busy shuttle route
| Airline | Direct flights per week |
|---|---|
| SAUDIA | About 50 |
| flynas | About 47 |
| flyadeal | About 28 |
| Air Arabia from Sharjah | About 14 |
With this many flights there is almost always a seat, so the real saving comes from choosing the right day. SAUDIA usually includes checked baggage; flynas, flyadeal and Air Arabia sell lighter fares where bags cost extra.
Avoid Sunday, fly Thursday
This route is driven by business and weekend travel. Thursday departures averaged about AED 580 return, around 20% below the typical day, while Sunday averaged about AED 955, around 32% above. If you are going for a Saudi weekend, leaving on Thursday is both the cheapest and the most popular choice.
Book late, but not too late
Unlike long haul routes, Riyadh does not reward booking months ahead. About 4 weeks before departure was the sweet spot, saving around 37%. Fares in the last two weeks ran about 10% above average.
Dubai or Sharjah?
Sharjah averaged about AED 672 return on Air Arabia, around AED 50 less than Dubai, with about 14 direct flights a week. It is worth it if you live in Sharjah or the northern emirates.
Visa for Saudi Arabia
Many UAE residents qualify for a Saudi tourist eVisa. See our Saudi visit visa for UAE residents guide, or Dubai to Jeddah flights if you are heading to the west coast.
Pay monthly for your ticket
If a return comes to AED 721, that can be four Tabby payments of about AED 180, or a longer Tabby plan of up to 12 months. UAE residents can also use Tamara or a 3 to 12 month plan on a UAE credit card from Mashreq, ADCB, RAKBANK, HSBC, FAB or Emirates NBD; we only need your phone number to send the link. Get a Dubai to Riyadh quote. Our office WhatsApp, +971 4 220 2133, answers 24 hours a day.
Fares are 12 month averages from public flight search data, checked by White Sky Travel in November 2026. Prices change daily. See also the cheapest month to fly from the UAE and our baggage allowance comparison.
Dubai to Riyadh FAQs
How long is the flight from Dubai to Riyadh?
A direct flight takes about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Which airlines fly direct from Dubai to Riyadh?
SAUDIA, flynas and flyadeal, over 120 flights a week between them. Air Arabia flies direct from Sharjah.
What is the cheapest day to fly Dubai to Riyadh?
Thursday, at about AED 580 return. Sunday is the most expensive.
What is the cheapest month to fly Dubai to Riyadh?
March, at about AED 474 return. May and June are the most expensive.
Can I pay for a Dubai to Riyadh ticket monthly?
Yes. UAE residents can pay with Tabby, Tamara or a 3 to 12 month UAE credit card plan. We only need your phone number.
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