Emirates offers economy, business class travellers free Dubai stopover
By Chris C., May 13 2014
Emirates is offering free stopovers in Dubai for travellers from Australia in a deal which includes hotel costs, transfers and visa arrangements.
The promotion, valid on selected EK-coded flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, affords travellers a free 24-hour stopover in the airline’s hub city.
Economy travellers will be housed at the Howard Johnson Bur Dubai, with free breakfast and transfers to and from Dubai International Airport.
Business and first class passengers stay at the luxe JW Marriott Marquis Hotel – also with breakfast included – along with the Chauffeur Drive service between the hotel and the airport.
Room with a view – a Deluxe at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
If required, all passengers are also eligible for a free 36-hour UAE visa, although this isn’t usually needed when travelling on an Australian passport.
“We’re committed to offering the very best travel experiences to our customers, and what better time than the Australian winter to highlight the benefits of a Dubai summer stopover,” said Bryan Banston, Emirates’ Vice President, Australasia.
Free stopovers are available until August 13 2014 from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and through September 30 2014 for Perth residents – but you'll need to finalise your bookings by July 31 2014.
From the east coast, you'll need to travel on EK415 from Sydney, EK409 from Melbourne or EK433 from Brisbane, and from the west, EK423 from Perth to be eligible.
All other Emirates services don't provide free Dubai stopovers, even if booked on the same flights but under the Qantas (QF) codeshare.
Unspecified blackout dates apply and the offer isn't open to travellers from Adelaide, so it's best to check for availability before finalising your arrangements.
For more details, visit the Emirates website.
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Apr 2012
Total posts 14
during the earlybird airfare booking season in late 2013, I booked a return flight from australia to europe on emirates for sept/oct 2014. i wanted to leave europe on a monday and was advised that to get a good connection in dubai, i either had to pay more for my ticket or leave on a tuesday to get the good connection/cheap airfare. I elected to stay with the Monday departure/cheap airfare and tolerate the 9 hour 25 minute connection in dubai.
Then I accessed the emirates website to do 'manage my booking' where i discovered that i am eligible for 'dubai connect' - accommodation, meals and ground trasfers which I have booked.
this is a good news story involving an airline
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
“We’re committed to offering the very best travel experiences to our customers, and what better time than the Australian winter to highlight the benefits of a Dubai summer stopover,” said Bryan Banston, Emirates’ Vice President, Australasia.
ahhhh yes, the joy of a Dubai summer. 45c to 50c with 90% humidity. Thanks Bryan for thinking of us.
11 Jan 2012
Total posts 11
But not if your travelling from Adelaide ?
11 Mar 2012
Total posts 180
It would be good to provide a reference to this offer on Emirates website. I couldn't find it! Thanks
09 Nov 2011
Total posts 88
This would require you to endure the rudeness and scrutiny of the entry and departure formalities. Dont attempt to take any medication that fits into the extensive list they have of restricted items, or touch your partner inappropriately - even worse be gay otherwise your Hotel may be converted to a jail cell
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Feb 2013
Total posts 25
I've been to Dubai twice without any issues whatever... I had a couple of different types of tables (medication/vitamins/mints etc) in my carry on which never raised an eyebrow when it was x-rayed. The immigration staff never asked me a single question they just stamped my passport.. oh and I'm also gay.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
Did you find the bar Submarines? Hilarious to see the local take on a gay bar.
09 Nov 2011
Total posts 88
Well good for you - others haven't been so lucky - oh and I am not talking about Vitamins and mints either. Next time you casually travel through try taking some Panadeine forte or valium or give your boyfriend a cuddle - could be interesting.
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 1
I'm stopping over in Dubai for 10hours on my way to Brisbane - am I eligible for this?
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