The Best (and Cheapest) Ways to Fly to Dubai On Points

Dubai has always felt like a giant, real-life theme park — but now it’s getting even closer to becoming one. With plans for a new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi (which is a short drive away), interest in the region is heating up fast.

The region already dazzles with shiny skyscrapers, luxury shopping and wild attractions (indoor ski slope, anyone?), but its appeal may soon expand even more.

And by maximizing sweet spots in airline loyalty programs, you can fly to Dubai on points without blowing your entire rewards stash. Here are some of the best and cheapest ways to do it.

Airline loyalty programs to fly to Dubai on points

ANA Mileage Club

If you don’t have All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club miles, you'll want to get on that right away. The program has some terrific sweet spots, and partner flights to Dubai is one of them. You can fly round-trip between the U.S. and Dubai for just 65,000 miles in economy or 104,000 miles in business class.

The business class fare, in particular, is an excellent deal when you compare it to current redemption rates on Star Alliance partner Air Canada, which charges 82,500 miles for the same award, one-way.

ANA is a transfer partner of the American Express Membership Rewards program, meaning you can stock up on this currency using the following credit cards:

• American Express® Gold Card.

• American Express® Business Gold Card.

• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Terms apply.

» Learn more: American Express Gold Card review: Dining rewards royalty

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines’ partnerships with Etihad, Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways make it a great option for flying to Dubai on points. A one-way economy class award will cost you just 40,000 miles, while business goes for 70,000 each way.

While American Airlines isn’t a transfer partner of any major bank rewards program, AAdvantage miles are still fairly to get a hold of thanks to a huge line-up of rewards credit cards issued by Barclays and Citi.

• American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.

• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®.

• AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard®.

• AAdvantage® Aviator® Blue Mastercard®.

• AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard®.

• AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®.

Avianca Lifemiles

Have Citi ThankYou points and want to fly to Dubai? Avianca Lifemiles is the way to go. You can book a one-way economy class award for 42,500 miles. If you’re short on Citi ThankYou points, you can pick up the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card to give your account a boost.

Based on our most recent analysis, NerdWallet values Avianca LifeMiles at 1.6 cents each.

If you want to fly to Dubai on points

Finding cheap flights to Dubai is made easier by leveraging points and miles to get you there. Even beginner travel rewards hobbyists can find ample opportunity and options to get to this sparkling city without spending a fortune.

Add the right travel credit card to your wallet and plan your trip at least six months out to take full advantage of award flights to Dubai.