Flights from the UAE to Kenya: Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Nairobi

You can fly non-stop from the UAE to Kenya in about five to six hours. Emirates, flydubai and Kenya Airways fly from Dubai to Nairobi, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi. Kenya is one hour behind the UAE, so a short safari is realistic, and you lose very little time getting there.

You can see trips that fit around these flights on our Kenya safaris from the UAE page.

From Dubai

Trip.com lists Kenya Airways, flydubai and Emirates on the non-stop route from Dubai International, with a typical flight time of a little over five to about six hours depending on the service. Schedules vary by day and season, so check your date with the airline.

From Abu Dhabi

Etihad says its non-stop flight to Nairobi usually takes about 5 hours 10 minutes. Its lowest return economy fare shown when we checked was AED 1,147, for a November 2026 departure, though fares change often and that one may not be available on your dates.

Check before you book

Regional tensions have disrupted flights around the Gulf this autumn, mainly on Saudi routes. AirHelp reported cancellations and delays at UAE airports on 2 November. We have not seen reports of specific Nairobi cancellations, but check your flight status a day or two before you leave.

If you have a trip to Saudi Arabia planned, leave a gap. Saudi Arabia has banned entry for anyone who was in Kenya in the previous 21 days. Our guide to Kenya travel requirements for UAE citizens and residents covers this in more detail.

Arriving in Nairobi

You land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and we meet you there for your transfer. Timing matters on a short trip. Our safaris start in the morning, so an evening arrival usually means a night in Nairobi first, and we can book that hotel for you.

If you take a fly-in safari, your next flight leaves from Wilson Airport, Nairobi’s domestic airport, so leave time for the road transfer between the two. Luggage on light aircraft is limited, usually near 15kg in a soft bag, and you can leave the rest in Nairobi if you are coming back that way.

What this means for your trip

The short flight is the reason a safari from the UAE can be so flexible. Leave work on a Thursday, and you can be in the Mara the next day. Our guide to a long weekend safari from Dubai sets out what fits into three, four and five days.

If you have longer, a week lets you add Amboseli or the beach. And if you want to make it a special trip, what a VIP safari includes will help you decide where to spend. We do not normally book international flights, but we are happy to help if you ask.

Last updated: 6 November 2026