Air Arabia has launched direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Almaty. The first flight from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully landed in Almaty today at 10:20 a.m. local time.
Travel between the two cities has become much easier, with a flight time of just 4 hours and 15 minutes. Passengers can now book flights three times a week: on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
One-way tickets start at 42,000 tenge (about $82.30). Passengers purchasing the cheapest basic fare are allowed a carry-on up to 10 kilograms. Those wishing to check heavier luggage will need to pay an additional 21,000 tenge (about $41.15).
Air Arabia also offers flights from Almaty to Sharjah, with one-way fares starting at 42,200 tenge (about $82.70).
Another airline, Wizz Air, operates daily flights from Almaty, Astana and Turkestan to Abu Dhabi. These flights take about 4 hours and 50 minutes, with ticket prices starting at $58.99.
The UAE is a popular destination for Kazakhstani travelers, who can visit the country visa-free for up to 30 days. Tourists are drawn to Abu Dhabi for its delicious seafood, the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the chance to see dolphins and endangered turtles.
In response to a surge in foreign tourists, Abu Dhabi hotels are planning to introduce facial recognition systems for both guests and staff. This measure is expected to reduce wait times at reception and improve the overall guest experience. Additionally, in early May, the Walt Disney Company announced plans to build a Disneyland on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi — the first such amusement park in the Middle East — in partnership with Emirati firm Miral.
