Phuket from the Gulf: a first-timer's guide
Updated
At a glance
From the Gulf, Phuket is a direct flight of about 6 to 8 hours, and passports from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain get 30 days in Thailand without a visa.
- From Dubai: Yes, direct: Emirates flies up to three a day, about 6 hours.
- Also direct: From Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait and Muscat. From Bahrain, you change planes on the way.
- The time: Phuket is 3 hours ahead of the UAE and Oman, and 4 hours ahead of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.
- Before you fly: Fill in Thailand's arrival card online, no earlier than three days before you land, and check your passports are valid for six months.
- When: The summer holidays fall in Phuket's rainy season, mid-May to mid-October; December to April is drier.
Direct flights from the Gulf
| From | Airline | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Emirates, up to three a day | 6 |
| Abu Dhabi | Etihad, four a day | 6½ |
| Sharjah | Air Arabia, three a day | 6½–7 |
| Doha | Qatar Airways, three a day | 6½ |
| Riyadh | Saudia, three a week | 7 |
| Jeddah | Saudia, three a week | 8 |
| Kuwait | Kuwait Airways, twice a week | 7½ |
| Muscat | Oman's national airline, every day | 6 |
Kuwait Airways began flying on 27 October 2026, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and plans up to four a week from 2 December to 3 February. Etihad adds flights from 16 December. From Bahrain there's no direct flight: you change planes in another Gulf city or in Bangkok. Timetables change with the seasons, so check with the airline before you book.
Phuket keeps Thai time all year, 3 hours ahead of Dubai and Muscat and 4 hours ahead of Riyadh, Kuwait, Doha and Bahrain. Some flights leave at night and land the next day, so check your landing date before you book your first night.
Visa, arrival card and passports
- No visa: since 15 September 2026, passports from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain can stay 30 days for tourism without one. Older websites still say 60 days; it's 30 now. UAE passports without nationality still need a visa.
- Arrival card: every traveller, children too, needs the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Fill it in at tdac.immigration.go.th during the three days before you land, not earlier, and use the official site only.
- Passports: valid for at least six months from the day you arrive, with a ticket out of Thailand within the 30 days.
- Money: immigration can ask to see 10,000 baht a person or 20,000 baht a family, in any currency. You don't need to show money for children under 12.
- Prayer: the airport's Muslim prayer room is on floor 3, by entrance 1, in the public area, open day and night. When you fly home, pray there before security.
- Money and phones: Thailand's currency is the baht, and the airport's exchange counters open day and night. Tourist SIM cards are sold in the arrivals hall.
From the airport to your hotel, by car or bus, and the island area by area: Where to stay in Phuket
When to come: the holidays and the weather
The Gulf's summer holidays fall in Phuket's rainy season, which runs mid-May to mid-October. In July it rains on about 19 days of the month, and in August on about 20, by the Thai Meteorological Department's long-term averages. From May to October, strong surf and rip currents come to the west coast's beaches: a red flag on the beach means no swimming, and a red-and-yellow flag means lifeguards are on duty. The Similan and Surin island parks are open only from 15 October to 15 May.
The winter holidays fall in the drier months. In the UAE, schools break from 14 December to 1 January. In Saudi Arabia, the mid-year break is about 8 to 16 January. In 2027, Eid al-Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March, in the dry season, and Eid al-Adha on 16 or 17 May, when the rainy season starts.
The weather, the sea and what's on, month by month: When to visit Phuket
Where families stay
The Tourism Authority of Thailand names private pool villas and halal-friendly service as suited to visitors from the Middle East. If your villa has a cook, say what you need before they shop.
For a quieter beach, try Kamala. The tourism authority says families and couples choose it for a calm break, and one of the island's Muslim communities lives there.
Halal food and prayer
Where to eat halal, how to read Thailand's halal logo, and the dishes to try: Halal food in Phuket
Today's prayer times, the mosques near where you stay, and Ramadan and Eid in Phuket: Mosques and prayer times in Phuket
Temples, and what to wear
If you visit a Buddhist temple, such as Wat Chalong, cover your shoulders and knees, take your shoes off before you go inside, and don't photograph people praying.
Wat Chalong's hours, how to get there and its dress code: Wat Chalong
Family days in any weather
Beaches, water parks, the aquarium, animals and rainy-day plans with children: Phuket with children
Old Town's streets, its markets and its Sunday walking street: Phuket Old Town
In a white headscarf, blouse and trousers on a villa's garden path. 
In a satin shirt and trousers under tall trees.
Golden Hour Phuket · photography
Holiday photoshoots in Phuket
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