Emirates Dubai Connect: Free Hotel & Eligibility
If you are a Canadian traveller who often takess Emirates flights, you might feel tired of long Dubai layovers. Today I wanna introduce Emirates’ free stopover hotel program, whose official name is Dubai Connect.
Simply put, Dubai Connect lets you turn a boring layover into a free short Dubai trip. Emirates gives you free hotel rooms, meals, airport transfers and transit visas with no extra charge. It is a really good benefit for Canadians flying from Toronto and Montreal.
Dubai Connect Overview & Availability
Program Core Introduction
Dubai Connect is an official free transit program offered by Emirates, designed for travellers with long layovers at Dubai Airport. The program’s goal is simple: instead of waiting for your next flight inside the airport, you can stay at a free hotel and explore Dubai during your stopover. It covers hotel accommodation, daily meals, airport transfers and transit visas, which is very useful for Canadian travellers transiting through Dubai.
Operation Status & Summer Promotion
Dubai Connect’s standard basic benefits run year-round. However, the JW Marriott Marquis 5-star hotel upgrade is not a permanent annual benefit — it is a limited seasonal promotion with exclusive eligibility rules. The best part is the summer special upgrade. Every year from late June through September, eligible promotional passengers can stay at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, which is a super famous 5-star hotel. It replaces the standard 4-star hotel only for passengers who meet the extra promotional requirements. All regular benefits are still there in other seasons, so you can always get free accommodation and meals if you qualify.
Emirates Flights
Flight info.
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Arrival
Weekly Schedule
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EK242
Emirates
14:55
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11:40
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EK5818
Emirates
07:00
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08:22
YUL
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EK244
Emirates
10:15
YUL
06:30
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Dubai Connect Rules: Who is Eligible for the Free Hotel?
Exact Eligibility Criteria
All requirements are listed below. You will need to meet all of them to get the free hotel, no exception:
- All Emirates one ticket: Your inbound and outbound connecting flights must be Emirates-operated and booked under one single reservation. Separate tickets or partner airline flights are not eligible.
- Fixed layover time: All cabin classes (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First) require a 6–26 hour Dubai layover to qualify for standard Dubai Connect benefits, following official Emirates terms.
- Shortest connection rule: You can’t deliberately book a super long layover just for free hotel. If a shorter valid connection is available at the time of booking, your application will be rejected.
- Valid ticket type: Discounted basic economy tickets are not eligible. Normal, flexible and premium tickets of all cabin class can apply.
- Advance application: You need to submit your Dubai Connect application at least 12 hours before arriving in Dubai, or you will lose eligibility for the benefits.
Cabin Class Benefit Breakdown
Different cabins get different benefits, matching your layover time and ticket grade:
Cabin Class | Complimentary Benefits |
|---|---|
Economy & Premium Economy | 1 free hotel night, full meal vouchers for your entire stopover period, and free shared airport transfers. This set of benefits perfectly matches the typical 6–26 hour layover schedules for Economy and Premium Economy passengers. |
Business & First Class | Up to 2 free hotel nights, upgraded premium meal service, private airport transfers and priority hotel check-in (this 2-night benefit is exclusive to the summer JW Marriott promotion; standard year-round Business/First Class benefits include 1 free night). These summer-exclusive perks allow you to explore Dubai more thoroughly during your transit layover. |
Minimum Layover Requirement
- Economy & Premium Economy: Minimum 8-hour layover, maximum 26-hour layover
- Business & First Class: Minimum 6-hour layover, maximum 26-hour layover
- Rule note: Stopovers outside the above windows do not qualify for standard Dubai Connect benefits
Stay Connected in UAE
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6042 booked
Full Dubai Connect Package Inclusions & Perks
Core Covered Benefits
Dubai Connect is Emirates’ free complimentary transit program for long layovers, separate from Emirates’ paid Dubai Stopover tour package. It includes almost everything you need for a comfortable transit stay with no hidden fees. All qualified passengers can get these benefits:
- Free 4-star or 5-star hotel room (late June–September promotional upgrade to JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (limited summer offer with extra eligibility rules))
- Canadian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to the UAE for up to 90 days with no advance visa application and no airline arrangement required. No transit visa processing is needed for Dubai stopovers.
- Free breakfast, lunch and dinner vouchers during your hotel stay
- Free round-trip car transfer between Dubai Airport and your hotel
- Free My Emirates Pass, you can use it get discount on Dubai shopping, eating and tourist spots
A small reminder: The standard Dubai Connect package does not include airport lounge access or additional paid activities, but all core accommodation, dining and transfer needs are fully covered.
Summer Exclusive: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
The JW Marriott Marquis hotel upgrade is a limited seasonal promotional offer, separate from standard year-round Dubai Connect benefits and subject to stricter eligibility rules. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is an iconic twin-tower luxury hotel located in the Business Bay district, approximately 3 km from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall (a short drive away, not within walking distance). It features spacious guest rooms, stunning rooftop city views and multiple fine-dining restaurants. Exclusive airport transfers are provided for promotional upgrade guests. This limited perk turns a regular transit layover into a high-end mini vacation for qualified travellers.
Airport Transfer & Extra Perk Details
Airport transfer is super easy and no trouble. After you finish all airport procedures in DXB, Emirates staff will guide you to the Dubai Connect shuttle counter. Economy passengers share a car with others, premium cabin passengers have private car. You don’t need to book it by yourself at all.
I really love the My Emirates Pass, it’s a hidden good thing for Canadian visitors. You simply activate it in the Emirates app to get discounts on desert safaris, marina boat tours, shopping and local restaurants, making your short stopover more valuable.
Step-by-Step Dubai Connect Booking & Support Guide
Official Booking Process
Book the free Dubai Connect hotel is not hard, I use these steps every time I fly Emirates from Canada:
- Book your Emirates connecting flight from Toronto or Montreal and ensure your layover meets official program rules.
- Wait until your flight booking is fully confirmed; it is recommended to complete booking at least 12 hours before departure.
- Log in the “Manage Your Booking” page on Emirates official website or phone app.
- Find the Dubai Connect button, check if you are eligible and submit your application.
- Check your personal info carefully, then wait for Emirates email confirmation.
- When you arrive Dubai Airport, just follow the Dubai Connect sign to get your hotel voucher and transfer info.
Available Booking Channels
The fastest and safest way to apply is online through Emirates official website or app. Phone support also can help you fix problems, but online service is faster. There is no special phone number only for Dubai Connect, all questions need ask official Emirates staff, don’t trust random third-party number online.
Solutions for Denied Requests & Full Bookings
Many Canadian travellers have experienced application denials or fully booked hotels, here are some simple solutions:
- Denied application: Most denials occur due to unqualified ticket types, separately booked flights, or deliberately extended layovers when shorter connections are available. You can double-check your booking details and contact Emirates official support for review.
- Hotel fully booked: Don’t worry, Emirates will arrange another same level 4 or 5-star hotel for free, no extra charge.
- Layover time change: If your scheduled layover time changes, you need to update your Dubai Connect status immediately, or your application will be automatically cancelled.
Unforgettable Dubai Experiences!
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![Dubai Desert Safari Day Tour [Popular Desert Camp + Sunset + Camel Ride + Performances + Dinner]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352e12000eihvh1lD57C_C_568_320.jpg)
24H & 48H Dubai Stopover Itineraries for Canadians
24-Hour Itinerary (Economy & Premium Economy)
If you only have one free hotel night, this simple itinerary is very suitable for you, no rush and can see all classic sights. After check in hotel in the afternoon, go to downtown Dubai to see Burj Khalifa and the famous Dubai Mall fountain show, then walk along the waterfront. Next morning, you can relax at Jumeirah Beach before go back to airport. It’s perfect for short transit stopover.
48-Hour Itinerary (Business & First Class)
If you have two free nights, you can explore more places in Dubai. On the first day, visit downtown landmarks in daytime, and join a cheap desert safari with your My Emirates Pass at night. On the second day, see the sea view at Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, then go to Deira old market to shop and feel local culture. This itinerary combines iconic scenery, leisure activities and local cultural experiences perfectly.
Best Dubai Travel Seasons & Canada-Specific Travel Tips
Optimal Seasons for Dubai Stopovers
For us Canadian travellers, November to April is the best time for Dubai stopover. The weather is around 20 to 28 degrees, very comfortable for going out and visiting sights. The late June to September summer period is hotter, but features the standalone JW Marriott Marquis promotional upgrade. This separate limited offer requires a return ticket and 24+ hour stopover, and is not included in standard Dubai Connect benefits. If you care more about nice hotel than outdoor walking, summer is also a good choice.
Practical Booking Tips for Canadian Travellers
- Choose departure city: Emirates direct flights from Toronto and Montreal have the most stable layover time, easy to meet Dubai Connect rules.
- Passport rule: Your Canadian passport must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your travel date to avoid transit entry issues.
- Maximize your benefit: You can take the maximum 26-hour eligible layover, so you can fully enjoy your free hotel and Dubai stopover time.
Dubai Stopover Visa Policy for Canadian Passport Holders
Canadian citizens benefit from UAE 90-day visa-free entry, which applies automatically during Dubai Connect stopovers. No advance visa application, no transit visa arrangement from Emirates, and no fees are required. You only need a valid Canadian passport and confirmed flight documents to clear immigration smoothly.
Dubai Connect is an excellent free travel perk for Canadian passengers flying with Emirates. It turns a tedious long airport layover into a complimentary mini vacation, covering hotel accommodation, meals and airport transfers at zero cost. The limited seasonal JW Marriott Marquis upgrade further elevates the transit experience for qualified passengers. As long as you follow the official eligibility rules and booking steps, you can enjoy this valuable benefit on every Dubai transit flight.
[10% Off] Dubai Stays by Travel Styles
Dubai Hotels
5 star
Great185 Reviews
World Trade Centre DIFC Dubai|0.73km from city centre
When we booked June 20-21,2026 for our stay dubai at Swissôtel, we had some doubts about whether the hotel would match the description and photos on Trip.com. However, we were delighted and excited when we arrived because everything was exactly as advertised.
From the moment we entered the lobby, we received a warm welcome from the staff. The reception team assisted us professionally, with genuine smiles and confidence, especially Jociell, Sarra, and Supriya.
We would like to give special recognition to Jociell for being very informative about the hotel’s facilities and amenities. She attentively answered all our questions and ensured that we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
When we entered our room, we were impressed by its cleanliness and excellent features. The room was well-maintained and exceeded our expectations.
The breakfast was amazing, offering a wide variety of selections. The restaurant staff specially susi ( sorry if i mentioned the name wrong) and the chef for chef in live egg station that day, were very attentive and regularly checked on us to ensure everything was satisfactory.
Overall, we had a wonderful experience and highly recommend Swissôtel to our friends and anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.From€43
Amazing2580 Reviews
Business Bay Dubai|2.51km from city centre
From the moment we contacted JW Marriott Marquis Dubai before our trip until the day we checked out, the service was outstanding. We had requested a baby crib in advance, and the team went above and beyond by surprising our daughter with balloons, a personalized coloring book, and adorable camel plush toys. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made our stay extra special.
Every evening, we returned to chocolate-covered dates in our room, and the hotel even prepared little surprises for the parents as well. The room was spacious, with a large bathroom, plenty of closet space, a comfortable sofa, excellent amenities, and a fantastic view.
What impressed us most was the genuine care and attention to detail from the staff. This is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at, and I would happily recommend it to anyone visiting Dubai.From€106
Very Good289 Reviews
Business Bay Dubai|3.12km from city centre
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire team to make our Anniversary stay so special.
From the first moment we enter to SLS, the beautiful room, a lovely surprise, the dinner at Fi’lia. It was more than an experience, a truly memorable journey.
Thank you for everything.From€94
Very Good295 Reviews
Business Bay Dubai|2.75km from city centre
My one-night stay at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City was an absolute delight, perfectly combining luxury, convenience, and world-class entertainment that made it feel like a mini-vacation in Dubai.
The hotel's location in Al Habtoor City is fantastic—right on the Dubai Water Canal with stunning skyline views. The exterior is impressive, especially at sunset, and the modern lobby welcomes you with elegance and efficiency. The absolute standout was attending La Perle by Dragone—Dubai's must-see aquatic acrobatic show, conveniently located right in the Al Habtoor City complex (just a short walk from the hotel!). The custom-built theatre is incredible, and the performance blew me away with jaw-dropping dives, aerial stunts, motorcycles, and mesmerizing water effects. It's a perfect blend of artistry, athleticism, and theater—truly unforgettable!From€67
Great143 Reviews
Bur Dubai Dubai|5.23km from city centre
We had a pleasant stay at Movenpick Hotel. The staff are courteous, polite and very helpful. Specially i must mention Hussain, Rahul and Vinayak. They were very accommodating and helpful.
The location is in Bur Dubai, which is quite close to all main attractions. However you will have to use a taxi to get everywhere. Closest Metro is probably around 1.5km away. But taxi is easy to get. They have complimentary Chocolate Hour every day 4-5 pm.
All in all very pleased with my stay. Will come again.From€31
Business travel
Very Good431 Reviews
Al Barsha Dubai|15.22km from city centre
I had a great stay at the hotel. The service was really good, especially the shuttle bus staff—they were very accommodating and helpful. The restaurant hall also offered delicious food, and the staff there were friendly and attentive. The pool area was welcoming and relaxing as well. Overall, a pleasant experience and definitely worth recommending.From€24
Good356 Reviews
Deira Dubai|9.45km from city centre
Good Location, price is relatively more compare to the amenities offered. The hotel was packed with groups of guest and the breakfast room was crowded and noisy. Most breakfast items were suitable for South Indian guests. The management may consider bringing variations in the breakfast for the other international guest. Overall stay was Okay!From€21
109 Reviews
Al Barsha Dubai|12.62km from city centre
Well even though we are not come to the room.that we book..tje place is nice and good.From€24
Very Good489 Reviews
Barsha Heights Dubai|15.47km from city centre
I had a comfortable stay at Signature 1 Hotel in Barsha Heights. The rooms were modern, clean, and well-equipped, with a cozy atmosphere that made it easy to relax after a long day. The staff were friendly and attentive, always ready to assist with any request. The location is convenient, with easy access to public transport, nearby restaurants, and Dubai’s main attractions. The hotel also offers good value for money considering the quality of service and amenities. A special thanks to the receptionists, MrArpan and Mr Mohamed, for making my check-out experience smooth and pleasant. They were professional, efficient, and friendly, leaving a great final impression of the hotel.From€32
397 Reviews
Sheikh Zayed / DIFC Dubai|0.78km from city centre
We had an excellent experience on the Dubai desert safari. The tour was well organized, and everything was on time from pickup to drop-off. Our guide was professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable, making the dune bashing both exciting and safe. The desert views were beautiful, and the activities like sandboarding and the camp experience were enjoyable. Overall, it was a memorable trip and great value for money. Highly recommended.From€68
Family friendly
Great202 Reviews
Sheikh Zayed / DIFC Dubai|2.76km from city centre
Check in was smooth and was attended by Rash. She was courteous and helpful in getting the room. Was given a room on a higher floor facing partial Dubai frame. The soap etc is very poor quality and bed sheets not white, something not expected of such hotel.
Bikash at concierge was rude and I feel need training on customer relations. Gave him the card and instead of handing back, he just placed on the table. Valet parking was also slow and disorganised. Imagine waiting 30 mins just for them to pick up the car. I don't see this in Sofitel Downtown or the JW Marriot.
Location is ok but there are definitely other better hotels around the area. Other facilities such as steam room and pool area are quite old.From€75
Very Good390 Reviews
Deira Dubai|8.9km from city centre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **Excellent Stay at Hyatt Regency Dubai**
I stayed at the **Hyatt Regency Dubai** in a King Room from **June 17–18, 2026**, and had a wonderful experience.
The room was spacious, clean, and very comfortable, with a large bed and all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay. The hotel staff were professional, friendly, and always ready to assist. Check-in and check-out were smooth and efficient.
The location is convenient, providing easy access to major attractions, shopping areas, and transportation. The facilities were well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere of the hotel was welcoming and luxurious.
I highly recommend this hotel for both business and leisure travelers and would be happy to stay here again in the future.From€35
Very Good302 Reviews
World Trade Centre DIFC Dubai|1.05km from city centre
Stayed here recently for a short staycation and overall had a pleasant experience, particularly considering the very reasonable rate we paid for a suite. The hotel itself is certainly impressive visually, with its distinctive golden tower design and famous status as one of Dubai’s landmark hotels. Check-in and valet parking were efficient, the elevators were surprisingly quick for such a tall building, and the room itself was clean and well maintained. We also ordered room service during our stay and found the food tasty, reasonably priced, and delivered promptly.
One thing I did not realise when booking is that this is a dry hotel, so alcohol is not served anywhere on the property. That was my oversight rather than the hotel’s, but it may be useful information for future guests to know in advance.
Our suite was spacious and more apartment-style in layout, with a separate bedroom and kitchen area. However, the overall setup felt quite minimalist in terms of amenities and furnishings. Although the suite includes a kitchen, there are notices advising guests not to use it, and aside from two drinking glasses there were no utensils, crockery, or cutlery provided. Similarly, amenities throughout the room felt limited to the basics: two guests but only two bath towels, two rolls of toilet paper across two bathrooms, and minimal additional furnishings such as sofa cushions or dining seating around the kitchen counter area.
The room itself was comfortable enough, although there were a few practical details that impacted sleep quality for us. The illuminated touch-panel light controls remain quite bright overnight, and once your eyes adjust the room never becomes fully dark. There was also overnight construction noise nearby during our stay, although of course that may be temporary and outside the hotel’s control. Guests sensitive to light or noise may wish to keep this in mind.
Another thing worth noting is that many rooms appear to face sideways toward neighbouring towers rather than directly toward Sheikh Zayed Road or the coastline, so lower-floor rooms may have fairly limited views depending on their orientation.
Overall, I would say the stay represented fair value for the price we paid. While it may not feel especially luxurious or fully equipped compared with some other Dubai four-star properties, it was clean, efficient, and suitable for a short stay, particularly for guests looking for a well-located and affordable suite-style hotel experience.From€37
Great135 Reviews
Dubai Marina Dubai|20.05km from city centre
Great hotel, very near the beach. Rooms are clean and very well maintained. Will definitely recommend this hotel to travellers coming to Dubai. I will definitely come back one day.From€87
Very Good157 Reviews
Bur Dubai Dubai|6.3km from city centre
yes I had so good experience with Grand Hyatt Dubai besides my above good ratings, The food mainly the breakfast along with all the service staff are remarkable and mainly these persons
Chef Raafat, Miss Claris, Tarek, Lissa and all all breakfast staff were great and serving us and all with always open smiling faces
Wish them all the best
I have a small note that long time before the breakfast even it is paid with the reservation, the staff usually present a breakfast bill in a folder to be signed by us the customers and usually this step is good to have some tipping to these great service people ,,, and these days all hotels they cancell presenting the breakfast bill similarly to the in room dining to get the opportunity to payback for breakfast staff serving and smilingFrom€161
Swimming pool
Great561 Reviews
Business Bay Dubai|2.12km from city centre
The hotel is very close to Dubai Mall, making it incredibly convenient for getting around. The service was also excellent! 👍 There's even a Burmese lady at the front desk who speaks Chinese, and she was so warm and patient in answering all our questions, helping us with taxis and directions. We're truly grateful to her! Plus, you can even see the Dubai Frame from the room!From€51
Good730 Reviews
Barsha Heights Dubai|15.16km from city centre
An old building. Metro is just outside but not directly connected to hotel. You will need to use the entrance at the back. Make sure you use the correct elevator. You nees to book in advance for the free shuttle to the beach and outlet store. The shower is leaking. No bathrobe. You can request for slippers. Our view outside our balcony was amazing.From€32
Good107 Reviews
Al Barsha Dubai|13.18km from city centre
There were very few Chinese guests at this hotel; most were from Europe and the Americas. The hotel has a swimming pool, which was lovely for a swim. Breakfast was just okay. One of the staff members at the front desk was quite rude; I felt he wasn't suited for the service industry. He had a sour expression the entire time I was dealing with him.From€25
Great464 Reviews
Dubai|23.26km from city centre
The hotel offers a strategic location in Dubai with easy access to transportation, restaurants, and business centers. My room was clean, tidy, and comfortable. The check-in process was smooth and the staff were courteous and professional. Amenities were adequate and everything functioned well during my stay. Overall, a reliable and comfortable choice for business travelers.From€29
Great271 Reviews
Bur Dubai Dubai|5.63km from city centre
This hotel boasts an excellent location, very close to the metro station, making transportation incredibly convenient. Right next door, there's a shopping mall and a Carrefour supermarket, which was absolutely perfect for our last-minute shopping spree before heading back home. The room itself was incredibly spacious. We stayed on the 30-something floor, offering expansive views and a spectacular cityscape. The bathtub was huge, making for a wonderfully relaxing soak, and the bedding was also superb, ensuring a very sound sleep. The TV was actually the largest we saw during our entire trip to the UAE. As a honeymoon couple, the hotel thoughtfully prepared a chocolate cake for us, which tasted fantastic.
The most delightful surprise was the hotel's outdoor swimming pool on the sixth floor. It's really large, divided into two sections: 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters deep. There were plenty of loungers by the pool and even a bar. We went twice in total; the first time we stayed for three hours, and the second time we indulged for a full six hours. Just lying there, reading a book, browsing on our phones, occasionally taking a dip, and then coming back to relax some more – it was truly delightful. When we got hungry, we'd order pizza, quesadillas, or fries, and the prices were very reasonable. Plus, they had a happy hour from 4 PM to 7 PM daily, offering various alcoholic beverages.
The only minor inconvenience was that if you ordered takeout, you had to go downstairs to pick it up yourself. Delivery drivers weren't allowed upstairs, and the hotel didn't offer room service for deliveries.
All in all, we had a very enjoyable two-day stay here.From€78
Breakfast
Very Good647 Reviews
Bur Dubai Dubai|6.45km from city centre
Very good place and good service. Every one can enjoy yours vacations and free time..very good experienceFrom€27
Good172 Reviews
Bur Dubai Dubai|6.76km from city centre
Front desk employees help on city areas and ina reception on one letter.
Weather was also very nice on that time of the year.From€21
Very Good307 Reviews
World Trade Centre DIFC Dubai|0.64km from city centre
How wonderful place to stay~~!!
It is too much enough for me and I love your team's attitude and nice smile.
Abdul thx for your kind help, it as also nice for us.
I have a mind to visit again and again.
I can say only one thing to all.
”Come and experience~~~!”From€34
Great230 Reviews
Sheikh Zayed / DIFC Dubai|0.57km from city centre
The room was pretty decent for being in the city. We booked the half-board option, choosing breakfast and dinner. However, there was a discrepancy regarding dinner; the front desk and the restaurant staff told us different things. We were initially told both the second and third-floor restaurants were options. When we went to the second floor, they said no, and it took some back-and-forth communication to resolve it. Then, at the third-floor restaurant, they also said no, despite the front desk confirming it was fine. We went back to the third-floor restaurant, and again, they refused. Isn't this something that should be synchronized internally within the hotel?From€76
Good108 Reviews
Deira Dubai|12.64km from city centre
High EQ staff, genuine Kindness here, Sabina at reception, Nancy at security. Observed over my stay that they are very nice with all guests. Especially wheelchair guests.
The Hotel is located at the edge of Dubai North, its the closest 5 star hotel to Almamzar beach ⛱️From€26
Emirates Dubai Stopover Free Hotel (Dubai Connect) FAQs
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What is the Dubai Connect?
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How long does your layover in Dubai have to be to qualify for Dubai Connect?
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How do I book the Emirates Dubai Connect free hotel?
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Do Canadian passport holders need a visa for an Emirates Dubai stopover with Dubai Connect?
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