Planning a trip to Dubai for India-Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025? Here’s everything you need to know
Here’s how to secure visas, tickets, hotels and reach the big match
DUBAI – The 17th edition of the ACC Asia Cup will run in the UAE from September 9 to 28, 2025, in the T20 format. The highlight fixture between India and Pakistan is set for Sunday, September 14, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With anticipation rising across South Asia, thousands of fans are preparing to travel to the city.
Dubai will not only host one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket but also welcome spectators looking for an experience that goes beyond the boundary ropes. From visas and flights to hotels, stadium rules, weather and tickets, here is the ultimate guide for those planning to attend.
When is the match?
The India–Pakistan clash will take place on 14 September 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, located in Dubai Sports City along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. Gates are expected to open at 4:00 PM GST, with multiple security checkpoints in place.
Fans should plan to arrive early, as seating zones are divided into four categories, and queues are expected to be long. Children under the age of two can enter without a ticket, while re-entry into the stadium is not allowed once you exit. Flags (without sticks), seat cushions, power banks and mobile phones are permitted, but outside food and large bags are not. Food courts inside the stadium will offer Indian, Pakistani and international options, with water refill stations available. Premium ticket zones also provide Wi-Fi access.
Where to stay
Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation options, catering to every budget:
- Budget hostels/guesthouses: from Dh80+ (INR2,000/PKR 6,100) per night
- 3-star hotels: from Dh240+ (INR6,000/PKR 18,400) per night
- 4-star hotels: Dh360–Dh480 (INR9,000–12,000/PKR 27,600–36,800) per night
- 5-star hotels: Dh1,000–Dh2,500+ (INR25,000–63,000/PKR 76,700–191,800+) per night
For convenience, areas around Dubai Sports City and Jumeirah Village Circle are closest to the stadium. Downtown Dubai offers iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa but is further from the venue. Bur Dubai remains a popular choice for South Asian visitors, known for its wide variety of Indian and Pakistani restaurants.
Visa requirements
For Indian citizens:
- 30-day single-entry visa: ~INR7,800
- 60-day visa: INR13,000–13,500
- Multiple-entry (30-day): INR17,999
- Visa on arrival: Dh100–Dh120 (~INR2,400–2,800) for 14 days, extendable for Dh250
Eligibility for visa-on-arrival also includes Indian passport holders with valid visas/residence permits from the US, UK, EU, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Applications can be filed online via VFS Global or authorised agents.
For Pakistani citizens:
Fans must confirm requirements directly with the UAE embassy or immigration authorities. Visa rules are subject to change, and early verification is strongly advised.
Flights
From India:
- Delhi–Dubai return: INR23,000–INR40,000 (budget fares from INR15,000 if booked early)
- One-way tickets: ~INR7,800
- Mumbai–Dubai return: INR20,000–INR25,000, one-way from ~INR8,700
From Pakistan:
- Karachi–Dubai one-way: PKR 50,000–75,000 (Dh650–Dh980)
- Return flights: from PKR 73,000 (Dh950) if booked early
- Travel packages: PKR 170,000–340,000, including flights and hotels
Tickets
Early allocations priced Dh50–Dh350 (INR1,250–INR8,750/ PKR 3,800–26,800) are already sold out.
Packages covering seven matches, including India–Pakistan and the final, range from INR33,600 to INR3.12 lakh/PKR 406,000 to 3.77 million.
Platinumlist now offers India–Pakistan tickets in packages for Dh475 (INR11,400/PKR 36,400). Box office sales at Dubai International Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium are expected soon.
Transport
Dubai Metro does not reach the cricket stadium. The nearest stop is Dubai Internet City (Red Line).
From there:
- Taxi/ride-hailing apps: Dh80–100 (INR2,000–2,500/PKR 6,100–7,700), 20–25 minutes from Downtown Dubai.
- Metro + bus: Dh9–14 (INR225–350/PKR 690–1,070), though it can take more than an hour.
Other expenses
- Budget meal: Dh20–Dh40 (INR500–1,000/PKR 1,500–3,000)
- SIM cards: From Dh50 at the airport, with data packages available
Taxi fares and metro cards can be paid with credit or debit cards, widely accepted across Dubai.
Weather to expect
Dubai in September is extremely hot and humid. Daytime highs reach 37°C–39°C, with evenings still warm at 28–31°C. Rain is almost non-existent, and UV exposure is intense.
Fans should pack sunscreen, hats, and light, breathable clothing. Hydration is essential, and it is best to limit outdoor activities during midday hours. Luckily, the India–Pakistan match will be played in the evening, when temperatures become more manageable.
What not to carry
Strict rules apply at Dubai airports and inside the stadium:
- Prohibited: Drugs (including some prescription medicines without documentation), pornographic material, sharp objects, and large sums of cash.
- Unusual bans: Poppy seeds and gutka are not allowed.
- Stadium restrictions: Large bags and outside food/drink cannot be carried inside.
Handy tips
- Travel insurance and a printed copy of your visa are recommended.
- Modest clothing is advised; swimwear is restricted to beaches and pools.
- Families should note that children under two years can enter without a ticket.
- Matchday traffic will be heavy, so plan journeys in advance.