Ahmedabad 06 December 2024: Dubai is the ideal destination to turn an ordinary transit between flights into a mini-holiday, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in the dynamic life of the city. With global connectivity and a diverse range of things to see and do, Dubai is the perfect place for a stopover, whether you have just one night or a couple of days in your itinerary.
If you are only stopping over briefly in Dubai, then you’ll want to make the most of your short time in the city.
Book a stopover through Emirates
- Adding a stopover in Dubai to your journey couldn’t be simpler. If you’re flying with Emirates, you can easily book a Dubai stopover and they will take care of everything, starting with a meet and greet at the airport to 24-hour check-in, tours, excursions, and even visas, if required. In several countries, Emirates also offers the ‘Dubai Experience’ programme to help tailor a trip. For more details on how to book a stopover to Dubai with Emirates watch this video.
Dubai stopover checklist
Here are the essentials that you need to know for your stopover:
- Visa-free entry: Dubai offers visa-free arrival to more than 70 nationalities. If required, a 96-hour visa is available to those flying Emirates.
- Tourist SIM card: tourists can get a free mobile SIM card at Dubai International Airport (DXB), and receive 1GB free mobile data valid for 24 hours.
- Dubai Metro: spanning nearly 90kms, the fully-automated Dubai Metro presents an efficient way to explore the city – and has stops at DXB and many of the popular neighbourhoods and shopping malls.
- Dubai Stopover Pass: the Dubai Stopover Pass combines some of the most iconic attractions, tours and cruises into a prepaid attraction pass to save time and money. Perfect for those wanting to see more of Dubai during a short stopover, you can choose two, three or four attractions to visit over 36 hours. Prices start from Dhs349 for adults and Dhs279 for children (ages three to 12).
- City bus tours: City Sightseeing offers visitors a fantastic hop on, hop off experience in Dubai. There are a range of packages to choose from and tickets are valid for 12 months.
- Tax-free shopping: tourists can enjoy a 5% VAT refund on all their purchases in Dubai.
Must-see attractions in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa: the tallest building in the world, offering stunning views of the city from its observation decks.
- Dubai Mall: located next to Burj Khalifa, this is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure. It features more than 1,200 retail stores, hundreds of dining outlets, an aquarium and underwater zoo, and ice rink.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: a heritage site that provides a glimpse into Dubai’s past with its traditional wind towers and narrow lanes.
- Dubai Creek: central to Dubai’s trading history, the historic waterway offers traditional ‘dhow’ cruises and ‘abra’ rides.
- ‘Souk’ markets: Dubai’s traditional markets – the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk, and Perfume Souk – can be found near the shores of Dubai Creek.
- Jumeirah Burj Al Arab: known for its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette, it’s considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
- Etihad Museum: visitors can explore the story of the founding of the UAE through experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives.
- Museum of the Future: a futuristic building dedicated to showcasing innovations and technological advancements.
- Dubai Frame: a landmark that offers panoramic views of old and new Dubai from its observation deck.
- Kite Beach: this family-friendly beach is known for its open space, sand and sea activities and variety of cafes and canteens.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure: an indoor theme park featuring various adventure zones and attractions.
- Dubai Parks and Resorts: this popular destination boasts award-winning theme parks and a water park. Real Madrid World, situated at Dubai Parks and Resorts, is a football-themed park with more than 40 experiences including the Hala Madrid Coaster.
Eight hours in Dubai: visit Downtown Dubai
Even with a tight deadline, visitors can still see the tallest building on earth, shop at one of the world’s largest malls and get a taste of Arabian life.
- First, take a metro ride to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a global icon. Book a time-slot in advance and head up to one of two expansive observation decks on Levels 124 and 125 to see some of the most breathtaking views anywhere in Dubai. Visitors can also access the world’s highest observation deck, located 555m above the ground, on the 148th floor of the building. For a truly special experience, visitors can dine in the world’s tallest restaurant, At.mosphere, which is located on the 122nd floor.
- Next door to Burj Khalifa is Dubai Mall, the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure. The mall covers more than one million square metres – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches. Alongside more than 1,200 shops, it also features an Olympic-sized ice rink, dancing fountains and a giant aquarium.
12-16 hours in Dubai: visit ‘Old Dubai’
After the hustle and bustle of Downtown Dubai, next on the list should be a taste of the city’s history in the form of its traditional souk markets, located in ‘Old Dubai’. Situated on the banks of Dubai Creek, the souks are at the centre of the city’s heritage and history of trade.
- Start off at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood where you can pay a visit to museums, cultural centres, and traditional wind towers.
- Cross Dubai Creek via a traditional abra boat for only Dhs1 for souk shopping in Deira. With gold, spices and textiles all available in Deira’s winding alleyways, this is the ideal place to spend a few hours and pick up some authentic souvenirs.
24 hours in Dubai: a one-day itinerary
If you’ve only got 24 hours to soak up as much of the city as possible before your next flight, you’ll want to tick off its biggest activities in one go.
- Morning: if you’re seeking relaxation in the outdoors, then head to one of Dubai’s many beaches and beach clubs where you can sunbathe, swim or enjoy water sports. If greens and fairways are your preference, Dubai is a golfing haven with championship-standard courses located across the city. Popular places to play a round of 18 holes include Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and Jumeirah Golf Estates. Alternatively, you could start your day with a visit to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and just a 15-minute drive from the airport. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai from the observation decks and take the time to explore Burj Khalifa’s impressive architecture and learn about its history.
- Afternoon: next stop is Dubai Mall, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa. Indulge in a world-class shopping experience, where you can find a wide range of luxury brands, local boutiques and unique souvenirs. Don’t miss the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, showcasing a fascinating collection of marine life, as well as the Dubai Ice Rink and The Dubai Fountain. For lunch, pay a visit to Time Out Market, located within the nearby Souk Al Bahar. This culinary destination features a variety of homegrown eateries, offering a diverse range of cuisines to satisfy your taste buds.
- Evening: Dubai boasts an impressive range of culinary experiences, with a unique mix of local and international cuisines. The city is home to an array of dining options, from restaurants championed by world-famous chefs to homegrown talents showcasing the many nationalities that call Dubai home. For an unforgettable evening, book a table on the terrace of CÉ LA VI to enjoy maximum Downtown Dubai views from Address Sky View hotel. This unique restaurant is situated on the 54th floor, providing panoramic views of the city. The cuisine has a mix of Asian and American influences, showcasing the finest ingredients to elevate your dining experience.
- Sleep: if you like a bustling city atmosphere, consider staying in Downtown Dubai or the vibrant Business Bay area. Luckily there are plenty of great options, suited to a variety of budgets, which will keep you within a 15- to 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport (DXB). For stopover travellers seeking captivating vistas of the Dubai skyline, Palm Jumeirah is a popular choice, offering magnificent views right from your hotel room. Alternatively, Dubai Marina provides a range of excellent options, as do Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT).
48 hours in Dubai: a two-day itinerary
While two days are not enough to thoroughly explore a new city, mini-breaks are now more popular than ever, thanks to modern amenities and ease of mobility. So, what can you do in Dubai in 48 hours? With a mix of recreation, sightseeing and relaxation, there’s a lot to explore and fit in over two days.
Day one
- If you’re out and about in the morning, beat the crowds and explore a place or two before checking into your accommodation and stepping out for more. Dubai Mall is a popular choice thanks to its range of retail, dining and entertainment options, plus its direct access to other famous sites, including The Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa and Souk Al Bahar.
- If you prefer to tour with other travellers then pick from the city’s varied leisure operators or hop on and off the City Sightseeing bus to wander around Dubai’s scenic spots at your own pace.
- Spend the morning or afternoon swimming, surfing or lazing by the beach – pick from the city’s most popular spots such as Sunset Beach, Kite Beach or The Beach at JBR.
- Enjoy a round of golf at The Montgomerie, a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course set in the tranquil Emirates Hills community, or head to Topgolf Dubai for a driving range within a three-level entertainment venue.
- For dinner, go traditional and sample authentic favourites. Venture into Old Dubai and take a seat at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, where you can get a glimpse into the emirate’s rich history too. If the night still feels young, there is no shortage of venues.
Day two
- There are few experiences as unique to Dubai – and memorable – as a sunrise desert safari. Find a dedicated leisure provider like Arabian Adventures to whisk you away for a day amid the dunes, featuring activities like sandboarding and camel riding, as well as a camp for Arabian delicacies and cultural specialities.
- ‘Day trip’ options in Dubai include visiting a theme park or waterpark. IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor wonderland of fast rides and roller coasters, which makes it great during the warmer months. If you want to make a splash, then head to Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm, which is also on the doorstep of Palm Jumeirah’s most glamorous hotspots, including The View at The Palm and Palm West Beach.
- After all this high-octane fun, it makes sense to pamper yourself with an indulgent spa or hammam session. Many of Dubai’s hotels have world-class wellness and spa facilities.
- Conclude your second day with dinner at one of the many restaurants in Atlantis, The Palm, or the neighbouring Atlantis The Royal. With a variety of culinary choices, such as Nobu, Ossiano, En Fuego, Ling Ling, Milos and La Mar, you can savour delicious dishes while enjoying the stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the resorts’ magnificent surroundings.
- There are also many dining options in Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), both of which are approximately 35 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Enjoy waterfront dining at one of the many restaurants offering a range of international cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets. Take in the stunning views of the Marina skyline and relax in the vibrant ambience before bidding farewell to Dubai.
Booking a stopover hotel
- There are multiple ways to book a Dubai stopover hotel, either direct with the hotel itself or a booking site, or via Emirates or a travel agent. The first way – to book your flights and hotel stay separately – puts you in complete control, and is ideal if you want something specific. But booking your hotel as part of a Dubai stopover package has some significant advantages – the biggest being the ability to check in at any time of day, ideal for early-morning or late-night arrivals. You can also get some excellent offers, and an overall easier process. To book a stopover package with Emirates, contact your local travel agent, or start the process at com.
- Whichever location you choose, Dubai has a diverse range of accommodations to cater to your preferences and provide a comfortable stay during your visit.
For more information about stopovers in Dubai, please visit: www.visitdubai.com
