It has never been easier to enjoy a stopover in Dubai. Epitomized by futuristic architecture, rich culture and history, Dubai is definitely worthy of a visit.
This modern United Arab Emirates city is home to famous attractions including Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Plus you can go on a desert safari and visit nearby Abu Dhabi.
Flights to Dubai connect to numerous worldwide destinations, so breaking your journey in Dubai is very simple.
HOW TO BOOK A STOPOVER
Flying with Emirates? If you fancy a stopover, Dubai ticks all the boxes. Whether you want to climb the world’s tallest building, stay overnight in Dubai desert or wander old souks, Dubai won’t disappoint.
It is very easy to book an Emirates Dubai stopover when you book your flight, so don’t waste time sitting in the airport and start exploring this amazing city. The airline will take care of all the necessary details, including a meet and greet, excursions, transport and more.
Your local travel agent can also help book your Dubai stopover and arrange your visa.
CAN YOU BOOK A STOPOVER ON ARRIVAL?
Subject to immigration approval and security clearance, you can apply for a transit visa at Dubai Airport on arrival.
Additionally, in Arrivals prior to passport control/immigration, you will find “Hotels and Visas for Dubai” desk where you can purchase an Emirates special “Stopover on Arrival” package.
So whether you are on a short Dubai layover or have time to enjoy a longer Dubai stopover, this guide has you covered.
Stuck for time? Pin this article to your Pinterest board to read later!
- HOW TO BOOK A STOPOVER
- CAN YOU BOOK A STOPOVER ON ARRIVAL?
- 6+ HOURS LAYOVER IN DUBAI
- 1. BURJ KHALIFA – WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING
- 2. DUBAI MALL
- 3. DUBAI FOUNTAIN
- 4. TAKE A TOUR
- 5. DINNER AT A ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
- 1. TAKE A DAY TOUR TO ABU DHABI
- 2. EXPERIENCE A DUBAI DESERT SAFARI
- 3. SPEND THE DAY AT A THRILLING WATERPARK
- BEST HOTELS NEAR DUBAI AIRPORT
- BEST HOTELS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI
DUBAI STOP OVER OR LAYOVER IN DUBAI?
For international passengers arriving into Dubai International Airport, a Dubai layover is up to 24 hours in length. Anything over 24 hours is considered to be a stopover.
LAYOVER IN DUBAI
With at least 6 hours layover at Dubai airport you can easily explore main areas of the city. To see the main attractions in Dubai bookings are essential. You want to use your time wisely and efficiently.
TOP TIP: Don’t forget to factor in time for clearing immigration.
6+ HOURS LAYOVER IN DUBAI
The easiest way to explore Dubai on limited time is to take a taxi downtown or take an organised tour.
FIRST OPTION – DUBAI TOUR
See the sights of Dubai on this short 3-hour transit tour. Timed to your flight details, you are picked up and dropped off at the airport. Whilst only a sampler of what Dubai offers, you do drive along the 16-lane Sheikh Zayed Road, and see city icons such as Burj Khalifa and Burj Al-Arab.
SECOND OPTION – BURJ KHALIFA AND DUBAI MALL
Take the metro downtown to Dubai Mall, or if you prefer take a taxi or private transfer. Check out our post on how to use public transport in Dubai before you go.
It is important to book Dubai attractions beforehand so as not to waste time. Head inside Dubai Mall to the Lower Ground floor, and Dubai’s most iconic attraction, Burj Khalifa.
For most visitors to Dubai booking a trip up the world’s highest building is a must. Booking your tickets in advance avoids long queues so you have ample time to enjoy the whole experience.
The view from the top is incredible and even if this is the only attraction you have time for, it is totally worthwhile and beats sitting in the airport!
After enjoying the fantastic view over Dubai, it’s time to explore Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping malls. Depending on how much time you have, allowing adequate time to return to the airport, you have several options.
- DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO – Stretching from the ground floor up to Level 2 is this impressive aquarium which can be seen as you wander around the Mall. However, if you can spare an hour, we recommend you purchase a ticket in advance, to explore the 48-metre tunnel. With a diverse array of sea life to explore plus numerous experiences to book, this is a top attraction not to be missed.
- DUBAI FOUNTAINS – Head outside the Mall for views of Burj Khalifa and Burj Lake. Hopefully you can time your visit to take in a wonderful musical water display with shows daily 6PM to 11PM (Every 30 minutes). The tallest performing fountain in the world offers visitors a captivating water, music and light experience.
- SKY VIEWS OBSERVATORY – Allow an hour to enjoy the epic Dubai views at 219.5m. An outdoor glass slide takes you from the 53rd level to the 52nd, in a transparent glass tube. Book ahead if you want to experience this thrilling ride.
ONE DAY STOPOVER IN DUBAI
If you have a full day to spend in the city, you can see the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai. You don’t want to waste any time as there are so many great things to do in Dubai.
Drop your bags, take a taxi and head downtown where you will find many top attractions, all within a two-mile radius.
Here’s our suggestions for a one day Dubai stopover.
1. BURJ KHALIFA – WORLD’S TALLEST BUILDING
This iconic building is currently the tallest building in the world and is an incredible feat of engineering. The 828m structure located next to Dubai Mall is a popular attraction at the heart of downtown.
The views from the top are stunning and far-fetching on a clear day so you don’t want to miss out on this experience. Book your tickets ahead to save time!
Why not dine at The Lounge, which is spread across floors 152, 153 and 154.
2. DUBAI MALL
Right next door to the Burj Khalifa is one of the world’s largest shopping, entertainment, dining and leisure malls. Housing over 1,200 high-end shops and attractions such as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you need to plan your time wisely.
There is an inside waterfall, ice rink, cinema and Dino museum to name a few of the things to do in Dubai Mall besides shopping.
A popular combination ticket is 2-in-1 ticket for Burj Khalifa and Dubai Aquarium.
TOP TIP: Check out these useful apps for Dubai to make your trip easier
3. DUBAI FOUNTAIN
The Dubai Fountain is an entertaining water, music and light experience. Submerged within the 30-acre Burj Lake, at the foot of Dubai Mall, powerful water jets are laid out over an area the length of two football pitches.
Shows are every 30 minutes from 6pm till 11pm daily.
The fountain jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140m in the air at any one time. It really is an impressive sight and shouldn’t be missed.
The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, a 272m floating platform, allows you to get just nine metres from the fountains. You can also take the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride, setting sail on the lake itself during the water show.
4. TAKE A TOUR
Some great short tours that you can take during your day in Dubai include the folloing.
- Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a great way to sightsee at your own pace. Check out this top rated tour which explores the most iconic city buildings.
- Dubai Heritage Tour explores the best of both old and new Dubai. On this tour, you visit some of the city’s finest attractions, such as The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, the Blue Mosque, and the Al Khayma Heritage House.
- Dubai: The View At The Palm Observatory Entry Ticket allows you to enjoy 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and beyond from an outdoor glass-framed terrace. Buy your ticket ahead of time.
5. DINNER AT A ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
If you are enjoying a Dubai overnight stopover, what better way to finish your day than at a stunning rooftop venue.
Ce La Vi is perched on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View and is a Michelin guide restaurant. Enjoy stunning views as you feast on contemporary Asian dining.
LONGER STOPOVER IN DUBAI
If you have an extra day to spend in Dubai, you have several options at your disposal. With an extra day and overnight stay, why not take advantage of one of the many Dubai Tours. How about checking out these options:
1. TAKE A DAY TOUR TO ABU DHABI
This full day premium tour showcases the best attractions of Abu Dhabi on a full-day sightseeing tour from Dubai. Highlights include the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Etihad Towers, Qasr Al Watan, and a ride along the Corniche.
2. EXPERIENCE A DUBAI DESERT SAFARI
Dubai’s desert landscape offers Bedouin culture, camel rides and fast four-wheel-drives rolling over the dunes. You will be guaranteed a thrilling adventure. Here are some tours to consider:
3. SPEND THE DAY AT A THRILLING WATERPARK
Dubai’s waterparks offer everything from the highest drops in the world to shark-filled adventures. Two of the favourite ones are Wadi Wadi Waterpark and Aquaventure Waterpark.
They offer thrilling rides which are terrifying, exhilarating and a must-try for serious waterpark fans.
TOP TIP: Save money buy pre-booking your tickets
WHERE TO STAY ON A DUBAI STOPOVER
For those visiting Dubai for one or more nights, you will need a hotel to suit your needs. The good news is that there are hotels to suit every budget and taste. With luxury rooms overlooking private beaches to great value hotels for families.
Whatever experience you are looking for, we have selected options that will maximise your time to explore.
- If you just have an overnight layover in Dubai, we suggest being close to the airport as it is cheaper.
- Enjoying a long layover in Dubai and staying two or three nights? Downtown Dubai will give you most flexibility to get around main Dubai attractions.
- If you can enjoy a Dubai stopover longer than three nights, why not base yourself along Palm Jumeirah or near Dubai Creek.
BEST HOTELS NEAR DUBAI AIRPORT
- Grand Mercure Dubai Airport – free airport shuttle and 4 minute walk to GGICO metro station
- Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre – Close to Deira City with complimentary transfer Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa plus airport shuttle
BEST HOTELS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI
- Address Dubai Mall – 5 star luxury overlooking Burj Khalifa
- Sofitel Dubai Downtown – Close to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa plus shuttle to beach
- Rove Downtown – Adjacent to Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall in the heart of Downtown Dubai
MORE ARTICLES TO HELP PLAN YOUR DUBAI TRIP
We have several articles to help you plan your trip to Dubai. Check out our dedicated Dubai Destination Page or read individual posts here:
- WHY VISIT DUBAI? FOR THESE GREAT REASONS!
- BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI FOR A GREAT TRIP
- HOW TO USE DUBAI PUBLIC TRANSPORT WITH EASE
- BEST DUBAI TOURS FOR AN EPIC TRIP
- 10 USEFUL APPS FOR DUBAI TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EASIER
- Dubai And Abu Dhabi Itinerary For First Timers
If you’re lucky enough to have a Dubai stop over, there’s no time to waste ticking off your list of Dubai attractions. With so many things to do in Dubai, we hope this list has given you plenty of ideas on how you want to spend your own stopover in Dubai.
Be sure to check out our other Destination Guides for travel inspiration!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through this link. This income goes towards the sites running costs and enables us to provide our readers with free content. Read our Disclosure.
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share with your friends on Pinterest.
