While you may hesitate at the prospect of a long layover, let me assure you… it’s worth it.
Many travelers take advantage of the opportunity to explore the Middle East and visit Dubai during a layover before heading to their final destination. This ever-growing, multicultural city is filled with luxury skyscrapers and endless entertainment. Dubai embodies a mix of conservative Middle Eastern culture and progressive Westernized lifestyles. It’s a great place for your first travel exposure to the region.
Helpful Tip: Make sure to give yourself at least two days in Dubai as it offers
an extensive number of activities. That being said, even two days is not nearly enough
time to see and do everything, so focus on your top priorities.
Dubai’s Top Attractions
1. Burj Khalifa
Piercing the sky at 2,717 ft, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and the top attraction in Dubai. For the full experience, visitors can board the world’s fastest elevator and ascend to levels 152 – 154 to experience the outdoor terrace, or travel to the observation deck located on floors 124 -125 where you’ll see panoramic views of the city and desert. The most popular time to visit is during sunset so make sure to buy tickets in advance!
2. The Dubai Fountain
Just steps outside the Dubai Mall, located in the Burj Lake, you’ll find the world’s tallest fountain. These captivating performances take place daily and can last up to 5 minutes. The most popular spot to watch is at the Waterfront Boardwalk so find a comfortable spot to hang out!
3. Swim at Aura Skypool
Aura Skypool triumphs as the world’s highest 360° infinity pool located 200 meters high. This one-of-a-kind experience offers views of Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and the Arabian Gulf. Through Aura’s website, you can reserve a single or double sunbed where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy panoramic views of Dubai. It can be tough to obtain a reservation last minute, so make a reservation ahead of time.
3. Go Skiing in the Desert
Located in the Dubai Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is an indoor ski slope open to first timers and experienced skiers/snowboarders. Tickets are pricey but include clothing and equipment such as ski/snowboard boots, helmets, skis, and snowboards. Also, for all those who didn’t pack winter clothes on their trip to the desert – pants, jackets and gloves are included and offered in multiple sizes. Ski Dubai also offers a chance to meet and learn about Gentoo and King Penguins. Several times a day you can catch the March of the Penguins which is free for guests.
4. SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!
The Emirates’ do not mess around when it comes to shopping. In fact, you can find over 40 malls within the city… how INSANE! The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are most popular to visit amongst tourists. Within its walls you’ll find almost any type of store you can think of, a variety of multicultural restaurants, movie theaters, ice skating, an aquarium and indoor skiing.
5. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Stretching over 3 floors of the Dubai Mall, you can’t miss ogling at the magnificent marine life swimming around an enormous fish tank. If you opt for purchasing tickets, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at thousands of marine species and visit the Underwater Zoo. Visitors will have the chance to get up close to penguins, piranhas, crabs, water rats, sea horses, jellyfish, and plenty more.
6. Dubai Miracle Garden
This magical garden highlights the beauty of modern landscaping through its attractions containing over 150 million flowers in full bloom. Each season the garden offers a variety of new and exciting views and activities. It’s an especially fun way for families to spend the day.
7. Skydive Dubai
For the adrenaline-junkies… this is for you! Skydive Dubai offers tandem skydiving which essentially is the experience of freefalling out of a plane while harnessed to an experienced instructor. Many tourists opt for the drop zone location over Palm Jumeirah Island for some epic photos!
8. BRUNCH!
On Fridays and Saturdays, you can find locals and expats taking part in a midday buffet of unlimited drinks and food. Brunches in Dubai are a five-star afternoon feast of signature dishes from all around the world. Check out this list from TimeOut on the ultimate brunch spots of 2022.
9. Party at a Beach Club
Some people are completely uninterested in the touristy attractions and come strictly for the party scene. Dubai’s day clubs are a crowd-pleaser! Famous DJs travel from all over the world to play at some of the hot spots like Nikki Beach, SAN, Eva Beach Club, Bagatelle, and White Beach. Each beach club has their own vibe, and “THE” hot spot is always changing. I would recommend creeping the ‘gram and seeing which DJ/vibe fits you! We chose Nikki Beach which was [almost] impossible to get at the last second, but with some serious sweet-talking we managed to grab a spot at the bar! It was an awesome experience and I’d definitely recommend it!
10. Burj al Arab
The sail-shaped silhouette, 7-star hotel offers 199 luxury duplexes with stunning ocean views. Within the hotel, you’ll find some of the world’s top Michelin-star dining venues. Rooms are *extremely* expensive. If you’re not rolling in cash, the hotel also offers an “Inside Burj Al Arab” experience from their website for 250AED. You’ll be given a brief background of the hotel and then embark on a group tour where you’ll have the opportunity to take tons of photographs. Visitors are brought to the 50th floor which has now been converted to a museum; it’s definitely one of the major highlights!
11. Jumeirah Beach
Tourists flock to this white sand beach with crystal clear water. You can sunbathe or go for a stroll along its newly renovated boardwalk. The beach area can become extremely busy, especially on weekends. If you love watersports, it’s a great spot for jet-skiing as you’ll get great views of the Burj al Arab to boot.
12. Palm Island
Palm Island is a series of artificial islands created in the shape of a palm tree. The islands are made up of mostly homes and hotels, including the famous Atlantis resort. You will also find Nakheel Mall which offers great shopping, Aquaventure waterpark, and a host of fancy restaurants, bars, and clubs. There are many accessible viewpoints that offer great views of the palm shape, or you can take the scenic monorail which travels from the base of the Palm to the Atlantis hotel. I’d recommend a day visit here — it’s beautiful to walk around and explore, but also gets a little boring at night.
13. Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai open to non-Muslims. It’s a mesmerizing place where tourists learn about the culture and traditions of the Emirates. Visitors are welcome to visit 6 days a week – excluding Friday, as it’s reserved as a day for prayer.
14. Visit the Desert
Numerous companies offer the opportunity to travel to the desert and cruise around in a dune-buggy, hop on the back of a camel, ride ATVs, or attempt sandboarding. Tours are often a few hours and include food and refreshments. Tripadvisor has a list of different companies offering tours – read reviews and see which works for you!
15. Visit Dubai’s Old Quarter
Dubai was once a village of fishermen who lived adjacent to the creek that flows into the Persian Gulf. For those interested in seeing what life was like before the glitz and glam, take a trip to Dubai’s Old Quarter. Begin your day strolling through the maze-like streets in Al Bastakiya where you can admire local art at the XVA Gallery and enjoy lunch at a traditional Arabic tea house. Take a ride in an “abra,” or traditional wooden boat, across Dubai Creek to Deira – which allows people to go from Al Bastakiya to the souks. Check out the gold souk where you can haggle for the best-priced pieces of gold and get a glimpse into a traditional Arabic market. The spice souk gives visitors the chance to shop for traditional and rare spices.
16. Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is an iconic structure that ‘frames’ views of Old and New Dubai, while metaphorically connecting its history to its ever-expanding future. The 150-meter-high, 95-meter-wide structure was built to resemble a huge picture frame with two viewpoints. One side you can see the New Dubai with the Burj Khalifa and its surrounding modern structures and opposite visitors can view the older and beautiful Deira.
17. Global Village
Open from late October to mid-April, Global Village highlights the best of culture from 80 different countries around the world in one location. You can shop at different international pavilions, taste unique international cuisine, and enjoy rides with your family and friends all for only AED15.
As you can see, Dubai offers an endless list of options for
any style of trip (family, couple, group, or solo).
