Last updated: 29 July 2023
Looking to break up a long haul flight with a stopover?
If so, look no further than Dubai. Dubai is the jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates and is the fastest-growing transit hub in the world. The towering ambitions for the Dubai International Airport are simply impossible to ignore.
The Emirates location and the investment in development has planted Dubai squarely at the crossroads of the world’s air traffic. The city is home to one of the nicest airports in the world and with it’s proximity to the city, Dubai makes a very accessible as a long haul flight stopover destination.
So with all this in mind, it makes sense that long-haul passengers flying between Europe, Australia, America and Asia would benefit from stopping here.
Isn’t it all desert?
Why Stop Over in Dubai?
Aside from as large amount of premium hotels that can rival America’s glitziest city, Las Vegas, Dubai pretty much has it all; sun, sea, shopping and sights. From pristine beaches, two artificial archipelagos of The Palm and The World; Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Combine any of these to create a jam-packed itinerary a short break stopover.
Things to do
Dubai museum
If you’re anything like Russ, he resembles like an icecube in the sun once it hits 20°C. So for a great activity to escape the midday sun, we recommend you head to the city’s oldest building and explore the Dubai Museum. The entry fee is very reasonable at 3 AED, less for concessions/children.
I must confess, I initially wasn’t impressed by the Dubai Museum. The exterior surrounded by the Fortress walls seemed to be some humdrum exhibits, medieval desert huts and displays of pearl diving boats. Inside the small rooms off the courtyard were minimal displays of weaponry and little description to hold my attention.
It wasn’t until we descended into the depths of the building for the real highlight of the Museum. The underground segment includes recreations of traditional village life, including various occupations including merchants, tailors, jewellers and a focus on the nomadic Bedouin, earliest inhabitants of the desert in Dubai.
It’s a slow start but certainly worth a visit to understand Emirati life in the era before the discovery of oil.
Insider tip: take a drink with you, the only vending machine is at the exit.
Ski Dubai
Suitable for adults and kids alike, the first indoor ski slope in the Emirates is inside a shopping mall in Dubai. For 210 AED adults can ski or snowboard for two hours. Price includes ski pants, jacket and also board/skis. The only things that aren’t included are gloves and hats/beanies.
I was more than willing to ski for a couple of hours. For experienced skiers the piste can become very same same in that time, however there are other activities can keep you entertained.
Can’t ski? Doesn’t matter. The snow park offers activities like tobogganing, tubbing, bobsled rides, as well as the Snow Bullet, the world’s first indoor sub-zero zip line!
Shop til You Drop
With over 90 shopping malls, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the official sport of the city is shopping. In Dubai, you can buy everything from high street brands like H&M to the creme de la creme of Gucci, Prada, Cartier and Louboutin.
These retail hubs aren’t just shops, it’s a way of life. Dubai is home to the world’s largest shopping mall, complete with an indoor theme park, cultural attractions, ski slope, aquarium and Underwater zoo and much more. Available all year around, all in stylish, air-conditioned comfort.
Downtown Dubai/The Dubai Fountain
Under the shadow of the Burj Khalifa lay the development known as Downtown Dubai. Easily reached by metro, it’s home to The Dubai Fountain, the world’s second largest choreographed fountain. Each evening crowds line the water’s edge for a captivating water, music and light spectacle that’s choreographed to music.
If you can’t get there early to secure your spot then consider spanning across the water’s edge to avoid the pushy crowds. Insider tip: the balcony of the Apple Store proved a popular vantage point.
With 13 shows every day there is ample opportunity to see them at least once. Fountain displays are 1pm and 1.30 daily (except Fridays) and evening shows are every half hour between 6-11pm.
For the best view, hire an Abra for a Dubai Fountain Lake Ride for front row seats to the best show in town. Expect prices around 60-70 AED per person.
Scenic Plane Ride
Soar like a bird high into the sky for a scenic air tour over Dubai. SeaWings offers 20 or 40 minute flights over the famous skyline in a seaplane tour.
See the famous cityscape and iconic hotels like Atlantis and the Burj Al Arab from the sky and the far reaching edges of the city before it disappears into desert, all from over 1500 feet above ground.
Seats with the best views are either Co-Pilot seat at the front, or Premier seats at the very back. Tour prices start from 1095 AED per person.
Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest skyscraper has a cloud-piercing observation deck. Take the elevator to the 148th floor for unparalleled 360′ views of the bustling metropolis below against the stunning backdrop of the desert.
Tickets aren’t timed although peak/off peak prices apply. Buy online for cheaper tickets. At The Top adult tickets range between 125-300 AED.
Dubai Creek
The historic districts of Deira and Bur Dubai are separated by Dubai Creek.
The creek is the labouring heart of the city with dozens of traditional Abra boats constantly criss-crossing the water laden full of passengers.
Many of the traditional ancient Arabic boats known as dhows that were used for fishing and commercial activities are now refitted as floating restaurants. Jump aboard to dine and sail at the same time. Time your visit for dusk as the call to prayer travels through the city and the city shimmers with bold colours of a desert sunset.
I loved nothing more than jumping on an Abra alongside locals and zipping across the creek. One-way trips are a bargain at 1 AED, be sure to carry loose change.
Explore the Souks
There are numerous souks throughout the city of Dubai. Each is a labyrinth of covered walkways. Here are three of the main ones which are still in operation today.
The Gold Souk in Deira is the most popular and most visited souk in the city. Don’t be afraid to buy, it’s heavily regulated by the Emirati authorities to ensure items are accurately described. That being said, don’t buy from unregulated street vendors where you could be sold a fake. Haggling is the name of the game in the souks, aim for 30% or more off the ticket price.
For the uninitiated, the Spice Souk can be an assault on the senses. Comprising of some narrow laneways, vendors sell herbal remedies, spices, dried flowers from all over the Middle East. Entering as a tourist you’ll be inundated with enthusiastic merchants wanting to show and see you their wares.
On the opposite side of the creek sits Bur Dubai and the Textile Souk. A popular place to find ‘silk’ scarves, souvenirs and pashmina. We recommend you do your homework and can tell the difference between silk and polyester. From personal experience, disreputable sellers will inaccurately describe everything as pure silk.
In general, if you intend to buy anything from a souk be sure to haggle on the price. We recommend you start at 50% off the stated price and go from there.
Dubai Opera
Dubai’s latest architectural masterpiece, a dhow inspired shape, offers world class performance program that rivals Broadway and London’s West End. This permanent state-of-the-art 2000 seat theatre injects cultural cred into the emirate with an array of world-class events from dance, opera to theatre and musicals.
Expect iconic names of entertainment such as Les Mis, BBC Proms and musicals straight off the West End like Jersey Boys and Disney’s Mary Poppins.
Check Dubai Opera for the latest shows and ticketing information.
Excursions
A desert 4WD is a popular excursion for everyone who visiting Dubai. It was something we certainly did on our first trip to Dubai.
First things first, sign up to a reputable tour operator, we recommend Arabian Adventures. They will collect you from your hotel and drive you across the desert. Be sure to take the opportunity to stop for photo opportunities along the way before watching a beautiful desert sunset. Post sunset, guests have the opportunity to take a camel ride, sand boarding or have a henna design on hand or feet.
A bedouin style barbecue dinner, try the famous Arabic water pipe shisha and belly dancer entertainment by campfire and starlight are all standard before being returned to your hotel.
You will want to allow at least half day for this activity. Prices approx 280 AED pp in a shared vehicle.
Given all these choices, what would you rather?
Sit on a plane for another 8 hours, or get off your long haul flight, take a few days and explore somewhere new?
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