Explore Dubai on Your Next Stopover

With many people planning their summer travels, or for those ultra-planners putting together their winter 25/26 travels, Dubai is a fantastic stopover option to break up a long journey. Whether travelers have a full day or a weekend, Dubai offers an incredible mix of experiences, from world-class shopping and thrilling adventures to relaxing spa escapes, all worthy of planning a layover for.

It’s especially convenient for Americans flying long-haul routes to destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar or Australia. To help travelers make the most of a Dubai stopover, here are some resources with everything needed to plan a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Key resources include:

• Easy booking with Emirates: Travelers can book a Dubai stopover directly through Emirates, with options for airport meet and greet, excursions, and even visas if required.
• Visa-free entry: More than 70 nationalities can enter Dubai without a visa, and US travelers get a 30-day visa on arrival.
• Free SIM card at DXB: Visitors can receive 1GB of free mobile data for 24 hours.
• Dubai Stopover Pass: A prepaid pass that gives access to top attractions, tours, and cruises, making it easy to experience the best of Dubai in just 36 hours.

8 hours in Dubai:

Even with a tight schedule, visitors can still experience Dubai's highlights.

• Burj Khalifa: Book in advance a tour that sends you to the top of the world’s tallest building. For a special experience, dine at At.mosphere, the world's tallest restaurant on the 122nd floor.
• Dubai Mall: Right under the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping and entertainment hub, with over 1,200 shops, an Olympic-sized ice rink, a giant aquarium, and dancing fountains.

12-16 hours in Dubai:

A tour of ‘Old Dubai’ and the city’s traditional souk markets is the ultimate introduction to Dubai’s heritage and culture. Situated on the banks of Dubai Creek, the souks are at the center of the city's history of trade.

• Start off at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood where you can pay a visit to museums, cultural centers, and traditional wind towers.
• Cross Dubai Creek via a traditional abra boat for only Dhs1 for shopping in Deira’s gold, spice and textile souks that wind through alleyways – the ideal place to spend a few hours and pick up a few authentic souvenirs.

24 hours in Dubai:

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 sunshine and relaxation, then head to one of Dubai’s many beaches and beach clubs where you can sunbathe, swim or enjoy water sports.
• Afternoon: After a visit to Dubai Mall, pop over to Time Out Market for lunch, located within the nearby Souk Al Bahar. This culinary marketplace features a variety of homegrown eateries, offering a diverse range of cuisines to satisfy your taste buds.
• Evening: Dubai boasts an impressive range of dining 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 54^th floor terrace of CÉ LA VI to enjoy maximum Downtown Dubai views from Address Sky View Hotel.
• Overnight: Situated 15-20 minutes from Dubai International Airport, consider staying in Downtown Dubai or the vibrant Business Bay area. For stopover travelers seeking captivating vistas of the Dubai skyline, Palm Jumeirah is a popular choice, offering magnificent views right from your hotel room.

48 hours in Dubai:

A vacation within your vacation is the best way to describe a 48-hour layover in Dubai. So, what can you do in Dubai in 48 hours?

Day one

• Dubai Mall has a 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 travelers, 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.
• Venture into Old Dubai and take a seat at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant for dinner, where you can get a glimpse into the emirate’s rich history. Dubai has a diverse and vibrant nightlife scene as well if travelers are compelled to continue their exploration of the city after dinner.

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 specialties.