(updated January 2026)
Are you wondering what you can see during a stopover in Dubai, U.A.E.? Dubai, a city known for its opulent skyscrapers, vibrant culture, and bustling markets, has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking unique stopover experiences. Situated strategically between Europe and Asia, Dubai offers an array of attractions and activities that make it the perfect place to break up long-haul flights. Whether you have a few hours or a couple of days to spare, this cosmopolitan metropolis has something for everyone.
Dubai is an amalgam of modern buildings, brilliant beaches, and intriguing local heritage. From architectural wonders like the Burj Khalifa, thrilling desert activities, to traditional souks brimming with exotic spices, a stopover in Dubai promises an unforgettable adventure in the Middle East.
We recently explored Dubai during a stopover in the city. Keep reading for an action packed itinerary for a 2 day stopover in Dubai that will be memorable for years to come.
DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
Stopover In Dubai- Map
Where Is Dubai?
The location of Dubai is understandably confusing for those unfamiliar with the area. Common questions about Dubai include, “Is Dubai in Africa or South America?”. No, Dubai is part of the Asian continent.
Additionally, travelers often wonder, “Is Dubai in the Middle East?”. Yes, Dubai is in the Middle East and it is a city in the United Arab Emirates. For reference, The UAE shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia. It’s nestled next to the Persian Gulf and is one of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates monarchy.
Arrivals in Dubai
There are numerous flight to Dubai, but I highly recommend choosing Emirates or Qatar Airways. We have flown in both business classes and the flights are both phenomenal.
If you have a layover in Dubai from 8-26 hours (for premium economy or economy), you may be eligible for an free Dubai stopover through Emirates Dubai Connect. First or business class passengers are eligible with layovers to connecting flights of 6-26 hours.
Passengers who visit Dubai land in the Dubai International Airport.The airport is well connected via public transport. The airport is only 3 miles from the city center, which is convenient for tired travelers.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Pink taxis are for females and families only. Red taxis are for males. Read more about Dubai airport taxis here.
Read These Useful Tips For Sleeping On A Plane Before Your Long-Haul Flight!
About Dubai
Dubai is an amalgam of modern buildings, brilliant beaches, scorching deserts and intriguing local heritage. Dubai has exploded with growth over the last several decades turning a sleepy desert city into a booming metropolis.
Stopover in Dubai: Desert Activities
On your first day in Dubai head out to the desert for a thrilling day of activities. It’s important to get an early start to beat the scorching heat.
Since we planned a multitude of activities in our Dubai stopover we chose to book a thrilling desert safari tour. Choose from a variety of day or evening options to suit your timeline.
Ride Camels
Start your desert adventures with camel riding. The guide will coax the camel down onto all fours and you can hop aboard. It is pretty wobbly when the camel gets up, and you will have to hold on for dear life.
To be totally honest, this activity felt pretty touristy and you can skip it unless it’s something you really want to try. Perhaps if we had the longer evening tour this would have felt more authentic. However, this had a bit of a “petting- zoo feel” to it. Hey, when will you get to ride a camel again though, right?
Seeking Stamps Tip: Make sure to choose an operator who treats the animals ethically. Camels are domesticated animals and the research I did before we went to Dubai indicated that riding camels does not harm them.
Sand Boarding
Next, strap a board to your feet and give sand boarding a try. The texture of the sand gives the board much more resistance and pull than the snow, so the ride is much slower.
As snowboarders, we thought this experience would feel similar. As you can see from the photos, I ate it right away. Unlike snow, sand sticks to your entire sweat-covered face. It’s not the best look, but we had a big laugh. My husband’s attempt was much better and he easily made it to the bottom of the hill.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Even though it might be super HOT, wear closed toe shoes. Flip flops drag in the sand and literally feel like they are melting. Ouch!
Dune Bashing
Following sand boarding, the next rousing activity is dune bashing. This was the highlight of our desert activities and definitely the one you won’t want to miss.
First, your guide deflates the tires on your Land Rover and the fun begins. Your driver hits the accelerator and you gain speed. Suddenly, the vehicle crests a giant sand dune and speeds down the other side. Twisting and turning, back and forth you feel like the car will roll over at any moment. You will laugh, scream, and have an amazing time while white-knuckling the door handle to hold on. Think of it as a sand rollercoaster! This is quintessential Dubai!
Seeking Stamps Tip: Consider taking medicine if you are prone to mention sickness before going dune bashing. It’s SUPER bumpy!
Dubai City
Break For Brunch
After the excitement of your desert activities, you will have worked up an appetite. No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing brunch. Brunch here is a phenomenon, and it’s brought to a whole new level in Dubai!
We thoroughly enjoyed brunch at the Four Seasons. There is every type of cuisine represented in mind-blowing quantities. Get the mimosas flowing and stuff yourself silly. Yum!
Deira Spice & Gold Souk
Next on the agenda, wander the alleys of the historic Dubai Spice & Gold Souk. This cultural area is a little further away, so grab a taxi or take the metro.
Peruse the eclectic bazaar at your leisure and admire the colorful spices, perfume and textiles. Be prepared for people coaxing you into their store. In the Gold Souk, we found it to be touristy and we quickly grew tired of sales people trying to sell us ordinary watches. Prices are higher here, so attempt to bargain if you plan to make a purchase. 30 minutes to an hour should be sufficient to explore the marketplace.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Sales people here can be pushy, so be firm if you do not have intentions to purchase anything.
Bur Dubai Abra Ride
Located adjacent to the souk, take a traditional Abra ride across Dubai Creek. An Abra is a small, traditional boat. This is essentially a 5 minute taxi across the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira, but it is enjoyable to imagine people doing this hundreds of years ago. It’s fast, and an inexpensive activity in Dubai. Pay your fees directly to the boat operator when you board. Tours operate back and forth throughout the day.
Burj Khalifa
Undoubtedly, the Burj Khalifa is a “must see” architectural masterpiece to see during your stopover in Dubai. The Burj Khalifa was completed in 2010. It’s a startling 160 stories and 2,716.5 feet high making it the tallest building in the world. Shockingly, it holds sever world records!
Inside, marvel at the height of the building while you look out from the observation deck windows. Without question, it feels like you are on top of the world.
If you would like, you can pay to view level 148 that includes experiencing the view from an outdoor terrace. If you are afraid of heights, I would definitely skip the outdoor part! We only went to the “At The Top” tour of levels 124 and 125 and that was scary enough for me.
Experience the Dubai Mall
Following the Burj Khalifa, take a 5 minute walk over to the grandiose Dubai Mall. Admire the floor to ceiling Dubai aquarium, experience virtual reality, or see a movie in the 150,000 square foot cinema. In Dubai there is no doubt, bigger is better!
You can also shop ultra luxurious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin or Cartier. Depending on how much you plan to shop, you can spend an hour walking around, or days trying all the various activities.
The Dubai Fountain Show
Just outside the Dubai Mall, witness the spectacle of the Dubai Fountain Show. This is the “world’s tallest performing fountain show”. I’m sure the fountains are amazing to watch during the day, but gazing at the lights with the Burj Khalifa illuminated in the background is magnificent.
I highly recommend dining somewhere nearby and watching the show after dark. The fountain spray dances to several types of music ranging from Arabic to classical music in a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors.
Is Dubai Safe?
Dubai is a safe city to visit. In fact, the Dubai crime rate is incredibly low due to its strict laws and punishments. As with any large city, use good judgment to avoid being a target of petty crime. Keep reading below to familiarize yourself with Dubai laws…
Important Customs To Know For Your Stopover in Dubai
Before visiting Dubai, it is important to familiarize yourself with many important cultural considerations. Visitors should be mindful of these customs to be respectful when visiting.
In contrast to the United States, interactions between men and local women should be limited while visiting Dubai. It is not acceptable to offer a friendly hug or kiss to women when greeting them, and you may only shake hands if the woman initiates the gesture. The left hand is considered “soiled”, therefore shaking hands is customarily done with the right hand for greetings with both genders.
When dining or visiting someone’s home, you should adhere to several additional rules. It is considered rude to refuse food or drinks offered to you. Additionally, you should not point your feet or cross your legs towards someone when seated. It is important to remember that Muslims do not consume alcohol or pork products.
Furthermore, Dubai and the UAE have significant laws that differ from customs in the U.S and other parts of the world. Public displays of affection, such as kissing, are considered highly offensive. Homosexual behavior and being drunk in public streets is illegal, so use discretion if warranted. Swearing is also punishable with prison time, so choose your words with caution.
What To Wear During your Stopover in Dubai
While in Dubai, you will most likely see tourists in both conservative and contemporary outfits in public. In the UAE, women are expected to dress conservatively and wear loose, long clothing. Bikinis and bathing suits are acceptable near pools and beaches, but it is respectful to cover up to and from such locations. Foreign men should ideally skip tank tops and shorts in public. Women can wear loose fitting shirts with shoulders covered and maxi skirts to stay cool in the desert temperatures.
Seeking Stamps Tip: It is highly offensive to take photos of women in traditional dress, so ask for permission before doing so.
Shop My Favorite Travel Dresses In This Post
The Best Time To Visit Dubai
It’s no surprise that visiting Dubai in the summer is less than ideal. During the months of July and August, many locals leave the city to seek refuge in cooler destinations. We visited during July and the daytime temperatures were 116-118 degrees. IT WAS HOT! Thus, it is recommended to plan your visit during more temperate months between November to February, if possible.
Check the Calendar For Religious Holidays:
When choosing your travel dates, it is important to note the dates of religious holidays that may impact your vacation. Rules are more strictly enforced at this time, and smaller shops and stores may close or limit hours of operation.
The holy month of Ramadan typically falls between the end of March and early May (but varies according to the lunar calendar). During this time, people of the muslim faith fast from sunrise until sunset daily. Tourists may eat and drink, but they are expected not to do so in public (i.e walk through the streets eating). Eid Al Fitr is a three day feast that marks the end of Ramadan.
Eid Al Adha is known as “The Feast of Sacrifice” and it is a time where Muslim people are expected to share their resources with the less fortunate. It is a 4 day period of prayer, fasting, and then great celebrations with family. This date also fluctuates based on the lunar calendar, but an easy Google search will tell you when it occurs that year.
Where to Stay For Your Stopover In Dubai
There is no shortage of luxurious resorts to choose from in Dubai. We opted to stay near the Dubai Marina at The Four Season Resort and Spa at Jumeirah Beach. This resort honors the Fours Seasons brand and exudes opulence. It uniquely offers both ocean and city skyline views depending which direction your room faces. The restaurants, service and spa are all of the highest caliber. Conveniently, the resort is located about twenty five minutes from the airport and is centrally located for visiting the top local sights.
We did not have sufficient time to fully experience the luxurious escapes curated by the Four Seasons. If you have more time during your stay, explore their magnificent Dubai tour options. They offer fabulous Bedouin desert escapes such as sleeping in a tent under the stars, or taking a hot air balloon ride over the Arabian Desert.
Longer Dubai Layover Activities
If you have additional time in your Dubai itinerary, consider these other activities:
- Experience high tea in the opulent Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
- Check out man-made Palm Jumeirah island with its upscale nightclubs and restaurants.
- The Dubai Miracle Garden filled with colorful flowers is another option (check if it’s open because it is seasonal).
- Consider taking a day trip to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Stopover in Dubai FAQ’s
1. What Are the People of Dubai Called?
The people living in Dubai are called Emiratis. They are the naive Arabs living in the country.
2. Is Dubai the Richest Country in the World?
Based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Dubai is the eighth richest country in the world in 2022. Qatar, Macau and Luxembourg are the top three richest countries.
3. Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa For Dubai?
You need a tourist travel visa to visit Dubai. It is free, valid for 30 days, and can be granted upon arrival.
4. What are the Rules for Unmarried Couples Staying in Dubai Hotels?
It is no longer against the law for unmarried members of the opposite sex to cohabitate. However, even before the law was formally changed, this rule was generally not enforced.
5. Is Dubai Expensive?
Dubai can be expensive if you choose to stay at luxurious resorts, but there are a variety of less expensive accommodations and restaurants if you are budget-conscious.
Stopover in Dubai- Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is no shortage of activities to fill your Dubai layover. Whether you have hours or days to visit, there are a multitude of Dubai experiences to enjoy. You certainly don’t want to miss the opportunity to experience a thrilling 2 day stopover in Dubai!
If You Are Going On An African Safari After Visiting Dubai, Check Out This Post For More Information.
