Dubai: the stopover city that is anything but.

Chances are pretty good that, if you’re flying in and across Europe to Asia or Africa, you’ll probably fly on a middle eastern airline. Emirates or Qatar airlines are quickly emerging as top airlines with excellent ratings in safety, service, and quality. If you find yourself on these airlines, you’ll probably have to have a stopover in Dubai or Doha. While both are excellent stops with endless activities, for now, let’s talk about Dubai.

Citizens from over 60 countries do not need any advanced visa efforts. A 30-60 day visa is available on arrival, as long as you have the space in your passport.

Twenty years ago, a stop in Dubai would have been unheard of. The city has undergone a massive renewal/growth and has embraced tourism, both everyday, and extremes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you stay at the Fairmont on the Palm, this is the view you can get from the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Limited time? No problem in Dubai!

Dubai has made it increasingly easy to have a stopover in the city; a city which has developed into a sort of Middle-East-Vegas. Between the glitz and glamour of new Dubai, and an absolutely endless array of activities, plus a certain ‘if you have the money, you can basically pick your adventure’, it is hard to resist.

But even for those with a limited budget, or limited time, the city and country will make you feel welcome.

Most people who use the city as a stopover have at least 24 hours, with many choosing longer. With 48-72 hours, you can feel like you had a mini-break from being in transit, you can get over some jet-lag, and you can experience some of the city.

With less than 3 days, choose an area of the city to base yourself in. Your top three options for exploring are likely New Dubai, Beach Dubai, or Old Dubai.

Where To Stay

Old Dubai

Old Dubai is home to inexpensive-but-clean local hotels and guest houses, markets, bustling, narrow streets, the cheapest Dhow ride in town, and some truly stunning architecture.

It is infinitely more authentic than some parts of town, and it will leave you feeling like you’ve explored and experienced some of the charm of the city.

New Dubai

Or Vegas-Dubai. Massive, international hotel chains, pristine streets, powerful air conditioning, metro-connections, and shopping. In New Dubai, you’ll see for yourself what was created in the last twenty years. Some of the worlds tallest buildings, biggest shopping malls, and wildest experiences are found here. It is also one of the most expensive areas of the city, and you will pay more for everything here, including food, accommodation, and shopping.

Beach Dubai

As I’ve coined it, or Jumeirah as most people may know it.

Dubai is home to some of the best beaches in the Middle East. The sand is pristine, the water crystal clear and warm, and the water sports plentiful. Accommodation is slightly higher priced than Old Dubai, and you can find some large chains here as well, but there is a refreshing trend of local chains, and guest houses appearing here too. Food will cost you less…unless you demand an ocean view restaurant.

Perhaps best of all, the beaches are free! You are further from the metro, so transportation is an issue, but Uber and Taxis are plentiful and safe.

 

 

 

 

 

Dining in the city is definitely an experience. You can actually eat inside a large aquarium at Atlantis, the Palm. While eating here may just break the bank...what a great splurge to have in the city!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While the marina area is absolutely stunning, it doesn’t have a lot to do for tourists. It’s new and bright and relaxing, if you don’t plan to do much.

 

 

 

 

See and Do

If you have a limited amount of time in the city and there are certain things you want to make sure you have time for, consider pre-booking these for specific times (i.e. if you want to make sure a visit to the top of the Burj Kalifa is a part of your plans, you can book online up to a month in advance!)

 

 

Make sure to see the light show every half hour beneath the Burj.Because the show happens so often, you don’t need to go particularly early for a good seat. The show is visible from anywhere along the waterfront by the Dubai mall.

 

 

A great way to get an overview of the city is to use the Hop on/off bus system. The busses have three distinct routes and will take you from old Dubai, through the marina, and all the way out to the edge of the Palm to the Atlantis hotel. Tickets are available online or at the bus stops themselves and the tours are available in a dozen languages via the audio guide.

 

 

Desert Safari

If you have the time, a desert safari is a great way to get outside of the city and see some UAE history. Check out my post about the safari I did here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The canal-side in Old Dubai. The ride across the canal costs 1$ and is a great way to get a ride on the traditional Dhow boats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transportation

It is relatively easy to get to the city from the airport, whether you choose a taxi/Uber or public transport, or your hotel offers a pickup. Depending on your area of accommodation, it will take between 10-40 minutes to arrive. While public transport is cheap, safe, and easy to navigate, the metro is not yet widely developed beyond the two main lines. There are also a small series of canals that are used for public transportation. They use tradition Dhow boats, therefore this doubles as the cheapest tourist activity in the city!

If you are travelling in a taxi as a solo woman, you will get placed with a female driver. While this is a great comfort measure, always take the same precautions, like insisting that the meter be used, and tracking your route on your preferred map or device.

Dubai is a city of extremes. There is almost anything that you could want; and it’s definitely a place that you can comfortably spend a short (or long!) layover! Consider making a stop to explore on your next trip!