About Dubai Stopovers
Whether you’re heading to Everest Base Camp or planning to climb Kilimanjaro, consider booking an Emirates Dubai stopover as part of your flight itinerary and take a few days to experience this fascinating place. Flights from the UK to Kathmandu, or flying from the US to Tanzania, are both possible with Emirates, as are many other of our treks across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
Emirates airlines is famously one of the best airlines in the world and for good reason. From their modern fleet to excellent in-flight entertainment, great service and comfortable economy class seating, it’s no wonder that Emirates is often the airline of choice for adventurers. Oh, and they fly to over 150 destinations in 80 different countries, so the likelihood is that wherever you’re jetting off to, Emirates fly there.
All airlines have a home hub, a city where their fleets are based and through which their flights transit. For Emirates this is Dubai, one of the seven emirates, or territories, that make up the United Arab Emirates, located on the eastern end of the Persian Gulf. Known as the ‘City of Gold’, Dubai is a modern metropolis with one of the most densely populated skylines in the world – a place of luxury, excess and style. If the moto for anywhere was ‘go big, or go home’ then it would be Dubai, so what better place to explore on the way to or from your trekking holiday than this Middle Eastern hub.
Adding a layover in Dubai to your flight itinerary is a relatively cheap way to visit and as you probably wouldn’t want to spend more than a few days here, it makes sense to tag this destination on to a longer trip. Dubai is also an excellent place to rest and recuperate after your multi-day trek or adventure holiday with spas and wellness facilities aplenty.
Planning Your Stopover
Logistically, turning a long stopover in Dubai into an action packed weekend of fun is relatively easy. Below we’ll look at everything you need to consider for layovers in Dubai, from how to book one to what to pack, things to do in Dubai and what you need to know before you visit.
Flights
Many flights that pass through Dubai will involve a stopover
in Dubai Airport which could be anything from a few hours to 8 hours or longer,
depending on your flight schedule. As part of your layover in Dubai, Emirates
allow you opportunity to extend a visit to make the most of the scheduled break
in your flight itinerary for either no or relatively little extra cost,
dependant on the route you book.
You can either break down your flights at the time of
booking to plan a stopover in Dubai with Emirates or request one after booking
by getting in touch with the airline directly. This may or may not be a free
stopover in Dubai – Emirates will dictate any additional cost depending on
route options and availability. You can check out Emirates route map here to see
where they fly to and from.
Visa Requirements
A visa for Dubai is available on entry, free of charge, for both citizens of the UK and US. It is valid for 30 days from entering and you’ll receive a stamp in your passport on arrival and departure.
Those travelling from other countries may have to apply for a visa in advance or pay for one on entry, but it is always best to check before booking your flights.
Transport
Dubai International Airport is approximately 5km from the city centre and travelling from the airport should take no more than 20 minutes, depending on traffic. You can use public transport and take either the metro train or bus from Dubai Airport, or there will be taxis available at the airport arrivals terminal.
Top 10 Things to Do on Your Stopover
Where to begin?! There are so many things to do in Dubai during layover breaks that you may well find your first stopover inspires you to visit again in the future. This destination is evolving so quickly that you won’t run out of things to do in a hurry, and with the top attractions and activities a relatively short distance from one another, it’s easy to see a lot in just a few days.
Visit the Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world with 163 floors and the fastest elevator in the world whisks you from top to bottom in under a minute. On the 148th floor is the renowned Sky Lounge which has 360° panoramic views from the observation deck (there are two other observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors too!) where you can see nearly 100km of landscape below on a clear day. This iconic structure is uniquely designed to withstand the desert winds and extreme heat and no visit to Dubai is complete without exploring this incredible structure.
Explore the souks
From modern engineering to traditional culture, Dubai Old Town sits is stark contrast to the spectacular skyline of downtown. Wind your way through narrow alleys, ancient markets and hidden souks that remain unscathed by the radical growth nearby. Barter for goods, find unique treasures and escape the sun in the sandy backstreets of this historic part of the city.
Visit Jumeriah Mosque
The prevalent religion of UAE is Islam and Jumeriah Mosque is the most iconic mosque in Dubai, famous for its openness to non-Muslim visitors. Unlike other religious buildings here, you can take a tour of the stunning mosque and gardens and learn about the traditions and customs of Islam at this culturally significant site. Located between downtown and Dubai Old Town, it’s well worth a visit.
Hot air balloon ride
What better way to view the city than from the air! Less crowded than Burj Khalifa, a hot air balloon ride in Dubai will take you up into the air for sunrise, where you’ll see the rising sun reflected off the modern skyscrapers, turquoise waters and desert dunes below as you journey above it all.
Visit Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
In the desert outside of the city is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – Dubai’s first national park. Here you’ll find native flora and fauna, adventure activities, luxury spa retreats and traditional Bedouin camps. Sleep under the stars and cook over fire before racing over the dunes in a buggy or choose a luxury hotel instead as your base. With sandboarding and Land Rover safaris, camel treks and horse riding all on offer, you can do as much or as little as you like here.
Jet skiing in the Gulf
Dubai Marina is the perfect place to explore by jet ski. Zip across the waves and experience the city from the water whilst your heart rate soars and adrenaline races. It’s a great way to explore the coastline along the city shores and a super fun way to stay cool in the hot climate.
XLine Dubai Marina
The longest urban zipline in the world is XLine Dubai which races for 1km above the city skyline and down towards Dubai Marina. You can experience this thrill by yourself or alongside a friend on a parallel line and fly superman-style through the air. One of the most adrenalin-fuelled activities on offer in Dubai, this is not to be missed by those who love adventure!
Explore Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, lying approximately 140km or 87miles southwest of Dubai along the Persian Gulf coast. Larger than Dubai but more relaxed, this modern capital is home to breathtaking architecture and a rich culture that is more conservative than its smaller neighbour. Escape the hedonism of Dubai and explore the historical buildings, landmarks and unique heritage of this charming city.
Relax at the beach
With so much coast to choose from, chilling at the beach in Dubai is a must. You can access the coast from a variety of places with public and private beaches offering comfortable loungers, dining options and entertainment, the only real difference is which view you’re after! Jumeriah Beach Residence is probably the most popular, but Kite Beach offers a quieter alternative away from the crowds. Avoid the midday sun on the sand where possible and cover up once off the beach.
Experience Dubai Mall
When is a shopping mall not just a shopping mall? when it’s Dubai Mall! One of the largest shopping centres in the world, this iconic mall is right next to Burj Khalifa and is not only jam-packed with shops and eateries but is also a full-on entertainment complex too. From designer brands and high street fashion to traditional shops and fine dining, there’s a cinema, ice rink, an aquarium and a kid’s adventure park here too!
Cultural Tips and Etiquette
As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in UAE, western visitors are welcomed, and the culture is fairly relaxed here. Saying that, Dubai is still a largely Muslim city so being respectful of religious and cultural traditions is important. Below are a few tips on how to behave whilst visiting to ensure you stay on the local’s good side.
- Dress moderately in public – cover shoulders and
knees in public places, avoid transparent or tight clothing and women should
cover their heads in religious buildings
- Avoid public displays of affection – holding
hands as married couples is fine but excessive contact is not acceptable
- Swimwear is only appropriate at the beach on the
sand – on the boardwalks and in restaurants and shops, covering up is required
- Tipping is customary for good service – this
applies to hotels, restaurants and in taxis
- Be respectful of local customs and people,
especially authority figures
- Being drunk in public is prohibited so avoid
drinking to excess
- During Ramadan is it prohibited to eat, smoke or
drink in public – be mindful of this and try to act courteously
- Always ask permission before taking photos of
local people
- Greet people with ‘As-salamu alaykum’ which
means peace be upon you – it will be greatly appreciated and reciprocated
- Do not swear or use offensive language at any
time
Generally, showing respect, consideration and courtesy during your visit will ensure you avoid any conflict and have a comfortable stay. Emiratis are private but warm people and are usually delighted to welcome well-behaved visitors to their city.
What to Pack for a Dubai Layover
For your Dubai stopover it may be useful to have a separate bag with everything you’ll need for this short stay. You could use your hand luggage as a Dubai bag saving you the faff of unpacking your main holiday luggage.
The weather in Dubai is warm all year round but from June to September the temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius (or 104 degrees Fahrenheit) with high humidity. Because of this, the summer months are considered low season and spending long amounts of time outside will be uncomfortable.
Pack loose, light clothing in natural fibres with long trousers and sleeves if you know you’ll be visiting religious or cultural sites. A daypack is essential for carrying water, sunscreen, layers for cooler evenings, swimwear and a towel. A reusable bottle will help you stay hydrated, and women should remember to bring a lightweight scarf to cover hair if visiting a mosque.
Stopovers in Dubai with Kandoo
What better way to prepare for your adventure holiday than warming up in Dubai on the way! Alternatively, think of this as your reward for a successful summit if your layover in Dubai is on your return leg. Whichever way around your stopover in Dubai works best for you, Kandoo Adventures will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant destination. Get in touch with our friendly team of travel experts to find out more about our stopover packages in Dubai that will take your adventure to the next level!