Dubai is undoubtedly a popular destination for many travelers. You could visit the city for a weekend, week or even during a layover. Emirates offers the possibility to schedule a free stopover between your flights. This allows you to stay in the city for more than 24 hours and then fly on to another destination using the same ticket. I visited Dubai during a long weekend in June 2017 flying British Airways Club World on the Boeing 777. In this article I give some tips on what you can do in Dubai.
Deira
Dubai is popular for its modern and large skyline with the Burj Khalifa. There is also an old area of the city that is very well-known. This section is called Deira and is close to the airport. It is certainly nice to walk around the souk or take a drink near the Creek River. The sellers in the souk are almost all foreigners, many come from India.
It is also a nice idea to take a boat trip on a Dhow over the Creek River. You actually sail between the old area and the new area of Dubai. They are making many improvements in the city and construction sites are visible along the river.
The modern Dubai
If you take the metro and get off at Dubai Mall, you will enter a world of skyscrapers and shopping malls. Are you coming to Dubai to shop? Then you have chosen the right place. In addition to the large shopping galleries you will find a lot of interesting things such as an aquarium.
If you make your way through the shopping mall, you will reach the popular Burj Khalifa. It is around 2717 ft. in circumference and the high tower is beautifully landscaped with canals. A boat trip around this area would be very enjoyable and you would be able to see everything in a closer range. It might also feel like you are in Venice. In the evening, it is great to spend time here and watch the light show.
The Burj Khalifa is still the tallest building in the world in 2017. The construction was completed in 2009 and the building itself was opened in 2010. The rooms in the tower mainly serve as apartments and houses. There is also a hotel and restaurant in the tower.
Do you want to go upstairs for a wonderful view over Dubai? It’s possible! The tower is open to the public daily. Tip: Buy your ticket online in advance. This gives you a big discount and you do not have to line up. You can go to the 124th floor or all the way up to the 148th floor.
I went to the 124th floor in January 2017. The best time of the day to do this is around 6pm to watch the sunset. This is definitely a must-see if you are in Dubai!
Jumeirah
Do you want to do something other than with shopping centers and sightseeing at the Burj Khalifa? Then take a taxi to Jumeirah, a residential coastal area of Dubai. Here you will find the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel. This is the only 7-star hotel in the world and a great place for high tea, at least if you are willing to pay the price.
You are also at the right place in Dubai if you like the beach. Certainly in the area around Jumeirah many public beaches can be found. Jumeirah is also the part where the famous Palm Islands are located.
If you take the monorail towards the end of the Palm Islands, you will arrive at Aquaventure Waterpark Dubai. Based on my own experience, I would recommend you to stay for at least one day here. The park is suitable for people of all ages and offers many spectacular slides and a beautiful beach.
Outside of Dubai
If you are staying longer in Dubai, you might want to consider booking an excursion to the desert. During a long weekend Dubai in June 2017, I booked a jeep safari. Once you are out of the town, it is all desert. It is so fun to explore the desert in a Toyota Land Cruiser. There are also various activities to do, such as quad biking or sitting on a camel.
In this article, I have listed a number of important places and must- sees in Dubai. Do you have a flight with Emirates and is your layover longer than 10 hours? Then, I would definitely take advantage and explore the city. I’m sure you will enjoy every moment there. With Emirates, it is possible to schedule a free stopover of several days. Make sure to use this option so you can see two destinations on your trip.
Have you already visited Dubai or have you planned a trip? Is there any particular place you would like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
