On international flights, there are chances that you can get a stopover of 24 hours or more in a particular city. If you are reading this post, then you have got 24 hours to explore the majestic city of Dubai. Please note that if you are not one of the nationalities that are entitled to visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival at UAE, then you have to apply for a transit visa through the UAE-based airlines you are traveling on; if you wish to explore the city on your stopover. A transit visa has to be applied before arrival in Dubai.
If you are traveling with Emirates and have a stopover of 6 to 24 hours in Dubai, you can book their Dubai Connect service that provides you with complimentary hotel accommodation, transfers, meals, and they even take care of a visa for you to enter the UAE. Please note that you have to book Dubai Connect at least 24 hours before your flight to Dubai. So, if you are thinking that going out to explore Dubai during your 24 hours stopover could turn expensive then think again. Moving on, the following are the things that you can do if you are in Dubai for 24 hours.
Photo by Adam Le Sommer on UnsplashThings that you can do in your 24 Hours Dubai Stopover
- Go to the Top of Burj Khalifa
If you are in Dubai and you don’t go to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, then your time in the city is futile. However, please try to book a slot for the same well-in-advance as the bookings are always crowded. The last time slot for going to the top of Burj Khalifa is 11:30 PM. Of course, it will be ideal to go to the top after sunset to see the illuminated skyscrapers; but, it doesn’t matter whatever time of the day it is as viewing the city from the top of Burj Khalifa is a surreal experience at any given moment.
- Pump up the Adrenaline by Skydiving
Yes! You are reading it right! Skydiving is one of the most electrifying activities that you can do in Dubai. Of course, it will cost you around 1700 DHs including pictures and video, but the experience of tandem sky diving over the Palm and savoring in the fantastic views of the city in the process indeed makes up for the cost that you are paying. All you need to do is head over to Skydive Dubai and get ready for your tandem jump.
- Go for a Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
A dhow is a traditional vessel made up entirely of wood. In the bygone days, dhows were utilized for transportation and fishing; however, now with modernization, they have become disused in front of the modern and technologically advanced vessels. These dhows are now converted into floating restaurants where you can enjoy lip-smacking delicious food, a live singing and dance performance, and the unequaled Arabic hospitality.
There are two dhow cruises. One at Dubai Marina and the other at Dubai Creek. Dubai Marina dhow cruise sails you through the Deira or new Dubai while the Dubai Creek dhow cruise will sail you through old Dubai and show you the historical side of the city. We recommend taking dhow cruise Dubai Marina as you can catch the bewitching view of the skyline of the modern part of the city crowned with skyscrapers. Dhow cruise Dubai Marina is much more lively, energetic, and filled with excitement and entertainment as compared to dhow cruise at Dubai Creek.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
You can catch the amazing views of the desert at dawn by opting for a hot air balloon ride. You will be 4000 feet in the air and words are not enough to describe the rejuvenating experience that the ride offers. The hot air balloon ride is at the pre-dawn and pre-dusk period. You can opt for the timings that are convenient with your stopover and allow you to include other activities as well in your 24 hours stay in the city.
- Visit the traditional Souqs
When in Dubai, don’t miss visiting the gold Souqs. The city is known for its love for gold and you can get gold jewelry at the cheapest prices in these Souqs. Even bargaining is allowed. However, if you are not into buying gold, then you can get some amazing pictures here. Apart from gold souqs, there are souqs for spices and textiles as well.
- Opt for a 3-hour desert tour
Of course, you cannot opt for an all-day or an overnight desert tour. Hence, go ahead with a 3-hour desert tour where you can enjoy dune bashing in a 4×4 SUV. It will definitely feel like taking a roller-coaster ride as the experienced drivers take you over the sand dunes. You can even opt for a quad bike and do some dune bashing yourself. Thereafter, don’t forget to take a camel ride while in the desert.
- Dubai Water Show
Just outside Dubai Mall, you can catch the colorful fountains that dance in perfect choreography to popular tunes. The show starts at 6 PM and runs for every half an hour thereafter. The great thing is that you don’t have to pay anything to enjoy this amazing music and light show. Simply take a stroll at the lake outside Dubai Mall and enjoy the captivating and colorful fountains dancing to the music.
Final Words
These are some of the must-do activities if you are in Dubai for just 24 hours. After you are done, you can simply head over to your hotel and get a perfect final rejuvenation fix in a spa before heading back to the airport.
