Essential Stopover Planning Tips & Information

Visitors from most countries are allocated a free 30-day visit visa on arrival to Dubai. For shorter stays, consider a stopover or a transit visa, available for most passport holders for a duration of 48 to 96 hours. 

Recommend your clients to request a complimentary SIM card at the immigration counter, which are preloaded with minutes and data, and can be easily topped up for the entire duration of their stopover stay.

Dubai is a city that offers everything from world class attractions, desert experience, beach clubs, Michelin star restaurants, all within a travel time of 15 to 30 minutes from the airport. There’s something for everyone! Your clients have already been to Dubai in the past? No worries, as there are always new attractions popping up in the city, find some suggestions below!

Local taxis are the most convenient option for quick trips. Other alternatives include Uber or the local car ride-hailing service, Careem. The Dubai Metro is also an option. Fares start at AED2 ($0.54) and smart public transport cards known as Nol, can be purchased at the stations.

Thanks to the low VAT, visitors can secure a 5% value-added tax (VAT) refund upon their departure on the purchases at the city's incredible array of malls, boutiques and festivals.

COVID-19 Information

Dubai is ready and open to welcome all visitors and your clients health is Dubai's top priority.

Click below to find out more about all the procedures to ensure your clients safety during their next trip to Dubai.

Helpful 2-Day Itinerary

There's so much to squeeze into a two-day trip and endless ways for your clients to enjoy their layover, but here's a glimpse of what the city has to offer.

Day 1: Start with the must-sees in Dubai,  head to Downtown Dubai at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa to take in its unmatched views stretching from desert to sea. Best of all? It's right next door to The Dubai Mall – the world’s largest shopping, entertainment and leisure destination. For more unforgettable fun, Sky Views offers an elevated glass slide ride or go on a daring sky-high walk along the tower's edge. End the day at one of Dubai's many rooftop restaurants. 

Day 2: Spend the last day zipping around Dubai’s hotspots, starting at the Madinat Jumeirah, an Arabian mini-city comprised of five-star hotels, ornate souks and some of the city’s best restaurants. Tick off the obligatory abra ride and snap the adjacent Burj Al Arab from every angle, after, head to Atlantis, The Palm for outstanding architecture, a unique aquarium experience and one of the world’s largest waterparks, Aquaventure. Refuel with some fine food and make one final stop at The View at The Palm for picture-perfect vistas.

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New Attractions in Dubai

Make sure your clients don't miss out on some hot new openings and fresh experiences. These are our top picks.
 
Museum of the Future – This ‘living museum’ explores how society could evolve in the coming decades, combining elements of traditional exhibition, immersive theater and themed attractions.

The Club at Palm West Beach – Nestled in a prime stretch along Palm West Beach, this new beachside lifestyle destination will eventually house nine signature concepts featuring private pools, beach access and shoreside dining. One of the first concepts to open is SĀN so head over to discover boho African vibes and flavors, or enjoy a memorable day in the sunshine at Playa Beach Club. 

Terra Solis by Tomorrowland – The exclusive oasis glamping site, launched by the world-famous music festival, is set to open to desert sojourners from September 2022 until June 2023. Whether you want to revel in soothing rhythms during the day or with a memorable overnight stay, this secluded destination amid undulating dunes is certainly worth a visit.

Deep Dive Dubai – Water enthusiasts can dive and explore an immersive experience in an Atlantis-like sunken city, certified by Guinness as the deepest swimming pool for diving in the world.  

AURA SKYPOOL – Visitors can swim in the world’s first and highest 360-degree infinity pool perched on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower.

Hatta Dome Park – Settle in for an unforgettable night under the stars at Hatta Dome Park, a glamping experience that takes advantage of Hatta’s mountainscape views and back-to-nature vibes.

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Even if your clients only have a few hours in Dubai, it is still worth for them to leave the airport. 

As well as being in close proximity to Old Dubai, the airport is only a 15-minute drive to some of the city's top attractions.

The best way to take it all in is to embark on a cultural tour of Old Dubai, with a colorful, aromatic and sensory experience in one of the city's most vibrant heritage areas, the Spice Souk. After, wander over to Al Seef – a district with heritage, waterfront gems and incredible views of Dubai Creek.

Attractions worth visiting include: the tallest building in the world and global icon Burj Khalifa, the tallest performing fountain in the world, the world's largest shopping, entertainment and leisure destination The Dubai Mall (also home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo) or the Dubai Canal, making a two-hour round trip entirely achievable (and not overly expensive).

Make the most of 24-Hours in Dubai

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Red Dunes Safari at Al Khayma Camp

Heritage Safari and Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience

At the Top Burj Khalifa 

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Arabian Desert Dunes Safari with Dinner

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