Layover In Dubai - Things You Can Do In One Day

Are you traveling via the UAE and have a layover in Dubai? This article will serve as a guide in planning the things you can do in one day during your layover. The Middle East is geographically located at the center of the world. When you are traveling from Asia to the Americas, or from Africa to Europe, a layover in the countries - UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia can give you an authentic experience of the Arabic Culture and its destinations.

Here are 5 things to do in one day during your layover in Dubai

1. Morning Desert Safari

Considering you reached the Dubai International Airport late at night, go for the morning desert safari the next day. You can make the best out of this experience in two ways - A Hot Air Balloon Flight and Desert Safari activities. The hot air balloon flight starts early in the morning at dawn around 5 am. The Desert Safari starts around 9 a.m. The sight of the sun rising above the dunes transforms the colors of the sands while you take on the adventures are moments that you will cherish forever. The addition of Dune Bashing, Sand Boarding, a Camel Ride, or a leisure breakfast in a traditional Majles setting glitzed up your visit.

2. Visit the Souks in Dubai

Before being the epitome of modern architectural marvels and city transformation, the Souks (marketplace) was the hub of business and culture. When you visit the souks, you understand the traditions and the nuances of their culture. This makes it the right place to buy a gift or a memento for your family and friends. The Souks that you can go to are - Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk, and Souk Madinat Jumeirah among others. You may choose to visit all the souks, however, limiting to one or two would save you time.

3.  Rest at the Beaches

After visiting the Desert and the Souks, it is best to rest at Marina Beach ( Jumeirah Beach) or Black Palace Beach in Dubai. Marina Beach is situated at Dubai Marina facing the Arabian Gulf. It is a popular beach with all the facilities - water sports, shower area, restaurants, cafes etc. Also known as the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) beach and one of the cleanest beaches, you can sunbathe at the beach with the view of the tallest Ferris Wheel in the Middle East. Black Palace Beach is relatively offbeat with fewer crowds. It is located at Al Sufouh. Unlike Marina Beach, it doesn’t have any shops, sunbeds and other beach essentials. If you love exploring Solo and enjoy the beach for yourself, Black Palace Beach could be your choice.

4. Enjoy the Dubai Skyline view from Burj Khalifa

If you are in Dubai, I bet you would not like to miss seeing the city from the tallest building in the world. Before sunset, book a ticket on the spot or online for the 124th and 125th Floor Observation Deck of Burj Khalifa. The view of the city from that altitude is an experience you ought to have. There are more than 160 storeys in Burj Khalifa (828 m). The 148th floor (555m) is the highest observation deck in the world.

5. End the Day with the Dubai Fountain Show

Having seen the city of Dubai from above, you can next witness the Dubai Fountain show in the evening. Watch the glittering colorful lights and the water dance against the backdrop of Burj Khalifa. Like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain is the world’s tallest performing fountain.  The show is displayed every half an hour from 6 pm to 11 pm. While watching the show, you can also go for two activities - the Abra traditional boat rides and Dubai Fountain boardwalk.

How to Travel in Dubai during a layover?

The two best ways of exploring the different destinations are:

1. Independently via Dubai Metro, Trams, and hired cars.
2. Book a Dubai Tour with us.

Back at the Airport

Having traveled all around the city of Dubai during the day, your body and mind need a break before catching the next flight, don’t you? Well, head into the spas located inside the Dubai Airport for a relaxing massage. The spas also offer services like body scrubs, therapy, haircuts, and reflexology among others.

Summing Up Your Dubai Layover Trip

Start your day with the Morning Desert Safari, followed by a cultural experience of walking and shopping around the souks. Returning from the Souks, you relax at Jumeirah Beach or Black Palace Beach.  Wrap up your Dubai Layover trip at Burj Khalifa and the shining Dubai Fountain show before you return to the airport. There are other popular tourist spots like Dubai Creek, Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Miracle Garden, and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. This article is about supporting you to plan your time the right way during the layover.