How to make the most of your layover in Dubai with quick stops and must-sees

The emirate of Dubai is a city of many sights and sounds, all eagerly awaiting its next curious voyager. Therefore, regardless of whether you’re in the city for a few hours or perhaps, a day or two, have a look at this detailed guide that covers the most important aspects of a sightseeing outing in Dubai that you will learn to appreciate at every stop and turn.

Tour the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

Should your layover be not more than 4-5 hours, then it will require maximising your time to the fullest. In this regard, accessing and enjoying the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall will make better sense, given that you will have to walk through the Dubai Mall in order to reach the world’s tallest building – the magnificent Burj Khalifa. Begin at the Dubai Mall where aside from the fancy stores and boutiques selling celebrated brands from all corners of the world, you will stumble upon a gamut of leisure hotspots such as the children’s playground titled KidZania, the sought-after Dubai Aquarium, the engaging Emirates A380 experience and so much more. Witnessing the grandeur of Dubai can be done so from the Burj Khalifa but be mindful that its much talked about ‘At the Top’ experience is often sold out and even with an advanced booking, you may have to contend with long lines. This is why allocating around 2 hours would be wise. In terms of transport from Dubai International Airport, you may opt for the metro, a taxi or private airport transfer. If you choose the metro, know that you will need to do a bit of walking after you are dropped off at the closest metro station near Dubai Mall. As you will need to conserve energy for the remainder of your trip, it will be prudent to ride in a taxi for a majority of your layover.

Catch the Dubai Fountian Show

A perfect way to while away the hours during the later evening or night, watching the Dubai Fountian Show do its thing will surely be one of your fondest memories of your time in the emirate. Known to run daily from 6 pm till 11 pm at every half hour mark, this spectacular attraction is a 3-minute choreographed performance that plays out to a single song and will have you amazed by the sight of water shooting up in the air with ridiculous ease. What makes it a worthy watch can be attributed to the fact that it takes place outside the Dubai Mall which as mentioned above, is a cherished landmark in Dubai.

Wander across the Dubai Marina

Known as the region where Dubai’s affluent and expat communities reside, the man-made Dubai Marina which was unveiled in 2003 can be your ‘go to’ if you wish to go on long walks while taking in the brilliance of an emirate that is showing no signs of slowing down. Extending for 3 km along the shoreline, visitors with some luck can call by the odd community event, mix and mingle within markets and even catch a glimpse of speeding Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Better yet, the city’s skyscrapers which sparkle and standout come dusk can be easily caught sight of as well.

Visit the souks

Add another layer to your layover in Dubai by beelining for a section dotted with plenty of traditions and customs that stretch back centuries. Known as souks or traditional marketplaces, these bustling centres are a common meeting place for buyers and traders and to the foreign national, a more than decent avenue to move along, exchange pleasantries and even purchase souvenirs. The Spice Souk with its pungent aromas and medicinal products will be hard to pass up on while the Gold Souk will lure you in en route to discovering small walkways that lead to shops where you will be met with eye-catching jewellery, studded in metal and precious stones of varying hues. Also, if you are looking for a place to stay at near these markets before you catch your connecting flight, then be sure to consider Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort which is among favoured hotels in Palm Jumeirah.