5 Things to Do in Dubai on a Stopover (2025 Guide)

Got a few hours in Dubai during your flight connection? You’re in luck. Dubai is one of the best cities in the world for a stopover adventure

Lees verder:  5 Things to Do in Dubai on a Stopover (2025 Guide)

compact, ultra-modern, and bursting with iconic experiences. Whether you have 6 hours or a full day, here are the top 5 things to do in Dubai on a stopover — plus transport tips, ticket deals, and booking options.


1. 🏙️ Visit the Burj Khalifa – World’s Tallest Building

Burj Khalifa

No stop in Dubai is complete without a trip to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet.

📌 What to Do:

  • Head up to At the Top (124th & 125th floors) for panoramic skyline views.
  • Go all the way to the Sky Lounge (148th floor) for the world’s highest observation deck.

🕒 Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours

🎟️ Book ahead to skip the line

Powered by GetYourGuide

2. 🐪 Explore Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, Souks & Creek

95A00B78 9D77 416E 8065 C1BD70527F23

Get a taste of Dubai’s rich culture in Al Fahidi Historical District, a preserved old town with wind towers and art cafés.

📌 What to Do:

  • Walk through Al Fahidi’s sand-colored lanes.
  • Take an Abra ride across Dubai Creek (just 1 AED!).
  • Visit the Gold and Spice Souks in Deira.

🕒 Time Needed: 2–3 hours

💡 Tip: Combine this with a local food tour or walking history tour.

Powered by GetYourGuide

3. 🛍️ Shop & Sightsee at Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall

Right next to the Burj Khalifa is Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers.

📌 What to Do:

  • See the Dubai Aquarium (inside the mall).
  • Shop luxury and local brands.
  • Catch the Dubai Fountain Show (every 30 minutes in the evening).

🕒 Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Powered by GetYourGuide

4. 🏜️ Go on a Desert Safari (for Long Stopovers)

60111B53 81F7 4FE5 A573 42F86777BB09

If you have 8+ hours, this is your moment to ride into the dunes.

📌 What’s included:

  • 4×4 dune bashing
  • Sandboarding
  • Camel rides
  • BBQ dinner & belly dancing at a desert camp

🕒 Time Needed: 5–6 hours

Powered by GetYourGuide

 Tip: Some operators offer pickup from Dubai Airport Terminal 3.


5. 🏖️ Relax at Jumeirah Beach & Snap a Burj Al Arab Pic

F49549AB 3D6B 429E B687 86D6F5B55AFF

If you’re short on time but want a breath of fresh sea air, head to the coastline.

📌 What to Do:

  • Chill at Jumeirah Public Beach
  • Take iconic photos of the Burj Al Arab hotel
  • Grab a drink at a beachfront café

🕒 Time Needed: 1–2 hours

🚕 Easily reachable by taxi or Uber from DXB


✈️ How to Make the Most of Your Stopover in Dubai

✅ Use the Dubai Metro (red line) to reach most major areas

✅ Store luggage at the airport if needed

✅ Most nationalities get a visa-free entry or visa on arrival

✅ Book activities in advance to avoid queues


🛏️ Have More Than 12 Hours?

Consider a stay at a hotel near the airport or downtown:

https://trip.tpo.lu/Va2Y7ZCQ


🧳 Summary: Top 5 Things to Do on a Dubai Stopover

  1. View the skyline from the Burj Khalifa
  2. Discover the heritage in Old Dubai
  3. Shop + explore at Dubai Mall
  4. Ride the dunes on a Desert Safari
  5. Unwind at Jumeirah Beach

Ready to turn your layover into an experience of a lifetime?

Don’t waste your time at the terminal — explore Dubai in just a few hours and add a mini-adventure to your journey.

👉 More travel inspiration at www.amazingbucketlist.com

author avatar
AmazingBucketlist