10 must-dos on a stopover in Dubai

Stopping over in Dubai? Make the most of it and hit up these top ten hot spots.

I recently stopped over in Dubai for 4 days on my way from New Zealand to Europe and had the most incredible time! I've put together a list of 10 Must Do Things that you can't miss if you make your way over there. 

Before we get into the fun stuff, there are, however, a few things you should be aware of when traveling to the United Arab Emirates. As a Muslim nation, the UAE derives some elements of its code of conduct from Sharia Law. There are certain rules to follow as a visitor. With that being said, this country is comparatively relaxed to other Gulf nations.

Dress Code

Anywhere apart from the beaches or swimming pools, it can be considered indecent if a woman wears clothing that is tight, transparent, above the knee or showing her stomach, shoulders or back. However, everywhere in the malls, hotels and around the city you can see foreigners wearing casual, short, summer attire, men just as much as women. We were told that the locals don’t find it offensive unless you are visiting religious institutions and monuments but I always carried a scarf or cardigan with me when being out and about just in case so I could cover my shoulders and back, and wore dresses and skirts below the knee.

Public Affection

Public displays of affection, such as holding hands and kissing, are socially unacceptable in the United Arab Emirates. Holding hands is accepted between married couples but there have been arrests for public displays of affection for unmarried couples so it's safer to keep your distance when out in public. Traveling alone as a single female is pretty safe as it is illegal to harass women in the UAE. This includes everything from unwanted conversation to staring.

Religious observations

Do note that the the UAE observes Ramadan which prohibits eating in public during daylight hours.

Swearing

Swearing or offensive gestures in public (like showing someone the middle finger) are considered criminal acts in the UAE and can result in significant penalties.

Photos

It is illegal to take photos of local people (in particular women) without asking them for their permission and can also result in significant penalties or arrest.

Drugs & Medication

Similar to Thailand, the UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and involvement in drug trafficking is penalised with life in jail or the death penalty.

Rental cars

Women are allowed to purchase, rent and drive cars on their own in the UAE.

Taxis

Within the city as well as at the airport, taxis are generally very safe to take for women on their own. In remote areas or at night, it is, however, safer to look out for taxis with pink roofs which are driven by female drivers. This is of course also an option during the day and in central areas if you prefer to have a female driver.

I personally felt very safe and comfortable during my visit and I had an absolutely incredible time visiting these top sights. So, without  further adieu, here they are.

TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI

​1) Dubai Desert Safari

Visiting the Dubai Desert was literally one of the most incredible things I've ever done. I always thought I could imagine what it would be like but actually, physically experiencing it is a whole different ball game. The sheer bliss I felt running through the golden sand is something I will never forget.
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I was lucky enough to know a local who took me on a private trip with his own jeep which meant we could stay for however long we wanted but there are plenty of companies that organise proper "desert safaris" that sound just as amazing!

Price: Tours start from as little as AED 50 (12 € / US$ 14) and can range up to AED 900 (200 € / US$ 240) depending on what you are looking for.  

Top tip: Go in the early morning hours before sunrise. Seeing the sun rise over the desert, turning the sand dunes from grey into gold is an unforgettable sight and it also means that you'll be able to run around barefoot without melting in 50+ degrees Celsius heat. The early morning hours are still cool and wonderful and you can soak up the whole experience in all its glory :)

​2) Brunch at Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai's famous luxury hotels and the third tallest hotel in the world. Its structure is meant to represent the sail of a ship and it’s one of Dubai's most famous landmarks. Spending a night there could cost you quite the fortune but you don't have to be a guest to enjoy their world famous Dubai brunch. They still don't come cheap but are worth every penny if you wish to dine 200 meters above sea level and want to truly treat yourself! The views come free.

Price: Starting from AED 675 per person (155 € / US$ 180) including soft drinks and a glass of champagne. Or you could go for the early bird deal from 10am-12:30pm for AED 575 per person (133 € / US$ 155), including soft drinks.

Top tip: Brunch at the Burj Al Arab is only available every Friday from 10am - 3:30pm.

3) The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the world (by total area) and includes 1200 shops. It will take you more than a few hours to explore but even if you can only make it in there for a quick visit, it is worth the trip! The mall is easy to get to both by metro and a range of different shuttle buses that pick you up from all around the city. The mall also features an aquarium right in the middle of the building that you can see from all levels throughout the complex. Why not marvel at some wonderful marine creatures while shopping up a storm? Only in Dubai!  

Price: Entry is free and you can, of course, spend however much you like ;-)

Top tip: Combine your mall visit with a trip to Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain which are both situated right outside the mall. See below for more information.

​4) Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world with a total height of 830m. It features two observation decks on the 124th (452m) floor and the 148th floor (555m) which offer incredible views over the whole of Dubai. Standing in front of it is awe-inspiring enough but if you do want to view Dubai from above there is no better way to do it.

Price:

1. Level 124+125 @ 8:30am-4:30pm & 7pm til closing: AED 125 pp (29 € / US$ 34)
   
2. Level 124+125+148 @ 7pm til closing: AED 350 pp (81 € / US$ 95)
   

     (C) Level 124+125 @ 5pm-6:30pm (prime hours): AED 200 pp (46 € / US$ 55)
     (D) Level 124+125+148 @ 9:30am-6pm (prime hours): AED 500 pp (115 € /136 US$ )

Top tip: The observation deck prices are slightly confusing when you look at the difference in "prime hours" between Level 124 & 148. I personally think that option A (for AED 125 pp) is by far the best value for your money. You will be able to see Dubai during daylight and being up at 452m is definitely enough to see everything there is to see ;-) If you can, book your tickets online in advance to beat the queues.

​5) The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is the world's second largest choreographed fountain system in the world. It's also called "the dancing fountain" and you can see why. At night time between 6pm-11pm, you can watch the water and light show every 30 minutes playing to both traditional Arabic tunes and classic western music. The fountain shoots water up to 150 metres in the air making it the tallest fountain in the world. It's super impressive and fun to watch for young and old!  

Price: Visiting The Dubai Fountain is free :) There are, however, "Lake rides" you can do if you want to be right in the midst of it all. Prices start at AED 65 pp  (15 € / US$ 18).

Top tip: Combine your visit with a dinner at one of the restaurants surrounding the Dubai Fountain, which will offer incredible views of both the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain after sunset.

6) Palm Islands

The Palm Islands of Dubai are three artificially created islands along Dubai’s waterfront that are definitely worth a visit. Even though you can't see the actual shape of the island while you are on it, it's quite cool to make it onto one of these man-made islands and take a look around at everything they've built on there.

Price: Free.

Top tip: If you drive onto any of the Palm Islands in your own car, make sure you turn on your GPS! You will be able to see the full palm shape on your GPS and follow your way onto the palm from tree trunk to its fronds on your screen. Alternatively, if you explore the island on foot, turn on your mobile GPS ;-)

​7) Dubai Marina

The Dubai Marina is one of Dubai's most affluent residential neighborhoods. It is famous for its artificial beaches, cafes, restaurants, craft markets, and the waterside promenade - the Dubai Marina Walk. It's worth a visit! You'll have the perfect opportunity to lie on a man-made beach and mingle with the high society of Dubai ;-)

Price: Free.

Top tip: Visit the Marina at night time or just before sunset when the temperatures cool off a bit. The Dubai Marina Walk along the waterfront is especially lovely and a must do when visiting this area.

​8) Dubai Souks

Dubai is famous for its souks. These traditional, vibrant marketplaces provide you with a real insight into local Dubai life. There are a whole range of different ones you can explore. The "Gold Souk", "Spice Souk" and "Old Souk/ Textile Souk" are probably the three most famous ones and all worth a visit if you get the chance. Opening hours are from 10am-10pm and most of them are closed between 1pm-4pm.

Price: Free.

Top tip: Visit these markets ideally during the winter months. Since they aren't open in the early hours of the morning there is almost no way to visit them at a "comfortable time" in terms of the heat during summer. If you do attempt to go during summer, make sure you take plenty of water and a portable fan as there aren't many places to hide away from the heat. ​

9) Wild Wadi Waterpark

Dubai is famous for its waterparks and the "Wild Wadi Waterpark" is rated one of the best! It features over 30 rides and water attractions and has an incredible amount of adventurous waterslides and pools. This is definitely a fun experience for the whole family but also incredibly entertaining on your own or with a small group of friends. It’s also, of course, the most refreshing activity you could do in Dubai's incredibly hot temperatures all year round.

Price: AED 310 pp (72 € / US$ 85)

Top tip: Book your tickets online in advance and save AED 40 pp (9 € / US$ 10)

​10) Abu Dhabi (Etihad Towers & Sheikh Zayed Mosque)

Abu Dhabi is only a 1.5 hour drive away from Dubai and definitely worth a visit if you have the time. It is even more spectacular in some ways than Dubai and seems even more organised, clean and well put together. The two must-sees for me are the Etihad Towers and the "Grande Mosque" (Sheikh Zayed Mosque). The Etihad towers offer a spectacular view over the whole city, including the Sheikh's palace, the Grande Mosque and the artificially crafted islands along the waterfront. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is considered the country's key place of worship and is jaw-droppingly beautiful from the inside and out.

Price:
Etihad Towers: Access to the observation deck at 300m costs AED 75 (17 € / US$ 20)
Sheikh Zayed Mosque: Free.

Top tip:
Etihad Towers: Your entry ticket serves as a voucher which means you can spend the entire value (AED 75) on food and drinks at the restaurant at the top of the tower.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque: Don't worry about wearing long items of clothing to cover yourself up. You will have to put on an extra robe covering your entire body before you enter the mosque which means you are fine to arrive in shorts and T-shirt. This will at least save your from having to put the robe over already long clothes which will be extra uncomfortable - especially during summertime in 50+ degrees Celsius ;-)

​Even if you don’t manage  to tick off all 10 things on your Dubai stopover, you are guaranteed to have an incredible experience in this city no matter what you do. Prepare well for the heat and then just throw yourself into the spectacular, splendid Dubai life and let it take you on a desert city adventure like nothing you’ve ever experienced.

Author - Natalie Gruner

Nat is one of the co-creators of Travelher and loves travel, family and all things beach. She is currently working in NZ and getting away for an adventure as often as she can.