How to Spend 8 Hours in Dubai During A Layover

I still remember my first trip to India and the long layover I had in Dubai. As there were no direct flights from London to New Delhi, I remember booking this specific flight not just because it gave me the opportunity to visit Dubai in the 8 hour layover, but also because I was flying with the back then newly introduced Airbus A380, the largest plane in the world.

In this article I will tell you how I spent 8 hours in Dubai during my layover, and the realistic things you can do and see in such a short time.

Should You Choose a Flight with A Layover in Dubai?

I like layovers. Firstly, I don’t like flying, so the less time I’m on a plane, the better. I prefer flights with long layovers because I get that needed break between flights, but also the opportunity to visit a new place, win-win . I never really thought about visiting Dubai on holiday, so having a layover here gave me a little taste on what the city has to offer.

8 hours in Dubai in a layover translates practically into about 5 hours of exploration, after you pass through immigration and calculate the time you need to be back at the airport. But I could still do plenty of things during this time.

Is it Worth Leaving the Airport During a Layover in Dubai?

I would recommend leaving the airport if you have a layover in Dubai, at least to have a proper Middle Eastern meal at an authentic restaurant. I really wanted to see the tallest building in the world, so that was one of my motivations to leave the airport during this layover in Dubai.

It was also my first trip to the Middle East, and I wanted to experience and learn about a new culture. So yes if you are as curious as me, it is definitely worth leaving the airport during a layover in Dubai.

Do You Need a Transit Visa on A Layover in Dubai?

The answer to this question depends on your nationality. Practically, I did need a visa and in theory I didn’t qualify for a visa on arrival. That was however a long time ago, and rules have changed. Still, I tried to get a visa on arrival and it was granted without any questions asked, just the proof of my return flight, 8 hours later.

What to Do in 8 Hours in Dubai During a Layover

This itinerary for an 8 hours in Dubai layover is based on my own experience and on the things that I’ve done myself. I landed at 6am and my onward flight to New Delhi was at 2:30pm, so I planned to be back at the airport at 1pm at the latest. I lost one hour going through immigration and getting the transit visa to be able to get out of the airport, which left me with 5 full hours to explore Dubai. So, if you are wondering what to do in Dubai during a layover, read my experience below.  

Take the Metro to Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall station

The easiest way to travel from the airport to the city centre is by metro. The metro system in Dubai is modern and state-of-the-art, with sleek trains that run on elevated tracks high above the city streets. The Red Line, which is the line that connects the airport to Dubai Mall, is one of the most popular routes on the metro system.

The metro connects terminals 1 and 3 directly to Dubai Mall station, with stops at key locations along the way, such as Burjuman, Union, and Al Rigga. The journey from the airport to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall takes around 24 minutes. Both Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are a 10 minutes walk away from the metro station.  

The metro works with the NOL card, which you have to purchase before you board the trains, from one of the machines at the station. A NOL red ticket card costs 8 AED (approx. £1.70). There are other more advantageous cards, but during your layover in Dubai you will probably just use the metro twice, so paying as you go is the cheapest option.   

Have a Coffee at Dubai Mall

I landed in Dubai at 6am, so the first thing I did when I arrived at Dubai Mall was to have a well needed coffee. There are a lot of coffee shops in and around the area, where you can try either a classic Starbucks or Nero, or an Arabic coffee. Many of them serve indulgent cakes – which make a great breakfast option to be fair.

Visit the Aquarium at Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is home to one of the most popular attractions in the city, the Dubai Aquarium. You can’t miss the giant glass wall behind which fish swim undisturbed, as you walk through the mall.

Located on the ground level of the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is home to over 33,000 aquatic animals, including more than 300 sharks and rays. Visitors can explore the aquarium through a variety of experiences, from a simple stroll through the tunnel to a thrilling encounter with the creatures of the deep.

One of the most popular ways to experience the Dubai Aquarium is through the Underwater Zoo. This unique attraction allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life, including crocodiles, penguins, and otters. There are also several interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about the animals and their habitats.

Another popular attraction is the Glass Bottom Boat ride, which takes visitors on a tour of the aquarium’s largest tank. This tank is home to a variety of marine life, including massive sharks and rays, and the glass bottom boat allows visitors to see them from a unique perspective.

As most of the places in Dubai, the aquarium requires an advanced booking. You can click here to reserve your ticket ahead of time.

Climb Up Burj Khalifa

It is very important to book a ticket in advance if you want to visit Burj Khalifa on your layover in Dubai. You can make a reservation by clicking here.

Rising high above the city, the Burj Khalifa is an architectural masterpiece and a true wonder of the modern world. Standing at an incredible height of 828 metres, it’s the tallest building in the world and makes a must visit for anyone who visits Dubai, in a layover or not.

The Burj Khalifa offers visitors a truly unique experience, with breathtaking views of the city that stretch as far as the eye can see. From the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors, visitors can take in stunning panoramic views of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, such as the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and the Arabian Gulf.

There are several ways to visit the Burj Khalifa, depending on your preferences and budget. For those looking to make the most of their visit, the At The Top experience is a popular option. This allows visitors to access the observation deck on the 124th floor, where they can take in the incredible views and learn about the building’s history and construction.

For those looking for an even more exclusive experience, the At The Top SKY experience offers access to the 148th floor, which is the highest observation deck in the world. This experience includes a personalised tour, access to the outdoor terrace, and refreshments in the SKY lounge.

Here are the ticket options you can book:

• Entry ticket to the level 124 and 125
• Entry ticket to level 124, 125, and 148
• Entry ticket to level 124 + lunch or dinner at Rooftop, the Burj Club

Admire the Fountains

At over 900 feet in length and with water shooting up to 500 feet in the air, the Dubai fountains are the largest choreographed fountain system in the world. They come to life every evening with an incredible display of light, sound, and water. The show is set to a variety of musical genres, ranging from classical to pop, and features an ever-changing selection of songs and themes.

Unfortunately, as I visited during the day, I didn’t get a chance to see this show. However, the fountains are still impressive, even without the accompanying music.

Go to the Beach and See Burj Al Arab From the Outside

My last visit of the day, before finishing my layover in Dubai, was the beach. It was a beautiful hot day and I wanted to see a glimpse of Burj al Arab, the famous seven star hotel.

To get to the right beach I took the metro to Mall of the Emirates, and then jumped on a bus to Jumeirah Beach.

Built on its own man-made island, the Burj Al Arab is a symbol of luxury and extravagance. Its sail-shaped design and shimmering exterior make it one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, and its lavish interiors are just as impressive. I still remember when it was first built, how it awed everyone around the world with its luxury. Even from the outside, it looked incredible!

As my time on this layover in Dubai was running low and I had to return to the airport, I took a taxi to the nearest metro station, and headed back.

Conclusion

I hope that my experience of the layover in Dubai will inspire you to follow my footsteps and leave the airport, for a few hours of wonder around the city.

For more articles about Dubai check out the following:

• What to do in Dubai in summer

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