Dubai, the jewel of the United Arab Emirates, is a city that stands as a testament to human ambition and creativity. With its towering skyscrapers, luxurious resorts, and vibrant culture, it is a destination that captures the imagination of travelers from around the world. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Dubai also serves as a major international travel hub. Its world-class airport offers numerous flight connections, making it convenient for travelers to incorporate a stopover into their journey. However, is it the perfect layover destination ? Let’s find out ..

The first thing you notice as soon as you disembark from the plane at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the smooth and hassle-free entry into Dubai. Everything has been streamlined to make the experience pleasant for travelers. Book a Dubai taxi or Uber or Careem and head to your favorite hotel for your 2-day layover. While a longer stay would be ideal, Dubai’s dynamism and allure can still be experienced even within this limited timeframe.

Check out my meticulously planned itinerary which I hoped would allow me to make the most of my limited time in Dubai.

Day1: Explore the Modern Marvels

• Kickstart your day with a visit to Dubai Mall, conveniently located next to the Burj Khalifa. With over 1,200 shops and an array of entertainment options, it is a shopaholic’s paradise. If traveling with kids, don’t miss the famous Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located within the mall.

Use the afternoon to visit 2 more stunning architectural wonders:

• The Museum of the Future which is an exhibition space for innovative and futuristic ideologies, services, and products. And the Dubai Frame which literally provides a glimpse into the city’s past and future.

• Round off the day with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Ascend to the observation deck on the 124th/125th floor or the 148th floor for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Arabian Gulf.
  • Pro tip: Make sure you book your slots before hand as it gets really crowded and evening slots (sunset views) are usually sold out well in advance.

• Check out the Dubai fountains as well, the shows start every day in the evening at 6 pm and go up to 11 pm.

Day 2: Embracing Tradition and Culture

• Start your second day by immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Dubai. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the old quarter of Dubai, known as the Al Bastakiya district. Meander through narrow alleyways, marvel at the traditional wind towers, and browse through art galleries and boutique shops.

• No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing its vibrant souks (markets). Take an Abra ride which are traditional water taxis and head to the bustling Gold Souk in Deira district, a dazzling spectacle of gold, silver, and precious gemstones. Test your bargaining skills and acquire unique pieces of jewelry as souvenirs. Next, visit the nearby Spice Souk, a sensory delight of exotic fragrances and colorful spices.

Close the day by either opting for a Desert safari ride or taking a dinner cruise along Dubai Creek.

• You could escape the bustling city and venture into the Arabian Desert on an exhilarating desert safari. Experience the thrill of dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle, try your hand at sandboarding, and witness a breathtaking sunset over the golden dunes. Indulge in a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the starlit sky, accompanied by live entertainment such as belly dancing and Tanoura performances. Or
• Sail on a traditional wooden dhow while enjoying a delectable buffet of international and local cuisine. As you glide along the Dubai creek, admire the stunning architecture of the city’s historic and modern landmarks illuminated against the night sky.

This looked like a perfect 2-day itinerary on paper, until I realized that I was traveling from US with 2 kids in peak summer month. Somehow my planning didn’t factor the jet lag and the extreme heat (well above 40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees Fahrenheit) that Dubai had to offer. The scorching heat limited our outdoor activities (desert safaris and outdoor sightseeing) and the Jet lag made sure we were either tired/sleeping for most part of the day.

We still tried to take advantage of our time in Dubai to immerse ourself in its charm and create some lasting memories before continuing our journey.