Dubai is a stopover for many people traveling abroad, as several flights from Dubai can take you to different parts of the world. If the stopover is just for a few hours, it is best to stay at the airport till it is time to board your flight. However, if you are in Dubai, even for 24 hours, do not waste time waiting at the airport. Instead, take this chance to explore this amazing city. Although 24 hours is too few to explore the entire city, you can catch up with the most important places. Here are some things you can do to have an exciting 24 hours in this Emirates city.
Exploring the true Emirati landmarks within 24 hours in Dubai
Dubai’s fabulous attractions will leave a spell-binding impact on you. We have designed the ideal itinerary for your 24-hour layover in Dubai, considering one full day from 4:30am until the end of the day.
Mornings (4:30am to 12pm)
1.Dubai Desert Safari
Best time & Operational timings – Early morning (4:30am – 8am) or Late Evening (Post 5pm)
Price – Starts from AED 350 onwards per person.
The Dubai desert safari provides deeper insights into Dubai’s culture, traditions, heritage, and Emirati lifestyle, guaranteeing a great time. Combining elements of adventure, fun, and entertainment clubbed in one package, the Dubai desert safari can be experienced either in the early mornings or as an overnight or evening safari based on your taste and preferences. An overnight or evening safari brings entertainment and fun activities like belly dance performances, shisha smoking, desert camp activities, falconry, and a scrumptious buffet dinner. In contrast, the morning or sunrise safari focuses more on desert sports like dune bashing, camel riding, quad biking, sandboarding, sand buggy, and much more. Do not miss the mesmerizing sunrise or sunset, irrespective of which safari you opt for.
2.Burj Khalifa
Best time – Morning (8am – 10am)
Price – Starts from AED 149 onwards per adult and AED 114 per kid
Operational timings – 9am to 11pm on weekdays and 5am to 12am on weekends.
The Burj Khalifa is a monumental representation of the amazing transformation that Dubai has undergone in the last two decades. The mighty Burj Khalifa is adjacent to the Dubai Mall and the beautiful Dubai Fountains. You can enjoy spectacular vistas of the Dubai skyline through a unique lens from the 124th and 125th observation floors as you reach there using the fastest elevator worldwide. The Burj Khalifa stands tall amidst the skyscrapers at 828 feet above sea level, combining elements of style, elegance, and luxury in one package. This attraction must be featured in your travel itinerary even if you have only a 24-hour layover in Dubai.
Afternoons (12pm to 4:30pm)
3.Dubai Mall
Best time – 10am to 3pm
Operational timings – 10am to 11pm
Dubai features a grand paradise for all the shopping alcoholics with its amazing variety, unique style, and fabulous diversity. No matter what budget or style you want to adapt or incorporate into your lifestyle, the Dubai Mall has all the means to fulfill your retail therapy aspirations. Once you get 1200+ retail outlets at your disposal, you can endlessly shop till you drop. Add new style statements with designer labels or opt for value picks, and you will never be bored for a minute in the Dubai Mall. You can take a break in between and grab your lunch from the humungous food court, where you get all the global cuisines, or enjoy a fabulous show at the Underwater Zoo & Aquarium in the basement. As you leave the Dubai Mall, don’t miss the Burj Lake and the Dubai fountains as the water here dances to melodious tunes.
4. The Museum of the Future
Best time – 3pm to 4:30pm
Price – AED 95 onwards per adult and AED 47.5 onwards for children below eighteen years
Operational timings – 10am to 6pm
When you visit a modern metropolis like Dubai, it is impossible not to visit the Museum of the Future as this overwhelming destination gives you a scientific rationale for the evolution of society in the near future using modern technology and science concepts. Introduce yourself to the new world of science, technology, and innovation through the several immersive theatres, themed attractions, and traditional exhibitions that decorate it and present you with limitless possibilities beyond the present. The striking exteriors and mind-blowing interiors are equally ravishing and inspired by an extensive use of Arabic calligraphy, poetry exhibits, and several other design elements.
Evenings (4:30pm to end of the day)
5. Dubai Miracle Garden
Best time – 4:30pm to 6pm
Price – AED 40 onwards per adult and AED 30 onwards for children
Operational timings – 9am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 11pm on weekends.
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a mega flower paradise with blooming flowers and plants spread lavishly over a green space of 72,000 square meters amidst the modern architectural marvels set in this Dubai Emirate. The green essence and true spirit hit you instantly at first sight as it acts like a perfect mood refresher. This floral wonder has been beautifully designed to refresh all moods with astounding nature elements, keeping in mind the global interest of the local and international travelers visiting this fabulous destination. Starting from the illuminated nightscapes, pedal-powered castles, the brilliant blue landscapes spread across four immersive zones of the Smurf’s Village, or the incredible rendition of an Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft, to fully grown houses, the Dubai Miracle Garden is a place not to miss out no matter how much time you have in Dubai.
Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Best time – 6pm to 8pm
Price – AED 3 onwards per person for adults and AED 1 per person per kid below six years.
Operational timings – 8:30am to 8:30pm
It is one of the remarkable destinations to explore Dubai’s fabulous art, culture, and history. Placed in the Al Fahidi neighborhood, it still carries the essence and charm of Dubai’s heritage. This historical quarter gives you access to artistic and modern iterations displayed through perfumery, pottery, and weaving. It is a treat if you are an art and culture lover. The bold Arabic fragrances have a unique fascination in the tourist world as they combine traditional base aromas with some modern flavors. The Dubai Museum speaks volumes about the dynamic highlights of modern Dubai while giving you a glimpse of the stunning transformation that Dubai has undergone in the last two decades with its interactive exhibits and audio-visual show. Grab a quick snack from the several open cafes serving delicious Arab treats.
7.Dhow Cruise
Best time – 8pm onwards
Price – AED 125 onwards per adult
Operational timings – 10am to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm
With 24 hours in hand, you would run around the city to take in as many sights as possible. So, by the end of the day, you would be exhausted. In this case, the best way to end this beautiful day is to go on a dhow cruise dinner. Sailing on the Dubai Creek or the Dubai Marina, a dhow is a traditional boat turned into a restaurant. With the upper and lower deck, the dhow offers a peaceful ambiance to rest, relax, and have a great time with your family and friends. Moreover, you get to enjoy the beautiful views of Dubai and have a scrumptious dinner onboard. The dhow cruise would be the perfect climax for your 24 hours in Dubai.
Conclusion –
Get inspired as you uncover the true Middle-Eastern flavors within modern and contemporary attractions in Dubai. One day in Dubai is always short to explore and discover the fabulous Dubai offerings, but covering the extensive highlights of Dubai will guarantee an eventful experience in your tourist portfolio. Unlock your exciting adventure during your short layover in Dubai, as there is much to uncover and indulge in this beautiful Emirate.