There is probably no city in the world that has changed so much in such a short period of time like Dubai. From a small fishing village, this city has managed to become one of the most important trade, tourism and shopping hubs in the world. It is fair to say that Dubai, bathed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, is the epitome of modernity. Its ever-changing character, with cutting edge, surreal skyscrapers springing up at an astonishing rate and tearing the horizon, is supported by the fact that Dubai is said to be the largest building site on the planet. The city is developing at such a fast rate that locals were inspired to come up with a joke about how a Dubai businessman went to London for two weeks only to come back unable to find his way to the office because the city had changed so much.

Adding to the plethora of Dubai’s marvelous attractions, the city has earned the status of the world’s topmost stopover city. Situated on the Arabian Peninsula, it is on route to three continents – Asia, Africa and Oceania (Australasia). The city’s other-worldly offer of attractions has led travel agencies to include a short stay in Dubai for European and other travelers heading to more distant places.

Getting There

When it comes to international passengers, Dubai International Airport is the sixth busiest in the world and the largest in the Middle East, serving as the center for the Emirates national carrier. The airport is so busy at times that, despite having three terminals, it is still struggling to cope with the influx of passengers. In addition to the domestic Emirates airline and its low-cost counterpart flyDubai, most major airlines also offer flights to Dubai. Due to increasingly higher demand, there is heavy competition between airlines that has resulted in significantly cheaper tickets. There are direct flights to Dubai from the major cities of all six continents. 

Please note that citizens of Western countries require a visa to enter Dubai, but the process is smooth and easy. The visa is issued upon arrival, is valid for thirty days and free of charge. Another important point to keep in mind is that, provided you are not a Muslim, you are allowed to bring a maximum of four bottles of wine or spirits or four six-packs of beer into the country.

The preferred mode of transport to get from the airport to the city proper is by taxi. All taxis use meters and are the most convenient way to get around since you will be in the city for only a short time and have no time to waste. Moreover, since the United Arab Emirates are a major oil producer, the price of fuel is very cheap, which is naturally reflected in taxi fares. As an interesting anecdote, a gallon of water is more expensive than a gallon of fuel! Renting a car is also an option, but be prepared for some hectic traffic. It is easy to get lost in the bustle of the city. Alternatives to taxis are the Dubai Metro, which stops at the airport’s Terminal 3, and public buses that take you to the main bus stations.

Where to Stay

If you choose to spend more than twenty-four hours in Dubai, you can be certain that there will be no shortage of things to see and do. Dubai is said to have more than 400 hotels, which include the world’s only seven-star hotel, the Burj al-Arab. Built on an artificial island and resembling a sail, this luxury hotel is a tourist attraction of its own. With room rates starting from 1000 dollars per night, this hotel remains just a sightseeing item for most visitors.

Fortunately, there are plenty of cheaper options, especially during the off season. The high season in Dubai is from September to May, since summers are simply too hot. For stopover travelers, the best option is to choose a hotel in Bur Dubai or Deira, the old parts of the city that boast traditional markets in addition to modern commercial centers. Famous hotels in these parts of the city include the Hilton Dubai Creek, Hyatt Regency, Carlton Tower Hotel and the more affordable Ramada Continental Hotel.

Sightseeing

One of the most interesting things about Dubai is its unearthly architecture. Looking more like the setting of Blade Runner rather than a Middle Eastern city, some of the architectural solutions are simply breathtaking. The best example of the city’s avant-garde thinking about architecture is the Palm Islands complex. These artificial islands join to form the shape of a giant palm in the sea, one of the symbols of the desert that has given life to the city. Besides the Great Wall of China, the Palm Islands are the only other man-made structure visible from outer space.   

Since Dubai is a relatively new city – 50 years ago its population was only 50,000 – there are virtually no significant old monuments or historical attractions. Exceptions are the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the rare mosques open to non-Muslim tourists, and the Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum. The latter was built at the end of the 18th century and represents the city’s oldest building that is still in existence. Entrance to the museum is free and its collection will be of interest to those seeking to learn about the other, more traditional side of Dubai.

Its shortage of historical monuments does not make Dubai less attractive to visitors in the least. Dubai is not a city of the past; it is a city of the future. This is evident in the Burj Dubai project, a building under construction that is officially the tallest structure humankind has ever built. Featuring 160 stories and rising up to 818 meters, this building has no competitors when it comes to height.  Other sightseeing attractions include the Dubai Marina and the Dubai Fountain, situated in front of Burj Dubai. As you can probably guess, the latter is the world’s tallest fountain, blasting water up to 150 meters into the air.

Shopping

Despite its overwhelming focus on modernity, Dubai has also managed to preserve the feeling of an old Arabic trade center in some parts of the city. Wandering through the narrow streets of Deira, you will come across traditional markets called souks, where bargaining is the order of the day. The two most famous markets are the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk, both located in Deira. The former is a haven for jewelry shoppers looking for a good deal who are prepared to bargain.

The list of modern shopping malls in Dubai is endless. The most worthy of mention, however, is the Dubai Mall. Not straying from the spirit of Dubai, this is the largest shopping mall in the world. Shopping is a major tourist attraction and prices are generally lower than in the West. If you happen to be in Dubai between the middle of January and the middle of February, you will benefit from the Dubai Shopping Festival, when prices drop by up to 70%.

Dining

In Dubai, locals make up only 20% of the population. One of the results of this cosmopolitanism is the unbelievable range of cuisine on offer. From American-style fast food joints and Indian equivalents to upscale restaurants in expensive hotels serving Japanese and Mediterranean dishes, there is something for everyone. Shawarma and Fala-Fil are the most famous local fast food specialties that can be found on almost every corner.

Things to Do

Dubai offers countless entertainment options to its visitors. If you like sports, you will surely enjoy the city’s vast selection ranging from parasailing and scuba diving to playing golf on some of the best courses in the world. Dubai also has amazing white sandy beaches that you can visit during your short stay to bask in the sun and swim in the water, which is warm year-round. Amazingly, this desert city has actually managed to become a skiing destination. There is an indoor slope situated inside the Mall of the Emirates that supplies its visitors with all the necessary equipment for skiing and snowboarding. Other outdoor activities include going on a desert safari in an SUV and flying in hot air balloons. 

The unique cultural make-up of Dubai has also created a bustling nightlife scene. There are hundreds of bars and night clubs that have become the favorite venues of many of the world’s top class DJs and musicians. Please keep in mind that alcohol consumption is allowed only in bars and on other designated premises. Drinking on the street or in other public places is strictly prohibited. From quiet little cafés to famous clubs, such as Buddha Bar, Dubai has all the nightlife benefits of Western capitals.

There are so many things to do in Dubai that its reputation as the prime stopover city is completely justified. Where else could you go on a desert safari, ride in the elevators of some of the world’s tallest buildings, buy bargain designer clothes, eat exquisite Italian cuisine and go skiing in the same day? A short stopover in Dubai is like stepping into tomorrow’s world, a world in which everything is possible.