Dubai Connections: Layovers at DXB Turn into Dubai Adventures

Dubai connections through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can turn into half-day to multiday wowing adventures for those who know what to look for and what to plan. While most airport layovers can be painful and frustrating, in Dubai they are thrilling and eye-opening and even something to work in to an onward trip. 

For those making Dubai connections, they can sample a taste of the dynamic city whether it is for 12, 24 or 36 hours. If the trip is coming up this summer, fliers on family holiday can take advantage of Dubai’s  Kids Go Free program or enjoy the city’s “Beat The Heat” concert series.

Dubai Connections: What You Can Do in 12-48 Hours

12 Hours in Dubai

Start a 12-hour Dubai connection layover at the top of the Palm Tower, which offers free entry for children through the Dubai’s Kids Go Free program. The spot offers a smart way to get oriented with incredible views of Dubai’s iconic skyline and the Palm Jumeriah Island that stands above the Arabian Gulf. Downstairs, visitors can dine at the Michelin-starred Tresind Studio or shop at the wowing Nakheel Mall. As the sun goes down, stop by The Pointe for beachside views and quick bites before ending the day in year 2071 at the Museum of the Future.

36 Hours in Dubai: Dubai connections

Dubai’s cultural aspects and humble beginnings as a backwater fishing village can be discovered within the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, making it a perfect location to spend the first day of your 36-hour layover. The neighborhood’s Arabian Teahouse offers authentic breakfast dishes, and after fueling up on its shareable platters and Arabian coffee, explore the variety of galleries, museums and murals of Old Dubai. 

Before taking an evening Abra ride across the Dubai Creek to browse the gold, spice and textile souks, check-in for a mid-day siesta at Al Seef Heritage Hotel, a stay that is as affordable (rates start at $54 USD) as it is authentic, located in the heart of Old Dubai. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, one the newest additions to Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list, is a tasty and cultural evening fuel-up before heading to an unforgettable desert safari experience with Platinum Heritage the next morning. Here, a vintage Land Rover or camel will take you on a journey through the rolling hills of the federally protected landscape that is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

48 Hours in Dubai: Dubai connections

With the summer season’s high temperatures, travelers making their Dubai connections with two days to spend will want to take advantage of the city’s beautiful beaches along the Arabian Gulf. It can be La Mer, a beach bum’s paradise with its boardwalk filled with local retail and eateries, or Kite Beach, for experiences in kite surfing, jet skiing or other water sports, have an unusual  underwater adventure at Deep Dive Dubai, an indoor dive center that boasts the world’s deepest swimming pool with an underwater city, sunken cars and more to explore. 

Foodies can dive into culinary luxury at Ristorante L’Olivo au Al Mahara, located in the iconic Burj Al Arab surrounded by wall to wall aquariums and sea life. Day two can be an exploration of the great indoors at the cool Dubai Mall. There, find Ski Dubai, an indoor skiing facility with five ski runs and varying levels of difficulty, the Dubai Aquarium, where you can hang with penguins and shake the hands of otters, between comfortable meandering through the 1,200 shops that fill the largest mall in the world.