Whether as stopover or short-term destination, Dubai offers activities and attractions not to be missed

Photo: Promo/DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism)

With long haul travel becoming more common, as exotic destinations are once again intensively visited, flights that last ten or more hours can be quite tiring, so travelers are looking for alternative routes with the possibility of stopovers and staying for a short time at another equally attractive destination.

Do you have time to get out of Dubai Airport during a layover between flights? See what this incredible city has to offer before you head to your end destination, with this list of must-do's on your first visit to Dubai.

1. On top of the world, with a view from Burj Khalifa

Using public transport, the trip from the airport to the number one destination in Dubai will take about 33 minutes, while you can get there even faster by car. The Burj Khalifa is 829.8 meters tall and is definitely a building that represents the triumph of Dubai's prosperity. The Burj Khalifa has several observation decks - at level 148, level 125 and level 124. From there, you can admire the city panorama and experience something other places cannot offer.

In order not to waste time if you're just passing through - be wise and book your tickets early, without waiting in line, so you can indulge as soon as possible in enjoying what this astonishing architectural beauty has to offer. Complete the experience with lunch or dinner at the restaurant located on the 122nd floor.

2. Immediately proceed to entertainment center - Dubai Mall

If any place can give you a glimpse of what it's like to live in Dubai, then it's definitely Dubai Mall - a city within a city. Every year more than 100 million visitors come to this unique shopping center with more than 1,200 stores. Of course, people come here also for various types of entertainment that do not involve shopping, and especially for various family activities.

Visit the Aquarium and explore the underwater world that is home to thousands of aquatic animals and, the fans of "Jurassic Park" can take a look at the favorite resident of the shopping center - a dinosaur. For more visual entertainment, experience the cinema in a completely different way and emerse yourself into a unique VR experience, master skating skills at whatever age you are, and then refresh yourself and rest in one of the many fine dining restaurants.

3. Historic district - old Dubai

Go back in time, wandering through the streets of the district that is a symbol of the historical heritage of this city. Built in the early 1900s by Persian traders who started to populate Dubai at that time - it now faithfully captures the essence of Arab life.

Dedicated patrons have ensured that the historical Al Fahidi district is well preserved so that visitors can gain insight into the local customs and way of life by visiting museums and markets that exhude the true spirit of Arab people.

Learning about the culture of the United Arab Emirates will be even easier if you take the time to visit the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding and get to know the traditional side of Dubai and the Emirates, as well as Islamic culture in general.

(Ona.rs)