Dubai is a city of superlatives – the tallest tower, the richest residents, the cheapest gold. Once a tiny fishing village on the coast of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has grown into one of the world’s business centers, with many companies opening outposts in this simultaneously cosmopolitan and old-fashioned city.
Thanks to the city’s reputation for being at the forefront of everything from fashion to architecture, it’s become a destination for travelers who want to experience some of the extreme opulence that comes with wealth. It’s not uncommon for business travelers to have to spend a few days in Dubai or to have a stopover on the way to another destination, meaning that you might be looking for ways to fill 24 hours or even less.
The good news? There is plenty to see and do, and you can hit the highlights in a short stay in Dubai. Here are five things that you must do if you only have 24 hours in Dubai:
Burj Khalifa
How often do you get to say you’re on top of the world? While the Burj Khalifa isn’t the highest point in the world, it is the tallest building in the world, coming in at just over 2,700 feet. Take the elevator to At the Top on floor 124, and step out on to the world’s highest observation deck for amazing views of the city and beyond. While you‘re in the tower, book a table at the At.mosphere restaurant on the 122nd floor and enjoy a gourmet meal while you take in the dizzying view.
Be sure to take in the Dancing Fountains show on the small lake near the tower in the evening. The 30-minute show features elaborately choreographed sprays of water set to music, designed by the same artists who created the fountains at Las Vegas’ Bellagio.
Dubai Mall of the Emirates
Dubai is known for its stellar shopping options. Multiple upscale shopping areas dot the city, but none is quite as impressive as the Dubai Mall of the Emirates. The shops themselves are fairly typical of what you’ll find elsewhere, but the real showpiece of this facility is the indoor ski area. More than 6,000 tons of snow have been created inside the climate controlled facility, which includes a lift, T-bar and several slopes. The frigid temperatures are a welcome relief, after the scorching heat of the desert.
Gold Souk
Gold prices around the world have skyrocketed, but not in Dubai, where you can still find reasonable pieces – if you are willing to bargain. Visit the Gold Souk, a large market where you can find gold, platinum, diamond and silver jewelry at decent prices. Vendors expect you to haggle, so be prepared to walk away to find a better deal.
Burj Al Arab
Perhaps the most recognizable building on the Dubai skyline, Burj Al Arab is a monument to excess. It bills itself as a seven star hotel (considering the scale only goes up to five, that’s quite an accomplishment) and caters to those who have money to spend and aren’t shy about doing so.
It’s possible to view the most well-known of Dubai hotels – not to mention, the tallest hotel in the world – from the beach, but the only way to really see it up close is to book a room or reserve a table at one of the expensive restaurants. If you do decide to splurge on a table, let the maitre’d know that you want to have a night cap in the top floor bar; you’ll have access to the upper floor and be able to see the city from another vantage point.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Just outside of the city limits, explore the dunes desert of the UAE on a guided tour. Several companies operate day tour to the area, either by 4 x 4 or camel, where you might catch a glimpse of endangered native wildlife. Some packages include a traditional desert meal in tents and entertainment from traditional performers, such as belly dancers.
Dubai offers a fascinating mix of old and new, combing lavishly opulent and fiercely traditional in everything from architecture to food to fashion. No matter what brings you to this seaside city, one thing is certain: you find plenty to do to fill 24 hours and then some.
Florence Beckwith is a travel writer and photographer. She counts her visit to Dubai as one of the top trips of her life.
I feel like this article is an homage to Anthony Bourdain and the Layover. If I’m ever laid over in Dubai for a whole day, these would be some great ideas for things to do. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the whole world?! Wow that would be fun to go to the top of!