The flight from South Africa to Asia is a long one. A stopover in Dubai can turn that tiring journey into part of the holiday, and because many routes to Asia connect through Dubai, adding a night or two is often simple to arrange. Here is how I plan one.
Two nights is a good starting point. It gives you one full day to explore without feeling rushed. If you would like to add a desert experience and some time at the beach or pool, three nights suits better.
Where you stay shapes what you see. Near Dubai Creek you are close to the old part of the city, with its markets and traditional boats. Downtown puts you near the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and Dubai Marina or the beachfront gives you sand, sea and restaurants. I choose based on what you want to do and how much time you have.
With a short stay, I like to start with old Dubai. You can wander through the Al Fahidi historic district, take an abra, a traditional boat, across Dubai Creek and browse the gold and spice souks. Then comes the modern side, with a trip up the Burj Khalifa for the view. A desert safari in the late afternoon is a good way to end the stay, and it often includes dinner at a desert camp.
The season makes a difference. The cooler months, roughly November to March, are the most comfortable for being outdoors. In summer it gets very hot, often above 40 degrees, so plans move indoors and into the evenings.
A few things are good to know before you land. People dress modestly in public places such as malls, souks and mosques, and alcohol is available in licensed venues such as hotels and restaurants. Customs and laws differ from home, so I brief my clients before they travel. I can also arrange private transfers, so you are not working out transport after a long flight.
If you are thinking about a stopover, tell me where you are heading and when, and send me a message through the contact page. I will look at how it could fit into your trip.
