21 Hour Layover in Dubai: What to Do, See and Eat
A great flight deal to Southeast Asia from Emirates came with an overnight layover in Dubai. As a result, there was ample time to take in some of the signature sites of this futuristic city in the desert with 21 hours. However, this itinerary was during Ramadan where many eateries were closed until the evening. Therefore, we were only able to have one meal in this futuristic city. Thus, we only have one food recommendation in our write-up. Hopefully, we will be able to add more on a future visit!
The airport is connected to the city via the Dubai Metro, which opened in September 2009. Interestingly, the system is driverless and fully automated with two lines currently in operation. After setting down your belongings, head to the Al Fahidi station on the green line.
Dinner: Kebabs at a Family-Run Iranian Restaurant
Special Ostadi Restaurant
A brief walk up Al Mankhool Road led us to a piece of old Dubai at Special Ostadi Restaurant. Confusingly, the awning says “Al Ustad Special Kabab.” The Ansari family has owned and operated the eatery since 1978. On the walls, there are photos of customers who have graced the dining room over the years. Under the glass of the tables, there are currencies from all over the world from pesos to dinar.
A combination platter of beef, chicken and lamb kebabs is a great way to tackle the menu. Accompanying the grilled meats is a choice of rice or fries. Initially, a cup of cool yogurt sauce, sliced tomato, cucumber, onions and limes arrive to whet the appetite. The fresh veggies are a great vessel to scoop the refreshing yogurt. Also, they are a great contrast to the meats fresh off the grill.
Complementary mint tea will round out the meal. At the end, be sure to grab dried dates from the large bowl at the counter after settling the bill.
Set your alarm to shortly after sunrise, as the necessity of an early start is twofold. First, to take full advantage of your precious hours. Second, to reduce exposure to the peak temperatures of the scorching Dubai heat.
An Early Morning Dip at Jumeirah Beach
Head to Jumeirah Beach, located near the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. This structure holds the distinction of third-tallest hotel in the world. An early arrival to the beach will provide the benefits of less oppressive heat and a smaller crowd. The warm water is a nice change from the usual, but is still refreshing enough. Gaze through the sandy haze towards downtown and make out the towering Burj Khalifa, which will be the final stop.
Burj Khalifa: The Tallest Building in the World
A visit to Dubai isn’t complete without a trip to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which was completed in 2009. For a smooth visit, book your ticket in advance via https://tickets.atthetop.ae/atthetop/Step0_BookingInfo.aspx. There are two options - “At the Top,” allowing you to explore the tower on the 124th floor and the “At the Top Sky,” granting you access to the 125th and 148th floors.
As you walk closer to the skyscraper, you can’t help but be amazed at the sheer height. Depending on when you go there may be less visibility due to the sand haze, but is still a worthwhile to view the city from the record-holding structure.
I would LOVE to go to Dubai someday. It’s really high up on my bucket list. It sounds like such an amazing place to spend time in.
Hopefully you can make a visit someday! Although we only got a taste of it, it was unlike anywhere we have ever been. Would definitely like to go back and explore more, especially the local neighborhoods. When you do go, plan to go outside of Ramadan, since more things will be open.
Pretty sure I will never have a lay over in Dubai. Does sound exciting. Looks like you managed to explore and enjoy the city to the fullest on your lay over.
Never say never! All it takes is one good flight deal. We sure did - it is always a priority for us to max out as much as we can on layovers or limited-time visits.
I’ve always wanted to visit Dubai and check out that tallest building in the world. Also, the beaches are simply stunning. And the food looks so delicious.
Hope you can make it there sometime in the near future. Visiting the tallest building in the world is a great bucket list item and its great to be able to relax and take a dip at the lovely beach.
Fun! I would love to relax on that beach, that’s for sure. I’d also want to try out the food. I’ve never been to Dubai before!
Its a very relaxing beach! Especially great if you love the warm water and the views of the city. Hope you have a chance to visit Dubai someday!
So many of my friends have been here but I haven’t. One day I would like this to be an event in my life. I really want to see that tall building!
It is a worthwhile visit! Interesting place to see and is a good way to break up a longer trip to Asia. The Burj Khalifa is a must!
I have never been to Dubai and I am not too sure if I want to go but if I do get the chance of a layover I will take it! I think one day would be enough there for me and you managed to do loads in 21 hours. Great tips.
Thank you! Hope you can have a chance of a long layover there. It is easy to get to the city by train and if you are laying over, it is because you took a great airline in Emirates.
That is a pretty awesome place to have a layover! It is such a beautiful place and that food looks so good too! I don’t think being delayed with a flight would be too bad in a place like this.
It was a great place for a layover for sure! Food was tasty, although we wish we were able to try more! Even the airport itself is really nice and pleasant to stay in if you have a delay or short layover where you can’t go sightsee.
I’ve never been to Dubai but I’m really interested in visiting. Sounds like there’s plenty to do and see even when you’re there for just 24 hours!
There really is! We only scratched the surface and could have done even more at a different time of year and with less sleep! You definitely should visit sometime soon if you can!
I would love to see the Burj Khalifa! How cool to see the tallest building in the whole world.
You should! It is surreal when you get to the upper floors and see the hazy horizons.
I’ve never been there, but my brother visited Dubai while he was in the service. He said is was a very rich and opulent city.
That is true, and it also has the side that is more local and low-key. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to experience more of this side, but our dinner had that feel to it.
Dubai is at the tippy top of my travel bucket list. I was to see it all and do it all. I really want to ride a camel.
That is awesome - really hope you can make it out there soon! We’ve seen lots of pictures of people riding camels in the desert out there
My best friend’s girlfriend is actually a flight attendant that lives in Dubai. He always goes there over Christmas. I’m kind of debating going but I’m not totally sure. He said that after living there a month he didn’t like it. But I think it would be fun to visit. The food you got looks super good though!
You definitely should visit if you have that opportunity! Looks like there is lots to do outside of what we did and you can do it at a more relaxed pace. If/when you do visit, going to Special Ostadi to eat is a must!
These are amazing places to check out while dealing with a long layover. I’d want to stay there longer though!
We wish we could have stayed longer also! But, there is something great about maxing out time on a long layover and seeing/doing as much as possible. Also gives a reason to return for more!
21 hour layover can really give you enough time to explore some of the landmarks in Dubai. I would totally use that time to look around.
It really can, even with many of those hours spent snoozing! Nice that you share a similar perspective to us with maxing out time on a layover!
If I was going to have a layover anywhere, it had better be Dubai. This is such an amazing city.
It is a great choice for a layover indeed. Emirates is such a great airline too - the best we have flown thus far!
Oh how I would love to see the tallest building in the world. As a Chicagoan, I know a thing or two about tall buildings so I would love to see this one in person. So magnificent!
You sure do! Chicago is a great city - one of us visited the Sears Tower several years back and loved the view! Hope you can get to check out the Burj Khalifa in person sometime in the near future.
Dubai is really a glittering city. We were there a couple of months ago for a flying visit. We were actually visiting Sharjah and did a day trip of Dubai and covered the major sights. But of we need to go back for a detailed exploration.
Nice that you got to get a day trip in to check out the main sights. Sometimes it’s nice to get them done first and go back to see more off the beaten path spots. Always nice to have reasons to come back
I have to say that I was feeling a little dizzy looking down from the views. I love to fly though, so weird. I’ve never been to Dubai yet but I can’t wait to go.
There is something about standing still and looking down below that is unlike flying - completely understand where you’re coming from there!
A fantastic post, a fantastic blog! See you in the street.
😉
Thank you!