My Aunt and Uncle are stopping over in Dubai on their return home from a Europe summer vacation. It’s the usual fly by Dubai, a few days layover on the way to or from somewhere else. It’s not a bad way to get a taste for Dubai.
It is unfortunate however, that so many travelers, in particular Australians, experience Dubai only as a summer stopover. It has to be said that summer in Dubai is not tourist season. Even the local residents don’t want to be here at this time of year!
Nevertheless, if you have a few days in Dubai and summer is the only choice, then make the most it with a well planned itinerary. Keep in mind that the heat will be oppressive during July & August in particular. Ensure your activities are primarily indoors, schedule time for extra rest stops and carry (and drink) plenty of water.
It is recommended to wear light cotton clothing (or other breathable fabrics – steer well clear of synthetics). Carry a pashmina or lightweight additional layer as air conditioning can also be fierce when indoors.
If you opt to do outdoor activities like a desert safari or walking the historic districts, keep sunscreen and hats at hand. Try to stay in the shade. Avoid any types of hikes or outdoor desert walks at this time of year, it is simply too dangerous.
With that said, here is a 5 day Fly By Dubai summer stopover itinerary. For less days, you’ll just have to choose!
Day 1
Most people will head straight to the malls, however, if you’re not too jet lagged and feel you can handle the heat, kick off your Dubai experience with the old town souks and some history and culture to set the scene for your journey of discovery.
If you’re not up for the heat, try the modern Etihad Museum and then head to Dubai Mall for the aquarium and some retail therapy. Souk Al Bahar is a more traditional take on the Dubai shopping scene and has some great restaurant alternatives with views of the fountains and the Burj Khalifa. The Time Out Markets offers a balcony section but you’ll have to fight for a seat with a view.
- Etihad Museum
- Old Town Souks – spice, textile & gold
- Abra ride across the Creek
- Al Fahidi & Al Seef Historical Neighborhoods
- House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum
- Al Shindagha Museum
- Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (optional cultural experience – Emirati lunch or dinner and cultural talk)
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Fountains (tickets are not necessary)
- Souk Al Bahar
- At.Mosphere (an alternative to At The Top, book a table for sunset and enjoy the views without the tourists)
- At The Top – Burj Khalifa (entry from Dubai Mall)
Day 2:
Complete your cultural experience with a trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Experience the grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the world’s largest mosque, Emirates Palace, Yas Island and Ferrari World.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Emirates Palace
- Yas Island – Yas Island, is exactly that, an island. Choose your adventure here if you have more time – golf, Ferrari World, Sea World, Yas Water Park or Yas Mall.
- Ferrari World
- Louvre, Abu Dhabi
There are plenty of tour companies that will pick you up from your accommodation in Dubai where your can experience Abu Dhabi on a day tour. These will usually include a visit to the Grand Mosque, a stop by (photo stop) of Emirates Palace, a visit to Yas Island Mall and a look at Ferrari World (but not usually enough time to go in, so read your tour fine print).
An alternative suggestion is that you either book a private tour or hire a driver/car for the day (possible via the Careem App). A taxi trip between Dubai and Abu Dhabi will cost between AED350 – 400 (each way). Day tours are usually cheaper, noting they are less flexible.
If you hire a car/driver and you’re on your own itinerary, my suggestion would be to book a 10am mosque tour and entry. Afterwards, head into Abu Dhabi downtown for lunch at the Emirates Palace (booking required – see the ‘Summer Experiences’) or dine at the nearby Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri or the Souk Qaryat al Beri, across the canal with views back to the mosque. Afterwards head to the Louvre Abu Dhabi for the afternoon and pop into Yas Island and Ferrari World for a quick look on your way back to Dubai.
Day 3:
Continue your fly by Dubai experience with some more local sights. The Dubai Frame is a great way to spend an airconditioned hour with some views. Likewise, try one of the other observatories or restaurants with a view. The new observatory at the Address Sky View is popular for up close downtown views. Alternatively, seek some solitude in a spa day and if you venture to the pool, make sure it’s chilled.
- Mall of The Emirates (or one of the outlet centers – Outlet Village Mall or Outlet Mall Dubai)
- The Dubai Frame
- Fish markets & lunch
- The View at The Palm (observation deck)
- Sky View Observatory
- The Observatory Marina (restaurant for lunch & views)
- Address Beach Resort JBR
- Spa day (Dubai does great beach and pool days but at this time of the year, opt for a spa day where you can venture outside for a short period to take a dip in one of the chilled pools)
For your Thursday night dinner, seek somewhere with a view, relaxed beach vibes or both.
Dubai Marina: Book something at the trendy Pier 7 (Asia Asia, Atelier M), or alternatively look at JBR or Bluewaters Island.
Beach vibes and/or views of the Burj Al Arab: Blue Jade, Pier Chic, Shimmers or anywhere at Madinat Jumeriah.
Dubai Downtown: Tasca, Fi’lia, Mimi Kakushi, Tree House at the Taj Hotel.
Day 4:
- Museum of the Future
- Desert safari*
- La Perle
- Dhow Cruise – Bateaux Dubai or Dubai Marina/JBR alternative
* I really think it’s just too hot to do a desert safari at this time of year. If you do really want to undertake the experience, I highly recommend you don’t book until you arrive and are able to assess whether you want to spend a few hours out in the desert. There are plenty of other alternatives and once you’ve had a taste of Dubai, I’m sure you’ll want to plan to come back during the winter months when the outdoors is at its best.
Day 5 (Saturday):
Saturdays are brunch days in Dubai, choose from a plethora of offerings.
- Bubbalicious
- Brasserie 2.0
- Zuma
- Mimi Kakushi
- Asia Asia
- Versace Hotel
- Atelier M
- Hell’s Kitchen
- Yalumba Brunchology
- Tasca
Good To Know
If you’re going to fly by Dubai in summer, be prepared. You know it’s summer in Dubai when the days are over 40°C degrees (but the heat index makes it feel somewhere in the mid 50’s) and nights don’t dip below that 40°C mark. There is no reprieve but for the air conditioning or a chilled pool.
Consider yourself warned.
If at all possible, think about visiting during tourist season which runs from late October through to the end of April. Or better, yet, come back and fly by Dubai again!
Note that on Fridays (holy day) opening times the souks, cultural district museums and restaurants may be limited, generally restaurants and shops begin to open only late afternoon/early evening in the Old Town areas.
Would I Return?
Yes. And I hope you will too.
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