29 July 2010 14:23 GMT
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5-7 hour stopovers
If you’ve got at least five hours to wait between flights in Dubai, then you'll surely want to get out of the airport and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of this famous Gulf trade and tourism capital.
Many nationalities, including UK, US, EU, GCC and Australian citizens, can get a free tourist visa on arrival in Dubai. Check the Visas section above for more details.
Traffic congenstion around the airport means you will not be able to stray too far afield, but luckily, some of the most historic parts of Dubai are only a short taxi ride away. It's even possible to squeeze in a quick tour of several sites, especially if you already have a boarding pass for your next flight and don’t need to queue at check-in.
Try the following:
- Take a stroll around the old windtower houses of the Bastakiya quarter, one of the few remaining historic areas of Dubai. Stop for refreshments in the shady courtyard of the Basta Art Cafe or drop into XVA art gallery for a look at the latest exhibition.
- Head to the creekside textiles souq in Bur Dubai and have lunch on the balcony of Bait al-Wakeel restaurant, in a historic building that directly overlooks the creek. Here you can relax while watching the hustle and bustle of the city's lively old commercial heart.
- Wander around the creekside Deira Gold Souk, where you'll find a large collection of jewellery and other souvenirs. It's not particularly old or atmospheric, but it is the nearest you'll find to a genuine bazaar in Dubai and a Spice Souk as well as myriad shops selling electronics and household goods are located in the same area.
- Too hot for outdoor shopping? A handful of modern air-conditioned malls are within 15 minutes drive of the airport. These include Wafi City, Dubai Festival Centre and Deira City Centre, all of which boast a good range of international brands and outlets. Check our shopping section for more details.
- Head to the Irish Village. This faux-Irish venue right is next to the airport and is open from lunchtime until late, serving up a solid menu of pub food and plenty of Guinness. It's best in the evenings, when the weather is more conducive to sitting at the picnic tables outside and there's live music (though not Irish).
- Check out our Exploring the City section for more ideas on spending your time in Dubai.
If you do leave Dubai airport during your stopover, then always make sure you’re back in the terminal at least 90 minutes before your next flight is due to depart. Traffic in Dubai can be gridlocked at peak hours, particularly when going back towards the airport on weekdays after 3pm.
If you have six or seven hours to while away and you've landed on a weekend day (Friday or Saturday), or during off-peak hours, then the traffic is less of a concern, but it is best to err on the side of caution and always leave yourself plenty of time to get to and from the airport. The new and much improved Garhoud Bridge opened in March 2008, and should help to relieve traffic.
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