Layover & Stopover Tours in Dubai

Dubai’s Spice Souk is a colourful, aromatic and sensory experience. Discover new flavours and recipes as you explore the traditional spice market in Dubai's heritage area.

Savour the atmosphere of the past as you are introduced to the mounds of aromatic herbs and spices, all spilling from large baskets at every turn. Spices are sold both by weight and in packets. Like other souks, you can save money when you buy in bulk quantities – and vendors expect you to haggle.

A trip to Dubai isn't complete without a visit to the famous Gold Souk, one of the oldest and most fascinating traditional markets in the emirate. Whether you’re just browsing, or genuinely on the hunt for even the smallest amount of precious gold, walk through the glittering bazaar to find designs from around the world crafted with a variety of carats.

Abra Creek Crossing
Cross Dubai Creek by Abra

The bustling Dubai Creek has been the lifeblood of locals for generations, as the favoured site for early settlers and where the city’s first port and pearling industry thrived. Today, it is still a lively spot, continuing to attract visitors year-round. For just AED1 (US$0.27), you can hop aboard one of many traditional ferry boats, known as abras, to cross the creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira, Dubai’s city centre; the journey is one of the most affordable yet authentic experiences in the city.

An abra, which means “to cross” in Arabic, runs every few minutes throughout the day between four stations along Dubai Creek. The first route goes from Deira Old Souk Abra Station (near the Spice Souk) to Bur Dubai Abra Station (west of the Textile Souk). The second, much busier route, runs continuously from Al Sabkha Abra Station (just southwest of Baniyas Square) to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station.

Discover what life in Old Dubai was like during the mid-19th century at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Located along the Dubai Creek, this district is a key heritage site with much of the original infrastructure preserved and intact.

The traditional wind towers – constructed from sandstone, teak, gypsum, palm wood and sandalwood – represent only a small part of Al Fahidi’s history. Each alley, twisting pathway and breezy tower tells a story of a life before the seven emirates.

Follow the winding streets to discover a range of cultural activities, museums, art galleries, special events and traditional food. Check out Dubai Calendar so that you never miss an event in the Neighbourhood – particularly Sikka Art Fair and Heritage Week.

The Dubai Frame is one of the city’s most famous attractions for visitors and residents alike. Much like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab's iconic structures, the building's landmark location in Zabeel Park provides panoramic views of the city.

At 150m tall and 93m wide with a bridge connecting the two towers, Dubai Frame has a unique concept to its structure. Resembling a picture frame, Dubai's historic district can be seen to the north while the south provides breathtaking vistas of the modern cityscape.

One of Dubai's most famous landmarks, the Museum of the Future (MOTF) takes pride of place along the city's superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation and launched on 22 February 2022, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology.

Termed a 'living museum', it incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future's limitless possibilities. Furthering a global intellectual movement, it's also the headquarters for the city's ‘Great Arab Minds’ initiative that aims to identify 1,000 exceptional Arab talents across key fields.

Wander through the world's largest shopping, entertainment and leisure destination

Dubai Mall is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure, located next to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, two major department stores and hundreds of food and beverage outlets, Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million sqm – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches.

For lovers of high fashion, over 70 signature outlets beckon your attention, including retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette, the first in the Middle East. For haute couture, head to Fashion Avenue and the latest collections from world-famous brands such as Versace, Burberry and more. You can also find the finest gold jewellery in the Gold Souk as well as the latest in footwear at Level Shoes.

Marvel at the beauty of the dancing fountains

Witness the tallest performing fountain in the world during your visit to Downtown Dubai. The Dubai Fountain offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in a captivating water, music and light experience.

Submerged within the 30-acre Burj Lake, at the foot of The Dubai Mall, powerful water jets are laid out strategically over an area the length of two football pitches. The fountain jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140m in the air at any one time.

Discover the world's tallest building at 828m

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a global icon. Truly a feat of engineering, the building represents the conceptual heart and soul of the city of Dubai.

At 828m tall, this magnificent structure is located next to Dubai Mall and has drawn visitors from all over the world since opening in 2010. The unmatched Burj Khalifa view can be taken in from not one but two observations decks – the two-storey At the Top on the 124th and 125th floors, as well as one of the world’s highest observation decks (555m) on the 148th floor.

The world’s first seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is an icon of Dubai that redefines modern Arabian luxury.

Shop, stroll and celebrate special moments on Palm Jumeirah

Make your way to The Pointe – a retail and entertainment destination in Dubai that's sure to impress. Located more than four kilometres from Dubai's natural coastline on Palm Jumeirah island, this leisure destination offers stunning views and irresistible options to shop, dine and play.

With more than 50 restaurants – including prime venues like Meshico or Al Safadi and top-quality coffee shops like %Arabica – as well as boutiques and attractions to explore, the hours will fly by. Head over and pick up unique souvenirs, let the little ones make the most of the kids' entertainment areas or dine at waterfront restaurants.

Soaring skyscrapers, watersports, family fun and fabulous flavours – there's something for everyone at Dubai Marina.

Voted one of the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world by the global editors of Time Out, Dubai Marina is not only one of the city’s favourite social destinations for sun-soaked beach days and nights out – but also has community feel which makes it popular among young professionals and families alike.

Dubai Marina is a waterfront city, the emerald-green waters framed by some of the tallest – not to mention some of the most architecturally impressive – residential towers in the world. And just next door is Jumeirah Beach Residence – a neighbourhood in its own right, and the gateway from Dubai Marina to the beach.

textile is located right next to Abra station
one of the best market in Dubai
which offers you the best colours and different designs