What to do when transit in Dubai?

So if you want to visit it on a short Dubai stopover, you really have to book the Burj Khalifa tickets in advance.
  1. Dubai Fountain Show as seen from the top of Burj Khalifa.
  2. Dubai Aquarium.
  3. Dubai Mall Waterfall.
  4. Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach.
  5. Dinner cruise views of Dubai Marina.
  6. 4WD desert safari.




A Dubai transit offers a wide range of activities depending on your layover length. If you have 4–6 hours, you can take the Metro directly from the airport to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to see the world's tallest building and the famous Fountain Show. For a more "traditional" experience, a quick taxi ride to Old Dubai allows you to explore the Gold and Spice Souks or take an "Abra" boat ride across the Dubai Creek. If you prefer to stay in the airport, Dubai International (DXB) features Zen Gardens, luxury lounges, a swimming pool, and even "snoozecubes" for a quick nap. For layovers longer than 12 hours, many travelers opt for a Desert Safari at sunset or a visit to the Museum of the Future. In 2026, the airport's seamless "Transit Visa" process makes it easier than ever to step out and see the skyline before your connecting flight.

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There are plenty of things to do in the Dubai airport to keep you entertained. On the other hand, if you have a long stopover in Dubai then leaving the airport is absolutely fine, as long as you have the right visa. You don't need a visa if you're just transiting through Dubai airport.

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US citizens with a US passport that is valid for more than six months do not need to obtain a UAE visa prior to traveling to the UAE if the duration of their visit will be less than one month. This includes US citizens with visas or entry stamps from other countries in their passports.

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If you do not qualify for the Dubai Visa on Arrival, you are required to apply for a transit visa when traveling through Dubai. Furthermore, if your layover exceeds 8 hours and you intend to exit the airport, a transit visa is necessary.

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You need to be at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before the departure of your connecting flight. If you don't have a UAE visa, the scheduled departure of the connecting flight needs to be within 24 hours of your arrival in Dubai. Without a UAE visa, you won't be allowed to leave the airport.

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When you change from one flight to another at Dubai International, your bags will either be tagged through to your next flight, or you may need to collect your bags from the carousel and check them in again in your departure terminal. You don't need to collect your bags when you arrive.

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You must apply for a transit visa for Dubai/UAE if you're not eligible for Dubai Visa On Arrival. Additionally, if your layover is longer than 8 hours, and you plan on leaving the airport, you need a transit visa.

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It is possible to see the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, from Dubai International Airport, although the view may be limited depending on where you are located within the airport.

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All in all, it's definitely worth leaving the airport during your 8-hour layover in Dubai, as there is more than enough to do. The 8 hour layover will be long enough to leave the airport, soak in what Dubai has to offer, and then come back to the airport to hop on your next flight.

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Yes. US Citizens need a visa to enter Dubai and can apply for a UAE visa on arrival. US green card holders, like Indian passport holders with green cards, can also apply for a UAE visa on arrival.

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Feeling groggy? Refresh yourself with complimentary shower facilities located in Terminal 3 between gates B13 and B19. Be Relax customers can make use of shower facilities at the spa near Gate A1, Terminal 3.

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An airport transit visa is generally required if you travel internationally and if you need to transit through a country. Even if you do not intend to leave the airport, you may need an airport transit visa.

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If you checked a bag, you'll have to collect it from baggage claim from the international flight. You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening.

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Your luggage should be checked straight through to your final destination and two hours is plenty of time to transit through Dubai.

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