If you’re travelling to the World Cup and staying in Qatar, you might be thinking of taking advantage of the long overseas trip and visiting the UAE. Dubai, being the most visited Emirate by tourists, offers a large range of activities and is a great option to visit. With the flight from Qatar’s capital taking around an hour (Qatar Airways offers direct flights), it easy to reach and allows for a short trip. Below find some of our favorite picks if you’re doing a quick 48-hour trip to Dubai from Qatar.

 

Day 1

Visit Old Dubai

Start you day by roaming through the cobblestoned streets of the Al Fahidi Historical District (also known as Al Bastakiya) to get a glimpse of the what Dubai was like before the oil boom and before it became the modern city it is today, as it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the country dating back to the 1900s. Get lost in the narrow streets and souks, and if you have time stop at some of the several art galleries and museums, such as the Dubai Museum. A great way to take in the old neighborhoods of Dubai is by hopping aboard an Abra, a wooden boat that was one of the oldest means of transportation. Board an Abra at Bur Dubai Abra Station to cross the Dubai Creek and get off at Deira so you can truly take in the vibes of Old Dubai. It is a short trip and will not take too much time.

 

Wander through the Souks

In Dubai, there are different souks for specific things and well worth a stopover when in Old Dubai: perfume souks full of Arabian scents where you can concoct your own blends, spice souks with all the fragrant spices you can think of, textile souks with all types of materials and gold souks that glitter from the distance.

 

Museum of Future

An architectural and engineering marvel, the Museum of Future is a must stop even if you decide to just look at it from the outside. The building itself is incredibly symbolic: the circular building represents humanity; the green mound where it sits represents the earth and the void represents the unknown future.

 

Stroll through Dubai Mall

Head over to Dubai Mall, one of the largest retail and lifestyle destinations in the world that welcomes over 100 million visitors every year. You can satisfy your shopping needs, or if you’re not that big on shopping you can simply grab a quick lunch at one of the over 200 international dining options and explore the multiple entertainment possibilities such as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Make sure to catch the world’s largest choreographed fountain water show with jets swaying to a range of melodies that takes place every half hour from 6pm to 11pm.

 

Opening times: Sunday-Thursday: 8am-12am

Friday-Saturday: 8am-1am

 

Immerse in the clouds at the Burj Khalifa

The highest building in the world at over 828 meters high and over 160 stories, it’s a must when in Dubai. You have the possibility to go up to “At The Top” to see the city from above and immerse in the clouds from the highest outdoor observation deck in the world! If you can, time your visit to match the sunset, because watching the colors change in the sky from the top is a unique experience in itself. After your visit, head over to Cé La Vi, a great spot to grab a drink at night and take in one of the most amazing views of this architectural marvel while you listen to DJs or Zuma. You can also grab dinner at one of the restaurants at Dubai Mall there to enjoy a meal while you watch the fountain show.

 

Burj Khalifa Hours: 10am-12am

Cé La Vi: 12pm-3am

 

Day 2

Walk around Dubai Marina and JBR

You can start your day by heading over to JBR, a popular promenade where you can stroll, shop and eat by the sea. You can even grab breakfast at one of the local’s favorite brunch spots, Eggspectation, to fuel up for the day’s activities ahead.

 

Take in the views from the Ain Dubai

Another landmark in Dubai, Ain Dubai is the highest observation wheel in the world and offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city’s skyline in a 38-minute ride. You can appreciate many famous icons from the height at 250 meters, and some locals even say the view might be nicer than from the Burj Khalifa!

 

Appreciate the modern architecture

As the modern city it is, Dubai has buildings designed by famous architects such as Zaha Hadid Architects, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and Reiser + Umemoto. If you’re an architect junkie like us and have the time, we suggest taking an architectural tour around the city to appreciate the unique buildings such as the Al Seef Dubai, the 0-14 Tower, the Cayan building, the Al Fattan Towers, the Museum of Future and of course, the Burj Khalifa.

 

Stop at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah

This modern Arabian bazaar is full of incredible finds. There are plenty of places where you can shop, grab a bite or a coffee, look for bargains, or take a boat ride through the canals while enjoying the view of Dubai and get the perfect photo of the Burj Al Arab.

 

Opening times: Stores: 10am-11pm

Restaurants: 8am-2am

 

Stop for a picture with the Burj Al Arab

An icon for Arabian luxury, this 7-star hotel has the form of a sail over the Arabian Sea. Taking a picture is a must when visiting Dubai.

 

Take a stroll at The Palm Jumeirah

This artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree is a Dubai icon and a testament to the modernity of what this Emirate stands for. With countless five-star hotels, fine dining options, entertainment and nightlife it’s well worth a stop in your quick trip in Dubai and a great way to end your day with a late-night stroll at the boardwalk while taking in the Dubai skyline. You can grab dinner at one of the multiple restaurants in the area, like Koko Bay, where its design will make you feel like you transported yourself to Bali for a brief moment, highlighting the varied offering you can find in a city like Dubai.

​

​

Clearly, Dubai is an amazing Emirate with lots to offer and even though 48 hours might not seem like nearly enough, it is certainly plenty of time to get a feel of this vibrant city and what it offers.