Stopping over in Dubai (UAE) for a day or two — or even just six hours? That doesn’t mean you need to sit in an airport terminal scrolling your smartphone apps, wandering from gate to gate, or burning your hard-earned rands at duty-free shops. With a little pre-planning (ie. making sure you’ve got the necessary transit or eVisa), you can make the most of a layover or cruise stop in this happening city. Here’s how:
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Forego checked luggage if you want to hit the ground running upon arrival in Dubai. Why? Because you’ll be one of close to 90 million passengers who fly into Dubai International Airport each year (it’s the world’s third busiest flight hub, with three different terminals).
Skipping the baggage carousels can mean you’re first through the customs queues and out the doors in record time. Plus, if you’ve done your research, you’ll know Dubai is hot…like, really hot. So trust us when we say you’ll thank the universe when you’re not lugging a 20kg bag (alternatively, you can lock up your luggage for a fee in airport Terminals 1 and 3).
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If you’re flying with Emirates or Etihad and have a layover of at least 8 hours, you can easily apply for an online eVisa through the airlines’ websites. A 96-hour visa is valid for up to four days in the UAE, or you can apply for a 30-day tourist visa up to three months before you go.
South African passport holders who are visiting Dubai for a few days on a cruise or flying with an airline other than Emirates or Etihad will need to apply for a visa in person at a Dubai Visa Processing Centres (aka VFS Global in South Africa). There are VFS offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, and processing time can take up to 7 working days.
Confused about visas? Let our expert travel agents point you in the right direction. Find your nearest Sure Travel agency here, or call +27 (0)861 47 48 49.
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The easiest way to get from the airport to city centre is by taking the metro (especially to beat rush hour traffic), conveniently located outside Dubai International Airport — opt for “red tickets” or a NOL card (the contactless smart cards you can load and travel Dubai’s seven transit zones). You won’t be able to use cash on the metro, tram, buses or water buses.
Note: a “Gold Class” NOL card gets you the best views with its glass ceilings, and comfier seats with increased legroom. And there are also female-only carriages.
Skip the connections and take a taxi if your layover is particularly short and you’re not travelling during rush hour.
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Part of the fun of Dubai is simply checking out its crazy architecture — a trip to crane your neck at the Burj Khalifa, for instance, will leave you marvelling at the skill of modern engineers. If you’re short on time (and cash), you might want to skip the Observation Decks (if you do want go, book your tickets online to avoid the painfully-long queues). Or splurge and have a sundowner at the world’s highest lounge on levels 152, 153 and 154.
The Emirates are “extra” when it comes to their shopping malls. From underwater shark tunnels in the aquarium at Dubai Mall to gold bar-dispensing ATMs and indoor ski slopes, you won’t believe half the things you see. Even if you’re not a fan of retail therapy, a visit to Mall of Emirates or Dubai Mall will at least be an escape from the heat. Grab a map at the entrance so you can locate the best attractions, restaurants and shops without wasting time.
>> READ MORE: 10 mind-blowing things you’ll only see in the United Arab Emirates
One other free activity (popular with kids!) is to take in the Dubai Fountains — it’s the world’s largest choreographed water show (by the same designers as Las Vegas’ Bellagio fountains), with some jets reaching as high as 45 storeys. It’s set to Arabic and world music, with views of the Burj Khalifa and manmade Burj Lake. Nighttime shows are best (though crowded) — they take place every half hour between 6 and 11pm. Book a table at a nearby restaurant or rent a boat for the most comfortable views.
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Would you rather get into nature and picture Dubai as it once was — a tiny fishing village? Or get your blood pumping with one of the many adrenaline activities outside city limits?
An extended cruise or flight stopover in Dubai can be the perfect opportunity to go hot air ballooning, skydiving, sandboarding or quad biking. Book your desert tour or activity in advance to take advantage of available shuttles. However, do not attempt this experience unless you’ve got a full day in Dubai (we’re talking 12 hours, at minimum) or you might "miss the boat" or your connecting flight.
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Still yawning from a sleepless flight? Start your day with a coffee and visit to the Sheikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding. You’ll tour Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historic District and the Al Farooq Mosque, learning more about Emirati art, customs and traditions along the way.
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Get your daily dose of vitamin D at one of Dubai’s many public beaches. This is the ideal pitstop if you’ve just got a few hours to spare and no appetite for shopping malls and skyscrapers.
Jumeirah Beach or Kite Beach are a good place to dip your toes in the Arabian Sea — and at Jumeirah, you’ll have a seven-star view of the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab.
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Here’s your chance to visit Dubai at a fraction of the cost! Book a 7-night Royal Caribbean sailing to Dubai and the Emirates with Sure Travel and Cruises International and save 60% off the price of a second guest!
Unwind in updated rooms, savour three new restaurants and catch an outdoor movie on the new poolside screen. Enjoy breath-taking views from all over the ship with more than three acres of windows, including glass ocean-facing elevators.
Recently revitalised and loaded with onboard attractions, Jewel of the Seas offers countless ways to spend your days between ports, or after a thrilling day onshore.
Ask your friendly Sure Travel agent for a quote by calling +27 (0)861 47 48 49 or visiting our website.
Prices include: Accommodation, all meals, selected beverages, activities and entertainment, gratuities, port charges, and all taxes and fees. Plus, save 60% off a second guest — and subject to availability, kids 12 years and under sail FREE.
(All prices are eligible to an additional 60% off the second guest + kids under 12 sail free!)
16 December 2019 | R12,720 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Muscat (Oman)
23 December 2019 | R16,620 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Bahrain (Bahrain), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE)
30 December 2019 | R16,200 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Muscat (Oman)
6 January 2020 | R12,870 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Bahrain (Bahrain), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE)
13 January 2020 | R12,720 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Muscat (Oman)
20 January 2020 | R14,025 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Bahrain (Bahrain), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE)
27 January 2020 | R13,395 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Khasab (Oman), Muscat (Oman), Abu Dhabi (UAE)
10 February 2020 | R13,095 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE); Khasab (Oman); Abu Dhabi (UAE), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Muscat (Oman)
9 March 2020 | R13,875 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Muscat (Oman)
16 March 2020 | R14,265 per person sharing*
Roundtrip from Dubai; 7 nights on board the Jewel of the Seas
Highlights: Dubai (UAE), Bahrain (Bahrain), Doha (Qatar), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE)
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*Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Advertised fares are per person sharing, based on lead-in categories, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Fares include compulsory charges and subject to exchange rate fluctuations and based on a non-refundable deposit. Fares are calculated on an average exchange rate of R15. Fares include all cruise line promotional savings. Offer subject to additional terms, conditions and restrictions. Kids sail Free Offer: Applicable to kids 12 years and younger, and applicable to cruise fare only compulsory charges still apply. Block-out dates apply.