[cincopa AkOA21KjoC0P] Dubai is a relatively new tourist destination and it has gained immense popularity in the past few years. It is a great place for shopping, partying, sunbathing and fine dining. It also has the largest immigration population in the world. Citizens of most countries will receive a 30 day visa on arrival which is totally free of charge. This can be extended for up to 90 days on payment of Dhs 500. Canadian nationals, however, need to apply for Visa in advance and they can do so at the VisaCenter in their country. If UK & US national are looking for a 90 day visa then they can apply in advance at the VisaCenter.
If you are visiting Dubai just for a 1 day stopover then you need to utilize that day fully. There are lots of things you can do in a span of 12 – 14 hrs and this is not restricted to only shopping. You can visit a number of attractions or take a tour to have a glimpse of the city.
3o Min Helicopter Ride
This is perhaps the best option to see Dubai in such a short span of time. You will get to see all the important landmarks in the city from bird’s eye view. You can get this tour from Lama Tours in Dubai. However, in order to get the trip started there must be a minimum of 4 persons.
The Amazing Dubai City
A whirlwind tour of the city will take around 5 hours and you must cover places like the magnificent beaches at the Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab Hotel which is a 7 star luxurious property. You must also visit the Camel Race Track, Dubai Race & Golf Club and Sheikh’s Palace. If you still have time left (from the 4 hrs schedule) you can make a quick trip to the Creek to witness the mesmerizing architecture of Deira Towers and the underground Dubai Museum.
Shopping Tour
The city is a paradise for shoppers and if your stopover is mainly intended for this purpose then you must devote at least 4 – 5 hours for this purpose. The main shopping centers are City Center, Burjuman and Lamcy Plaza. You can get almost anything under the roof and all of them sell branded items. If you want to buy electronics then Bur Dubai is the place for you. Do not forget to bargain here, though. Lastly you can end the tour with a delicious buffet dinner at the Dubai floating restaurant. Enjoy the sumptuous food while cruising along the Dubai creek.
There are many tourists who would appreciate the services of a Bus Tour that will cover the major parts of the city in around 5 hrs approximately. So that will leave you with another 5 hours minimum for your shopping. Viator, the leading tour company, has one such tour which starts at $37 and will cover Dubai in 4 hrs 30mins. The pick is between 1:00 to 2:00 pm from centrally located hotels in Dubai. It also has an English speaking guide on board. The tour will cover the gold souk, the Al Bastakiya quarter and the Dubai Museum, Jumeirah Mosque and the photo shop at the Burj Al Arab hotel. You will also have an opportunity to board the water taxi across the creek to the spice market.
You can cover a lot of places in Dubai even if you are going there for 1 day only but proper planning is definitely required.