I know—a 15-hour layover sounds terrible! But in a city like Dubai, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We were flying from Delhi to Seattle, and due to last-minute travel changes, we had to book whatever fit best within our budget.
Emirates had two options: a 10-hour layover entirely during the night or a 15-hour layover that gave us a decent window to explore a few attractions around the city. We chose the 15-hour option and made the most of our time by turning it into a mini-adventure!
Do you need a Transit Visa to exit the airport?
If you’re an Indian passport holder with a valid US visa, you can get a visa on arrival that allows you to exit the airport. Alternatively, you’ll need to apply for a tourist e-visa, which typically takes just a few days to process. To save time, we opted to pre-book our transit visa online, which saved us about 30 minutes—crucial when you only have a short window to explore ticketed attractions. Every minute counts!
The visa application process was straightforward. We filled out a transit visa form on UAE’s official tourism website and uploaded the required documents, including a passport-sized photo, bank statements, salary slips, address proofs, and ID copies. The fee was $63 per person, which we paid online.
You might also come across websites mentioning the visa cost as AED 50 (around $17), but this (I think) is not valid for Indian passport holders. Nevertheless, the convenience and ease of the process made it worthwhile, ensuring a hassle-free start to our Dubai adventure.
Visa details on Emirates website 👉 https://www.emirates.com/us/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/uae-visa-information/
Visa application link 👉 https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/are/apply-visa
Transportation in Dubai
We primarily traveled around Dubai using local taxis, as they were the most affordable and readily available option—especially at major tourist spots like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina. For places where taxis weren’t easily accessible, we booked an Uber, which was just as convenient.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try public transit options like the monorail in Palm Jumeirah or the metro. However, navigating the city using these modes of transport can be a bit tricky and tiring, especially if you’re short on time. That’s why I’d recommend sticking to taxis for ease and efficiency during your visit.
Things to do in Dubai at night
Dubai is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, offering everything from extravagant nightclubs and bars to late-night tourist spots and 24/7 eateries. Since we’re not the clubbing type, we chose to explore the city’s top tourist attractions instead. However, if you’re into the nightlife scene, here’s list of popular Dubai’s nightclubs that you can check out.
Exploring the Souks
After exiting Dubai airport around 8 PM, we headed straight to the Souk since it closes at 9 PM. Dubai’s souk is a traditional marketplace with dedicated alleys for different products like spices, handicrafts, fabric, and gold.
This was high on my list, especially since I missed it during my last visit in 2016. We spent our time wandering through the alleys, admiring the extravagant gold jewelry, soaking in the aromatic scents of spices and taking photos of the picturesque surroundings. It was the perfect place to begin our exploration and get a glimpse of Dubai’s cultural side.
If you have extra time, head to the creek across the street for a beautiful view of Al Fahidi, offering a unique perspective of the city. You can also take a dhow cruise tour to explore the city on the water, enjoy a cultural show, and sample traditional food.
Entry: Free
Taxi cost: AED 48 ($13) from airport
At the Top Observatory, Burj Khalifa
Our next destination was the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. We purchased our tickets through GetYourGuide, which had the lowest price at the time ($78 for two). Our entry slot was at 9:30 PM, so we took an Uber from the souk straight to Dubai Mall. On reaching the mall, we headed to the counter on the lower ground floor to redeem our online tickets and store our backpacks in the luggage room.
The elevator ride to the 124th floor was a mere minute long, and we could feel the air pressure change as we ascended. When the doors opened, we were greeted with a breathtaking view of Dubai’s shimmering skyline. During the daytime, you can also catch sights of the Arabian Gulf, nearby islands, and the vast desert.
We spent an hour exploring the 124th and 125th floors, marveling at the architectural wonders and soaking in the stunning views. Standing atop the world’s tallest building was a surreal experience—one we’ll never forget.
The Dubai Fountain Show
Next, we stepped outside to watch the famous Dubai Fountain light and sound show, held every 30 minutes in the evening. Watching the synchronized dance of water, lights, and music was absolutely mesmerizing—a true highlight of the night!
For an elevated experience, you can dine at one of the nearby restaurants with a view of the fountain or opt for a boat ride to enjoy the show from the water. Either way, it’s a spectacle that’s not to be missed.
Exploring other gems of Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall isn’t just a shopping destination—it’s an experience! From luxury stores to unique attractions, this mall has something for everyone. Open until 12 AM (Fri-Mon) and 11 PM (Tue-Thu), it gave us plenty of time to explore a few highlights in the world’s second-largest mall. Since we’re not big on luxury brands, we focused our attention on the eateries and unique attractions within the mall.
Our first stop was the legendary Hafiz Mustafa 1864, an award-winning confectionery renowned for its delectable Turkish delights. The store showcased an incredible variety of baklavas, ranging from traditional to innovative flavors. It was nearly impossible to resist!
Next, we visited the Dubai Mall Waterfalls, a man-made cascade located in a stunning glass atrium. The waterfall features striking diving figures, symbolizing Dubai’s historic pearl divers. It had an almost otherworldly charm making this my favorite installation in the mall.
Lastly, we stopped to admire the gigantic fish tank of the Dubai Aquarium, a stunning showcase of underwater species ranging from manta rays to sharks. The best part? You can marvel at this impressive tank without needing a ticket! However, to explore the rest of the aquarium, including the Underwater Zoo, you’ll need to purchase an entry ticket—and it’s absolutely worth it.
I had visited the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo during my previous trip in 2016 and was thoroughly impressed by the incredible variety of underwater creatures and nocturnal animals, all explored within just a few hours. It’s a fantastic experience, especially if you’re traveling with kids, offering both entertainment and an educational glimpse into marine life.
Late-Night Eats at Dubai Marina
To conclude our city exploration, we headed to Dubai Marina, a hotspot known for its late-night eateries and vibrant waterfront views. It was the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some delicious food before heading back to the airport.
We hoped to try traditional Emirati cuisine, but most eateries serving it were closed by then. Instead, we chose La Pergola as our dining spot for the night—a Lebanese restaurant highly rated on Google for its diverse menu. On the chef’s recommendation, we began with a refreshing Fattoush Salad. For our mains, we enjoyed the flavorful Meatball Tajin and Manakeesh. To top it off, the restaurant offered us complimentary fruits, which was a thoughtful touch.
Overall, our dining experience was fantastic. The waterfront view was stunning, the hospitality was warm, and the food was absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for excellent Lebanese food in Dubai Marina, I highly recommend La Pergola!
Final Thoughts
Layovers don’t have to be boring—especially in a city like Dubai, where there’s so much to explore! With a bit of planning, they can become an exciting opportunity to discover a new destination. My 15-hour layover in Dubai turned into an unforgettable night filled with stunning sights, delicious food, and incredible experiences.
If you ever find yourself with a layover lasting more than 7 hours in Dubai, don’t think too much about stepping out of the airport—you’ll be glad you did!
I hope this blog post inspires you to make the most of your layovers and embrace travel opportunities whenever they come your way. If you enjoyed reading about my experience, don’t forget to check out the full vlog on my YouTube channel for all the visuals and more tips! And check out my other Dubai articles for more ideas and recommendations. 🙂
