Booking a Dubai Stopover Without Breaking the Bank
Use the 'Multi-city' search tool on the Emirates website to bundle your stopover into one ticket, which is almost always cheaper than booking separate legs. If you book directly through their Dubai Stopover program, you gain access to discounted hotel rates and pre-arranged airport transfers that aren't available to regular passengers.
- Budget
- $200 per day
- Duration
- 2 days recommended
- Best Time
- November to March
- Visa Required
- Depends on nationality; check the official ICP portal or your airline booking dashboard.
Step by step
Use the Multi-city Search Tool
Do not search for individual one-way flights. Navigate to the 'Advanced search' or 'Multi-city' tab on the Emirates website. Enter your departure city to Dubai, then your stopover duration (e.g., 2 days), then your final destination.
Select the 'Dubai Stopover' Package
Once you have selected your flights, the site will prompt you to add a stopover package. Choose this option to access discounted 24-hour check-in/check-out hotels, which are vital because many flights arrive in Dubai between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM.
Verify Visa Requirements Before Payment
Check the visa eligibility for your nationality for the 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa. If you are booking the stopover package, the airline can often assist with the visa application through their portal, which is much faster than doing it via government sites.
Check Airport Transfer Inclusions
Confirm if your chosen stopover package includes the 'Meet and Greet' service. In Dubai, having someone waiting to guide you through immigration and into your private car is worth the extra $30–$50, especially if you land in the middle of the night.
Questions people ask
Is 24 hours enough time for a Dubai stopover?
Yes. It is enough time to see the Burj Khalifa, visit the Dubai Mall, and take a quick trip to the Old Souks.
Do I need to collect my bags during a stopover?
If your stopover is less than 24 hours, your bags are usually checked through to your final destination. If it is longer, you will need to collect them.
- Notes
- Budget $60 per day for food, $40 for taxi/metro transport, and the remainder for your hotel accommodation.
- Daily Cost
- Expect to spend $150–$250 per day for a comfortable stopover, including a mid-range hotel, food, and local taxis.
Packing
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (linen/cotton) for the heat.
- A pashmina or light sweater (indoor air conditioning in malls is freezing).
- Conservative attire for visiting mosques or cultural sites (shoulders and knees covered).
- International power adapter (Type G, three-pin British style).