Stopover

A short layover in Dubai

5 Places

Just passing through Dubai? Head Downtown and you'll find plenty of fun things to do during a layover. Here's a glimpse of what the city has to offer.

The world's tallest building and one of Dubai's top attractions

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a global icon. Truly a feat of engineering, the building represents the conceptual heart and soul of the city of Dubai. At 828m tall, this magnificent structure is located next to Dubai Mall and has drawn visitors from all over the world since opening in 2010. For a truly special time, visitors can choose to dine in the restaurant and lounge At.mosphere on the 122nd floor, or experience new heights at The Lounge, Burj Khalifa, which is spread across floors 152, 153 and 154, making it the tallest lounge on the planet.

Burj Khalifa

Sights & Attractions

1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai

The world's largest shopping, entertainment and leisure destination

Dubai Mall is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure, located next to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, two major department stores and hundreds of food and beverage outlets, Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million sqm – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches. Even an entire day spent here is not enough to see it all. Along with its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, the venue is home to a range of other fun attractions.

Dubai Mall

Shopping

Financial Centre Road - Downtown Dubai

Marvel at the beauty of the dancing fountains

Witness the tallest performing fountain in the world during your visit to Downtown Dubai. The Dubai Fountain offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in a captivating water, music and light experience. Submerged within the 30-acre Burj Lake, at the foot of Dubai Mall, powerful water jets are laid out over an area equal to the size of two football pitches.

Please note: The Dubai Fountain will be temporarily closed for enhancement from May to October 2025. More details about the closure and re-opening dates will be added closer to date.

The Dubai Fountain

Sights & Attractions

Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

A famous rooftop restaurant with unforgettable views

This contemporary restaurant with Far Eastern accents is perched up on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View and deservedly dazzles the culinary crowd. CÉ LA VI is one of Asia's most well-known rooftop venues, and its Dubai incarnation has suitably breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa from the pool deck. Head chef, Howard Ko, has more than 11 years of experience at Michelin starred restaurants so comes with stellar credentials. The menu has a mix of Asian inspired plates as well as international favourites that he puts his own distinctive touch to. The setting and cuisine together make for a spot that screams special occasion.

CE LA VI

Food & Drink

Tower 2 - Level 54, Address Sky View Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai

Explore next-generation science, technology and innovation

Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation and launched on 22 February 2022, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades, combining elements of traditional exhibition, immersive theatre and themed attractions so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future's limitless possibilities. One of Dubai's most famous landmarks, the Museum of the Future takes pride of place along the city's superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Discover the world's greatest ideas, prototypes and inventions, and attend special workshops and talks that explore high-tech solutions.

Museum of the Future

Museums