Stopovers

Including a stopover in Dubai, taking advantage of your flight layover, is an excellent idea whether you are traveling with children, as a couple, or with friends. This emirate leaves a mark on all its visitors, who are amazed by its skyscrapers of innovative designs. In recent years, the city has experienced astounding economic development. In 1990 there was only one skyscraper in Dubai, but today there are more than 400, and there are true architectural wonders that break world records.

Dubai is considered the safest city in the world and one of the most eccentric. A luxurious metro that includes VIP carriages, pink-roofed taxis exclusive for women, air-conditioned bus stops, or the possibility to ski in the snow at Ski Dubai while outside the temperature reaches 30ºC.

Moreover, Dubai takes pride in hosting the world’s largest airport, the tallest building in the world, and the largest shopping mall in the world. And of course, it is a paradise for lovers of shopping and luxury.

Unlike other Emirates cities, Dubai is more tolerant of religious rules and is open to other cultures. Indeed, Dubai has been almost artificially built for tourism. Its possibilities are endless; you can enjoy a whole week non-stop doing activities and it is also a perfect place to take a break and spend a few exciting days in this unique city full of contrasts.

1. Burj Khalifa: A quintessential Dubai icon standing at 828 meters, twice the height of the Empire State Building. Its observation decks offer panoramic views of the city, an opportunity for a drink, or even a romantic dinner. At its base lies an artificial lake where fountains dance to music each night, creating a magical atmosphere.
2. The 4×4 desert safari at sunset is an experience you can’t miss if you’ve never felt the adrenaline of dune bashing. You’ll be mesmerized as the orange sun sets among the sands. You can also ride a camel, sandboard down dunes, get henna tattoos, smoke a fragrant shisha, and enjoy a Arabic dinner under the stars at a Bedouin camp while watching the mesmerizing belly dance.
3. Palm Jumeirah: On this palm-shaped artificial island, you’ll find Atlantis The Palm, a replica of the legendary Atlantis in the Bahamas where James Bond stayed in “Casino Royale”. It houses the largest waterpark in the Middle East, Aquaventure, with water slides that circle the hotel amidst aquariums of rays and sharks.
4. Burj Al Arab, a 7-star hotel on an artificial island, offering luxury suites and exclusive services. You can also book a table at its gourmet restaurant or enjoy a gold cappuccino in the afternoon at its Sahn Eddar lounge.

Moreover, there are numerous amusement, water, and theme parks, such as Wild Wadi or Legoland. Al Mamzar Beach is the most visited by tourists, with a special area that shields from the sun while enjoying the sea, a unique feature worldwide.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven emirates. Known for its luxurious hotels, shopping malls, and dazzling modern architecture, it attracts tourists from all around the world. Many take advantage of their Etihad Airways flight layover in Abu Dhabi to explore this emirate.

During a stopover in Abu Dhabi, you must not miss the impressive Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which leaves no one indifferent. On Yas Island, you’ll find the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit and if fun is what you’re after, you can enjoy yourself like a child in the Ferrari World theme park or at the Warner Bros park.

We also recommend including a visit to the stunning Emirates Palace during your stopover in Abu Dhabi, a luxury hotel that seems taken straight out of a fairy tale.

Culturally, of course, we highlight the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world, with stunning architecture, a high-level permanent collection, and the excellence of its temporary exhibitions. And if you’re keen on delving into history, we recommend visiting Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone building in the city; and the oasis city of Al Ain, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find historical landmarks such as the Al-Jahili Fort, built in 1890, and the tombs of Jebel Hafit, on the border with Oman.

If you fly with Turkish Airlines, you can include a stopover to dive into the magic of Istanbul, the only city in the world that lies on two continents. Istanbul is a vibrant canvas where East and West intertwine in a unique dance.

Every corner tells a story that will transport you to ancient times. It was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC under the name Byzantium. But 7 centuries later, Emperor Constantine renamed it Constantinople, making it the capital of the Roman Empire. Finally, in the 15th century, it was named Istanbul and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire until the 20th century. It is one of the most important cities in universal history and one that saw the flowering of early Christianity.

You can walk through its cobblestone streets that narrate centuries of history, while the aroma of exotic spices and the murmur of the Bosphorus envelop you in a multicultural embrace. Marvel at its Blue Mosque, which, with its six minarets, challenged Mecca, or the iconic Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century church that became a mosque in the 15th century, a museum in the 20th century, and again a mosque in the 21st century.

Moreover, Istanbul is a paradise for shopping lovers, with over 3,000 vibrant color shops in the Grand Bazaar alone, offering handicrafts and exquisitely crafted carpets. You can also relax in a Hammam, a traditional steam bath where you can enjoy a Turkish massage that will rejuvenate your skin and soul.

Qatar is a sultanate stretching about 150 km from north to south and 100 km across, making any destination less than an hour away from Doha, its capital, once a port on the Pirate Coast. Beyond its dazzling skyscrapers and the impressive desert that kisses the sea, on the Qatar peninsula, you’ll find a treasure trove of Arab culture.

If you’re into art, we recommend visiting the Islamic Art Museum; if you enjoy shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs, haggle in Souq Waqif; and if you’re looking to acquire more exclusive items, then visit the Villaggio Shopping Center, where you can also enjoy a gondola ride, Italian style. And if you want to discover the past, present, and future of Qatar, you can visit Katara Cultural Village.

We also recommend strolling along The Corniche at sunset or visiting Dhow Harbour at dawn, once a modest fishing port, when hundreds of dhows return from fishing overnight. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, Banana Island is a paradise.

For fun-lovers, Qatar boasts several theme parks such as Snow Dunes, Aqua Park, Angry Birds World, Virtuocity, Bounce Qatar, Jungle Zone, Circus Land, Gondolania, Baldana Park, and Kidzania, where both adults and children will have a great time. And if you travel to Qatar between May and August, you can witness one of the world’s largest gatherings of whale sharks.