48 Hours in Dubai: Visa Rules, Activities & Airport Transfer Info

Dubai is an ultimate destination, offers a unique combination of contemporary infrastructure, profound history, and luxurious experiences. Whether you are visiting Dubai for a week or staying for the layover of two days. This destination has plenty of attractions and activities to offer its guests.

Do you have a two-day layover in Dubai and are confused about what to do? This visa is available for travellers who are seeking a layover in Dubai. A Dubai 48 hours transit visa is valid for a single entry and allows an individual to stay in the country and explore the attractions for up to two days. Travellers can obtain this visa easily from the UAE government in alliance with airlines. It’s great for a short-term stoppage that permits travellers to explore the astonishing infrastructure of Dubai. Let’s know more about the 48-hour transit visa in this blog.    

Visa Rules: What Travellers Or Applicants Need To Know  

For travellers who need to enjoy exploring the fascinating and surprising wonders of Dubai can get a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa for their layover. But first, an individual needs to submit the onward flight tickets to the third destination, and it’s mandatory. Here are the key details for the Dubai transit visa:

1.  Eligibility:  Travellers who have a layover of 8 hours or more in Dubai, and those who want to explore the fascinating sites of Dubai, can apply for this 48-hour transit visa.
2.  Onward Flight Ticket requirement:  A confirmed onward flight ticket to the third destination within the period of 48 or 96 hours is a mandatory requirement.
3.  Applied Through:  This visa can be easily applied through travel agencies, airlines, airport hotels, Destination Management Companies (DMCs) or other UAE-based sponsors.
4.  Obligatory Documents:  A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the intended travel date, two passport-size photographs that meet the specific requirements of the visa, confirmed onward flight tickets, and proof of accommodation.
5.  Validity:  This visa is valid for up to 30 days from the date of issue and can be activated upon entry into the UAE. Ensure this is a single-entry Dubai visit visa and cannot be utilised twice. And the validity of the visa cannot be extended.  
6.  Completion Time:  The processing time typically takes approximately 2-5 working days.

Activities: Travellers Can Enjoy During Their 48-Hour Layover in Dubai  

There is something unique to experience in every step in Dubai; it has a bundle of thrilling activities and marvels for its guests. On a 48-hour layover, travellers will not get an opportunity to understand the deep history of this destination, but they will get a chance to witness glimpses of wondrous marvels. Here’s the expected itinerary of activities which travellers can follow during their two-day layover:

 Day 1: Noticeable Milestones And Desert Expedition  

• Morning: Explore the “Core Of The City”

Begins the amazing journey, while exploring the “Heart of the City” -The Downtown Dubai. Visit the wondrous infrastructure of Dubai, renowned globally for being the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Witness the beauty of the city from the 124th-floor observation deck. Also, visit the Dubai Mall, which is internally connected to Burj Khalifa and is a few steps away. This mall boasts various sales outlets of lavish brands, a huge aquarium, and several entertainment choices.

• Afternoon: Al Wasl (Old Dubai) And Tranquillity

Want to take glimpses of ancient Dubai? Then explore the historical district of Al Fahidi and learn the interesting cultural facts during a visit to the Dubai Museum. Then sail along the traditional Abra boat across the Dubai Creek to reach the bustling gold and spice markets in Deira.

• Evening: Desert Exploration

Spend the twilight evening while experiencing the thrill of desert adventures such as dune bashing, camel rides, henna painting, and other entertainment activities. Moreover, enjoy gazing at the stars and savour the delicious BBQ cuisine. It’s an unforgettable way to spend the first day of layover in Dubai.

 Day 2: Architectural  Wonders And Shore Time  

• Morning: Palm Jumeirah And Marina

Starts a pleasant morning, exploring the magnificent landmark Palm Jumeirah, a palm tree-shaped artificial island which offers a luxurious experience. Then move towards Dubai Marina to take a stroll and click multiple pictures with the background that comprises the architectural wonders of Dubai.

• Afternoon: Sea Shores And Souks Of Madinat Jumeirah

Enjoy relaxing at the sandy beaches of JBR Beaches or Kite Beach, the renowned beaches of Dubai. Then make your way towards Madinat Jumeirah souks and enjoy exquisite markets, witness the beauty of Burj Al Arab, and savour local delicious cuisine.

• Evening: Supper And Departure

Enjoy a fine dining experience at a rooftop restaurant in the core of the city and enjoy the panoramic views of stunning Dubai’s skyline and high-rise buildings. Remember to arrive at the airport on time and allow plenty of time for check-in.

This is a perfect itinerary to spend the 48-hour layover in Dubai and enjoy the astonishing attractions and adventurous activities briefly. It takes more time to understand the engineering feat of Dubai in detail. In two days, travellers can only enjoy glimpses of attractions and activities.

Airport Transfer Information  

Dubai International Airport (DXB) offers a wide choices for airport transportation for passengers, the choices include taxis, buses, and limousine services. For passengers commuting between terminals, facilities for shuttled buses are available. Passengers connecting to a third destination flight can utilise the baggage transfer amenities if their flight is within 24 hours, which smoothed the processing. The detailed transfer options are as follows:

•  Taxis:  Taxis are available outside the terminals and offer an accessible and direct conveyance to the desired destination.
•  Buses:  The public bus services of Dubai connect the airport with various destinations in the city. Travellers can easily find the schedules and routes of the buses through the RTA official website.
•  Limousine Services:  Various agencies in Dubai offer private car services along with drivers for airport transfers.
•  Dubai Metro:  The Red Line connects Terminals 1 and 3 to the downtown.
•  Shuttle Buses Between Terminals:  The Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 shuttled buses run every 30 minutes with a transfer time of 15 minutes. Whereas, in between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 runs every 20 minutes and transfers the passengers in 10 minutes.
•  Baggage Transfer Services:  If travellers have another flight within 24 hours, then they can utilise the baggage transfer service. Where the bags are tagged and transferred to their final destination.

Wrap It Up  

In conclusion, an accessible way to explore the wondrous marvels of Dubai during a short layover of two days. It’s ideal for travellers who are seeking glimpses of Dubai’s attractions and want to experience the architecture in a concise. Travellers can easily obtain this visa through any reliable travel agency in Dubai, which also provides visa-related services or through UAE-based sponsors. This is a single-entry visa and expires within 48 hours from the time of entry into the country. So, apply for the visa today and make your layover memorable for a lifetime.