16 Hours in the UAE: Making the Most of a Dubai and Abu Dhabi Layover

Hi friend!

You know when you land somewhere for a long layover and you’re like… should we just stay at the airport or go for it? Well, on our way back from Seychelles to Budapest, my mom and I had just enough time (about 16 hours) for a little UAE adventure — and trust me, it was worth every second.

We were flying Emirates, and since our checked luggage was tagged all the way through to Budapest, we just packed our essentials in a backpack and set off from Dubai International Airport with a simple goal: see as much as we could in one whirlwind layover.

Quick note: When we checked in at the counter to drop off our checked bag, we asked to make sure that it was okay and allowed. 

Dubai Layover Guide

Booking a Quick Stay

Most importantly, since our flight arrived in Dubai at 11 am, we went straight to the hotel (which had a free airport transfer — just follow the signs at the Dubai airport for where the hotel shuttle buses are and you’re golden. The easiest directions!) so that we could drop off our backpacks. We had booked a hotel in Dubai just to get a few hours of sleep once we explored and had to be back at the airport early in the morning the next day— Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport by IHG was a great choice because of the free shuttle bus, it was inexpensive, had a 24 hour fitness center (got that morning run in before the flight from Dubai to Budapest the next day) and had ok reviews. Was it a 10/10 hotel? No, but it fulfilled all our needs, was very cheap, and was close to the airport. You could see the planes taking off from the gym. After checking in and dropping off our bags, it was time to explore.

Finding the Perfect Driver

Here’s where the magic happened. 

I don't necessarily like to book things in advance, especially the day of arrival, just because you never know if your plane is going to be late, there are cancellations, etc. But I always have a plan, and if everything goes according to schedule, I know where to start and hit the ground running. 

The main part of this 16-hour layover was visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. 

Getting to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

We planned to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and started looking for a ride. This taxi driver was already in front of our hotel and we had told him we’d want to go to the Mosque and our plans and from one thing to the other, we ended up making a deal with the kindest driver — for around $400 USD (cash), he offered a private guided tour of both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Honestly? A total lifesaver. Yes, maybe a little on the more expensive side but he was with us from 1 pm to 9:30 pm, making sure we saw everything, he knew all the best ways to get around quickly including that he would drop us off at the entrance, and would be right there to pick us up at the exit of any place. Anywhere you could imagine saving time, that was all calculated into it. The most organized something could be.

Let's get into it! The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is about an hour and 15 minutes from Dubai, so we started with the farthest thing and worked our way backward.

Dressing for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Mind you, we were in Dubai in the middle of June (June 12 to be exact) and the weather was scorching hot. I like hot, but this is hot to another level for sure — so be mindful of that! Although I did not have proper attire (my dress went to about my knees), we knew that we’d have to start by buying proper coverings for the dress code at the mosque (even in June heat, covering up is part of respecting the Muslim country culture). 

If you plan ahead you can buy an abaya and a headscarf at the market, or just dress accordingly for that day, but once you get to the Mosque in Abu Dhabi, you also have the opportunity to buy an abaya and a headscarf. The rules are, “Long, loose fitting, ankle length trousers or skirts for women and men. Women must wear a headscarf. Arms need to be covered as well”. We bought it, put it on, and we were ready to go. I had some insights into the traditional dress, and hijab’s but you really learn more about how culture and faith shape daily life once you actually go and visit a new place.

Also — our driver helped with all this too. We had parked, he walked us in, showed us where to buy from, and where to go for the entrance. It’s important to note that underneath the mosque is a mall. You will find anything and everything that you need, from food, to some shopping, to toilets (when you’re traveling, you know this is an important part — finding toilets —  and knowing when you can use “normal” toilets throughout your day). Nothing to worry about there.

Important note! If you are wearing a black or dark dress underneath the abaya, it cannot be see through! I was wearing a black summer dress, the abaya had to be black so that you could not see what was underneath. If you’re looking to get an abaya of a certain color, make sure your under dress is a lighter color. 

Inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

At first it's interesting because you get to the parking lot, and to get inside you must enter underneath the mosque which brings you to a mall, walk up a long hallway (which makes you feel like you’re entering a museum) and then you get outside and there it is — the Grand Mosque. It’s simply wow. It’s hard to wrap your head around it, but once you’re there, you think, “wow… how is this here?!” 

I’ll never forget the feeling of walking and seeing the Sheikh Zayed Mosque — it was stunning. The white marble, the chandeliers, and yes — the world’s largest carpet! It does cover quite a bit of area, and it's worth going in and out of the areas that are open to the public that are not being used for prayer at that time. Plan accordingly, give yourself about an hour to really see it all from beginning to end, and take all the pictures! It’s not just beautiful, it’s moving. And for someone who’s never been to a Mosque before this, it really was a wow moment. 

The mosque truly is THE highlight of Abu Dhabi. 

Places we missed in Abu Dhabi 

With limited time, we didn’t get to explore everything. Two of the things that I would see if I go back to Abu Dhabi are: the Abu Dhabi Louvre museum, especially the structure of the museum and the roof, which makes it really one of a kind. And one other thing that I would take some time to go back and see is the Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan (the presidential palace). But because our driver for the day also didn’t emphasize it, we didn’t argue with him. There were still a few other things that we were interested in and wanted to see, rather than taking up more time in Abu Dhabi. 

But all in all, even from the car, you can see many things, we didn’t go out of our way to see these but if another opportunity comes about or if you have time, these would be the other things I suggest. 

Back to Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Fountains & All the Extras

On our way back, we made a pit stop at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and yep — we went all the way to the top. With a last-minute ticket purchase and one that allowed you to cut the line, did we pay a little more — yes. But were we also able to see this within a layover — also yes! There’s some give and take for when you’re short on time and want to see things as well. It's something that you need to figure out if it's worth it to you! The view? Impressive.

Once we came down from the Burj Khalifa, we entered the Dubai Mall as it connects directly to the Burj Khalifa and it’s right next to the Dubai Fountain. The mall itself is massive. No wonder it's the largest mall in the world. But you would think that, being something that's of that size, you wouldn’t feel like it’s that full. Wrong. It was packed! People everywhere! And I’m fine with crowds, but even I’d say that this was overwhelming. 

Here’s the thing, as someone who’s traveled a lot (New York, Vegas, Europe, Africa…), parts of Dubai honestly felt a bit ‘too perfect’ and a little too replicated. The Dubai Fountain, aka the musical fountain, has a nice show in the evenings and is great to watch right from the promenade with the Burj Khalifa in the background and its light show during this time. But to be fairly honest, it reminded me of the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the skyscrapers felt much like a New York skyline, and the luxury felt a little over the top commercial. 

What else did we see in Dubai? 

We stopped by the Dubai Marina, which I do have to say was a little more my vibe of being able to have a boardwalk, being able to walk (it’s something that I love to do — and why I absolutely love Europe of being able to walk everywhere) and it was right on the water. 

Also, we drove by the first “unofficial” 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Our driver and others do call it the 7-star hotel, but apparently it was only coined by a British journalist as the 7-star hotel as it's that over the top. 

Then we went by another hotel that our driver recommended, the Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, and we went into this one. And if I were to go back to Dubai and spend a little more time, this would be high on the list. Yes, this one, like the rest, was luxurious, but this one had a particular feeling as if you were transported back to a little peaceful Arabian village that meets the canals of Venice. The reason I was probably attracted to it and why our driver recommended it for next time was because it's different from the rest, and not the typical Dubai skyscrapers like the rest — but it has a great view of the Dubai skyline. 

Still, it’s a great city to see once (or more times if you like it), but this is a city you truly have to experience for yourself. It’s a hit or a miss of a city for people.  But for me, it was a little bit of that feeling of returning to the US, and it reminded me why I had left the United States for Europe. 

Places we missed in Dubai

If I were to have more time in Dubai, there are plenty of other things that I would have fit into my trip. Some of these things would have been going on a desert safari amongst the dunes in a 4x4 and camel riding. That’s something I will most definitely do my next time around. 

Another thing that I would be interested in is seeing the Al Fahidi Historical District, just to see what old Dubai looked like. Although it's great to see all the new skyscrapers and the shiny new buildings being built, what was Dubai like before all of this? 

Airport Lounge Time and Travel Tips

There you have it, a quick Dubai and Abu Dhabi exploring, and back to the airport we went early the next morning. Some airports (especially when it’s your “home” airport) you know how long lines are and what direction everything is, but it’s always a good idea to get to the airport during transit a bit earlier, especially with security check and potential visa checks. But getting to the airport earlier has some positives too, especially if you also have a traveling prized possession like a Priority Pass that grants us into many lounges. And Dubai airport is not short of lounges. With a visit to the Marhaba lounge — we had ourselves some food before the final bit of our next flight back to Budapest.

Just a note — we checked with Emirates in Seychelles beforehand to make sure we didn’t need to pick up our bags during the stopover and that it was okay to explore the city center without needing a UAE transit visa (this depends on your passport and nationality, so definitely check!).

My tips for a short layover in Dubai

1. Double-check your onward travel details.

Before leaving the airport, confirm your checked baggage situation and onward boarding pass. Ask clear questions at check-in on your first flight — you don’t want surprises when it’s time to reconnect with your journey.

2. Check visa requirements for your passport. 

Transit visas vary depending on your nationality. Make sure you know whether you can leave the airport and how much time you’ll have based on your visa situation.

3. Have a clear plan — but stay flexible. 

Know what you want to get out of your layover. Pick one or two must-see spots and keep your goals simple. If you have extra time, it’s a bonus — but don’t overload your schedule.

4. Carry cash — and know the local currency. 

While your credit card will be accepted, having some local cash on hand (AED — Dirhams) is smart, especially for taxis or quick purchases.

5. Set up an eSIM for easy internet access.

Stay connected without the hassle by using an eSIM from services like Mobimatter. You can activate it beforehand, giving you immediate access to maps, ride apps, translations, and anything else you might need as soon as you land— without scrambling for a SIM card or relying on airport Wi-Fi. Just make sure your mobile device is compatible! 

6. Don’t be afraid to negotiate taxi fares. 

If your driver doesn’t turn on the meter and you’re paying cash, it’s okay to negotiate the price upfront.

7. Prioritize quick food stops if needed. 

If you’re short on time, don’t stress about dining at a fancy spot. You can grab a quick meal almost anywhere — even a simple order of fries at Burger King will keep you moving.

8. Pack water and a snack. 

Always keep a small bottle of water and a light snack in your bag. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s heat, staying hydrated is critical — and you don’t want to waste time searching for a store.

9. Take advantage of airport lounges. 

If your hotel stay is too short for breakfast, or you’re back at the airport early, lounges are a lifesaver. I personally love using my Priority Pass — lounges offer a chance to recharge, free wifi if you aren't using an eSIM, grab some good food and drinks, and avoid paying steep airport prices.

10. Mind the time zone change. 

Jet lag can sneak up on you. Set alarms and reminders — time flies faster than you think during a layover adventure.

11. Dress smart for the culture. 

Even though Dubai is international and modern, it’s respectful (and sometimes necessary) to dress modestly — especially if you visit malls, mosques, or public spaces.

12. Build in a safety buffer for traffic.

Dubai traffic can get wild, especially around peak times. Always leave way more time to return to the airport than you think you need.

Final Thoughts

So, is the United Arab Emirates worth exploring during a long layover? Absolutely. Even if it’s just for a full day, there’s so much to soak in  and experience the vibe of a Middle East metropolis. Plus, with UAE-based airlines like Etihad Airways and Emirates, it’s easy to add a Dubai stopover or Abu Dhabi stopover to your long-haul flights.

Would I go back? Probably to explore Yas Island and Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi, or maybe try out dune bashing  and camel riding — but for now, I’m just so glad we said yes to the adventure.

Until the next trip! 

Esther ✈️