Dubai is hands down the UAE’s most popular emirate and its vibrant heart. If you’re a first-time visitor, you might think you must plan a full trip to truly enjoy the city. However, if a day trip to Dubai is all you can plan for now, then let me assure you that you can still see its highlights in less than 24 hours. You just need to know how to do it efficiently, and I’m here to tell you how. 

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How to Get Around on Your Day Trip to Dubai

If you’re traveling in the UAE; especially if Dubai’s on your itinerary, nothing sounds like a better idea than a road trip! Not just because it’s the best method of transportation to get to Dubai, but also the most convenient one to get around the city. 

A day trip to Dubai means you’ve got so much to see and do in very little time. So, the hassle of public transportation, especially if it’s your first time in the city and you’re not familiar with it yet, will waste so much time. Luckily, Dubai has a great infrastructure so if you get around by car, everything is quite accessible and easy to reach. 

You might be thinking, why not just use ride-hailing apps? On one hand, apps like Uber and Careem are very pricey in Dubai in comparison to other destinations. On the other, finding a car can be quite a hassle.

When I was in Dubai, it always took a long time waiting for a diver to get to/find me. Also, in a lot of places, like malls, there are often excessively long queues and designated gates for taxis and ride-hailing services. I remember my first time in Dubai Mall was anxiety-inducing because of that. It was my very first night in Dubai, I was so tired, and it took me more than an hour to find an Uber and make it outside of the mall!

If you’re in Dubai for just one day, you can’t afford to waste so much time, right? That’s why when you think about it, renting a car is the best solution for your day trip to Dubai. It’s the smartest way to get around and make the most of your day. Add to that perks like flexibility, comfort, and privacy – this sounds like a great deal to me!

Now you might be wondering, where to get the car from? The UAE’s leading car rental service is Renty. The user-friendly platform offers an easy car rental process and also has a wide range of cars available at affordable prices. 

Things to Do on a Day Trip to Dubai

Dubai has so much to offer – there’s, obviously, a lot more to see and do than you can cover in one day. So, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of highlights you might want to include in your day trip to Dubai, based on your preferences and schedule.

Morning Activities

• Burj Khalifa: You can’t go to Dubai without visiting its most iconic landmark and the world’s tallest building! If you wish to go all the way up to the observation deck to catch exceptional panoramic views of the city, it’s best to go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Take a boat across Dubai Creek: Going on the traditional boat ride, known as abra, across Dubai Creek is one of the most off-the-beaten-path things you can do on your day trip to Dubai. You can take the boat from Deira to Bur Dubai and maybe check out the Grand Souk on the other side while you’re there.
• Explore the historic Al Fahidi Neighborhood: Speaking of off-the-beaten-path places, this was hands down one of my favorite places in Dubai.
• Relax at Jumeirah Beach or Kitebeach: If a beach day sounds like your ideal day trip to Dubai, the city has lots of options to choose from. Jumeirah Beach, with The Walk at JBR nearby, and Kitebeach, with its vibrant promenade, are 2 great options. Personally, I loved Kitebeach more because I got to kayak with the view of Burj Al Arab!

Mid-day Activities

• Dubai Marina: Another hotspot with so many dining options is the famed Dubai Marina. The views here are more on the glamorous side – in case you’d like to marvel at the fancy yachts, this is your go-to spot.
• Drive to Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis, The Palm: This palm tree-shaped man-made island is one of Dubai’s most astonishing offerings. There, you can explore the Lost Chambers Aquarium and you can have lunch at one of the many renowned restaurants.
• Visit the Souks: Want a more traditional, yet dazzling experience? Head to the Spice Souk and Gold Souk in Deira. The latter offers some jaw-dropping displays, so if the biggest gold necklace out there sounds like your kind of thing, you’ll like this market.
• Al Seef: This beautifully designed area, overlooking Dubai Creek, emits the traditional neighborhood’s charm but with a modern twist to it. 

Evening Activities

• Experience the Dubai Fountain show: If you want to skip the queue at Burj Khalifa and just check it out from outside, then catch the best view of the skyscraper from Dubai Mall. The famed Dubai Fountain is located there at the base of Burj Khalifa. The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM every day. So, you can grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area and enjoy the show as you dine before heading back. 

Practical Tips for a Day Trip to Dubai

• If you’re driving in Dubai, you need to have a valid international driving permit, along with your national driver’s license, your passport, and a visa (if one is required).
• Start your day early to make the most of your time and beat the crowds in case you’re heading to tourist attractions.
• Plan your itinerary and make a list of your priority attractions/activities.
• Do some research in advance to familiarize yourself with local traffic rules.
• Don’t forget to use designated parking meters so you won’t get fined.
• If you’re arriving from a nearby country, and not from within the UAE, you can conveniently rent your car from Renty’s desk at the Dubai International Airport.
• In the UAE, you’re required by law to have basic car insurance. If you rent via Renty, it should be covered and ready to use. 
• Stay hydrated. Dubai is a blazing-hot destination and its weather can be super intense and tiring. Carry a reusable water bottle – you can find clean water refill stations at various hot spots. 
• Wear light breathable clothes suitable for the weather and don’t forget sun protection.
• Check out my road trip packing essentials here to know what to pack. 

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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.

SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.

This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.

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