We were off to India again which meant a change of plane at Dubai. Since last time we were in Dubai we had some items we wanted to return to do, it was a no brainer to travel out early and give ourselves 24 hours in Dubai for the second year in a row. So what did we do? We’ve got a penchant for history, luxury, and a splash of adventure, so of course, we checked into one of the world’s most iconic ships–the QE2. We loved our stay on the Queen Mary in LA, so when we saw the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) is now docked as a floating hotel in Dubai, it was a no-brainer. Here’s how we turned our layover into an unforgettable 24 hours.
Middle-of-the-Night Check-in
We arrived in Dubai just past 2 AM, checked into the QE2, and had a quick wander around this legendary ocean liner to get our bearings. The ship’s timeless elegance set the stage for the day, but after the whirlwind tour, we crashed for a power nap – four hours would have to be enough to fuel our adventure.
Early Morning: Breakfast and History
Our day kicked off with breakfast at the Arabian Tea House in Dubai’s historic district. Picture this: blue-and-white decor, lush greenery, and an authentic Middle Eastern breakfast in the heart of the city’s past.
Fueled up, we strolled around the souks, soaking in the sights, scents, and stories of old Dubai. This is where the city’s rich history meets vibrant culture – a must for any visit.
Futuristic Wonders
Next stop: Dubai’s Museum of the Future. This isn’t just any museum; it’s a journey to the year 2070. We loved the interactive exhibits that transported us to life on a spaceship, sparking our imaginations and making us feel like astronauts for the day. It’s a fascinating dive into where humanity is headed and a definite highlight of our whirlwind tour.
Beach Vibes and Sunshine Sips
After our futuristic adventure, we headed to the beach to unwind with a cocktail in hand. Sun, sand, and the turquoise waters of the Gulf gave us a blissful breather before we launched into the afternoon’s lineup.
Back to the QE2: Classic Pub with a Side of Nostalgia
By late afternoon, we were back on the QE2 for a pint at the Golden Lion, Dubai’s oldest pub (established in 1994). Stepping into this cozy spot, we felt like we were back in a classic British pub, an experience that was equal parts refreshing and nostalgic.
We followed up with a historic tour of the ship, marveling at its original décor and tales from the high seas.
Evening Glam at Burj Khalifa
After a quick drink on the aft deck, we donned our finest for an evening near the Burj Khalifa. A delicious meal, crafted cocktails, and the light show dancing on the world’s tallest building gave us a perfect Dubai evening vibe. It was the best way to wrap up our whirlwind day before heading back to the QE2, collecting our bags, and making it to the airport in time.
The Perfect Layover: Mission Accomplished
This layover was everything we could have asked for – history, modern marvels, beach bliss, and a night of elegance in Dubai’s dazzling downtown. Whether it’s the first of many visits or a one-time stop, Dubai can pack a lifetime of experiences into a single day.
Insider Tips:
Got a layover in Dubai? Make it a point to book a night on the QE2 – there’s nothing quite like waking up on a piece of history in a city that’s always looking toward the future!
Due to our flight times (arrival 0020/ departure 0200) we decided to book two nights on board QE2 to guarantee a bed when we arrived and also a shower after our days exploring before heading back to airport. Our basic cabin was £75pn booked through Booking.com
If you’re visiting The Museum of the Future- make sure you book your tickets at least 3 weeks in advance. We didn’t and got stung on “on the day” tickets. It was worth it but frustrating as we paid 3 times the normal entrance fee- however we did get to skip the line (which was long)
Don’t bother using the Hop on Hop off bus in Dubai for a day trip . Traffic is bedlam at all hours and it’s physically impossible to cover the whole route and get off the bus and complete the circuit in a day. We tried last year and spectacularly failed. You possibly could do the circuit without getting off in a day.
We preferred using Ubers which although costly were convenient, and allowed us 20/30 mins to relax/ cool down and Power Nap to maintain energy levels having only had 4 hrs sleep.Yo
You can check out our previous Dubai 24 hrs layover adventure here
Next Stop 🇮🇳 India
Loving all your posts. You certainly pack a lot in!