A detour to Dubai during global travels can elevate any journey to a mini vacation, suggests national tourism agency Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET). 

In a press statement, the board says that Dubai is positioned conveniently along numerous flight paths with unlimited things to do and thus stands out as the ideal stopover destination. 

With two-thirds of the world’s population located within an eight-hour flight to Dubai, the metropolis is one of the busiest travel and connecting hubs, and a growing destination for stopover holidays.

DET has listed the varied facets of Dubai to explore on a stopover, ranging from luxury malls, unique art and technology museums, souks to Michelin-star dining. 

Coffee Museum 

At the Coffee Museum Dubai, visitors can discover the origins of coffee, dating all the way back to the legend of Kaldi

The board says coffee has always been an important part of Arabic culture. Located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the Coffee Museum is hidden inside the narrow lanes of the old district, showcasing the celebration of coffee culture in the Arabic traditions and globally. 

One can stop by to discover the origins of coffee, dating all the way back to the legend of Kaldi, a goat herder who is believed to have found the humble coffee bean, and how it made its way into the region from the Ethiopian highlands. 

Coffee grinders used in the First World War, historical data dedicated to coffee and old brewing pots are just a few of the artefacts on display.

Museum Of The future 

Museum of the Future is a landmark devoted to innovative and futuristic ideologies

Museum of the Future explores how society could evolve in the coming decades, combining elements of traditional exhibition, immersive theatre and themed attractions that look beyond the present to the future’s limitless possibilities. 

Visitors can discover the world’s greatest ideas, prototypes and inventions, and attend special workshops and talks that explore high-tech solutions.

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is part of the 20-billion-dollar Downtown complex, also called Downtown Dubai, adjacent to the iconic Burj Khalifa

The Dubai Mall features over 1,200 stores, two major department stores and hundreds of food and beverage outlets. It is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure, covering an area equivalent to 200 football pitches. The venue is home to a range of other fun attractions.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

The board says discerning travellers can see what life in Old Dubai was like during the mid-19th century at Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Located along Dubai Creek, this district is a key heritage site with much of the original infrastructure preserved and intact. 

The traditional wind towers, constructed from sandstone, teak, gypsum, palm wood and sandalwood, represent only a small part of Al Fahidi’s history. Each alley, twisting pathway and breezy tower tells a story of a life before the seven emirates.

Mott 32 Dubai 

Mott 32 Dubai is the latest joint in the city and located on the 73rd floor of Address Beach Resort. It is a tribute to Hong Kong culture and culinary tradition and represents a modern Chinese city. The restaurant is best known for its traditional Chinese cooking mixed with modern culinary innovation. 

The board adds that visitors here can try the popular applewood roasted Peking Duck, which takes 48 hours to prepare and is carved table-side, or savour the jasmine flower smoked black cod and freshly made dim sum.