16-Hour Layover in Sharjah: Explore Dubai’s Highlights with Transit Visa Guidance

Day 1: Dubai Layover Adventure

Sharjah/Dubai, United Arab Emirates on May 24, 2025

6:00am

Arrive at Sharjah Airport and clear immigration

Upon arrival, proceed to immigration. Since you have a 16-hour layover, you can apply for a UAE transit visa to leave the airport and explore. Transit visas are typically valid for 96 hours and can sometimes be obtained on arrival or prior through airlines or travel agents. Confirm with your airline or the Sharjah Airport official website if the visa needs to be arranged in advance.
AED100-150 approximately for visa, 1h

7:00am

Travel from Sharjah Airport to Dubai City Center

Take a taxi or use public transport. A taxi ride is recommended for convenience and takes about 30-40 minutes to downtown Dubai. There is no direct metro from Sharjah, so taxis or buses are best. Fare is around AED 70-90 by taxi.
AED70-90, 40m

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Mall area

Enjoy a wholesome and locally inspired breakfast at Baker & Spice, open from 8:00 AM. They serve fresh, organic options and a great view near the Burj Khalifa. Perfect start to your day.
AED50-70, 1h

9:00am

Visit Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

Purchase tickets in advance to visit At The Top, Burj Khalifa’s observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors. It opens at 8:30 AM. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Dubai and its desert surroundings.
AED169 (approx.), 1h

10:15am

Explore The Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain

Walk through the extensive Dubai Mall with shops, aquariums, and indoor waterfalls. Catch the Dubai Fountain show which runs every 30 minutes after 6PM and starting 1 PM typically for daytime shows. Ideal for some shopping and sightseeing.
Free to explore, aquarium paid separately, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Al Hallab Restaurant in Dubai Mall

Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine at Al Hallab, known for excellent Lebanese food with views of the fountain show. It offers a delicious and culturally rich dining experience.
AED70-120, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historic District

Take a taxi (about 15-min) to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where you can walk the traditional Arabian lanes and visit Dubai Museum (open 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM). It gives insight into Dubai’s old life before the modern skyscrapers.
AED3, 1h30m

3:15pm

Relax at Dubai Creek and take an abra boat ride

Walk to Dubai Creek and enjoy a ride on the traditional wooden abra boats to see the city from the water. The ride costs only AED1 and offers authentic local views.
AED1, 1h

4:15pm

Return to Sharjah Airport

Take a taxi back to Sharjah Airport, allowing about 40-50 minutes for travel, to ensure timely check-in and security procedures for your connecting flight.
AED70-90, 45m

5:00pm

Clear security and relax in Sharjah Airport lounge

After arriving back at the airport, go through security and relax in lounges available for international transit passengers. Use the time to recharge before boarding your flight to Russia.
Varies depending on lounge access, Until departure
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