Hello... In addition to the various articles I've found online re: stopover opportunities, I was wondering if any regulars through DXB could help an EK-virgin plan a one or two night stopover. I'm flying GLA-KUL (in Y, sadly) so want to split my back to back 7hr+ flights with a day or two in Dubai.

Some specifics: I'm a researcher of architecture, so obviously there's plenty to do along those lines. But I'm also a pasty northerner, so I don't expect to have much tolerance for the climate. For a short stopover, is the public transit system extensive enough for me not to need to rent a car?

Finally, being a phd candidate, I'll be on a budget. A tight one. Any hidden gems for low cost hotel or hostel accommodation?

Thanks!

You won't need a car, as everything is perfectly reachable by taxi and lately the metro, which both are inexpensive.

With regards to the accommodation though, that is another thing. There is a youth hostel in Al Qusais, but that is kind of out of the way of everything.

You could try some cheap hotels in Bur Dubai, which will be close to the metro, but expect to get what you pay for. There are no "hidden gems" in Dubai as far as I know.

Try couchsurfing! Most of the time they are really really cool people and more than willing to show you around the city

Thanks... in fact I've built up a good rep on Hospitality Club, so maybe I'll find something there. Sadly I'm tied to arriving late one evening and departing two nights later early in the morning. Hopefully one full day and an evening should be enough for a first experience.

There are some cheap apartments around the $40 - $50 a night mark, Ramee Apartments is one, you can find more on the internet.

The Ibis hotel used to be cheap and is reasonably central. Taxis are pretty reasonably priced but not been since the Metro started a month ago. Its reach is still limited to one or two lines as I understand it so far, could be wrong there though. Other cheap-ish options I have been a Holiday Inn or two on the Deira side of the creek.

Try golden sands apartment hotel. Cheap and cheerful.