13 hours at Dubai Airport

Q: My wife and I have a 13-hour wait between flights at Dubai, from 3pm to 4.25am. Taking into account time for disembarking and the check-in time, we could be looking at trying to while away the time from 4pm-2am. Any suggestions on what we could do? If we decide to leave the airport will we need visas? - Peter Woods

A: You will need a special 96-hour visa to leave the airport, which you have to get in advance at a cost of 61 US dollars. With at least 10 hours to spare, there is plenty to see and do in Dubai. You could book a hotel room in the city, which would allow you to have a shower, change clothing and take a nap before and after your sightseeing. A room within 15 minutes drive of the airport should cost you around 150 US dollars. A cheaper bet would be negotiate a sightseeing tour with a taxi driver at the airport. Agree the itinerary and full price prior to setting off. The big shopping malls and souks are a must, but you may also like to check out the Jumeirah beachfront, the Dubai Creek (take a sunset tour on a traditional dhow), the famous Burj Al Arab hotel, the indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates and the wonderful Dubai Museum, which is open until 8.30pm.
If you arrive back at the airport with plenty of time to spare, you could treat yourself to a shower in one of the business class lounges. The DCA lounge has rooms and showers for short-time rental, and there is comfortable seating, computer access and snacks available.
If you would prefer to use the entire time relaxing in the terminal, then there are great shops and restaurants. And you save 122 US dollars for the two visas. If you would like to catch up on lost sleep, book into the Dubai International Hotel located on the arrivals level of Sheikh Rashid Terminal. It has all the services of a five-star hotel, including a gym and swimming pool. You do not need a visa to stay here. A 7-8 hour stay at the hotel will cost you around 300 US dollars.