Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the primary international airport serving Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It ranks among the world's busiest airports for international passenger traffic, handling over 86 million passengers annually and serving as the main hub for Emirates and flydubai.

The airport has three terminals:

• Terminal 1: International airlines (Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and most non-Emirates carriers)
• Terminal 2: Budget and regional carriers, including flydubai and some charter flights
• Terminal 3: Exclusively for Emirates - one of the largest single terminal buildings in the world

Terminals 1 and 3 are connected airside and share the same concourse areas in some sections. Terminal 2 is physically separate and located on the opposite side of the airfield - reaching it from T1 or T3 requires exiting the airport and traveling by taxi or ride.

UAE Airports

The UAE has four major airports within a short distance of each other. Connections between them are common, especially for travelers combining Emirates with other carriers.

Sharjah (SHJ) — 18 km northeast

• Air Arabia hub (UAE's budget carrier)
• Budget alternative to DXB for nearby routes
• No rail link - taxi only (20-30 min, AED 60-80)

Al Maktoum / Dubai World Central (DWC) — 45 km south

• Dubai's second airport near Expo City
• Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, some charter flights
• Limited transit options - taxi/Uber only (40-60 min)

Abu Dhabi (AUH) — 116 km southwest

• Etihad Airways hub
• Major international airport with excellent lounges
• Bus/taxi 90-120 minutes, or Abu Dhabi-Dubai coach

Common connection scenarios:

• Emirates at DXB + Air Arabia at Sharjah (budget onward flight)
• Emirates at DXB + Etihad at Abu Dhabi (separate alliance bookings)
• flydubai domestic + Emirates international (same terminal complex possible)

Connecting between Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
E101/E102 Bus	2-2.5 hours	AED 25	Cheapest option
Taxi	75-90 min	AED 250-350	Fastest
Uber	75-90 min	AED 200-300	Slightly cheaper than taxi

Minimum connection time: For DXB ↔ SHJ, allow 3 hours. For DXB ↔ AUH, allow 5-6 hours. UAE traffic can be unpredictable, especially during rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm).

Pro tip: If flying Emirates + Etihad on separate tickets, both airlines offer through-check agreements on some routes. Ask at check-in whether your bags can be transferred.

DXB is located approximately 5 km from Deira and 15 km from Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa area). Travel times vary by destination:

• Deira: 10-15 minutes
• Downtown Dubai/Burj Khalifa: 15-25 minutes
• Dubai Marina/JBR: 30-45 minutes
• Palm Jumeirah: 35-50 minutes
• Abu Dhabi: 60-90 minutes

The Dubai Metro Red Line connects directly to Terminals 1 and 3, making it the fastest and most affordable option for most destinations.

Uber and Careem (the local rideshare service, now owned by Uber) are both available at DXB. Follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup areas.

Typical rideshare fares:

• Deira: AED 35-50 (~$10-14 USD)
• Downtown Dubai: AED 50-75 (~$14-20 USD)
• Dubai Marina: AED 80-120 (~$22-33 USD)
• Abu Dhabi: AED 250-350 (~$68-95 USD)

Dubai Taxis (cream-colored with red roofs) queue outside all terminals. Taxis are metered with a AED 25 airport surcharge. Fares are similar to rideshare prices. All taxis accept card payments.

Ladies-only taxis (pink roofs) are available for female passengers traveling alone or with children.

The Dubai Metro Red Line is the fastest and cheapest way to reach most parts of Dubai.

Metro Access

• Terminal 1: DXB Terminal 1 Metro Station (directly connected)
• Terminal 3: DXB Terminal 3 Metro Station (directly connected)
• Terminal 2: No direct metro access - take taxi to Airport Free Zone Metro Station

Metro Fares and Travel Times

Destination	Fare (Nol Card)	Time
Deira (Union Station)	AED 4-6	10-15 min
Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall)	AED 6-8	20-25 min
Dubai Marina	AED 8-10	45-50 min

Purchase a Nol Card (AED 25 including AED 19 credit) from machines at metro stations. Alternatively, use contactless payment on newer gates.

Metro Hours

• Saturday to Wednesday: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM (midnight)
• Thursday: 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM
• Friday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM

For late-night arrivals outside metro hours, taxi or rideshare is your only option.

Airport Shuttle Bus

Free shuttle buses connect T1, T2, and T3 on the landside. The shuttle is useful if you've booked a hotel near a different terminal but isn't practical for connections (you must exit the airport).

DXB offers extensive parking facilities:

• Short-term (Terminals 1 & 3): AED 20/hour, maximum AED 200/day
• Long-term parking: AED 100/day with free shuttle to terminals
• Multi-story parking: AED 10/hour, AED 80/day maximum

Pre-booking online via the Dubai Airports website can reduce rates by up to 30%. Valet parking is available at Terminal 3 for AED 350/day.

DXB offers extensive dining options across all terminals, open 24/7 in most cases.

Terminal 3 (Emirates)

• Concourse A: Costa Coffee, McDonald's, Shake Shack, Paul Bakery, Giraffe World Kitchen
• Concourse B: Five Guys, Pret A Manger, The Maine Oyster Bar, Jamie's Italian
• Concourse C: Tim Hortons, Wendy's, KFC, Irish Village pub

Terminal 1

• Concourse D: Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Papa John's, Subway, Asian Kitchen
• Duty Free Food Court: Multiple quick-service options

Terminal 2

• Airside: Limited options - Costa Coffee, Subway, basic food court
• Landside: Popeyes, Starbucks, local cafeterias

Terminal 3 has the best dining variety. For sit-down meals, Jamie's Italian and The Maine Oyster Bar in Concourse B are popular choices.

Free WiFi is available throughout DXB. Connect to "DXB Free WiFi" - no registration required for the first 60 minutes. After that, speeds may be reduced but connection continues.

For faster speeds, Emirates Business and First Class lounges offer premium WiFi. The paid "DXB Fast WiFi" tier is available for AED 50/day.

WiFi quality is generally good for video calls and streaming throughout the airport.

SIM cards are available at multiple locations:

• Etisalat and du stores in arrivals (all terminals)
• Dubai Duty Free electronics sections
• Vending machines near baggage claim

Typical Prepaid Plans

Carrier	Plan	Price	Includes
Etisalat	Tourist SIM	AED 55	1GB data, local calls
du	Tourist Plus	AED 80	3GB data, local & int'l calls
Etisalat	Visitor Pack	AED 110	5GB data, extended validity

Bring your passport - it's required for SIM registration in the UAE. Activation is immediate at carrier stores.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals, operated by major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and ENBD.

• ATM locations: After immigration, near gates, in duty-free areas, arrivals halls
• Currency: UAE Dirhams (AED), pegged to USD at approximately 3.67 AED = $1 USD
• Foreign transaction fees: Vary by your home bank, typically 2-3%

Currency Exchange: Travelex and UAE Exchange operate multiple counters in all terminals. Airport rates include a significant markup (5-10%). For better rates, exchange money at banks or malls in the city, or use ATMs.

Dubai is highly card-friendly - credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, often with no additional fees.

Dubai Duty Free is one of the world's largest airport retail operations, spanning all terminals with over 36,000 square meters of retail space.

Popular Categories

• Gold and Jewelry: Dubai is famous for gold - prices are competitive even at the airport
• Perfumes: Wide selection of Arabic and international fragrances
• Electronics: Cameras, phones, laptops (verify warranty coverage)
• Spirits and Tobacco: Significant savings for many destinations
• Dates and Arabic sweets: Excellent gifts at Bateel and other specialty shops

Notable Stores

• Terminal 3: Largest selection - Burberry, Hermès, Bulgari, Gucci, Tiffany & Co.
• Terminal 1: Full duty-free selection, slightly smaller than T3
• Terminal 2: Basic duty-free shop

Tip: Dubai Duty Free runs a popular raffle - buy tickets for a chance to win cars or cash prizes (AED 200-500 per ticket).

DXB offers numerous lounges across all terminals, with various access methods.

Emirates Lounges (Terminal 3)

• Emirates Business Class Lounge: Concourses A, B, C - Emirates Business passengers
• Emirates First Class Lounge: Concourse A, B, C - Emirates First Class passengers
• Emirates Skywards Gold Lounge: For Emirates Skywards Gold members traveling any class

Emirates lounges are expansive with full dining, bars, shower suites, and sleep rooms. The First Class lounge includes a full-service restaurant and spa treatments.

Priority Pass Lounges

• Marhaba Lounge (Terminal 1, Concourse D): Basic amenities, food, drinks, WiFi
• Marhaba Lounge (Terminal 3, Concourse B): Similar facilities to T1
• Sleep 'n Fly Lounge (Terminal 1 & 3): Rest pods available, Priority Pass with limited benefits

Other Access Options

• Ahlan Lounge (T1, T3): Pay AED 250-350 for walk-in access
• Business Class Lounges: Various airlines operate their own lounges in T1 (Air France, Lufthansa, etc.)
• Credit Card Access: Some premium cards (UAE-issued) provide lounge access

Day Passes

If you don't have status or card access, day passes are available:

• Ahlan Business Lounge: AED 295 (~$80 USD) walk-in, less if pre-booked
• Marhaba Lounge: AED 225-275 (~$60-75 USD) depending on terminal

In-Airport Hotels

• Dubai International Hotel (Terminal 1 & 3): Located inside security, ideal for transit passengers. Rooms from AED 400/night (~$110 USD). Day-use rates available.

Airport Adjacent Hotels

• Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre: Connected to Terminal 1 via walkway, 5-star property. Rooms from AED 500/night.
• Copthorne Hotel Dubai: Near Airport Free Zone, shuttle available. Rooms from AED 300/night.

Budget Options

• Premier Inn Dubai International Airport: Reliable budget chain, free airport shuttle. Rooms from AED 200/night (~$55 USD).
• Ibis Styles Dubai Airport: Near Terminal 2, affordable rates. Rooms from AED 180/night.
• Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport: Mid-range with free shuttle. Rooms from AED 250/night.

For very long layovers, consider staying in Deira or Downtown Dubai - both accessible via metro in under 25 minutes.

Dubai offers incredible experiences for layovers and visits:

Must-See Attractions

• Burj Khalifa: World's tallest building, observation deck tickets from AED 149. 20-25 minutes from airport via metro.
• Dubai Mall: One of the world's largest malls, adjacent to Burj Khalifa. Features aquarium, ice rink, and hundreds of stores.
• Dubai Frame: Iconic landmark in Zabeel Park, AED 50 entry. Views of old and new Dubai.
• Gold Souk: Traditional market in Deira, 15 minutes from airport. Haggling expected.

For Long Layovers (6+ hours)

• Desert Safari: Evening trips with dune bashing, BBQ dinner, entertainment - from AED 150. Book with reputable operators.
• Burj Al Arab: Visit for afternoon tea or dinner at this iconic hotel. Reservations required.
• Palm Jumeirah: Man-made island with Atlantis hotel, beach clubs, restaurants.

Practical Tips

• Weather: Extremely hot from May-September (40-50C). December-February is pleasant (20-25C).
• Dress Code: Dubai is cosmopolitan but conservative dress is appreciated, especially at malls and public areas. Beach resorts have separate dress standards.
• Alcohol: Available at licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. Not sold in regular shops. The airport duty-free is popular for purchases.
• Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. 10-15% at restaurants, small tips for taxi drivers.
• Currency: AED is pegged to USD. Credit cards widely accepted.

The Dubai Metro is the easiest way to explore during a layover. A trip to Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall) takes under 25 minutes from the airport and gives you access to Dubai's most iconic sights.