Al Maktoum International Airport

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), also known as Dubai World Central or Dubai South, is Dubai's second airport and future mega-hub. Located 37 km southwest of Dubai city center in the Jebel Ali area, it currently handles cargo and limited passenger traffic while expanding to eventually become the world's largest airport.

The airport has a single passenger terminal currently in operation. Most Dubai passenger traffic still uses Dubai International (DXB), but DWC handles overflow traffic and some budget carriers.

Key airlines: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, flydubai (some flights), various charter and cargo operators.

Important: Most travelers to Dubai will use Dubai International (DXB), not DWC. Confirm which airport your flight uses.

Dubai Airport System

Dubai has two airports:

Dubai International (DXB) — 5 km from city center

• Emirates hub, main international airport
• 90+ million passengers annually
• Most flights to/from Dubai

Al Maktoum International (DWC) — 37 km from city center

• Secondary airport, still developing
• Budget carriers, cargo, overflow
• Far from main tourist areas

Connecting between DXB and DWC: Allow 2-3 hours minimum.

• Taxi/Uber: 45-60 minutes, AED 150-200
• No direct public transport connection

DWC is far from central Dubai:

• To Dubai Marina: 25 km, 25-35 minutes
• To Downtown Dubai/Burj Khalifa: 37 km, 35-50 minutes
• To Deira (old Dubai): 45 km, 45-60 minutes
• To DXB Airport: 60 km, 45-60 minutes
• To Abu Dhabi: 80 km, 60-75 minutes

The airport is surrounded by development zones, not tourist areas.

Uber and Careem operate at DWC.

• To Dubai Marina: AED 80-120 (~$22-33 USD)
• To Downtown Dubai: AED 120-160 (~$33-44)
• To Deira: AED 150-180 (~$41-49)
• To DXB Airport: AED 150-200 (~$41-54)

Dubai Taxis (cream-colored) available from the terminal:

• Metered rates, reliable
• Similar prices to rideshare

Metro

The Dubai Metro Route 2020 (Red Line extension) connects to DWC:

• Station: Expo 2020 station (end of Red Line)
• To Dubai Marina: 35-40 minutes
• To Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall: 50-55 minutes
• Cost: AED 8-12 depending on destination
• Hours: 05:00-00:00 (Fri: 10:00-01:00)

1. Exit terminal and follow Metro signs
2. Take Red Line toward Rashidiya
3. Transfer as needed

The Metro is the cheapest option but takes longer than taxi.

Bus

Limited bus service available—Metro or taxi is more practical.

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
Short Stay	AED 50/day	Terminal adjacent
Long Stay	AED 25/day	Shuttle available

Parking is affordable given the location.

Options at DWC are limited:

Airside:

• Café/restaurant with Middle Eastern and international food
• Coffee shops
• Basic snacks

Recommendation: Eat before arriving or at your destination. DWC's F&B options are minimal compared to DXB.

Network: DWC Free WiFi

• Cost: Free
• Speed: Good
• Registration via mobile number or email

SIM cards available from:

• Small kiosk in arrivals (limited hours)
• Better to purchase at DXB or Dubai city malls from Etisalat or du

UAE tourist SIM: AED 50-100 for data packages.

ATMs available in the terminal:

• Emirates NBD, FAB, other UAE banks

Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). Fixed rate: 3.67 AED = 1 USD.

Credit cards widely accepted throughout Dubai.

Airside:

• Small duty-free shop
• Very limited compared to DXB's massive duty-free

Save your shopping for DXB or Dubai's malls.

Marhaba Lounge

• Location: Airside
• Access: Priority Pass, various cards, or AED 200 ($54) walk-in
• Amenities: Food, drinks, WiFi
• Hours: Follows flight schedule

Limited lounge options due to low passenger volume.

Very limited hotels near DWC. The airport is in an industrial/development zone. Options:

• Rove at the Park: Near Expo City (short drive)
• Dubai Marina or JBR hotels are 25-30 minutes away

If you're flying into DWC, you're still visiting Dubai—the world's playground of luxury, shopping, and superlatives:

Getting oriented: DWC is near Dubai South and the Expo City Dubai site. Most attractions are 30-60 minutes north.

Top attractions (with travel time from DWC):

• Burj Khalifa: 45 min—world's tallest building, observation decks and fountain show
• Dubai Mall: 45 min—one of world's largest malls, aquarium, ice rink
• Palm Jumeirah: 35 min—iconic palm-shaped island, Atlantis resort
• Dubai Marina/JBR: 30 min—waterfront towers, beach, restaurants
• Old Dubai (Deira/Bur Dubai): 50 min—souks, Creek, traditional atmosphere
• Dubai Frame: 45 min—architectural landmark with views
• Expo City Dubai: 10 min—legacy site of Expo 2020

Dubai experiences:

• Desert safari: Dune bashing, camel rides, BBQ dinner
• Dhow cruise: Traditional boat dinner on Dubai Creek or Marina
• Brunch: Dubai's legendary Friday brunches (all-you-can-eat/drink)
• Beach clubs: Day passes at luxury hotel beaches
• Shopping: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Gold Souk

Food & drink:

• Dubai has every cuisine imaginable—from Michelin stars to street shawarma
• Alcohol: Available in hotels, licensed restaurants, and clubs (expensive)
• Brunch culture: Friday brunch is a Dubai institution
• Arabic cuisine: Lebanese, Emirati, and Gulf food are excellent
• Cheap eats: Pakistani/Indian restaurants in Deira and Karama

Local tips:

• Friday: Weekend day; brunches are popular, malls are packed
• Dress code: Modest dress in public (shoulders/knees covered); beachwear only at beach/pool
• Ramadan: Daytime eating/drinking in public is prohibited during holy month
• Alcohol: Only in licensed venues; don't drink in public
• Summer (June-September): Extremely hot (40°C+); everything is air-conditioned
• Best time: November-March for pleasant outdoor weather
• Taxis are cheap: Don't hesitate to use them
• Metro is efficient: Gold Class available for more space
• Dubai is safe: Very low crime rate