Dubai Intl Airport, United Arab Emirates (DXB) Flights & Information

Dubai DXB Airport is the busiest airport in both the United Arab Emirates as well as the entire Middle East. And by number of passengers, it is one of the busiest across the globe. Home carrier Emirates flies its more than 100 mammoth Airbus A380s from Dubai, and no other airport around the world sees more Boeing 777 and A380 departures than DXB. You can reach six continents from this major hub. Luckily, the airport has plenty of shops and restaurants to explore before you embark on your next flight from Dubai International Airport. Here’s what to expect during your visit.

DXB shopping and dining

Like all things in Dubai, the airport is also big, bold and beautiful. But, it is also aging and overstuffed with passengers as it nears its capacity limits.

What can you buy?

It has three terminals, and its duty-free shops are some of the most popular around the world when it comes to spending money on high-end goods without overpaying. You can buy anything at DXB from washing machines to jewelry and laptops.

If you were to buy these same items in the city center, you would have to pay the associated taxes. Because of this, DXB’s duty-free stores have become something of a tourist magnet.

With so many B777 and A380 aircraft, Dubai’s main airport has the highest average number of passengers per flight. Because of such heavy traffic, the duty-free stores can stock their inventory with everything under the sun and sell it quickly.

Big brand names

My favorite things to peruse when passing through DXB is the official Emirates merchandise at stores in Terminal 3. You can buy model airplanes, soccer jerseys with the Emirates logo, clothes and airline-themed toys.

Among the famous brands inside the airport are Adidas, Aesop, Burberry, Chanel and Gucci. There are also grocery stores like Spinney’s and Carrefour if you want to buy some grab and go snacks for the flight. For travelers without lounge access, these markets provide a more wallet-friendly option than the restaurants.

I often see a line of eager dinners at Hard Rock Cafe in Terminal 3 (near gate B25), but in that section of the airport, I prefer going to The Daily DXB, which is more like a food hall with different international menus to choose from, ideal if your traveling companions cannot settle on one preferred option.

Airport layout and terminals

The airport has three separate terminals, two of which are connected via the airport’s tram system. Each terminal is packed with shops, restaurants and lounges.

During the busiest periods of the day, it is common to see people sitting on the floor or lying on the floor or any open chair. This can make the airport look incredibly crowded and sometimes hard to navigate. Luckily, there are moving walkways that expedite your passage through the building.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is where most of the airport’s airlines fly from, including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France and KLM among more than 100 others. My preferred lounge here is the SkyTeam lounge, but I wish it had better views.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is home to Fly Dubai and several dozen other regional and low-cost airlines. Terminals 1 and 3 are connected by a tram, but the only way to get Terminal 2 is by shuttle bus. Terminal 2 is incredibly crowded, but it is being expanded. There is only one, average lounge, and most flights use buses to reach the plane where you board by stairs..

Terminal 3

Emirates dominates Terminal 3, which is the largest airport terminal in the world and the third largest building in general, based on floor space. From this terminal, you can fly to six continents around the world. It shares the terminal with its global partners Qantas and United, airlines with which it codeshares.

Since this is the airline’s main hub, its route network is designed to connect people on various flights timed to maximize the number of city pairs. Some connections only require a few hours at DXB, but others can take an entire day. The busiest time for this terminal is around midnight when nearly every gate is being used.

Luckily, this terminal has several excellent lounges, but the very best belong to Emirates. They feature live cooking stations, an open bar and even massage services. I like how there is a Costa Coffee shop inside the lounge itself, and in the first class lounge, a Moët & Chandon champagne bar offering several top labels paired with canapes.

If you do not have access to an Emirates lounge with your boarding pass, you can also purchase entry either online in advance or at the door. Emirates frequent flier members also receive a discount.

What I find impressive is that you can even buy a pass to either business or first class lounges. If you are looking for a little pampering, the latter is especially worth it (free spa treatments and shoeshines are available there). Just remember that during the busiest hours (usually around midnight), the option to buy access may not be available.

How to get to and from DXB

Taxis, rideshare services, rental cars and buses are available from all over the region to DXB. While Uber is an option, I recommend using local rideshare app Careem, which is usually cheaper and easier to find.

The Dubai Metro, which is actually an above-ground monorail system, goes all the way to the airport. I prefer this method when not traveling with heavy luggage because it can be faster. The Red Line goes to Terminals 1 and 3 while the Green Line goes to Terminal 2.

If you are flying business or first class with Emirates (on eligible paid tickets, but not most frequent flier redemptions), the airline treats you to a free car transfer to and from the airport. Using this service is very easy. Once you exit baggage claim, there is a transfer desk that will organize your ride.

What to do on a long layover at DXB

Depending on how long you have, there are many things to keep you busy during a layover or even just a few hours at or near the Dubai airport.

Get some rest

If you do not have lounge access or have no interest in perusing the numerous shops and restaurants, there is an airport hotel connected to Terminal 3. Known as the Dubai International Airport Terminal Hotel, which sells overnight accommodations or rooms on an hourly basis.

Inside the hotel is a swimming pool and fitness center, and if you do not want to sleep, but need to rejuvenate, you can pay for access to these facilities, too. The Sleep’N Fly venues offer paid access for a power nap or a shower, something I have availed myself of when I do not have lounge access. Families will love the gaming center with video games and virtual reality activities.

Timeless Spa offers more than 70 treatment rooms across Terminal 3 for massage and beauty treatments for a little pampering between flights.

Head into town

I recommend taking the metro’s Red Line into town, there is a lot to see. I recommend heading for Dubai Mall (under 40 minutes on the same metro line) where you can ride the high-speed elevator to the top of Burj Khalifa for incredible views and shop at the onsite souk for souvenirs or visit one of many local and international restaurants.

Save time to watch the dancing fountains coordinated to music outside or ride an abra along the canals. This is also where the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is as well as the Dubai Ice Rink for those that want some fun before returning to the airport.

What is Dubai Connect?

If you have an especially long layover between flights, Emirates offers eligible travelers access to a complimentary hotel room. This is only an option for travelers connecting between cities when there is no earlier possible flight to take.

Economy and premium economy passengers are eligible on layovers of between 8 and 26 hours. Business and first class can take advantage of Dubai Connect perks on layovers of between 6 and 26 hours. I have used this service, and it is nice to receive a free hotel and transit visa (if needed). Just be sure to reserve this service more than 24 hours before your departing flight.

If you fly Emirates, be sure to save your boarding pass because numerous attractions, restaurants and shops offer a discount during your visit to Dubai when you show it while making a purchase. The deals change regularly, and I recommend looking up the My Emirates Pass program online to see what discounts are available during your visit. They are not always on offer.

A new airport coming soon

Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport will eventually replace DXB, which is hemmed in on all sides by the growing city. The new airport will be much farther from the city center, however, which will increase travel time to the airport.

It will be substantially larger and more modern with a purpose-built design meant to handle the full scale of Emirates hub operation as well as all other airlines flying to the city. Eventually, the Metro’s Purple Line will connect both airports.