You may be waiting to make a brief connection or you may have a couple of hours before the next flight, the Dubai International Airport has much more to offer than the necessities. At its three terminals, it has luxurious shopping, global dining, high-end lounges, fitness centers, and family-friendly areas that can make your layover a relaxing and pleasant experience.
Dubai Duty Free is among the most renowned attractions of the airport and is universally recognized as one of the most popular retailers of an airport in the world. Having stores in Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, the passengers can find thousands of products including luxury fashion and perfumes, electronics and local souvenirs. The majority of outlets are available 24 hours, so you can do your shopping no matter the time of your flight. The duty-free shop offers world-famous brands like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Cartier, Rolex, Swarovski, Bose, Apple accessories, Samsung, Sony, LEGO, Lindt, Godiva, Toblerone, CamelBak, and so on. The travelers are also able to buy premium dates, Arabic sweets and saffron, gourmet chocolates, fine jewelry, watches, luxurious handbags, perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and premium spirits as well as exclusive travel editions not offered by the standard retail stores.
Dubai Duty Free sells a great variety of gifts inspired by the UAE such as camel milk chocolates, Arabic coffee sets, oud fragrances, high-quality dates, handmade souvenirs, traditional sweets, and collections of Emirati gifts. These will make considerate gifts without the need to exit the airport.
The biggest benefit is the Reserve and collect service whereby passengers are able to shop online and pick their desired products before they set out on a trip and pick them at the airport before they take off. The Dubai Duty Free also creates time-limited offers, special packages, and giveaways during the holiday periods and major holidays which are popular among frequent passengers.
Although luxury goods like perfumes, cosmetics, high-end liquor, and chocolates may offer great value, it still makes sense to shop around before buying more expensive electronics or accessories of a particular designer in your native country.
When you are passing through DXB, you should do your shopping during the last flight in the trip, where possible. Having more than one shopping bag on another security check or a lengthy terminal transfer may be inconvenient.
The diverse airport dining experience in Dubai International Airport is one of the most varied in the world. Starting with authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and Emirati specialty to international fast food, upscale steakhouses, artisan coffee shops, and healthy dining ideas, there is something that is appropriate to every traveler and every schedule.
Giraffe World Kitchen is a popular place among long-haul travelers and families, which has a wide international menu and is situated in Terminal 3. The restaurant offers Asian noodles and burgers, Mediterranean salads and hearty breakfast dishes, which means it is a great option to consider when you want to invite people with diverse tastes. During long layovers, it is especially attractive due to its large seating, casual environment and sizeable portions. Prices lie in the Moderate range and service is usually deemed efficient even in busy travel times.
The Daily DXB specializes in fresh ingredients, healthy food and gourmet sandwiches, specialty coffee and freshly baked pastries. It is particularly well favored among business travelers who might need a lighter meal prior to boarding or anyone who wants to enjoy a quieter cafe setting than the more busy food courts. The coffee shop has a contemporary design, a strong Wi-Fi connection in the area, and a grab-and-go menu that would be beneficial with shorter connections. Price: Moderate
Pret A Manger offers freshly prepared salads, wraps, soups, baguettes, organic coffee, and fresh juices. All the food is cooked on a daily basis and it is also one of the healthiest fast food restaurants within DXB. Customers with limited timetable boarding flights can find the haste of service satisfactory and at the same time consume quality food and coffee. Price: Moderate
Jones the Grocer, which has an Australian-inspired menu, comprises of artisan food with specialty coffee in a relaxed sit-down atmosphere. Delicate sandwiches, high quality steak, fresh seafood, breakfast, and made-to-order desserts are among the signature dishes. It makes a great destination when people are in need of a calm meal before a tedious long distance travel. Price: Premium
Starbucks has multiple restaurants across the Dubai International Airport and thus it is one of the most convenient spots to have a good cup of coffee irrespective of the terminal. In addition to its well-known coffee menu, the passengers have the option of pastries, cakes, sandwiches, and light snacks. To customers who have to work on a layover, Starbucks is still one of the most convenient spots due to its charging stations and cozy seats in the vicinity. Price: Moderate
Another trusted option for specialty coffee, teas, muffins, pastries, and toasties is Costa Coffee, which offers various options of quick breakfast. Starting early morning and transit services make Costa one of the busiest cafes within DXB. The menu serves travelers well who are in need of a quick caffeine bite without having to make a full meal. Price: Moderate
McDonald's has burgers, fries, breakfast, coffee, desserts, and kid meals all day long, which are a comforting meal to people who are flying and want to have something they know well. It is especially helpful when the layover is shorter, as it can be served fast. Price: Budget
Shake Shack offers high quality burgers, chicken sandwiches, crinkle-cut fries, frozen custard, and shakes. The freshness of its products and the quality that it always upholds have made it one of the most popular casual dining spots at the airport. Price: Moderate
The airport restaurant provides traditional American cuisine such as burgers, steaks, barbecues and the signature desserts. Interiors based on music give an energetic feel that is totally unlike the modern-day airport restaurant. It is especially appropriate to those passengers who have a longer wait time and prefer a full-service dining experience. Price: Premium
DXB has a number of restaurants that offer authentic Arabic cuisines such as shawarma, grilled kebabs, mezze platters, hummus, falafel, machboos, fresh Arabic bread, and traditional desserts such as kunafa and baklava. Visiting the UAE for the first time, it is a great idea to have a taste of the local delicacies before departing the airport to get a taste of what Emirati and Middle East cuisine are all about.
Shopping at the Dubai International Airport is much more than just the duty-free shops. The terminals are also home to luxury boutiques, electronics stores, bookstores, travel goods, and beauty shops and souvenir shops.
Shoppers can shop at boutiques such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Coach, Michael Kors, Longchamp, Montblanc, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret, and various luxury watch retailers with brands like Rolex, Omega, Longines, TAG Heuer and Tissot. Technology stores stock high-quality headphones, travel adapters, cameras, gaming accessories, smartwatches, mobile accessories, drones, and the newest consumer electronics. The travelers who have forgotten their charging cables, power banks or travel gadgets can typically find good alternatives irrespective of the terminal.
Bestselling novels, children's books, travel guides, magazines, stationery and travel accessories are available in bookstores and convenience stores, and locally inspired gifts such as Arabic lanterns, hand crafted ornaments, camel inspired gifts, spices and high-end date gift boxes are available in souvenir shops.
The long-distance traveling may be exhausting and DXB offers various wellness services to allow their passengers to have a rest before the next flight.
Premium lounges have shower facilities where travelers who have landed overnight flights can have a shower before getting on to other flights. It is also easy to relieve fatigue during the trips with spa services providing massages, beauty treatments and express therapies that can be found in selected terminals.
The airport has quiet seating areas, family rooms, comfortable lounges and wellness oriented areas to relax outside the busy boarding gates.
Dubai International Airport does not just provide shopping and dining. The terminal with its extensive glass walls will be a great place to watch the continuous flow of Emirates A380s, Boeing 777s and other planes around the world.
The airport is adorned with art installations and rotating exhibitions that portray the fusion of modern design and culture in Dubai. Ramadan, Eid, National Day, and winter holiday seasonal decorations also ensure that the atmosphere is lively to the travelers. Family travellers will be pleased to have designated play areas in some terminals, as well as baby-care and family rest areas that will make long layovers a lot more bearable.
Dubai International Airport is incredibly linked with the city and thus travelers can access most of the major destinations fast and conveniently.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 can be accessed by the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, which transports people in one of the quickest and cheapest ways to reach Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Business Bay, and numerous other important destinations. The metro is a great option among solo travelers and tourists due to the frequency of trains during the day.
Dubai taxis are official, run 24 hours a day and can be found at all terminals where the passengers arrive. The cars are metered, professionally controlled, and are one of the most convenient means of accessing the hotels, business districts or residential zones in the entire city.
Both Uber and Careem are active within DXB and have designated pickup points outside of every terminal. The reservation via the corresponding mobile applications is easy, and high-quality cars are provided to travelers who want to enjoy extra comfort.
Complimentary or pre-organized airport shuttle services are offered by many hotels in Dubai. It is a good idea to enquire with your accommodation once you arrive, particularly in case you are staying in the areas around the airport or in major tourist areas.
The airport has international rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and Thrifty that have counters at the airport. Those travelers who intend to explore the UAE on their own can have a vehicle ready as soon as they arrive.
Dubai International Airport has an extensive assortment of services that are aimed at helping the passengers during their travels.
All the terminals have currency exchange counters and ATMs that can provide access to both UAE Dirhams and most international currencies. SIM cards can be bought locally from Etisalat and du providers and thus visitors find it easy to be connected as soon as they land in the country.
Free Wi-Fi is available in nearly all areas of the airport, with charge points near departure gates, lounges, and food courts. The terminals also have pharmacies, medical clinics, prayer rooms, baby-care centers, convenient restrooms, and information desks spread out all over.
The passengers requiring lost luggage services can use the lost and found service of the airport, and bag wrapping services and porter services are provided to passengers who have either valuable luggage or overweight luggage in specific places.
In contrast to the conventional airport lounges, Al Majlis is a fully focused VIP terminal with each client receiving an exclusive and personalized atmosphere from the entry point through to the boarding gate. The facility, created in the latest luxury and elegant, serene Emirati style, is an escape from the hustle of one of the busiest airports in the world. Each of the spaces is designed to provide comfort, privacy and customised hospitality.
The majlis-style lounges are beautifully furnished with cozy seating, elegant interiors and personal relaxation zones and are accompanied by attentive hospitality during your stay. Visitors have a chance to have a relaxing experience with Airport Assist personnel securing check-in, immigration, baggage handling, and boarding processes in the background.
Those travellers who want to have maximum privacy may rest in exclusive VIP suites with spacious seating, entertainment systems, private workspaces and concierge services. These suites are famous especially among diplomats, corporate executives, celebrities, royal families, and guests who are travelling on confidential business or official trips.
Business travellers are offered superior meeting rooms, high speed internet, power points, printing facilities, and comfortable workstations. Be it presentation preparation or virtual meetings, guests can be as productive as possible with Airport Assist taking care of all the airport formalities.
Meals, high quality drinks, traditional Arabic coffee, snacks, and international foods are served all day. Al Majlis has custom-made meals — unlike the buffet meals offered by other airport lounges where the timing of meals is dictated by the schedule, travellers here are able to have restaurant quality meals at their own pace.
Al Majlis can be accessed by making an advance reservation and premium airport service booking. Airport Assist is able to organize the entire Al Majlis VIP package, which includes Meet and Greet, private immigration, special security clearance, aircraft transfers, baggage transport, and concierge.
Airport Assist has the ability to organize high-end chauffeur-driven transfers with executive sedans, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, luxury SUVs and luxury people movers. Guests are received by chauffeurs at the entrance of Al Majlis or the aircraft and are driven anywhere they wish to go in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE.
Among the most unique aspects of Al Majlis is the transfer of luxury vehicles to the private terminal and aircraft. Rather than entering the airport via gates, visitors are driven straight onto the airport apron in luxury cars which offer a non-obtrusive and hassle-free boarding experience.
Dubai Taxi Corporation has good, metered taxis running 24 hours a day at Dubai International Airport. Airport Assist will be able to organize priority taxi services directly at Al Majlis, which means that after the completion of arrival formalities, there will be minimum waiting time.
Uber and Careem are widely available across Dubai, and they provide convenient rides to hotels, business areas, and key attractions. Airport Assist will allow you to book a ride in advance, such that your driver can be available the moment you step out of the private terminal.
Dubai International Airport has service counters of major international rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, Dollar and Thrifty. Airport Assist can also help with vehicle pick-up, paperwork, and expedited check-in to enable guests to start their trip on time.
There are currency exchange counters, banking facilities and automatic teller machines all over Dubai International Airport. Guests using Al Majlis can seek the help of the foreign exchange by calling the concierge staff without stepping out of the comfort of the private lounge.
Etisalat by e&, du, and Virgin Mobile UAE have tourist SIM cards that can be easily obtained at Dubai International Airport. Airport Assist will assist in making the activation arrangements prior to departure from the airport, enabling you to remain connected as soon as you land in Dubai.
The Al Majlis terminal has high-speed free Wi-Fi, which allows guests to access the internet and engage in video calls, entertainment, or stay connected to family and colleagues during their stay.
Dubai International Airport provides medical help, emergency services and first-aid facilities 24/7. Airport Assist will be able to arrange instant assistance while assuring full privacy and the least amount of interference with your travel.
Professional porters handle all the baggage handling processes including check-in, clearance and oversized baggage as well as transferring bags between the vehicle and aircraft. This will enable guests to relax as all the logistic arrangements are done by trained personnel.
Al Majlis is well equipped to accommodate less mobile passengers. There are wheelchairs, accessible washrooms, lifts, buggy transportation and special personal escorts to make the elderly travellers and guests with special needs have a smooth, comfortable and dignified airport experience.