everything to know about international dubai airport guide (DXB)

Ranked as the number one busiest airport in the world, the Dubai international airport has a lot to offer you. DXB makes for the most interesting travel hub across the world. Spread over an area of 7,200 acres with an estimate of over 90 million passengers every year, this airport is going to give you the best of experiences.

Travelling is such an essential part of our life. We keep on traveling to various destinations all across the year. But the airports also make up for an important part of the journey. This is why we bring you this everything you need to know at Dubai International airport guide DXB.

Terminals at Dubai International airport DXB

The world’s busiest airport is made of three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

Terminal 1 operates for all the flights excluding Qantas and Emirates.

Terminal 2 stands for cost-effective airlines and regional flights.

Terminal 3 consists of three gates which are Gate A, Gate B, and Gate C. These gates are extensively used by Emirates, Qantas, Gulf Air, and Qatar Airways.

Traveling between terminals

There are various options for you to travel from one terminal to the other. It takes anywhere between 10 minutes to half an hour to travel between these terminals. Your options are:

1. By foot-walking

2. Metro

3. 24 hours free shuttle bus service

Security and Customs at DXB

Restricted Items in Dubai international airport

Every airport has certain rules of what is permitted and what is not. DXB airport has these listed items which are absolutely restricted in your luggage:

1. More than 100 ml of any liquid
2. More than 100,000 AED in cash
3. More than 20 kgs of curd
4. More than 50 liters of oil
5. More than 10 kgs of fruits and vegetables
6. More than 500 gm of saffron 
7. More than 5 kgs of herbs and spices
8. All kinds of narcotic drugs
9. Rhinoceros horns
10. Cooked and homemade food
11. Goods from Israel

Dubai Airport immigration

Immigration is where the government officials check for your documents and details. They ask for this information for the verification process. It involves documents like your passport, visa, airline tickets, and also your hotel booking.

Fast track immigration

This immigration process is made easier with the recent introduction of e-gates. For this facility, you would require a barcode on your passport and you have to register yourself for this at the airport prior.

Airport Lounges

Airport lounges are one of the most premium parts of traveling via airports. Everything from the comfort to the luxury, being in Dubai, makes your stay worthwhile. These lounges are made so the passengers can relax with better facilities because let’s be real, flight journeys can get a bit too tiring, especially with all the luggage that you’re carrying.

Dubai international airport offers you a range of lounges. Let us have a look at some of them:

• Premium Plaza lounge

(Terminal 3, A gates)

Spanning over 1,200 square meters with an Arabic-inspired interior, this lounge can accommodate over 250 passengers. With private family suites, live cooking stations, smoking rooms, shower rooms, and aero bars, your stay will be filled with the utmost comfort.

• Marhaba Lounge

(DWC, DWC – Departures, Terminal 1, Terminal 1 – D, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 – A)

A lounge with business facilities and open buffets, accessible by anyone irrespective of their class of travel. It is located in every terminal of the Dubai international airport. It also comes with a bar service.

• Emirates Business Lounge

(Terminal 3)

With a variety of facilities for both business class and first-class passengers, Emirates business lounge is known for its gourmet dining. It also offers exciting adventurous services like vintage arcade gaming and virtual reality.

Restaurants and Luxury Dining

Dubai International airport gives you a variety of choices for fine dining, coming from the world’s busiest airport. DXB offers a wide range of cuisines to choose from. Starting from coffee and quick bites to a wholesome dinner, you get it all.

• Coffee shops

Coffee and traveling goes hand in hand because what is life without coffee? Some of the people’s choices are Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Butler’s Chocolate, Dalmayr Coffee, and Pret a Manger.

• Restaurants

There is a wide range of options available when it comes to restaurants. What better way to grab a quick bite or pack something for the journey? You have options like Burger King, Desi Lunch Box, Flour & Stone, Giraffe, and even their own food court.

• Drinks

Like plenty of restaurants, you get a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to a place to drink at the Dubai international airport. From The Draft House, a vintage-inspired sports-themed bar with a live broadcast of sports channels to Jack’s Bar & Grill providing you with the classic mocktails. For more options, you have Heineken Lounge, Warehouse, Biggles Pub.

Health and Adventure

The international airport in Dubai knows how to keep its customers occupied. There are various facilities available for travelers to relax. They get to maintain their health even when they are at the busiest airport.

• Health club: With a swimming pool in the airport itself, you can join the G-Force health club in the airport’s hotel itself. You can avail of this facility even without staying at the hotel. You can also relax in the sauna or the jacuzzi.

• Spa facilities: What better way to spend your time in an airport than destressing yourself with a soothing massage? There are various options ranging from beauty to self-care to prepare yourself for your vacation.

• Kids zone: If you’re traveling with kids, make sure you visit the Kids zone in Terminal 3 to make the most out of airport experience. From trampolines to their basketball courts, the kids can be kept occupied for a while.

Rest yourself with some sleep

Whether you have a short layover or a long over, you can take a moment to get some uninterrupted rest with these options you have at the DXB airport:

• Sleep ‘N Fly Sleep Lounge

(Opp. Gate A1, Terminal 3)

Unwind yourself in this Dubai airport sleeping pods inspired by nature and tranquility. Designed for your comfort and relaxation with the necessary facilities. 

• Dubai International Hotel

(Terminal 3)

Located at the Dubai airport itself, for your convenience, Dubai International hotel stands for your utmost comfort. They never fail to give the best service to the customers and make their stay a memorable one.

This complete guide about the Dubai international airport will make you spend your time wisely. The range of options will make your stay engaging. This is not just another airport journey, this is Dubai International airport, a journey to remember.