If you are flying to the UAE, be it on a visit or in transit, chances are you will be touching down at Dubai International Airport (DXB); here’s a quick look at what this world-class airport has to offer.
Three Terminals
There are three main terminals at the airport, namely Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 which cater to arrivals and departures and feature cutting-edge technology and diverse facilities. Terminal 1 focuses on international flights and has a train service, food court, free Wi-Fi and more.
Terminal 2 not only handles international flights but chartered and scheduled flights as well as those used for special events; apart from a range of facilities, it is also where the budget airline, flydubai, operates. Terminal 3 exclusively serves Emirates Airlines and has a dedicated facility for the A380; the newest of the three terminals, it has the latest features and a special passport control counter for kids too.
Transport Options
This modern airport is also well-connected with excellent transport options which adds to the convenience of travellers visiting Dubai; residences and resorts can be found within easy reach as well including properties like Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, accessible by way of airport taxis available at all terminals or a private limousine transfer service.
The airport is also linked to the Dubai Metro and features two metro stations in terminals 1 and 3; to use the metro, you will need an NOL card, available at the stations. Alternatively, there are bus stations across from the entrances of all three terminals and you will need an NOL card to pay for your ride. If you prefer to drive yourself, the airport has car rental kiosks from companies such as Europcar, Hertz and Budget.
Dubai Duty Free
Amongst the most popular aspects of this airport is undoubtedly Dubai Duty Free which is billed as the world’s largest travel retail operator. You can expect a massive range of luxury brands, electronics, liquor, food, and chocolates here which are reasonably priced too, adding to its allure. Since there are Dubai Duty Free stores at all the onsite terminals, accessing them will not be a problem while you should keep an eye out for special events and mega raffle draws as well.
Other Highlights
Apart from offering plenty of retail therapy, Dubai International Airport also has many other highlights that have made it a favourite amongst global travellers. Amongst these are its luxurious lounges some of which offer free access to certain credit card holders; you can expect everything from dining to massages and more.
Of course, the airport has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes as well including well-known franchises such as McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, and Starbucks. Those on long layovers can additionally make use of the sleeping pods called ‘sleep ‘n fly’ which can be found at terminals 1 and 3, while shower facilities are available too.
