Exploring the Dubai Airport
The Dubai International Airport or DXB, is the city’s primary international airport as well as the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger traffic.
The airport also features a whole host of stores, restaurants, and relaxation amenities like spas, and sleeping spots. This makes the airport one of the best places for a layover in the event your journey does not go as planned.
Take a look at some of the things and activities you can do while waiting at the Dubai Airport.
Dining Options
A long flight can be quite exhausting and many tourists might land at the airport feeling hungry. As such, the Dubai Airport offers several food and drink outlets at its terminals.
After all, there are more than 135 different cafes and restaurants located in the Dubai International Airport ranging from fast food to more lavish dining options.
Budget flyers looking for a quick meal can find many familiar fast food chains and outlets. These include places like KFC, Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, and of course, Starbucks coffee.
On the other hand, more peculiar diners will be treated to more options along the concourses, right up to the departure gate. You can feast on a whole host of international cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, and even Greek food.
Likewise, the airport is close to the Dubai International Hotel, granting visitors access to its restaurants. It is perfect for those who prefer hotel dining at The Gallery and the Ahlan Lounge.
Visitors with a sweet tooth can also get a jolt of sugar rush at Candylicious or the Paul Bakery. You can even visit the Nutella Café which is perfect for chocolate lovers.
Shopping Places
Travellers are greeted to extravagant retail outlets as soon as they touch down at Dubai Airport. Concourse A, Terminal 3 in particular, is a good area to visit for some retail therapy before or after an exhausting flight.
Dubai Duty Free is probably the most well-known destination for airport shoppers. They can check out a variety of international brands and items like perfumes, accessories, electronics, and chocolates, all duty free.
Besides the Duty Free, travellers looking for well-known fashion brands can find clothing outlets like Chanel and Gucci. These boutiques are perfect for getting new apparel as gifts for your loved ones.
Visitors looking for other types of gifts may want to bring back souvenirs like local fruit and chocolate. Fragrances can also be bought along the different stores in the area.
In the event you do end up shopping a lot and want to check out other activities then don’t fret. You can store your luggage at Terminals 1 and 3 while you explore.
Luggage storage will cost around AED 20 to AED 25, depending on the size of your luggage. They will store them for up to 12 hours though, giving you ample time to walk around.
Exercise at Health Clubs
For those looking to sweat a bit in-between flights, the Dubai International Hotel has their Health Club accessible from Terminals 1 and 3.
Here, people can enjoy a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna, and even gym and shower facilities. Not a bad place to lose a few calories especially after indulging at the extravagant dining options nearby.
Get Pampered at a Spa
With as many as 71 spas and salons across Concourses A, B, C, and D at Terminal 1 and 3, visitors can easily get some relaxation before their next trip.
Guests can get services such as massages and Japanese body treatments to help them shake off the stresses of travel. There’s also beauty treatments such as aromatherapy, body scrubs, and their well-known facials.
Visitors can also relax at the nearby Zen Gardens, where you can just soak up the sun and catch up on your reading. Children can also play in the garden if they want.
Freshen Up at the Dubai Airport’s Premium Lounges
For those looking for comfort beyond what most of the crowd frequents nearby, airport lounges may just be the facility for you. These lounges typically offer more comfortable seating and quieter environments away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.
For example the Emirates Business Class Lounge is considered one of the best lounges at DXB. It can be accessed by flyers with special credit cards in Dubai.
Here, visitors get access to their own dining experience as well as luxury bar services. It’s also a great place to take a shower and even enjoy some entertainment such as VR.
Some visitors may also get access to the lounge by purchasing a pass online. You can get a pass to Marhaba’s airport lounge for around AED 200 per person.
Lounges also have Wi-Fi, television, and a flight information monitor so you can relax and not worry about missing your flight. In fact, some lounges even have direct boarding benefits for members.
Catch Up on Sleep
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with just spending your layover time sleeping. After all, most flights can be really exhausting and sometimes uncomfortable for some people.
It’s not uncommon to find some travellers sleeping in many reclining chairs around the many rest zones of the airport. It’s an open layout too, so there’s a decent amount of privacy.
For those with the cash however, they can rent compact rooms from places like Snooze Cube in Terminal 1. These rooms can be rented by the hour for a minimum of two hours, perfect for those night flights.
On the other hand, the Sleep n’ Fly Lounge in Terminal 3 offers igloo-style sleep pods that can cover up to 2 adults.
And of course, guests expecting longer waiting times can try booking a room at the Dubai International Hotel. They even offer room packages for 6, 12, and 18 hours.
Explore Dubai!
As the airport is located just a few minutes away from the Dubai city centre, adventurous travellers may want to take the layover time as an opportunity to check out the city.
You can choose to join one of the many tour operators around the airport. These operators offer half or full-day excursions, stopping at many well-known tourist spots like the Burj Khalifa.
It’s also possible to just explore on your own. Take the Dubai Metro, which has two lines servicing Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 and connects to multiple spots in the city centre.
Visitors may enjoy seeing the massive Dubai Mall, boasting over 1,000 different stores and outlets. Otherwise, guests may also want to visit Old Dubai to find traditional souks as well as buy a few local goods on sale.
Just make sure to leave enough time to get back to the airport, pick up your luggage, and get processed by security lest you miss your flight.
Finding yourself at a layover does not have to be a boring affair at the Dubai Airport. With so many facilities on offer, you’re sure to find a good way to spend your time.
Whether you choose to explore Dubai, indulge in some souvenir shopping, or even just catch up on sleep, the Dubai Airport sure does make it convenient and comfortable.