Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. But plenty of activities keep you occupied even if you have a long stopover. There are many things to do at Dubai International Airport during a layover or transit. Here are the details.
ACTIVITIES AT DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Being one of the busiest airports in the world, there’s no shortage of activities at Dubai International Airport for transit passengers. From gourmet restaurants to duty-free shops and children’s play areas, there’s lots to do at the airport. If you’re thinking about how to spend time during a layover, here’s a look at all the activities you can enjoy.
EAT AT DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
With many popular restaurants at Dubai Airport, you can count dining as one of the best things to do. About 50 cafes and restaurants in Dubai International Airport serve various flavours and cuisines.
Here’s a look at some of the popular options.
- Want to try delicious pasta? Stop by the Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck.
- Craving for dim sum? The Noodle House can be your best bet.
- Craving authentic Indian cuisine? Head to Desi Lunch Box at Terminal 3 for Indian fast food packed meals.
- And if you’ve got children with you, take them to the M&M confectionery store at Terminal 3.
- Another popular airport dining choice is Pret A Manger at Terminals 1 and 3. It is famous for sustainably sourced and freshly prepared gourmet food.
- You can also find global fast food chains, including Mcdonald’s, KFC, Subway and more, at DXB Airport.
SHOP AT THE DUTY-FREE SHOPS
Shopping is one of the most popular activities at Dubai International Airport during a layover. The airport has plenty of duty-free shops that are open 24/7. You can buy timepieces, bags, designer sunglasses and watches from top luxury brands, such as Gucci, Hermes and Chanel, in Terminal 3.
For some fine jewellery, china and silver, head to Tiffany & Co at T1. There are also Spinney’s (T1) and Carrefour (T1), where you can get groceries and fresh produce. If you want to give something as a souvenir to your friends and family, you can also pick up some local goods, such as chocolates or dry fruits. To get your hands on the finest wine collection, visit Le Clos, The Macallan Boutique or Dubai Duty Free.
If you want to roam freely, you can store your luggage at Terminals 1 and 3. These terminals offer luggage storage for up to 12 hours for AED 35 to AED 40, based on the size of your luggage.
UNWIND AT THE PREMIUM LOUNGES
You don’t have to travel business class to reap the benefits of a premium lounge at Dubai International Airport. The lounges have everything to offer, from dedicated baristas to fresh juice bars. Unwinding at these private lounges is indeed one of the best things to do at Dubai Airport during a layover.
You can use Marhaba’s airport lounges at all three terminals to relax and unwind. The airport lounges have Wi-Fi, television, newspapers and magazines and a flight information monitor, so you can relax, browse the internet, read a newspaper and get timely information about the flight.
You can relax at the Emirates lounge and be at ease, catch up on the latest news and savour the global flavours. And when it’s time to fly, you can board your flight directly from their Concourse A Lounges.
There’s even a game space at the airport where you can test your skills at 40 games. And if you plan on catching on to some pending work, head to Their Patio, which offers a co-working space.
PLACES TO SLEEP AT THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The sleep ‘n fly lounge at Dubai International Airport, available in all terminals, is the best place to take a power nap. It has igloo-styled sleep pods and bigger double cabins where you can lie down. There are pull-out beds for kids. So, little ones can catch up on the much-needed ZZZs instead of tiring you further when you are already exhausted.
You can also check in at the Dubai International Hotel to avoid the jet-lag when you reach your destination. It is an ideal place to relax and offers a wide range of rooms and suites to cater to all your needs.
COMFORT YOURSELF AT A SPA
If you want to engage in something innovative and extravagant, there is no harm in getting a massage or that all-important facial before the long-haul flight at the Dubai airport spas.
A spa visit is one of the best activities to do during transit at Dubai airport. You can head to Be Relax at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which offers various health and beauty services. Other options include XpresSpa and Timeless Spa. Both spas are based in Terminal 3.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE THERE ANY HOTELS NEAR DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
Yes. Suppose your transit time stretches for several hours. In this case, you can book one of the hotels near the Dubai International Airport, such as Holiday Inn Express, Millennium Airport Hotel and Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.
CAN I LEAVE DUBAI AIRPORT DURING LAYOVER?
This depends on your nationality and the type of visa you have. If you have the correct visa, you can leave the airport and go sightseeing, especially if you have a long overlay. You don’t need a visa to transition through the airport.
And that’s our guide for things to do at Dubai International Airport on a layover. We hope this answers all your questions. Please check the latest Dubai Airport restrictions for a hassle-free experience.
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