A Traveller's Guide to Dubai Airports
Dubai is a premier travel destination across the globe. The strides in the aviation department are poised to impact the nation’s sustainable development significantly. With modern telecommunication and transportation, Dubai has gained a competitive edge in advancing its aviation sector.
Dubai leads in international traffic and sustainable economic progress with a sophisticated variety of airports. If you are a businessman or a foreigner, Dubai’s high-class airports promise to elevate your journey. Let us explore the list of top 6 airports in Dubai, each offering an excellent experience to its customers.
In this blog, we will provide a traveler’s guide to Dubai’s airport. Discover the details about airports and gain insights into the transportation options available.
List of Top 6 Airports in Dubai
The UAE links Europe, Asia, and Africa thanks to its strategic location. It serves as a nexus for global air traffic and hosts two of the world’s major airport hubs, Dubai being one of them.
Dubai’s airports have advanced terminals, extensive dining options, and extravagant lounges. Innovative services like biometric check-ins and automated passport control have made managing people for management authorities easier.
Airports can handle millions of travelers yearly, serving over 240 destinations across 6 continents. They are also efficient in transporting cargo while ensuring smooth operations and minimising delays.
Explore the following list of 6 top airports in Dubai and know-how continuous investments in infrastructure and technology ensure Dubai remains at the forefront of global aviation.
- 1. Dubai International Airport, Terminal 1
- 2. Dubai International Airport, Terminal 2
- 3. Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3
- 4. Al Maktoum International Airport
- 5. The Sharjah International Airfield
- 6. The Ras Al Khaimah International Airfield
1. Dubai International Airport, Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is one of the most popular at Dubai International Airport. Located in the Garhoud area, it is well known for its high activity levels as it is set for international flights. Amazingly, the airport has multiple lounges, a pool, a gymnasium, and sleeping pods.
The Marhaba Lounge is famous for the relaxation of passengers and offers food and beverages. If you want to take a nap, you can go to snooze cubes which are mini-hotels well-equipped with beds, Wi-Fi, and TVs.
You will also find a lush garden, a spa, and a health club. Additional facilities include baby care rooms, a kid’s play area, currency exchanges, prayer rooms, and smoking lounges. Thus, with the ability to handle 90 million passengers every year, Dubai’s airport is the epitome of glamour and elevates the standards of luxury.
An e-gate was also introduced for UAE residents, which streamlines the immigration process. The arrival and departure areas are connected by train, and the terminal is linked to the Red Line of the Dubai Metro.
Read More: Al Maktoum International Airport
2. Dubai International Airport, Terminal 2
Dubai International Airport is second on our list of 6 top airports in Dubai. It has become the second most engaged airport. In 2022, it moved up 5 places from its position, resulting in the visionary leadership of UAE Prime Minister HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid.
Terminal 2 was launched in 1998 with an initial capacity of 2 million passengers per year. From its inception, Dubai Aviation and Engineering Projects (DAEP) has developed several enhancement projects, including expansions and renovations. These projects were meant to transform airport operations for numerous airlines.
It reached a capacity of 10 million passengers yearly, in 2017. Imagine stepping into revamped Marhaba offices and the Flydubai lounge, all services guarantee elegance. Upgraded parking facilities ensure a smooth flow of people. Meanwhile, an advanced baggage handling system is installed to make your belongings quickly end up back in your possession.
Hungry before take off? Visit dining options at the airport.
3. Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3
Take a look and enter into the world of luxury in DXB Terminal 3.
Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, is also called Emirates Terminal. It is the last and the most contemporary one among all terminals at Dubai International Airport with a size of 1.713 million square metres. What is unique here? It possesses an exclusive metro station and direct connectivity.
Upon its opening, the capacity was enhanced from 43 million to 60 million passengers per year. It epitomizes glamour among airport facilities for those traveling in business or first class. You can enjoy various shopping, entertainment, and dining options.
Visitors can access prayer rooms conveniently for prayer and quiet contemplation.
It also has a luxurious 4-star hotel with a fitness club and spa. UAE residents benefit from the convenience of e-gate access. The terminal includes three district lounges: First Class, Business, and Marhaba Lounge. These lounges offer facilities like those in Terminal 1, exuding efficiency and elegance.
4. Al Maktoum International Airport
Our list of 6 top airports in Dubai will remain incomplete without including Al Maktoum International Airport. It is also called Dubai World Central (DWC).
This airport is situated in the southern part of Dubai, adjacent to the rapidly developing areas of New Dubai. It was opened in 2010, starting operations with cargo flights. It started passenger services in October 2013.
Currently, DWC has become the 3rd busiest center for international airships. It accommodates both specialized and general cargo, with a turnaround of 1.5 hours. Its fast-shifting time allows full containers to move between Port Rashed and Jebel Ali.
Previously, the passenger terminal was launched with a capacity of handling 5 to 7 million passengers. Now, it has a goal to become the world’s most extensive airfield, accommodating 160 million travelers and transferring 12 million tonnes of cargo per year.
DWC also aims to revolutionize air-to-sea connectivity and make logistics and transportation more efficient than ever. Expansion plans are underway to accommodate more than 22 million passengers annually.
This means that DWC is not just an airport; it is the gateway to Dubai’s future in global aviation.
Read More: Best Art Museum Dubai
5. The Sharjah International Airfield
The Sharjah International Airfield is number 5 in our list of 6 top airports in Dubai. It is located seven nautical miles southeast of Sharjah, UAE, and covers 15.3 million square meters.
It is also known as the Middle East's busiest airport hub in cargo tonnage, Sharjah Aviation Services. In 2015 alone, it handled an impressive 587,199 tonnes of cargo.
The airport has a single passenger terminal, covering an area of 126,000 square meters. It means the airport offers convenience and efficiency. It is home to Air Arabian’s headquarters in the Sharjah Freight Center.
This airport has everything you need, whether you need medical supplies, international calling services, or currency exchange. If you travel with kids, you benefit from nursing facilities and a dedicated kid’s play area. The airport is undoubtedly committed to ensuring an amazing travel experience for its customers.
Passengers can stay connected at Sharjah Airport via payphones, personal mobiles, or laptops. In accordance with the UAE regulations, the airport strictly enforces a no-smoking policy in enclosed public areas. Smoking is permitted only in designated rooms within the terminal building.
The airport holds a prominent position in Middle Eastern Aviation, as confirmed by the official statistics from the Airports Council. So buckle up and explore Sharjah International Airport to experience a blend of efficiency and excellence.
6. The Ras Al Khaimah International Airfield
The Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is a modern gateway for global travelers to the UAE’s scenic emirates. The mentioned aspects have made the airport a preferred choice for foreign visitors and nationals alike.
The airport directly connects Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the sub-continent. So, one can say that Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is not just an airport but a center that provides access to principal flights worldwide.
A VIP terminal and lounges hold a minimum of 60 passengers. A new business lounge is underway for premium travelers; services like mosques, coffee shops, and free Wi-Fi are also astonishing.
Buying products at airports eliminates the formalities of going to shops as there is duty-free shopping. Similarly, the departure terminal provides a variety of eating places that offer global tastes and ensure a satisfying culinary journey.
Business at RAK Freight Center is equipped with state-of-the-art utilities like loading docks, air cargo security, and 24.7 operations. For those needing medical supplies, the airport offers registered nurses and medical emergencies.
There are designated smoking areas around the airport to avoid hygiene issues. Whether you are an arrival, departure, or transit, the airport delivers comfort and world-class service for every traveler.
Conclusion
Dubai’s airports are more than just transit ports; they are crucial parts of the travel experience that offer outstanding style and convenience. Starting from the Dubai International Airport, the busiest airport, to the rather modern Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, each and every establishment offers particular benefits to everyone. Therefore, depending on the purpose of the visit whether for business purposes, or just for fun, or even for a relatively adventurous tour, the airports of Dubai are expecting your warm visit. The list of 6 top airports in Dubai is undoubtedly going to provide you with a fantastic traveler’s guide.
Read Also:
