Complete Guide to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in 2026

I've lost count of how many times I've walked through Dubai International Airport. DXB handles over 89 million passengers a year and has been the world's busiest for international traffic for close to a decade, but the numbers only tell part of the story. It's the ambition that gets you — a swimming pool on a rooftop garden inside a terminal, duty-free shops that could fill a mall, lounges with champagne bars and full-service spas. DXB is the operational heart of Emirates, connecting six continents through a single airport that sits just 5 kilometers from one of the most fascinating cities on Earth.

For a lot of travelers, DXB is just a layover stop. That's a missed opportunity. This airport rewards people who know what they're doing, and it punishes people who don't plan ahead. This guide is everything I've learned from years of flying through DXB, organized so you can land, get oriented, and make the most of whatever time you have.

For a quick reference with live stats and amenities, check our Dubai International Airport (DXB) profile page.

Terminal-by-Terminal Guide

DXB has three terminals, and they're not interchangeable. Each serves different airlines, has a different personality, and — this is the part that catches people — they're not all connected airside. Getting your terminal right before you arrive is the single most important thing you can do here.

Terminal 3 — The Emirates Megahub

If you're flying Emirates, Terminal 3 is your world. It's used exclusively by Emirates and is absolutely massive — one of the largest airport buildings on the planet. The terminal splits into three concourses, each basically its own building, connected by an automated train:

• Concourse A — The flagship, and honestly my favorite part of DXB. This is where Emirates routes its First and Business Class passengers. The famous Emirates First Class Lounge lives here with the Timeless Spa, a Moët & Chandon champagne bar, and a la carte dining that holds its own against downtown Dubai. Concourse A also has the best duty-free selection in T3 and several strong restaurants.
• Concourse B — Handles a big chunk of Emirates Economy traffic, particularly routes to Asia, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. Decent food, solid duty-free, though it lacks Concourse A's polish. The Snooze Cubes are here — private sleeping pods bookable by the hour — which are a lifesaver during overnight connections.
• Concourse C — The newest, built for Emirates' continued growth. Clean and modern throughout. The real advantage is the crowds, or rather the lack of them — during off-peak hours, it's noticeably quieter than A or B.

Here's what first-timers underestimate: T3 is enormous. Moving between concourses takes 10 to 20 minutes on the internal train, not counting the walk to the platform. If your connection drops below 90 minutes, go straight to your departure gate first. You can backtrack for food or shopping once you know you're not going to miss your flight.

Terminal 1 — The International Terminal

Terminal 1 handles most non-Emirates international carriers: British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and dozens more. Concourse D is the main concourse and has had major upgrades recently. T1 is where some of DXB's best-kept secrets hide, including the Zen Garden with its rooftop swimming pool. Yes, a swimming pool. In an airport. Free for all T1 passengers.

The lounge scene is strong — the Marhaba Lounge is the best pay-in at DXB, the Ahlan First Class Lounge offers something genuinely premium, and BA runs its Galleries Lounge for oneworld flyers. Dining leans toward recognizable chains (Irish Village, Paul Bakery, Giraffe) but the quality sits above the average airport food court. T1 also has a direct Dubai Metro connection on the Red Line, a huge advantage for city layovers.

Terminal 2 — Budget and Regional Carriers

Terminal 2 is the oldest and most no-frills. It serves flydubai, Air Arabia, SpiceJet, and other budget and regional carriers. Fewer restaurants, smaller duty-free, more functional than fancy.

The critical thing about T2 — and I cannot stress this enough — is that it's physically cut off from Terminals 1 and 3. No airside connection. If your itinerary involves a T2 transfer, you must exit immigration, collect checked bags, shuttle or taxi to the other terminal, re-check luggage, and clear security again. Under ideal conditions, that's 60 to 90 minutes. During peak evening hours, add more. The Marhaba Lounge in T2 is the only real lounge option — it does the job, but it's compact.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Wrong terminal: Emirates is always T3. Most international carriers fly from T1. flydubai and budget airlines use T2. Double-check the DXB website on travel day since assignments can shift.
• Underestimating T2 transfers: A 2-hour T2-to-T3 connection looks fine on paper. It is not fine. Budget 2.5 to 3 hours minimum. I've seen people miss flights over this.
• Concourse confusion in T3: If your gate changes to a different concourse, start moving immediately. The train runs frequently but the walk plus wait can eat 15 minutes.

Getting To and From Dubai City

One of the best things about DXB is how close it sits to the city. Downtown Dubai is a quick ride away, and you've got four solid options depending on budget, luggage, and what time you land.

Dubai Metro (Red Line)

Dubai taxis are comfortable but the meter adds up fast, especially in rush hour when you're crawling down Sheikh Zayed Road. The Red Line metro goes straight from Terminals 1 and 3 into the city center for just a few dirhams, and the trains are clean, air-conditioned, and come every few minutes. Terminal 2 has no metro station — you'll need a taxi or bus from T2.

Grab a Nol Silver card from the machines at the station for 25 AED (includes 19 AED credit). You'll use it for the metro, buses, trams, and the Dubai Water Bus. A ride to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station costs about 8 AED. The Gold Class cabin (front car) costs double but is noticeably emptier, though the regular cars are perfectly fine — clean, air-conditioned, never felt unsafe.

The catch: the metro shuts down around midnight weekdays and 1 AM weekends. Land after 11 PM and it's off the table.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing

Dubai taxis are metered, regulated, and always clean. No haggling, no scams. The airport surcharge is 25 AED, bringing a downtown trip to 75 to 95 AED total. To Dubai Marina or JBR, expect 115 to 145 AED. Taxis queue outside every terminal and I've never waited longer than 5 minutes, even at 2 AM.

Careem and Uber both work at DXB with designated pickup points. Pricing is dynamic and usually comparable to taxis, with upfront fare estimates and digital receipts. Watch out during surge periods — those late-night windows when multiple Emirates flights arrive at once — when ride-hailing can spike above taxi rates.

Hotel Shuttles

This is the one people forget about. Several airport-area hotels run free shuttles that anyone with a reservation can use. Le Meridien Dubai, the closest hotel to DXB, has a complimentary shuttle running 24 hours — the ride takes about 5 minutes. Premier Inn runs shuttles at regular intervals too. Always check for a shuttle before spending money on a cab — you'll often find one running every 15 to 20 minutes.

With transport sorted, you're probably thinking about food — and DXB delivers more than you'd expect.

Where to Eat at DXB

I used to assume airport food was uniformly terrible. DXB changed my mind. This isn't a culinary destination — it's still an airport — but the range and quality here outperform most hubs I've been through.

Best Sit-Down Restaurants

Shakespeare & Co. (T3, Concourse A) — My go-to at DXB. A Dubai-born chain with baroque European decor that sounds ridiculous but somehow works. The all-day breakfast is excellent, the Arabic mezze platter is generous enough to be a meal on its own, and the coffee is properly made. Expect 60 to 90 AED, higher than city locations but fair for an airport.

Irish Village (near T1) — On the Le Meridien complex just outside the airport, so landside only. But if you have time, this is where DXB regulars go. A proper pub with a big outdoor terrace, draft beers, and solid food: fish and chips, burgers, shepherd's pie. The atmosphere is genuinely relaxed in a way airports almost never are. I always stop here when my schedule allows.

Giraffe (T1, Concourse D) — Family-friendly with a globe-trotting menu. Nothing that'll blow your mind, but consistently solid for when nobody can agree on a cuisine.

Quick Bites and Fast Food

Five Guys (T3) — Reliable burgers, unlimited fries toppings. Budget 55 to 75 AED for a burger, fries, and drink. Paul Bakery (T1 and T3) does croissants, sandwiches, and better-than-average airport coffee. McDonald's and Burger King are in every terminal, about 30% above street prices, but the McArabia is actually worth trying once.

Food Courts and Coffee

All three terminals have 24-hour food courts. The T3 one near Concourse B is the biggest; T1's Concourse D is smaller but less chaotic. Budget meals run 35 to 50 AED. For coffee, Costa is everywhere. For something better, seek out Paul Bakery's espresso menu or the coffee spot near the Emirates Business Lounge area in Concourse A — open to all passengers, lighter foot traffic.

For a complete listing with menus and terminal locations, see our DXB restaurants guide.

With a full stomach, you might want somewhere comfortable to sit — or even lie down. DXB's lounge game is strong.

Airport Lounges

DXB has one of the best lounge lineups of any airport, from pay-in-and-relax to flat-out luxury. Here's an honest rundown, including things the marketing brochures skip.

Emirates First Class Lounge (Terminal 3, Concourse A)

The one everyone talks about, and it lives up to every word. Genuinely one of the top five airport lounges in the world. A la carte dining that competes with proper Dubai restaurants, a Moët & Chandon champagne bar, a cigar lounge, and the Timeless Spa with complimentary treatments. Shower suites are hotel-quality with Bvlgari toiletries. Access is restricted to Emirates First and Skywards Platinum. I'll say this: if you're ever weighing business versus first on Emirates and part of the decision is the DXB experience, the lounge alone almost tips the balance.

Emirates Business Class Lounge (Terminal 3)

Spread across all three concourses, handling staggering volumes while staying comfortable. Rotating buffet with Middle Eastern, Asian, and Western options, barista-made coffee throughout, and premium spirits at the bar. Showers are available but expect a wait during the 2 to 4 AM connecting flight rush. The Concourse A location is the nicest — head there if you have time.

Marhaba Lounge (Terminal 1)

The one I always recommend to economy travelers. At roughly $65 walk-in (cheaper online, free with Priority Pass), you get a hot and cold buffet, drinks with alcohol, shower facilities, and seating that's a world away from the gate area. Recently renovated and feels modern. One tip: it fills up during peak evening hours, so earlier is better. The T2 Marhaba exists but it's smaller, older, and not worth going out of your way for.

Ahlan First Class Lounge (Terminal 1)

At around $150, it's not cheap, but the a la carte dining, quiet environment, and attentive service feel like a proper premium lounge regardless of your ticket class. For a special occasion or the start of a long-haul flight, I think it's money well spent.

British Airways Galleries Lounge (Terminal 1)

Standard BA lounge: functional, decent food, good gin selection. Nothing remarkable but solid for oneworld status holders. Gets crowded before the evening London departures.

Things to Do During a Layover

This is where DXB separates itself. Most hubs give you food courts and duty-free and call it a day. DXB gives you a swimming pool, sleeping pods, and a city 15 minutes away that's full of things to do.

Under 4 Hours: Stay Airside

Don't leave the terminal. There's plenty to keep you busy:

• Duty-Free Shopping — One of the world's largest airport retail operations. Electronics, gold, perfume, and spirits are genuinely competitive — details in the shopping section below.
• Zen Garden and Pool (T1) — My favorite hidden gem at DXB. Rooftop garden with a pool, free for all T1 passengers. Bring your boarding pass and a towel. Most of the time, it's practically empty because nobody knows about it.
• Spa Services — The Timeless Spa in T3 Concourse A is the premium option, open to all passengers. More affordable options scattered through T1 and T3.
• Gaming Zone (T3) — Arcade games and simulators. Mainly aimed at younger travelers but a decent hour-killer.
• Children's Play Areas — Free zones in T1 and T3 with soft play equipment. Well-maintained and a relief for families with restless kids.
• Prayer Rooms — Every terminal and concourse, with ablution facilities. Well-maintained and clearly signposted.

4–8 Hours: Venture Into Dubai

This is where it gets fun. Immigration takes 10 to 15 minutes for most nationalities (80+ countries qualify for visa-on-arrival). Budget 2 hours for return and security, leaving 2 to 6 hours to explore.

• Old Dubai: The Creek and Gold Souk — Just 15 minutes by taxi. Take a traditional abra (wooden water taxi, 1 AED) across Dubai Creek, wander the Spice Souk, and lose yourself in the Gold Souk. This is the Dubai that existed before the skyscrapers — atmospheric, slightly chaotic, totally worth it. Doable in 2 to 3 hours.
• Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall — Metro from T1/T3, about 45 minutes. The real trick: pre-book observation deck tickets online to skip the queue. The "At the Top" at levels 124 to 125 takes an hour, combine with the Dubai Fountain show (every 30 min from 6 PM), and you've filled a 4 to 5 hour layover perfectly.
• Dubai International Hotel Pool — Day passes for the T3 hotel pool and gym if you don't want to leave airside.

8+ Hours: Major Experiences

Long layovers open up Dubai's headliners — the stuff people fly here specifically to do:

• Desert Safari — Four to five hour packages with dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and barbecue dinner under the stars. A little touristy but genuinely fun. Budget 5 to 6 hours total.
• Full City Tour — Old Dubai, Downtown, and Palm Jumeirah combined. Several companies run DXB layover-specific tours with airport pickup. Prices: 200 to 400 AED.

Emirates Dubai Connect: Free Hotel for Long Layovers

Here's something a lot of Emirates passengers miss: layovers of 10+ hours may qualify for Dubai Connect — a complimentary hotel room, meals, and airport transfers at zero cost. Apply at least 24 hours before departure through the Emirates app. Not all routes and fare classes qualify, but there's zero downside to checking. If it works, you've just turned an airport wait into a free night in Dubai.

Hotels and Sleep Options

Sleep options at DXB are genuinely good, which matters given how many flights arrive and depart in the middle of the night. The standout: two airside hotels where you never clear immigration.

Airside Hotels (No Immigration)

Dubai International Hotel (T3) is the obvious pick for Emirates passengers. Check in with your boarding pass, never leave the secure area. Clean rooms, a swimming pool, a gym, and a restaurant. Rooms in 8-hour blocks from $150. A swim and a proper nap before a connecting flight — without dealing with immigration — is hard to beat.

Dubai International Hotel (T1) is the smaller version for T1 passengers. No pool, but the rooms are clean and functional. If you're connecting through T1 with 6 to 10 hours and don't want the hassle of immigration, it's the practical choice.

Airport-Adjacent Hotels

Le Meridien Dubai connects via a covered walkway (immigration required). Full 5-star hotel with restaurants, pool, spa, and the Irish Village on its grounds. Free 24-hour shuttle every 15 minutes. For overnight layovers, it's the default among frequent DXB travelers — close enough to be effortless, nice enough to feel like a treat.

Premier Inn is the budget pick. Basic, clean rooms, free shuttle. At $70 a night, it does exactly what it needs to. Rove City Centre near Deira City Centre mall ($65/night) is the best value if you want sleep plus city access.

Duty-Free Shopping Guide

Dubai Duty Free pulls in over $2 billion annually and operates what amounts to a luxury mall inside an airport. But not everything is a deal. Some things are genuinely cheaper than anywhere else, and some are quietly marked up for impulse buyers. Here's the honest breakdown.

Good Deals

Gold and Jewelry: This is where DXB delivers. Prices are consistently competitive with the Gold Souk and often 15 to 30% below European or American airports. Huge selection from simple chains to elaborate pieces. The making charge is where markup lives — negotiate on that, not the gold price.

Perfume: Designer brands are priced well, and the Arabic oud selection is unmatched at any airport I've been through. If you want a quality Arabian oud you can't find at home, this is the place.

Alcohol: Genuine savings here, especially on spirits. Whisky, vodka, and gin typically run 20 to 40% below UK or European airport prices. Wine selection is decent too. The main alcohol sections are in T1 and T3 — T2 has a limited range.

Electronics: Apple products are priced without VAT and often the cheapest outside Hong Kong. Compare prices on apple.com/ae before your flight — duty-free usually tracks UAE retail minus the 5% VAT.

Overrated at Duty-Free

Luxury fashion: Marginally cheaper than city retail. The Dubai Mall has better selection and seasonal sales that beat duty-free. Cigarettes: Minimal savings versus Asian airports. Souvenirs and candy: The boxed dates and baklava look beautiful but cost two to three times what Carrefour charges. Buy edible souvenirs in the city.

The Duty-Free Raffle

Two ongoing raffles — Millennium Millionaire ($1 million cash) and Finest Surprise (luxury car). Tickets are 500 AED (~$136) each, limited runs of a few thousand tickets, so odds beat standard lotteries. Still gambling, but buy a ticket for fun if you're feeling lucky.

Parking at DXB

Five parking options spread across the terminals. For detailed rates and availability, see our DXB parking guide.

• Short Term (T1/T3): Right at the terminals. About 20 AED/hour — fine for pickups, expensive for anything longer.
• Long Term A (T1): Covered walkway connection, ~100 AED/day. Well-lit and patrolled.
• Long Term B (T3): Same pricing. Where Emirates passengers should park for multi-day trips.
• Premium Valet: ~200 AED/day. Drop at the door, pick up on return.
• T2 Parking: ~80 AED/day. Smaller lot that fills during holidays.

All lots accept the Parkin app. During Eid, Christmas/New Year, and spring break, pre-book through the DXB website or you'll be circling.

Practical Information

The stuff nobody puts in the exciting part of the guide, but read this before you fly and you'll avoid a dozen small annoyances.

Wi-Fi

Completely free and unlimited across all three terminals — no registration, no time limits, no speed throttling. Connect to "DXB Free WiFi" and you're online. Speeds are solid enough for video calls and streaming, which puts DXB ahead of a surprising number of major airports that still make you watch ads or cap you at 30 minutes.

Currency and ATMs

UAE Dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at roughly 3.67:1. ATMs everywhere, cards accepted almost universally. Currency exchange rates at DXB are more competitive than most airports, though the city is slightly better. For a short layover, your credit card handles everything.

SIM Cards and Mobile Data

Etisalat and du kiosks in all arrivals halls. Tourist SIM cards start at 50 to 80 AED for a week. The free Wi-Fi covers short layovers; for city trips, a local SIM helps with navigation and Careem.

Luggage Storage

BagDrop counters in T1 and T3 from about 35 AED per item for 12 hours. Essential if you want to explore the city without dragging suitcases through the Gold Souk. Book online for a small discount.

Medical Services

A 24-hour medical clinic operates in Terminal 3, with first-aid stations in all terminals. Each terminal also has pharmacies stocking common medications. If you need anything beyond basic first aid, the clinic can handle it or arrange transport to a city hospital.

Charging Stations

UK-style Type G outlets and USB ports throughout the terminals, though scarce during peak times. Gate areas have the most. Bring a universal adapter or you'll be buying an overpriced one at duty-free.

Dress Code

Inside the airport, wear whatever you'd normally travel in — nobody will bat an eye. If you leave for a city visit, cover shoulders and knees in malls and public spaces. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting. Airport restaurants stay open as normal during Ramadan.

Smart Gates

UAE residents and GCC nationals clear immigration in under 2 minutes via automated Smart Gates. Some other nationalities qualify too — look for the marked lanes. Standard queues average 10 to 20 minutes, worst during the 10 PM to 2 AM long-haul wave.

Pro Tips from Frequent Travelers

1. Get a Nol card immediately. Available at Metro stations for 25 AED. Load 30 AED and you can ride Metro, buses, trams, and water buses without thinking about individual fares. Even one round trip to the city pays for itself versus single tickets.
2. Terminal 3 is exclusively Emirates. Not flying Emirates? You're not going to T3. I've watched confused travelers drag bags between terminals. Check before you leave your hotel.
3. The Metro closes at midnight. Land after 11 PM on a weekday and your only options are taxi or ride-hailing. Don't build plans around cheap metro transport for late arrivals.
4. Check Emirates Dubai Connect as soon as you book. 10+ hour Emirates layover? Check the app at least 24 hours before departure. Not every route qualifies, but when it works: free hotel, free meals, free transfers. Zero downside to checking.
5. Hydrate like your life depends on it. DXB's air conditioning is aggressive and the desert climate is brutally dry. Buy a large water bottle after security. I always notice a difference on connecting flights when I've stayed hydrated versus when I haven't.
6. Pre-book Burj Khalifa tickets online. Walk-up queues are long and prices are higher. "At the Top" (levels 124 to 125) is the sweet spot. The premium SKY experience at 148 costs three times more — the view improvement is marginal.
7. Gold at duty-free is a real deal. Unlike most airport shopping, gold at DXB is priced competitively with city retailers. The making charge is where markup lives — that's what you negotiate.
8. Download the DXB app. Real-time flight info, terminal maps, walking time estimates, and duty-free pre-ordering. One of those rare airport apps that's actually useful.
9. Avoid T2 connections if possible. When booking mixed Emirates/flydubai itineraries, check if the flydubai leg departs T2. Some routes have moved to T1 — look for those.
10. The Zen Garden pool in T1 is free and almost nobody uses it. Bring your boarding pass, go for a swim. It's barely promoted and most passengers walk right past. Might be the best free airport amenity I've found anywhere.