Dubai International Airport is large, so large in fact that it has improved its ranking as the world’s third busiest for total passenger traffic including domestic, according to international trade association.
To the inexperienced traveller this can seem a little daunting. But it needn’t at all, as Dubai International Airport has been voted the Best Airport in the Middle East by the Business Traveller Awards 2016, and for good reason, too.
If you know your way around Dubai International Airport you will appreciate it is full of things to do. Why settle for parking yourself on an uncomfortable metal chair with your headphones in, when you could be exploring the many activities the airport has to offer.
Here’s what you should be doing at Dubai International Airport…
1. Get pampered
If you’re in the airport for a long layover, perhaps consider heading to Timeless Spa in Dubai International Hotel. They offer up everything from manicures to body scrubs, and have options for men, too. If you can’t make it to the hotel, Be Relax have massage chairs in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and offer massages as well as express manicures and pedicures. timelessspa.ae, berelax.com
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2. Get online
If you can’t go too long without your Facebook fix, or have important emails that need to be checked – WiFi can be found all throughout the airport. Passengers can receive 60 minutes of free internet access, done by connecting to DXB Free Wi-fi.
3. Get rid of the kids
If you’re staring down an eight-hour flight and looking to tire the kids out beforehand, head to the family facility at Concourse B. In between gates B7 and B8 you’ll find a children’s area filled with play equipment, TVs, as well as baby changing facilities and a climbing area.
4. Get your nicotine fix
If you need to grab a smoke before your flight, head to one of the dedicated smoking lounges throughout the airport. If you’re in Terminal 1 you’ll find one at gates C9 and C23, and at Terminal 2 they’re near the departure area. Terminal 3 has a few, located at A2, A23, B7 and B27.
5. Get some sleep
Looking to catch some kip before your next flight? Snooze Cube in Terminals 1 and 3 allow you to book a mini-hotel room, consisting of a sound-proof cubicle with a bed, TV, storage and Wi-Fi for just Dhs75 per hour. snoozecube.com
6. Get some treatment
If some dodgy in-flight lunch set your stomach astir, don’t worry – there’s are world-class medical facilities open 24 hours in both Terminal 1 below gate C13 and Terminal 3 between Fox22-23 on the ground floor level.
7. Get some work done
Both a business centre and meeting rooms can be found in the Dubai International Hotel, situated at the arrivals level of Terminal 1 and the hotel level of Concourses A and B in Terminal 3. dubaiintlhotels.com
8. Get fit
You’ve got 24 hours of travelling coming up, and you know you can’t skip leg day. Head down to the gym at Dubai International Hotel’s Health Club and hit the iron. They’ve even got a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a steam room for afterwards. dubaiintlhotels.com
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9. Get comfy
It’s not just business and first-class ticket holders that get lounge access. For Dhs175, you can head to one of Marhaba’s lounges in each terminal, complete with Wi-Fi and buffet so you can relax in style. marhabaservices.com
10. Get clean
Feeling a little grubby after your flight? Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have complimentary shower facilities for you to freshen up in. dubaiairports.ae
11. Get shopping
Shops can be found across the departure lounge in the airport. Whether you’re looking to pick up a magazine for the flight, bag yourself a new gadget, treat yourself to a designer outfit or stock up on duty free – there’s something for everyone.
12. Get some food
Dubai International Airport is stocked with a number of places to grab some food. If you’re after a quick bite and coffee Prêt a Manger has recently opened. There’s also a Taqado and Paul, if you fancy something more gourmet than a McDonald’s or KFC, which are also in the airport. If you want something even more extravagant then there’s the Moet Le Lounge and the Seafood Bar Caviar House. If it’s simple house drinks you’re after then the Heineken Lounge or Jack’s Bar & Grill should do the trick.
Take advantage of what it has to offer and we can guarantee you won’t look at the airport in the same way again.
Images: Moodie Report/Facebook/Dubai Intl Hotels/ Snooze Cube
