Dubai is a paradise for people of all ages and preferences. It is one of the most happening destinations globally, offering plenty of opportunities for thrill seekers, shopping enthusiasts, foodies, entertainment seekers and chillaxers.
Dubai International (DXB) is one of the busiest international airports, catering to the needs of millions of passengers each year. There is a huge possibility of the busy transit hub reaching the magical 100 million passengers mark in the near future.
Being a major international transfer hub, DXB has a streamlined process in connecting passengers. There are three terminals at the airport, handling a number of different carriers entering the Dubai airspace 24/7.
If you are a transit passenger in Dubai, pay close attention!
1. DXB is huge. Let’s understand the basics first
There is a detailed Dubai airport transit flights guide on our site. Check it out for a much easier experience in relation to connecting flights in Dubai. The first process starts from finding the right transfer desk at DXB. You can find the boarding pass for the next flight here.
DXB can be a little taxing for transit passengers, considering it is one of the busiest airports globally. But it becomes easy as you learn about the facilities and their locations. For example, Terminal 1 handles all international airlines, except Emirates, flydubai and Qantas.
For Terminal 2, it is flydubai and other regional and international airlines. Terminal 3, on the other hand, handles flydubai and all Emirates and Qantas flights. See, it is that simple, right? Let’s come to baggage transfer next.
2. Take care of the baggage next
You might be required to be in one of these couple of situations. If you are a passenger not requiring a Dubai visa or holding the document and transiting through DXB on separate tickets. You need to clear passport control, get baggage bag and check in.
But if you are one of the passengers not holding a Dubai visa and transiting through DXB on separate tickets and need help in baggage transfer, it is better to approach the Marhaba Meet and Greet option at the transfer desk. More on this here.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 of DXB are soundly connected. You can go from one terminal to the other on foot in 5 to 30 minutes. There are also Metro and shuttle buses. But Terminal 2 at Dubai International can be a different case.
If a passenger needs to transfer from Terminal 2, collect the luggage first and move to the other terminal next. Passengers making terminal transfers or concourse transfers can ask for adequate suggestions from their airline or guest experience ambassadors.
3. These tips can get you started for sure
Let me highlight a handful of tips for transit passengers to better handle the connecting flights in Dubai scenario. First of all, there is a free 24/7 shuttle bus support for passengers landing at all of the three terminals at Dubai International (DXB).
The Dubai Metro runs to and from Terminal 1 and 3. It doesn’t operate around the clock and stops running at midnight. The shopping and dining experience at DXB is top-notch because of the number of options. Check out Dubai Duty Free for sure.
Next, DXB is home to a number of currency exchange outlets. You can also find a 24/7 short-term baggage storage facility at Terminal 1 and 3. Just be an affordable price and make the best use of this facility.
In the end, there are dedicated private lounges at Dubai International. But you can also use the highly recommended Marhaba Lounge. It comes at a cost, unless complimentary. Indulge in a hot meal buffet and relax comfortably. There is a Snooze Cube,too.
Layover in Dubai? Exploring Dubai in 12 hours guide
It is time to address the elephant in the room, finally. Some people might rejoice at the possibility of getting a long layover in Dubai. This Emirate is, after all, one of the most happening tourist destinations today.
But in order to explore Dubai in just 12 hours, remain organised first. Plan ahead because it does not make sense charting up an itinerary after exiting the airport for sightseeing. Most of all, keep a track of time as you don’t actually mean to miss the next international flight.
1. It is time to temporarily abandon the luggage at DXB
You cannot carry your suitcases around as you explore Dubai, right? It could be quite tiring. But thankfully, Dubai International (DXB) has multiple different baggage storage options. You just need to pay an affordable price and use the facility for a limited time.
2. Getting from DXB to tourist attractions in Dubai
This can be seamless. The Dubai airport is connected to the metro. You can book a taxi ride or use ride-hailing platforms like Careem and Uber. But the efficient Dubai Metro is possibly a better option to get to a tourist attraction from the airport.
Jump on the Red Line from either Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 at DXB. This Metro line stops at multiple important areas, such as those featuring Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and more. The route goes at least till the beautiful Dubai Marina.
The Dubai Metro operates from early in the morning to midnight or may be an hour longer on some days. But if you seek to explore some places outside the Dubai Metro route, there are plenty of taxis to rely on.
3. Planning on shopping? Think about payment methods
Most of the places in the city except card transactions and Dubai is gradually becoming more cashless. If your bank does not charge for foreign transactions, it is probably better to not rely on physical money that much. But cash could be required at souks.
4. Is there a need for a visa for a layover in Dubai?
There might be a need. You might need a visa to explore Dubai, but there are a lot of passports that are eligible for a UAE visa on arrival. The length of these visas can be from 30 to 90 days, or beyond. You can find the latest details on visa eligibility on this official platform.
5. Keep a track of time
Let me emphasize it again that the transit in Dubai duration is really important. Therefore, keep a track of the time you leave the airport for sightseeing and your next flight’s departure time. It should be at least 6 hours to go out and explore Dubai a little bit.
If it is 12 hours, as is being addressed by this article, there is quite a good number of things you can try out. But there is another thing to consider. Is this transit period during the late night? Because the Metro stops at midnight and most of the establishments also close.
6. Start exploring Dubai in 12 hours!
The clock is ticking. But there is no need to be anxious as this article can help you remain organised. That is the key to exploring the city better, after all. Make sure to complete all the airport procedures on time and get out of the hub for the ultimate exploration.
a. First destination for luxury
You can come to The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment destinations globally. It is home to more than 1,300 shops. Imagine the retail scene here. But in addition to shopping, you can also try out an indoor ice rink and an actual theme park.
This shopping mall is really close to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet. Click that THE PICTURE for Instagram and catch a glimpse of the memorable Dubai Fountain performances, full of sound, music and light. You are going to remember it for long.
It is not every day that you get to climb to the top of Burj Khalifa. Therefore, be a little faster and get to one of the observation decks of Burj Khalifa. The experience is once-in-a-lifetime, nothing less than that. You can see a big chunk of the futuristic city for real.
But make sure to book your tickets online as time is precious. There are plenty of restaurants in this bustling area of Dubai. Make sure to pump up the energy as there is a lot more exploration to be done. Seriously.
b. Second stop for the Old Dubai feeling
Next, come to a traditional souk in Dubai as the experience can be a lot more different than the one you just had near Burj Khalifa. If possible, explore the Gold Souk in Dubai. It is one of the best places to purchase gold in Dubai and the UAE, too.
The Gold Souk is located right next to the Spice Souk, home to a broad range of spices from across the region. These traditional markets are perfect places to take home some gifts. Don’t forget to haggle, no matter the importance of time on this trip!
c. You cannot miss the Marina
If you could not dine at a restaurant back near The Dubai Mall, there are plenty of options at Dubai Marina. This is the next destination, easily accessible from the souk area. Take a taxi or use the efficient Dubai Metro.
Soaring buildings, family fun, great take on global cuisine and one of the best social destinations for sun-soaked beach days and nights out – this is Dubai Marina for most of us. This place also has a community feel that makes it more popular.
You can go shop or catch on to some much needed delicacies at Dubai Marina Mall. There is something going on at the mall all the time. But there is one more important attraction of Dubai Marina: Marina Walk or Marina Promenade.
For more than just a pleasant path to stroll along, this promenade is home to dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants. The Marina is also famous for its nightlife scene. Plus, some of the best rooftop restaurants in Dubai are in this part of the Emirate.
d. Back to the base
It is time to get back home or to the next destination. You can use the Dubai Metro or hail a taxi to come back to DXB. Proceed to the right terminal, bring the luggage out of the facility, complete all the required airport procedures and you are all set.
Hope Dubai left you seeking more of it. Dubai is one of the best tourist destinations today. It is safe, the public transportation system is immensely efficient, the food scene is great and so is the shopping and ambience.
Hope to see you back in Dubai soon.
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