Dubai International Airport

DXB or Dubai International Airport is the largest hub in the Middle East and the home base of Dubai's flag carrier Emirates that accounts for 38% of all aircraft movements and handle 60% of all passenger traffic at the airport, and its low-cost wing FlyDubai. In 2010 Dubai International Airport was the 14th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the 6th busiest airport in the world by cargo traffic. There are more than 6000 flights a week to over 220 destinations across every continent except Antarctica, operated by 130 airlines. Last years it has grown at such a furious pace that during the peak hours around midnight the present terminals are bursting at the seams.

There are three terminals on the The Dubai International Airport and there is another one in the making, because of the huge traffic.

Terminal 1 is the main terminal and serves the long-haul flights and major airlines. Terminal 2 is used by the low-cost flights like FlyDubai flights. Terminal 3 is exclusively for Emirates flights. Terminals 1 and 3 are are models of modern airport design, directly connected with no immigration needed for transfer to each other via the airside. You got to know that despite the recent renovations Terminal 2, with its queue-jumping, every other passenger checking in 70 kg of luggage and long check-in lines, is still reminiscent of developing world airports. Also it is isolated at the other end of the airport, connected with shuttle buses between the three run every 20-30 min (every now and then a 30 min taxi ride may be your only option, because shuttles to Terminal 2 are sporadic at best).

The public transport is comfortable. The Dumai Metro is serving Terminals 1 and 3 and there are also busses just steps from the baggage claim, that are going to the Al Sabkha (number 401) and Al Ghubaiba (number 402) bus terminals respectively which makes them most useful for visitors. Dubai is also developing the massive Al Maktoum airport located nearby Jabel Ali within the Dubai World Central project. It operates only a few freighters, but once completed it's expected to operate commercial flights, making this airport one of the busiest air hub for both cargo and passenger transportaion.

Dubai International Airport is famous for its duty-free shopping. But you need to know that the prices in the airport's duty-free stores are equal or sometimes even higher than the prices in some regular stores in one of the many malls in the city. Although, if you want to buy something, buy alcohol. Here it is very cheap and the allowance is 4 bottles (or four 6-packs of Beer) per person. There is alcohol for sale also at an inbound duty free store situated in the baggage reclaim area. All you need is to get some fresh money to spend, if you don't have, faxless payday loanscan be your saver!

When coming out of Terminal 1, there are taxis on the left. Most tourists will choose public taxis readily available just outside arrivals from the airport. But, with the meter starting at Dhs 20, they aren't that cheap as you wish.