Ready for a show
Stuck in Dubai International Airport for a few hours? Have no fear – we’re here to help you while away the hours
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, reaching a peak of 86.4 million in 2019 (numbers were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but it retained this title in 2020 and 2021, when it served 25.9 million and 29.1 million passengers respectively). Since the airport opened its doors in 1960, passenger numbers have increased by an average of 13 per cent year-on-year, and this steadily growing demand has led to the creation of one of the world’s premier travel leisure experiences. It is fitting that the largest airport in Dubai – a city famed the world over as a hub of luxury and excess – should put on an equally spectacular show for its guests!
Food and drink: The Daily DXB
If you’re feeling peckish, check out The Daily DXB: a 600sqm urban street food hall, located in Terminal 3, Concourse B. Run by Lagardère Travel Retail, The Daily DXB is designed to showcase the history of Dubai while serving up a variety of street food favourites, including
Asian stir-fries from Walk the Wok, fried chicken from The Roost, and Hawaiian poke bowls from Wanna Poke. The venues also serve special dishes for festivals and holidays.
Food and drink: The Gallery
Found near gate B09 in Terminal 3, The Gallery is a go-to for good food and drinks at any time of the day or night. The restaurant serves an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, running the gamut from Continental cuisine to Arabic and Indian dishes, along with a selection of fine wines and spirits.
Entertainment: musicdbx
Looking for a soundtrack to your DXB visit? musicdxb launched in November 2019 in partnership with streaming service Anghami, giving access to a library of travel-themed playlists and introducing the millions of passengers who pass through DXB each year a taste of the “sounds of the Arab world”.
The service is free and uninterrupted; all you need to do is hook up to the airport’s Wi-fi and start listening.
Leisure: Xpresspa
No matter how much time you have to spare before your flight, you can check in for a little ‘me’ time at Xpresspa. It has three locations in Terminal 3: one in Concourse C, and two in Concourse B near gates B17 and B21. Treatments range from as little as 15 minutes to a full 90 minutes, and include foot massage, neck and back massage, and manicure, as well as a range of 'rejuvination' services. A quick pit stop here, and you’ll be floating out of the departure lounge!
Sightseeing: Dubai Frame
The stunning Dubai Frame is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The architectural marvel is located in Zabeel Park, around 30 minutes from DXB by public transport. Also referred to as the Golden Frame, due to its shimmering cladding, the 150m-tall structure frames a spectacular view of both ‘old’ and ‘new’ Dubai. Take the elevator up to the observation deck on the top floor for jaw-dropping panoramic views. The Dubai Frame is open from 9am to 9pm – prebook tickets to skip the queue.