08.12.2025
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How many airports are there in Dubai? There are two, and both are international: DXB and DWC. The oldest is considered to be the first Dubai airport, which has been operating since the 60s; it is the country's key cargo and passenger hub.
What to pay attention to? Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) opened in 2010 and is constantly expanding. It is located farther from the city centre, and the metro has not yet been extended to it, whereas DXB is served by two metro lines.
When planning to visit the country, it's worth finding out which and how many airports there are in Dubai. The emirate has two airports serving passenger and commercial flights:
Given the small territory of the country, it is quite possible to reach Dubai from airports of other emirates. Sometimes it can even be faster and more economical than a direct flight to Dubai’s airports.
Let's give brief information about the airports closest to Dubai:
The second most important airport in the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is used as a base by Etihad Airways and before the pandemic received over 20 million travellers per year. Despite the distance of 116 km to Dubai, for a number of reasons quite a lot of travellers choose it.
39 km separates the airport in Sharjah from Dubai, which makes it very convenient for travellers. In addition, it serves as a hub for the budget airline Air Arabia, known for its affordable rates. Before the pandemic, this hub received almost 13 million people per year and occupied one of the leading positions in cargo transportation among airports in the Middle East region.
The airports of the emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are located just over 100 km away from Dubai, similar to Abu Dhabi's airport, but their infrastructure is not comparable to the capabilities of the latter.
Russian and Belarusian flights are rarely received by these airports, and their schedules aren't very convenient. Therefore, when planning a trip to Dubai, it's better to consider other airports, which we will discuss below.
This airport is historically the oldest in the emirate, but its appearance does not reflect its age. It is located in the Deira district, which is five kilometres away from the south-eastern historical part of the city. It is also where the fleets of leading airlines (Emirates Airlines and the low-cost carrier Flydubai) are based.
Cutting-edge technologies, modern design, high level of comfort and capabilities make Dubai International Airport one of the best in the world. Its continuous modernisation and expansion proceed in such a way that passenger flow continues to function without interruption.
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Being one of the busiest airports in the world with a capacity of 80 million people per year, this Dubai airport received 78 million travellers over the past year, which makes the need for modernisation obvious.
A logical question arises: how many terminals are there at Dubai airport? The answer is 7, and 5 of them are passenger terminals. The cargo terminals, in turn, are oriented towards large cargo flows and impress with their scale; their admission system works precisely and without failures.
The first and third terminals are connected by a metro line for convenient passenger movement. In each terminal, you can use free Wi-Fi, as well as visit numerous restaurants and Duty Free shops. A 24-hour luggage storage service is available, and special waiting lounges are provided for passengers waiting for their flights.
The transit zone of Dubai Airport connects the first and third terminals, while the second terminal is located on the opposite side. The first includes one building, and the third — two. Layout schemes are described below:
For professional achievements, DXB has received over a hundred prestigious awards in various nominations, which is immediately noticeable.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), the largest in the world, occupies an impressive area of 140 km². Opened in 2010, it continues to expand.
Thanks to its convenient location in the Dubai City area (just 37 km away from the centre) and excellently developed infrastructure, the airport has become one of the world's leading transport hubs. For passengers' convenience, transfer services are always available to quickly reach other areas of the city.
Named after the Dubai family that has ruled since the 19th century, Al Maktoum Airport is a key part of an ambitious project to transform Dubai into a global aviation centre. The plans include the construction of 3 passenger terminals and 16 terminals for cargo transportation.
Upon completion of the work, the airport's passenger turnover capabilities will amount to up to 220 million people per year, while today this figure exceeds just one million.
Despite the current expansion works, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) already offers its passengers modern amenities. These include restaurants, shops and comfortable waiting areas.
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Main characteristics of the airport:
When buying tickets, pay attention to the destination airport. The best option will be to arrive at the main airport, terminal 1 or 3, as you will immediately find yourself at the entrance to the metro.
For those who are going on a cruise, arrival at the main airport will be most convenient, as you can get to Port Rashid by metro to Al Jafiliya station, and then take a taxi.
In some cases, it is more advantageous to arrive at Al Maktoum Airport, especially if your hotel is located in the north-western areas of Dubai, such as Dubai Marina.
Another advantage of Al Maktoum Airport is that passengers can enjoy stunning views of Dubai from above. For this, it's better to book seats on the right side by the window.
From the aircraft, there is a breathtaking view of skyscrapers along the Persian Gulf coast against the backdrop of endless desert. The Sail-shaped structure looks particularly impressive. And only from above can you see the contours of palms on the Palm archipelagos.
At the main airport, take-offs occur in the direction of the sea, so it's better to take a seat by the left window. At the same time, you will be able to see only the edge of the city in profile, and only for a moment.
Thus, regardless of which Dubai airport you are heading to, each has its own advantages.
Dubai Airport pays attention to your comfort, offering various services that will make waiting for departure more pleasant.
Marhaba is a VIP escort service. You will be delivered to the airport, and helped with luggage and flight check-in, while enjoying coffee in a comfortable lounge. This service must be ordered no later than 24 hours before departure or arrival. Using this service will make you feel like an Arab sheikh.
Shopping in the huge tax-free system store — Duty free with a rich assortment of souvenir products, cosmetics, sweets and much more. Some items cost much less there than in regular shops.
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If the connection takes a long time, and you prefer to stay at the airport, you can settle in a sleep cabin in the SnoozeCube capsule hotel, equipped with a bed, television and internet. The cost of an hour's rental is about 20 dollars.
Knowing how many airports there are in Dubai and what their features are, you can take them into account when organising your trip:
By following these simple recommendations, you will easily use the services of airports and without problems be on your way to unforgettable experiences in this city!
To travel from DXB airport to the city, you can use a taxi, bus, metro, or order a transfer to the hotel. The most budget-friendly option is the metro, which serves two of the three terminals of Dubai International Airport.
Aeroflot flights arrive at Dubai International Airport.
Dubai Airport offers special rooms for childcare, where you can have some privacy and satisfy the needs of your little ones. In search of such rooms, you can find help in the information area or from the staff of the “How can I help you” service.
Dubai keeps growing, and along with it the need for a significant increase in the capacity of the city's aviation hubs. In the future, even more impressive results can be expected, which raises no doubts.
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