The Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is one of the most preferred airports to catch connecting flights while travelling from east to west and vice-versa. The layover at Dubai Airport can be anywhere between a few hours to more than a day. But the best news is that there is no reason to get bored even if you have to wait at the airport for a long time. This is because there are plenty of interesting things to do at the Dubai Airport. Here are some of the best things to do in Dubai during a layover.
Indulge in Retail Therapy
Shopping is one of the best things to do at Dubai International Airport. The airport is home to several duty-free shops, where you can buy liquors, perfumes, etc. It is a great place to buy souvenirs, local handicrafts, chocolates, and dry fruits to take back home as gifts for friends and family. The Dubai Airport also has several luxury stores where you can buy designer goods. One of the main attractions of the airport is the raffle tickets. Buy one to get a chance to win some exciting prizes like gold, cash, luxury cars, etc. The duty-free shops at the Dubai Airport are open 24X7.
Chill out in the Lounge Area
Although there are plenty of sitting areas at the Dubai Airport, a lounge area would make your layover more comfortable, especially if you are at the airport for a long time. If you are flying with Emirates, you can get access to their exclusive lounge at the airport. If not, there are plenty of lounges that you can access by paying a small fee. Apart from comfier seating arrangements, a lounge offers delicious food and drinks, good Wi-Fi speed, and shower facilities as well. The best part is that lounges are quieter than the rest of the airport, giving you the chance to work, read a book, or even take a nap peacefully.
Take a Deep Breath in the Zen Gardens
The Dubai Airport is a modern structure, but not everything here is made of glass, concrete, and chrome. In fact, you can enjoy a slice of nature and revel in some peace and quietude at the Zen Gardens, right inside the airport. Made of palm trees, bushes, shrubs, and fish ponds, the Zen Gardens is one of the best Dubai airport attractions. It is the perfect place to relax and stretch your legs between two long flights. You can sit with an interesting book or just close your eyes and listen to the calming sound of the water. The place is so serene and quiet that many people prefer to catch up on work at the Zen Gardens. It also has a small play area where the little ones can have a fun time.
Treat Your Taste Buds
Waiting at the airport can cause hunger pangs like no other, and the Dubai International Airport has more than 135 restaurants and cafes to indulge your palette. Right from fine dining restaurants that serve your Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Irish, and Turkish delights to cafés and fast food joints where you can grab your comfort food, the choices are endless here. Some of the popular chains you will find here are Starbucks, McDonalds, Panda Express, KFC, Shake Shack, Pinkberry, Hard Rock Café, etc. So be it a quick bite or a lavish meal, the Dubai Airport would not disappoint your taste buds.
Check-in at the Dubai International Hotel
If you have a really long layover at the Dubai Airport and do not want to step out into the city, booking a room at the Dubai International Hotel would be a good idea. This luxury hotel is located inside the airport and can be accessed from Terminals 1 and 3. Apart from a comfortable room where you can work, sleep, and relax, this airport hotel provides all the facilities and amenities of a luxury hotel, including a gym, swimming pool, steam room, Jacuzzi, sauna, etc. The hotel offers several packages, depending on the time you want to spend here and the services you want to use. If you do not want to reserve a room but would want to work out at the gym or pool, you can do the same as well.
Catch up on Some Sleep
If you do not want to book an entire room but still want to enjoy some peaceful slumber, the Dubai Airport provides an option for the same. You will find several Rest Zones or sleep pods, where you can sleep for a few hours. The sleep pods are designed in the style of igloos, where you can stretch your legs and relax. There are also pull-out beds for the younger ones. You will also find SnoozeCube at Terminal 1, where you can rent a cubicle that is not only soundproof but also provides a comfortable bed and television. This is definitely one of the best Dubai airport things to do.
Pamper Your Body and Mind
If you have had a long flight where you were cramped in your seat, for the most part, your body would thank you for a good massage. There are more than 70 spas in the Dubai Airport, where you can indulge in a good body massage along with several other beauty treatments like body scrubs, facials, manicures, pedicure, and waxing. You also have the freedom of choosing amongst different types of body massages, including Swedish massage, Japanese Massage, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, etc. If you are about to board a flight that does not provide you with many leg movements, a massage at the airport would be a great idea.
Let Your Kids Have Fun
Travelling with kids can be stressful for parents, especially in the case of long haul flights. The Dubai Airport gives you the chance to keep your children happy and entertained with their unique Kids Zone. Located at Terminal 3, this is an Arabian desert theme play zone, where the floor is designed like sand dunes. The play area has several interesting play equipment and interactive game zones for the kids to have a great time. While the kids play, the parents can grab a cup of coffee or a quick bite at one of the food outlets nearby.
Explore the City
If you are at the Dubai Airport for a long layover, exploring the city is a great idea. In this case, get a Dubai tourist visa beforehand and plan your city tour to explore some of the interesting Dubai attractions. Some of the places to visit near Dubai International Airport are Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Dubai Miracle Garden, etc. If planning a short trip in Dubai seems too stressful, you can also join one of the half-day or full day city tours planned by tour operators.
These things to do near Dubai airport and inside the airport would ensure that your layover at the Dubai International Airport is as memorable as your holiday or trip. So next time you get an opportunity to fly to an international destination with a stopover in Dubai, do not hesitate and book your tickets fast. The Dubai Airport will surely engage and entertain you like no other.