Dubai International Airport serves as a major hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. Located in the United Arab Emirates, Al Maktoum International Airport is expanding to handle more flights and passengers each year. It features modern terminals, efficient security processes and easy access to city centers via road or taxi services. The airport supports global trade with cargo facilities for goods moving across continents. Its growth reflects Dubai’s role as a key travel destination in the Middle East and its importance for international business and tourism.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type G
Type G:
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| Currency: |
UAE Dirham (AED) £1 ≈ AED 4.89 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in urban areas, including cards and mobile wallets. Rural areas may rely more on cash.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary but not mandatory in the UAE. Restaurants often include service charges, but leaving 10-15% for good service is common. Small tips for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and delivery services are appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking of alcohol is illegal. Alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in most indoor public areas, though designated smoking zones are available. |
| Eid al-Fitr (Varies) |
A time for family gatherings; expect closures during festivities. |
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| National Day (December) |
Celebrations include parades and fireworks across the country. |
| Eid al-Adha (Varies) |
Similar closures and family celebrations, with special events in cities. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Careem, Uber, RTA Dubai |
| Other: | The UAE is famous for luxury shopping, modern architecture, and diverse cuisines. Dress modestly in public and adhere to local customs to avoid issues. |
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is set in Dubai South and spans a massive 140 square kilometers, making it one of the largest airport sites globally. Opened in 2010, it currently handles limited passenger flights but is rapidly expanding with plans to surpass Dubai International in traffic and capacity.
The terminal is modern and spacious, with free Wi-Fi, a decent duty-free store, various dining options and a premium lounge. Although less congested, the airport's relative remoteness – about 40 kilometers from Dubai’s city center – means travel times can be long, typically around 40 minutes by taxi or private transfer.
Public transport options are limited but improving; buses connect to the metro via Ibn Battuta Station, though this involves transfers and a longer journey. Ride-sharing apps are unavailable here, so taxis or pre-booked services are the main choices. Some travelers find the distance and limited immediate amenities less convenient compared to the well-established Dubai International Airport.
Despite those considerations, DWC offers a smooth, futuristic travel experience with ongoing innovations such as AI-driven immigration and robotic baggage handling, signaling its growing importance as Dubai’s next aviation frontier.
Open 24/7 and located airside on Level 1, the Marhaba Lounge offers comfortable seating, international cuisine, hot and cold beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, TV screens, and a dedicated smoking area. Visitors can use it by booking in advance, through certain credit cards, or via lounge memberships. Maximum stay is 2 hours.
Accommodation near Al Maktoum Airport is sparse, as it sits in a developing area focused on logistics and aviation industries. Most travelers prefer staying in central Dubai, where a wide range of quality hotels and resorts cater to all budgets, with efficient transport links servicing the airport.
To Dubai City Center:
Travelling from Al Maktoum to downtown Dubai takes about 40 minutes by taxi or private transfer, with fares around AED 100 – 150 (£20.36 – 30.53). Public bus F55 links the airport to Ibn Battuta Metro Station in about 40 minutes; from there, visitors can access metro lines into the city. Bus services run hourly, with a night bus (F55A) operating between 11pm and 6am. Beware that Dubai buses require Nol cards and do not accept cash.
To Ibn Battuta Metro Station:
The bus F55 provides the main public link between Al Maktoum Airport and the nearby Ibn Battuta Metro Station, with a roughly 40-minute journey. This station connects travellers to the broader Dubai metro network, essential for city access.
To Dubai International Airport (DXB):
No direct public transport connects DWC to DXB; taxis or chauffeur services provide the most convenient transfer, typically taking 45 minutes with variable traffic. It’s important to plan inter-airport connections carefully due to DWC’s distance.
