Sleek and Modern: The Dubai International Airport
Posted on 18. Aug, 2011 by admin in General
Dubai International, 3 miles from Dubai City’s centre, is one of the world’s largest and busiest hubs. It is also one of the world’s best laid out facilities.
One of the first things travellers notice is that, despite its size, the airport is extremely easy to navigate. All signs are in English as well as Arabic and are well-positioned, as are the flight status boards. Help desks and transfer desks are numerous and staffed with knowledgeable personnel. As with any other large airport, there are motorized walkways and assistance for passengers with special needs.
The layout of this airport is logical and simple to remember. Three linked terminals are laid out in a single long strip. Terminal 1 is for the arrival and departure of international airlines. Terminal 2 is for local and regional airlines and the newest addition, Terminal 3, is for all Emirates Airlines flights. For travellers weary of the confusing hub-and-spoke layout of many airports, it’s reassuring to come across one that makes getting lost almost impossible.
Dubai International airport features all the amenities air travellers expect, including currency exchange and bank outlets, a medical centre, internet kiosks, free Wi-Fi and several tiers of meet and greet and concierge services.
Yet this modern hub also offers amenities travellers might not think of. There are showers for travellers in transit, as well as well-ventilated smoking rooms. In Terminal 3, prayer rooms are available, with separate facilities for men and women. Mothers traveling with small children will especially appreciate the Women’s Lounge & Children’s Play Area, where children can exhaust some of their pent up energy.
Hungry travellers will find their only problem is deciding which restaurant to eat at. There are more than two dozen possibilities, offering everything from McDonald’s to Irish Pub food to international French, Indian, and Asian fare.
For business travellers arriving for meetings, Dubai International Hotel is conveniently located within the airport. In addition to spacious, comfortable rooms, the hotel features two health clubs, two swimming pools, lounges, bars, and restaurants. There are also two business centres, both fully equipped. For jet-lagged travellers facing a long layover, the hotel also has hourly rates, making it a perfect spot to have a nap, shower, relax and recharge before continuing on.
Whether or not one is flying Emirates Airlines, Terminal 3 demands a visit. The architecture is sleek and modern and palm trees, pools and greenery create the atmosphere of a 21st century oasis. The key draw, however, is the shopping.
Dubai is the shopping capitol of the Middle East, and for many Terminal 3 is the first stop on arrival and last stop before departure. In addition to perfume, tobacco and electronics, there are high-end clothing shops, bookstores, toy and gift stores, and numerous other retailers, as well as a food court at either end. For those watching their flight times, maps show how many minutes it will take from any given point to the most distant gate.
This is an airport that could make travellers long for a timely delay.