An airport need not be just a place to change flights. It can also be a place where you can have lots of fun and entertain yourself. And Dubai airport is the perfect place for this. Among the busiest in the world, thousands of flyers spend several hours every day at this airport, waiting in transit or on a layover. If you are one of them, you can use these hours to indulge yourself and refresh your body and mind.
Best Things to do in Dubai Airport
- Chill at the Airport Lounge
There are different lounges at Dubai airport, all intended to make you feel relaxed and at ease. Business Class Lounge, Marhaba Lounge, and International First Class Lounge are some of the more popular ones. Refresh yourself with some top-quality coffee/fruit juice and snacks as you relax in the highly comforting interiors. Flight information monitors would ensure that you don’t miss out on that connecting flight.
- Relax at the Sleep ‘n Fly Pod
Not the best type of enjoyment, possibly – but sleeping is a much-needed activity, especially if you have had a long flight and are laying over for another one. Get those nerves relaxed as you hop in to an igloo-styled pod that comes with a roll-down roof. They are located in T3 of the airport. With mattresses, blankets, disposable headrests, and bed sheets, you are bound to have a sound sleep here!
- Have Some Nice & Filling Meal
You would be spoilt for choice as over 100 eateries vie for your attention – and taste buds – in Dubai airport. The most delectable cuisine providers from all across the world jostle for space here. From lasagna to steak and tofu to noodles, you would have a hard time in deciding where to head for! Jack’s Bar & Grill, Shake Shack, and Nutella Café are must-visits, along with the omnipresent McDonald’s, Starbucks, Burger King, and Hard Rock Café.
- Shop from Duty Free Shops
A large number of duty-free shops at Dubai airport will awaken the shopper in you. Premium global brands like Armani, Dior, Apple, WHSmith, and many more are present at these outlets that remain open 24 x 7. Shop for a wide range of products like handicrafts, spices, fruits, chocolates, liquor, cigarettes – the list is virtually endless. The hours will simply fly by as you indulge yourself at the duty-free outlets.
- Have a Relaxing Shower
At Terminal 3, you can avail of excellent shower facilities that will make you re-energized and refreshed. This is applicable all the more if you have landed in Dubai early in the morning and your outbound flight is later in the day. Save yourself some precious foreign exchange by not checking into a hotel to freshen up.
- Drop in at the Zen Garden
This beautiful indoor garden at the Terminal 3 is a perfect place to relax and spend some rewarding time. With lush green trees and a nice pond, this indoor garden is very inviting. Simply sit and do nothing, or catch up on some reading here. There is a play area for kids to keep them nicely engaged.
- Get Yourself a Nice Massage
Economy class flights come with cramped seating arrangements that can leave you further exhausted – to add on to the jetlag of the long flight from which you just alighted. And there’s another flight lying ahead. Time to pamper yourself with some massage to revitalize and prepare yourself. Head for the XPressSpa or the Be Relax Spa and treat yourself to some massage, manicure, reflexology, or facial. Want some more luxurious spa? Then visit the Timeless Spa at the Dubai International Airport Hotel.
- Make the Most of the Free Wi-Fi
Planning to watch that movie on YouTube or Netflix? This is the right time & place to do so – without hampering your work or exhausting your mobile data facility. Log on to the free Wi-Fi at the Dubai airport and watch movies, download important stuff, or simply chat in the social media platforms. Pay-to-use internet kiosks at the airport ensure that you can go online even if your laptop/mobile is not having sufficient charge.
- Go for a Workout or Swim
Yes, Dubai airport makes this possible, too! A nice swim or some workout at the gym never fail to energize, and you have got this opportunity here at Dubai airport. Head for the G-Force Health Club within the premises of the Dubai International Airport Hotel, by buying a pass. Besides the spa, this hotel also has a nice swimming pool, gym, sauna, and hot tub that you can make use of to spend time and also refresh yourself.
- Visit the Kids Zone
Traveling with friends or family? then the Kids Zone is a must-visit while you wait for your connecting flight at the Dubai airport. Inspired by the Arabian Desert, this place is a wonderful fun zone for not just kids but for all ages. Check out the mock sand dunes, let the kids play in the climbing area or the interactive game zone, and grab a bite at the many eateries nearby.
- Buy Some Souvenir
If you don’t have sufficient time to go out of the airport, it would be worthwhile to pick up some souvenir as a memorabilia of your (very brief) Dubai visit. Keep them with you once you reach home or gift them to near & dear ones. Pick up things like a miniature golden replica of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building or the uniquely-shaped Burj Al Arab.
- Head for Candylicious
Looking for the perfect place to indulge your little ones while they (and you) wait for the flight? Then the Candylicious is the perfect place. Offering a hue of candies in various shapes, sizes, and colors, Candylicious will ensure that the kids in the group have unlimited fun. And why only kids? Even adults can pamper their sweet teeth at this wonderful joint!
- Get Your Currency Exchanged
Are you flying to another country from Dubai? Then you better get your currency exchanged before you reach your final destination. This way, you would save on valuable time by not standing in queues at your destination airport. There are several service providers here, including the renowned Travelex. Order for the currency even before you travel via their website – and pick up the currency from their outlet at the airport. With over 60 currencies available, it’s certain that would find the currency of your choice at Travelex.
- Go Sightseeing
Is your layover time running into 5 hours or more? If yes, then why confine yourself within the airport premises? Use these hours to go for a half-day or full-day tour of this magnificent city (depending on the number of hours you have in hand). There are many tour operators who operate such tours. You might also do it yourself, armed with GPS or a map of the city. The Dubai Metro operates from the terminals 1 and 3. Or you might also hire a taxi or hop into a bus. And then, visit landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, and many more.
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