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Arriving in Dubai - dda
Arriving to Dubai
Entering Dubai by Air
Dubai is a global hub for air travel, with Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport both serving the city. Both airports offer a wide range of flights from around the world, with numerous airlines providing direct connections to Dubai from major cities.
Upon arrival, visitors can easily access the city center via taxi or public transportation, with both airports offering various options for ground transportation.
Facilities and Services at Dubai Airports
Meet & Greet Services
Dubai Airports offers premium Meet & Greet services to ensure a seamless and personalized travel experience. Marhaba Services, available at all terminals in Dubai, provides assistance through immigration, baggage handling, and lounge access. Options range from the Silver Package, which includes fast-track services, to the Elite Package, offering exclusive one-on-one assistance and chauffeur-driven transfers.
Public Transportation Options
Dubai Airports provide various public transportation options to cater to all passenger needs:
Metro
The Dubai Metro's Red Line provides direct connections to DXB's Terminals 1 and 3. Both terminals are equipped with dedicated metro stations, facilitating easy access for travelers.
The metro typically operates during the following hours:
Monday to Thursday: 05:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 05:00 AM – 01:00 AM
Saturday: 05:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 08:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Public Buses
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates an extensive bus network connecting the airport to various parts of Dubai. Buses depart from dedicated stands located at Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
A Nol card is required to travel by bus, as cash payments are not accepted. nol cards are available for purchase and top-up at airport terminals, metro stations, and select bus stations. This contactless card serves as your access pass to Dubai's entire public transport system, including buses, metros and even water taxis.
Taxis
Operated by the Dubai Taxi Corporation, taxis are available 24/7 at designated ranks in each terminal. The starting fare is AED 25, with additional charges based on distance.
To find a taxi in the airport, follow the signs to the official taxi ranks located at each terminal, or speak to a Guest Experience Ambassador for assistance.
Limousine services are also available through the Bolt app.
Chauffeur Services
For a more luxurious experience, passengers can book chauffeur services through the Emirates website, offering private transfers to and from the airport.
Car Rental Services
Dubai Airports hosts several car rental agencies to provide flexible mobility options.
Parking
Experiences at Dubai Airports
Dubai Airports offer a wide range of experiences designed to make every journey smooth and enjoyable. Passengers can explore a variety of shops featuring luxury brands, enjoy meals at diverse restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and rest at hotels located within the airport. Explore the following experiences at Dubai Airports:
Airport Facilities
Explore more information about facilities provided by Dubai Airports to help passengers navigate their journey smoothly:
Travel Accessibility for People of Determination
Dubai Airports (DXB) offers a variety of services for passengers with hidden disabilities or those needing extra assistance. These services are designed to make the airport experience smoother and more accessible.
Key Services for an Accessible Journey
Hearing Loops
Located at more than 520 touchpoints, these loops improve sound clarity for passengers with hearing loss. They are available at check-in, immigration, and boarding gates. Passengers with hearing aids or cochlear implants can connect automatically by activating the telecoil setting.
Assisted Travel Lounge
Located in Terminal 2, this dedicated lounge provides a comfortable and calming space for travelers with hidden disabilities. It includes wheelchair-friendly areas, noise-reducing seating, and a decompression zone for autistic passengers.
Travel Planner
A visual, step-by-step guide is available to help passengers with hidden disabilities prepare for their journey through DXB and DWC. The guide outlines what to expect at each stage of the airport experience to help reduce anxiety.
Sunflower Lanyard
Part of the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, this lanyard discreetly signals that a passenger may need extra time or support. Wearing it grants access to family and priority lanes at all processing points.
DPNA Code
The IATA code DPNA (Disabled Passenger with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance) can be used when booking a flight to inform service providers that a passenger requires assistance.
Security Checkpoints
Dedicated security lanes for People of Determination (PoD) are available at both DXB and DWC. Dubai Police has trained 400 employees and customized equipment to assist passengers with physical, hearing, visual, and cognitive impairments. Private rooms are also available for inspections of prosthetic limbs.
Hidden Disabilities Route
This autism-friendly route at DXB and DWC features dedicated lanes for check-in, passport control, and security. The route is clearly marked with sunflower symbols and is staffed by trained ambassadors who wear sunflower pins to signal they can offer assistance.
Entering Dubai by Sea
Dubai is a leading destination for cruise travelers, with Mina Rashid (Port Rashid) recognized as one of the largest and most advanced cruise ports in the region. The port can handle multiple mega-cruise vessels and thousands of passengers daily, serving as both a home port, where cruises start and end, and a transit port, where passengers stop during their journey. The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal is the world’s largest single covered cruise terminal, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
Visitors arriving by sea go through passport control, customs, and other entry procedures, similar to those at airports. The port is designed to make arrivals smooth and efficient, allowing travelers to start their visit to Dubai quickly and safely. Whether arriving by cruise liner or private yacht, passengers can enjoy a seamless entry process into the city.
In addition to cruise travel, Dubai is also a popular destination for private yachts and other sea vessels. The city’s strategic location on the Arabian Gulf, combined with expanded berthing services and recreational facilities at Mina Rashid, makes it attractive for maritime travelers. Upon arrival, visitors can easily access the city center through taxis, public transport, or other land transportation options.
Related online services
Entering Dubai by Land
Travelers can enter Dubai by land through border crossings connecting the UAE with neighboring GCC countries. GCC citizens can enter and exit through land borders without a visa, while GCC residents may require a visa depending on nationality. All travelers must complete immigration procedures at the crossing points to enter or exit Dubai.
Hatta Border Crossing (UAE–Oman)
The primary land entry point to Dubai is the Hatta Border Crossing, which connects Dubai to Oman. It is located approximately 140 km from Dubai and is a popular route for travelers going to and from Muscat and other parts of Oman.
Currency of Dubai
The dirham (AED) is the official currency of Dubai, as well as the UAE. The currency is pegged at AED3.67 to the US dollar.
You can exchange money at any of the licensed money exchange centers in Dubai, which are located at airports, in malls and in public markets.
A new dirham symbol was introduced by the Central Bank of the UAE in March 2025. The symbol is a 'D' with two horizontal lines through its center and was inspired by the UAE flag.
Coins are in the denominations of AED 1, 50 fils and 25 fils. Notes or bills are in the denomination of AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000.
Customs Guidelines for Travelers
As you prepare for your visit to the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Dubai, it's important to familiarize yourself with the customs regulations set by Dubai Customs Authority. Dubai has strict rules regarding the import and possession of certain items by travelers. Understanding these requirements will help ensure a smooth arrival experience. It’s important to be familiar with permitted items, controlled items, prohibited items and how to declare your baggage at the airport.
Customs Declaration
Customs operations at Dubai Airports begin after passport control and extend until passengers exit the customs gates. A customs declaration can be made verbally, in writing, electronically, or by choosing the red or green channel.
Permitted Items
The following permitted items are exempted from customs duties and are allowed entry:
Gifts: Allowed if valued under AED 3,000.
Tobacco: Up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500g of tobacco.
Passengers 18+ must declare if carrying over AED 60,000 (or equivalent) in cash, checks, precious metals/stones, etc.
Alcohol: Up to 4 litres or 2 cartons of beer (24 cans each, max 355 ml per can).
E-smoking Devices: Permitted for personal use, subject to inspector's discretion.
Controlled items
Some goods accompanying passengers subject to permits by relevant authorities in Dubai and the UAE. These goods include:
Medicines and medical equipment
Print and audio-visual materials
Cosmetics for exhibition purposes
Drones
Electronic devices of all kinds
Domestic animals
Plants and seedlings
Filming equipment for Shooting news stories, Movies or official events.
Food products (commercial quantities)
Wireless devices
Prohibited Items
The following items are not allowed to be imported by passengers:
Indecent and obscene materials of all kinds.
Gambling tools and machines
Narcotics of all kinds.
Nasvaar and Betel leaves (paan) of any kind.
Counterfeit goods of all kinds.
Counterfeit money
Any other goods the importation of which is banned under the UAE laws or the GCC Common Customs Law.
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