Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport opened in 1960 and is the busiest airport in the Middle East. It currently serves over 120 airlines and in 2007 handled over 34 million passengers. Almost all international flights arrive at Sheikh Rashid Terminal 1, home of Dubai Duty Free. The smaller Terminal 2 handles flights from the former Soviet Union, Iran and charter flights.
Arriving is usually pretty painless. Taxis, ATMs, car rentals and hotel reservations are all available once you’ve passed customs.
The airport is situated around 3 miles south-east of the city centre, around 10 minutes drive in a taxi. It serves as the hub for the national carrier, Emirates.
In 2006 readers of Conde Nast Traveller Magazine rated Dubai International as the best airport in the world.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Code | DXB |
| Passenger Terminals | 2 (Terminal 3 under construction - due for completion in 2008. Once complete the airport will be able to handle 80 million passengers annually.) |
| Check-in Desks | 221 – Terminal 1, 22 – Terminal 2 |
| Car Rentals | Yes |
| ATMs | Yes |
| Taxis | Available 24 hours. Complimentary shuttle buses/limousines to most major hotels. |
| Parking | Long and short-term. |
| Other Facilities | Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Hotel, health club, business centre, currency exchanges, restaurants, children’s play area, medical centre, prayer room. |

Grooverider was arrested at Dubai International Airport in Novemeber as he flew into to perform at The Lodge nightclub. He had forgotten to remove a joint containing 2.16 grams of cannabis from his trousers.
Earlier this month another British visitor, Keith Brown, was jailed for 4 years after 0.003 g of cannabis was found stuck to the bottom of his shoe. The piece of cannabis was so small that it could not been seen with the naked eye.
Passenger numbers are expected to increase next year with the opening of Terminal 3 and Concourse 2.