PEAKLIFE

From offering state-of-the-art facilities to a world-class shopping and dining experience, Dubai International Airport lives up to the reputation of being a gateway to a city synonymous with luxury.

Dubai is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the world. Rapid development over the years has led to the emirate emerging as a hub for entrepreneurs and tourists. It is no surprise then that Dubai International Airport is among the world’s busiest airports in terms of international passenger traffic.The airport, which is located in the Al Garhoud district, is spread over an area of 2,900 hectares. It caters to nearly140 airlines, connecting around 240 destinations.Annual passenger traffic crossed a record 78 million in 2015. That number is expected to grow this year with the opening of the new Concourse D, boosting the airport’s capacity to 90 million passengers.

Award-winning services

In addition to that, Dubai International Airport is also the second busiest airport globally for international air freight volumes. In 2015, it handled cargo worth 2.5 million tonnes and was also named the Best Airport in the Middle East at the Asian Freight, Logistics, and Supply Chain Awards (AFLAS).

Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority manages security at the airport. It has, over the years, expanded security checks from basic screening at the entrance of terminals to retinal scans.

Another key security system, which was introduced in 2007, allows the authorities to screen passengers for drugs in the blood. The system has come to be seen as a crucial component in Dubai’s efforts to combat the drug trade.

World-class amenities

While the stringent safety measures provide a sense of security to travellers, there is ample to experience at the airport in terms of the amenities on offer.From basic services like lounges, banking, money exchange, baggage storage and prayer rooms to an expanded business centre that provides meeting rooms and conference facilities, Dubai International Airport caters to every need of the on-the-move executive.For traveling families, specific baby care rooms are available at different locations, while there is also a specialised Kids Zone located between gates B7 and B8.

Meanwhile, for those looking to catch up on some me-time, the airport also offers a state-of-the-art gymnasium and spa facilities along with unique Snooze Cubes and a Zen Garden, which is the perfect spot to gather your thoughts.

Gateway to luxury

Over the years, Dubai has become synonymous with shopping and fine dining, and that’s an experience that begins right at the airport. Dubai Duty Free is one of the largest travel retailers globally. At the airport, one can find a wide range of stores, selling cosmetics, electronics to high-end fashion and jewellery.

Moreover, given Dubai’s location as a link between the West and East, the airport offers the international traveller the opportunity to experience a diverse set of cuisines.

From Indian, Chinese, French to Middle-Eastern cuisines, one can try extensive range of mouth-watering dishes at acclaimed eateries like the Giraffe Restaurant, Butlers café, CNN traveller’s café, The Noodle House and the Cold Stone Creamery to name a few.And now with the opening of Concourse D, Dubai International Airport is home to more lounges and eateries, an expanded shopping zone and a space for even live performances, ensuring travellers a memorable experience.

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 All photos courtesy of: Media Centre, http://www.dubaiairports.ae/