Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Arriving at DWC involves disembarking into the main concourse, clearing passport control, retrieving checked baggage, and passing through customs inspection.

• Disembark the aircraft via jet bridge or terminal shuttle bus into the passenger arrival area.
• Proceed to passport control, where visitors present valid passports and visa documentation or qualify for visa-on-arrival entry.
• Follow signs to the baggage reclaim hall and collect luggage from the designated carousel.
• Pass through Dubai Customs by choosing the Green Channel for nothing to declare or the Red Channel if carrying reportable goods.
• Exit into the public arrivals hall to access local transport, currency exchange, and airport services.

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Official Dubai Taxi Corporation taxis (metered) operate from the rank immediately outside arrivals.

  Time:

  roughly 30-45 minutes to Dubai Marina; 50-60 minutes to Downtown Dubai

  Typical cost:

  typically AED 100-200 depending on distance and traffic

• Train

  Public Bus & Metro

  RTA bus services (such as route F55) connect DWC directly to Expo 2020 Metro Station for Red Line metro transfers.

  Time:

  roughly 60-90 minutes total to central Dubai

  Typical cost:

  typically AED 7-15 using an RTA NOL card

• Ride-hailing

  Ride-hailing

  Careem and Uber provide pick-up services from designated collection zones outside the terminal.

  Time:

  roughly 35-55 minutes depending on destination

  Typical cost:

  typically AED 120-220

DWC does not feature an airside connection to Dubai International Airport (DXB); transfers require landside transit.

• Allow at least 3 to 4 hours between flights when transferring landside between DWC and DXB.
• Travellers must clear UAE immigration and customs at DWC prior to departing for DXB.
• Taxis or private transfers offer the most direct road connection between the two airports.

Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the passenger terminal.

• Select the airport network on your mobile device to connect.
• Accept the terms on the portal landing screen to establish internet access.
• Local SIM cards and e-SIM solutions are available from telecom kiosks in the arrivals area.

The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). Electronic card payments are accepted almost everywhere.

• ATMs accepting major international cards are located in the public arrivals area.
• Currency exchange counters operate landside for international currencies.
• An RTA NOL card is required for public bus and metro travel and can be obtained at the terminal.

A range of dining options is available in both airside and landside terminal sectors.

• Outlets offer quick-service meals, coffee, and light snacks.
• Food venues cater to international dietary requirements with standard halal choices.
• Opening times generally correspond to scheduled flight operations.

Passenger lounge facilities are available for premium passengers and pay-per-use travellers.

• The Marhaba Lounge provides seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and business services.
• Entry can be booked on arrival or accessed via qualifying travel memberships.
• Facilities include hot and cold food stations, hot drinks, and relaxation areas.

There are no airside transit hotels inside DWC, but hotel accommodation is available nearby in Dubai South and Jebel Ali.

• Hotels in the Dubai South district are situated within a 10-15 minute drive.
• Private transfers or taxis can be arranged directly from the terminal to nearby hotels.
• A wider array of beachfront and business hotels is located roughly 25-30 minutes away in Dubai Marina.

Baggage reclaim carousels are located in the arrivals hall after clearing passport control.

• Display screens above each carousel show arriving flight numbers.
• Luggage trolleys are available free of charge in the reclaim zone.
• Airline ground handlers and lost property services maintain desks near the carousels.

DWC provides standard facilities to assist travellers arriving with young children.

• Dedicated baby care and changing rooms are located near primary washrooms.
• Barrier-free paths and lifts support pushchairs throughout the terminal.
• Priority assistance is available at immigration for families travelling with infants.

• ATMs & Currency Exchange
• Prayer Rooms
• Duty Free Stores
• Cafés & Food Outlets
• Baby Changing Rooms
• Car Rental Desks
• Information Desk

Local emergency number: 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance), 997 (Fire)

• Dial 999 for police emergencies or 998 for medical assistance anywhere in the UAE.
• Notify airport security or staff at any service desk for immediate first-aid response in the terminal.
• In the event of a lost passport, inform airport police and contact your embassy or consulate in Dubai.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Dubai Airports Official WebsiteOfficial airport source
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs DubaiGovernment source
• Dubai Customs Official PortalGovernment source
• Roads and Transport Authority DubaiOfficial transit source
• Dubai Police Official PortalGovernment source