Dubai International Airport
Built in 1959 by the order of late ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al
Maktoum, Dubai international Airport was the first airport in the UAE -
featuring a single, 1.8km runway and situated 4 km (2.5 miles) southeast
of the city centre. Today, it is the fastest growing airport in the Middle East,
nominated for the prestigious “best Airport” award in 2002 and 2003 by
the lATA (international Air Transport Association).
Airport facilities
Under continuous development, Dubai international Airport currently has
2 terminals, accommodating 110 airlines which connect the city to more
than 140 global destinations. The airport offers a unique “Meet-and-Greet” hospitality service known as “Marhaba” for passenger assistance
and “Welcome/bon Voyage” services for arrivals and departures.
Terminals
Terminal 1 is the hub of the Dubai international Airport and was reopened in
April 2000 following the 2nd stage of its expansion program commenced
in 1997. The terminal is 800m long and connects to the check-in hall by a
300m underground tunnel with a moving walkway. The terminal features an
Advanced passenger Clearance system (known as e-gate) utilizing smart
card entry/exit through immigration, electronically screening passengers’
data instead of their passport. Terminal 1 comprises five levels; Dubai Duty
Free, Dubai Airport Hotel and Departure/Arrivals Halls.
The Duty Free complex covers an area of some 5,400sqm, while the operation
in Terminal 2 covers over 1,400sq m. Arrivals shops and landside shops bring
the total retail space to over 7,000sq m and is designed to maximize both
retail and shopper experiences.
The terminal has 27 boarding gates, 47 aerobridges and a total of 36 lounges
to accommodate passengers of first and business class, airline and regular/economy. It also contains a business centre, health club, currency exchange,
dining & entertainment facilities, internet services, medical centre, post office
and a prayer room.
Regardless of the time zone your body is set to, the wealth of culinary choices
available at the Sheikh Rashid Terminal will satisfy. The bright and airy Food
Court with its floor length windows offers a host of options including a French
patisserie, an indian, a Far Eastern restaurant, an a la carte restaurant and the Irish Village bar and lounge on the Departure level.
Future plans
The second stage of the airport expansion program commenced in
early 2002 is expected to complete by 2008. This program includes
the development of Terminal 3, Concourse 2, Concourse 3, a Mega
Cargo Terminal, Flower Centre and Apron Area. The new terminal and
concourses will be dedicated to Emirates Airlines flights and operations.
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