Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport

Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC), is not just an air gateway, but a futuristic project destined to become the largest aviation hub on the planet. Located in the heart of the rapidly developing Dubai South district, it offers travellers a completely different experience: tranquility, spaciousness, and the latest technologies prevail here, contrasting with the busy rhythm of the emirate's main airport. It is the ideal arrival point for those planning to visit Expo City, stay in the Dubai Marina area, or head straight to the capital, Abu Dhabi.

Although Al Maktoum Airport is still in an active expansion phase, it already boasts a number of unique advantages for tourists:

• No Queues: Due to lower passenger traffic compared to DXB, passing through passport control and baggage claim takes mere minutes here.
• Convenient Location: The airport is significantly closer to the popular resort areas of Jebel Ali and the new residential districts of Dubai, saving time on transfers.
• Modern Infrastructure: The terminal is designed with maximum comfort in mind, offering spacious waiting lounges and intuitive navigation.
• Transport Accessibility: Buses (such as route F55) run from the terminal, quickly delivering passengers to the Expo 2020 metro station, connecting the airport with the city's entire public transport network.

• Official Website: www.dubaiairports.ae (DWC section)
• Help Desk Phone: +971 4 224 5555 (24/7 support for Dubai airports, including DWC)
• Airport Address: Dubai World Central, Dubai South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Email for General Inquiries: feedback@dubaiairports.ae
• Social Media: Official Dubai Airports accounts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram provide up-to-date information for both airports.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal, contact the DWC Lost & Found service. If the issue concerns checked baggage, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and inquiries, you can use the 24/7 help desk phone +971 4 224 5555.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), also known as Dubai World Central, is located in the southern part of Dubai, approximately 50-60 kilometres from major tourist areas such as Downtown or Dubai Marina. You can get there in several ways, and the choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. There is no direct metro to Al Maktoum Airport, so the route will be combined. You need to take the Red Metro Line to Ibn Battuta station. From there, the F55 bus runs regularly to the airport. The bus journey takes about 40-50 minutes. Note that you will need a Nol transport card to pay for the metro and bus. This method is excellent for travellers with little luggage. Be sure to check the bus schedule in advance, especially if your flight is early in the morning or late at night.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer is the most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport. Official city taxis (RTA) and services like Uber or Careem are available 24/7. A trip from the central districts of Dubai will take approximately 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. The cost of a taxi ride will be significantly higher than public transport, but it is the best choice if you are travelling with family, a large amount of luggage, or simply value comfort.

Car Rental offers maximum freedom of movement around the UAE. The airport is conveniently located near major highways, such as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), making the drive simple and fast. Offices of all leading rental companies are present at Al Maktoum Airport, where you can both pick up and drop off a car. If you plan to travel around the country extensively, renting a car may be the most practical solution.

DWC Airport features spacious parking, offering both short-term and long-term options. This is convenient for those arriving in their own or a rented vehicle. It is important to remember that Al Maktoum is further from the centre than the main Dubai International Airport (DXB), so always allow extra time for the journey. Also, there are other major air hubs in the region, such as Sharjah International Airport or Abu Dhabi International Airport, making air connectivity in the region highly developed.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), also known as Dubai World Central, currently has a simpler and more understandable structure for passengers compared to its giant counterpart DXB. Currently, one main passenger terminal is used to handle commercial passenger flights, including charters and flights by some budget airlines. This makes the airport extremely convenient to navigate.

The terminal layout is intuitive and logical. It is a modern, relatively compact building where Arrivals and Departures zones are clearly separated yet located in close proximity to each other. You won't have to worry about long walks, taking internal trains, or buses between terminals, as all key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are located under one roof and within walking distance.

One of the main advantages of Al Maktoum Airport is the speed of formalities. Due to lower passenger traffic compared to DXB, flight check-in, passport control, and security screening processes usually go significantly faster. The entire journey from the building entrance to the departure zone rarely takes much time, making the trip calmer and more predictable.

Despite its compactness, the DWC passenger terminal is equipped with all necessary amenities. After passing security control, passengers gain access to Duty Free shops, several cafes and fast-food outlets, comfortable waiting areas, currency exchange points, and car rental counters in the arrivals hall. Signs in Arabic and English are simple and clear, helping you orient yourself easily.

The main recommendation for travellers flying from DWC: always check in advance which Dubai airport your flight departs from, as Al Maktoum is located at a significant distance from the city centre. Arrive with the time buffer recommended by the airline, but rest assured that navigation within the airport itself will not cause you any trouble. It is an excellent choice for those who value simplicity, speed, and a lack of bustle.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), also known as Dubai World Central, is one of the most ambitious aviation projects in the world. Its history is a story of a grand vision of the future that Dubai is systematically bringing to life. The idea of creating a giant airport was born in the early 2000s as a key element of the massive logistics and residential district of Dubai South.

Officially, the airport began operations on June 27, 2010, but at that time exclusively for cargo flights. This step immediately positioned DWC as an important logistics hub, ideally integrated with the nearby Jebel Ali seaport. The era of passenger transport began three years later — on October 26, 2013, when the airport welcomed its first commercial passenger flight. From that moment, Al Maktoum began serving mainly low-cost carriers and charter airlines.

One of the landmark events in the airport's history was the relocation of the prestigious Dubai Airshow here in 2013. The vast areas and modern infrastructure of DWC allowed this world-class event to be held on an even grander scale. The development of the airport was planned in stages from the very beginning. Initially, it was created to relieve the main Dubai International Airport (DXB) and handle the growing cargo flow.

A real breakthrough in the history of Al Maktoum is linked to the approved plans for its colossal expansion. The project envisages the construction of new terminals and five parallel runways. Upon completion of all modernization stages, Al Maktoum Airport is set to become the largest in the world, capable of handling over 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per year. This ambitious project aims to make DWC the main aviation hub not only of the UAE but of the entire region, cementing Dubai's status as a global centre for travel and logistics.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), located in the heart of the dynamically developing Dubai South district, offers passengers modern infrastructure and all necessary services for a comfortable journey. Although it is smaller and quieter than the main airport of Dubai, DWC is designed with a focus on efficiency and convenience, ensuring a pleasant start or end to your trip to the UAE.

Within the terminal, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack before your flight, as well as Duty Free shops with a range of perfumes, cosmetics, souvenirs, and beverages. For those who value enhanced comfort, business lounge services are available, such as the Marhaba Lounge, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, use the shower, and enjoy snacks and drinks.

Staying connected is easy: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you not to worry about your devices' battery levels. For financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are provided. There is also a 24-hour medical centre at the airport for first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with special needs. Passengers with children can use mother and child rooms, and special assistance and escort services are provided for passengers with reduced mobility. Several hotels are located nearby, which is convenient for transit passengers or those with an early flight. For business travellers, basic business services suitable for modern needs may be available.

At Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai, travellers will find a good selection of places to have a snack or a full dinner while waiting for their flight. Dining options cater to an international audience and are available in both the public area and the departure zone.

Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main passenger terminal. In the landside zone (before passport control), the selection is usually more modest and suitable for those seeing someone off or arriving at the airport early. The main variety awaits passengers in the airside zone (after security control) in the departure lounge, where you can relax before your flight.

For those in a hurry, international coffee chains like Costa Coffee or Starbucks are ideal, where you can grab coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. If you have more time, it is worth visiting one of the restaurants with table service. They offer dishes of international cuisine: from pasta and burgers to salads and hot meals. This is a great opportunity for a full lunch or dinner in a calm atmosphere.

Although the focus is on international cuisine, in some cafes you can find elements of local gastronomic traditions, for example, try aromatic Arabic coffee with dates. Regarding dietary preferences, practically all food in the UAE is halal. Vegetarian dishes are easy to find on the menus of most establishments, but the availability of vegan or gluten-free options is best checked directly with the staff.

Prices at DWC airport correspond to the standard level for major international hubs — they are higher than in city establishments. Most food outlets in the departure zone operate around the clock (24/7) or have extended hours to serve passengers of night and morning flights.

To ensure your journey through Al Maktoum International Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, make use of these helpful tips.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For international flights, the standard recommendation is to arrive 3 hours before departure. Although Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) is often less busy than the main Dubai airport (DXB), this time buffer will allow you to check in, drop off luggage, pass security control, and find your boarding gate without rushing.

Check-in and Security. Save time by using online check-in if your airline offers this service. Security control at UAE airports is very thorough. Be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Liquids must be in containers of up to 100 ml and packed in a separate transparent bag.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. When choosing a seat, be guided by personal preferences. Window seats will give you magnificent views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement. If you need extra legroom, consider seats at emergency exits, but remember that an additional fee is often charged for them.

Hand Luggage Rules. Remember the standard limit on liquids: no more than 100 ml per container. All portable batteries (power banks) must be carried only in hand luggage. The UAE has strict rules regarding the import of certain medications (a prescription and permission may be required), so it is better to check the list of permitted drugs in advance.

For Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the final destination. DWC Airport is modern and convenient for transit, but terminals can be at a significant distance from each other. Immediately upon arrival, check the screens for information about your next flight and boarding gate.

Customs Control. Customs rules in the country are strict. It is necessary to declare large sums of cash and expensive items. There are restrictions on the import of alcohol and tobacco, as well as a complete ban on the import of certain products (e.g., pork) and materials contrary to cultural norms. If you have doubts, use the "Red Channel" for consultation.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book taxis through official apps or study public bus routes to the nearest metro stations. Take an empty water bottle with you — there are drinking water fountains in the terminals. Prices in Duty Free are not always the lowest, so compare them in advance if you plan to make purchases.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline representative to find out about your rights to meals, hotel accommodation, or other compensation. To pass the time, use the free Wi-Fi, relax in the lounge area (access is often provided via premium cards), or visit the numerous cafes and shops in the airport.