Dull, duller, dullest: Dubai Airport, Terminal 3

I’ve always admired the United Arab Emirates for their sense of business! With the world’s seventh largest oil reserves, it possesses one of the most developed economies in the Middle East.

Well, I guess you can say what you want about the recent problems resulting from the economic crisis and the UAE’s involvement but the fact is, some of the infrastructure they provide predominantly in the tourism sector and the subsequent transport industry does have a lasting, positive effect on people well beyond the Arabic state.

Let’s look at Dubai and its home carrier Emirates Airlines which set itself up as a “hub” airport mainly serving as a link between Europe and Asia. It’s probably become the 2nd most profitable route after Europe to North America and Emirates Airlines and Dubai are taking a large share of that, whilst providing service that challenge the far more established carriers such as Cathay Pacific or British Airways.

With that you would think Dubai’s airport (IATA: DXB) with its newest addition of Terminal 3 must be quite the landmark and that spending time there would be something to very much look forward to.

Sadly … it’s quite the contrary. I found the airport terminal 3 one of the dullest I’ve ever seen, despite being new and fairly well designed from a usability point of view. Structurally it’s similar to Heathrow’s Terminal 5 where all gates are directly located along the main building to allow passengers to spend more time shopping & dining and less time transiting to the gates. BUT the airport doesn’t offer much of anything beyond the shops and restaurants you see in all other airports.

Upon entering the terminal you are wowed by the sense of diversity and at first glance engaged in the difference but you’ll quickly discover that all the shops are the same; they just have a different name! As disappointing as it was, with an open mind & a bit of creativity you’ll always find things to do if – oh yeah – you suffer a LateDeparture.com!

So, here you go readers – my top selections if you get stuck in Dubai:

• Indulge on a “pain of chocolat” from the French bakery, Paul, near gate 212. Think of where you’d rather be at the moment. Did I hear Paris?
• Missing the Pulp Juice brand from your stay in Australia a few years ago? Even though this brand no longer exists down-under, you can still find an outlet in Terminal 3, near gate 219. This is certainly a very nice (healthy and refreshing) option between flights.
• Go crazy and stock up for your Arab themed return party: buy cheesy souvenirs from the shop in the middle of the terminal
• Get the most from your Emirates economy ticket and race to the free meal deal from 12am upstairs from Burger King near gate 212 (only passengers with a stop-over of more than 2 hours are eligible for a voucher). Oh yes people, l said FREE meal – Wicked! Hmmmm, let’s think .. Could it be possible that you paid for it in your ticket price somehow? As my economics professor would say, “there is no such thing as a free lunch”. Keep that in mind as you chomp into that meal & squeeze a few extra mini sandwiches into the remaining centimeter of your open mouth!
• Lastly, boring but essential to know – Spark up with your favourite coffee at one of two Starbucks (near gate 205 & near gate 231)!

Airport Name	Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3
Website	http://www.dubaiairport.com
IATA Code	DXB
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	DHS 448 (£82.60)
	DHS 172 (£31.70)

[Picture from Wikipedia]

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Black gold and camels at Abu Dhabi airport?

I counted 34 camels and found millions of barrels of black gold at Abu Dhabi International Airport (Arabic: مطار أبو ظبي الدولي‎; IATA: AUH). Well, upon closer inspection the camels were stuffed and more aimed at children (and anyone shy of a bring-home gift for their young ones). And the oil barrels turned out to be a bit of a mirage.

But is everything a mirage in the airport of the capital of the United Arab Emirates? Not really. The shiny terminal 2 which was built to accommodate the fast growing number of passengers before the new Terminal 3 will be opened later this year is definitely real. It’s real but it lacks a bit of character. More of the latter can be found in Terminal 1 which reminds you of the days when this was a small desert airport serving mainly business people from the Emirates capital. These days the airport is the main hub for the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways. Founded in 2004 the airline already serves 45 destinations and has even ordered the new Airbus A380. It’s no surprise then that the airport is a 24-hour operation with shops and restaurants constantly serving the arriving and departing of mostly transiting passengers.

Besides looking for black gold or animals, there a some other things you can actually do between your flights:

• Check out the food court on the first floor of Terminal 2 – you will find something for everyone (Upper Crust, Burgerking, Gino’s Pizza, Yum Cha Asian Food, Oriental buffet, bars and coffee shop)
• Stretch your legs and walk to terminal one (about a 10 minute walk). There you will also find free internet terminals
• Visit the food store on the lower ground floor of Terminal 1 where you can find some products from the Emirates (dates, nuts, etc.)
• If you have some more time and are in desperate need of a shower, check in to the airport’s own transit hotel

Airport Name	Abu Dhabi International Airport
Website	http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/
IATA Code	AUH
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	AED 465.00 (£84.40)
	AED 270.00 (£49.00)

[Picture from Flickr - some rights reserved]

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