This weekend is set to be one of the busiest at Dubai airport, with more than one million travellers flying in and out of DXB for the festive holidays.
Dubai Airports has advised passengers to leave extra time for journeys to and from the airport, and Emirates warned passengers to check in early and leave plenty of time to get through security.
The festive rush starts today, Thursday December 12, but Friday December 13 is set to be the busiest day. Next weekend is also going to be hectic, with thousands of passengers arriving in Dubai to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
If you’re travelling from DXB over the holidays, here are some travel hacks to make your journey smoother.
Pre-flight prep
Packing
Double check your baggage allowance before you fly. It can vary depending on the airline you're flying with and the type of fare you have booked. For instance, some promotional fares on Emirates now only allow passengers to check in 15kg of luggage, which might come as a surprise to those used to the airline’s more generous allowances.
Putting an empty water bottle in your carry on luggage is a good tip. It's allowed through security and there are lots of water stations dotted around the airport to fill it up from before you fly.
If you're planning to pack Christmas presents, don't wrap them. Not only might they get muddled during the flight, airport security are allowed to open wrapped presents to check what is inside. If you need to have something ready to go when you land use a gift bag.
Tips for those on departing flights
Get out at arrivals
If the traffic to get to Departures at DXB is backed up, ask to be dropped off at arrivals instead. Once inside the airport, you can easily take the elevator to the correct level.
Check your terminal
It sounds obvious, but double-check which terminal you're flying from. Dubai International airport is huge and getting between terminals involves taking a shuttle bus or the metro. Typically, international flights go from Terminal 1, local or low-cost flights from Terminal 2 and Emirates fly from Terminal 3, but check the below guide for more information:
- Terminal 1 — International flights (not Emirates)
Most international flights depart from Terminal 1 including Aeroflot Russian, Air China, British Airways, Cebu Pacific, Cathay Pacific, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Air, Gulf Air, KLM, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.
If you're not flying Emirates and your airline isn't listed below then you'll typically be flying from Terminal 1. - Terminal 2 — Regional flights and low-cost carriers
Flydubai (select destinations)
Air India Express
Ariana Afghan Airlines
Iraqi Airways
Kish Air
Pegasus Airlines
Qeshm Air
Royal Nepal Airlines
Rwand Air Express
Salam Air
Transavia Airlines
Travel Servis Airlines - Terminal 3 — Emirates hub
Emirates
Qantas (codeshare with Emirates)
FlyDubai (select destinations) - Changing terminals
If you need to change terminals, or find yourself at the wrong one — there's a free 24-hour shuttle bus between all terminals and The Dubai Metro runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Checking-in
It's usually best to check in online before time then head to the bag drop counters at the airport. During peak times, there's usually a line at both counters, but the bag drop queue will typically move faster than the check-in line.
- If you're flying with young children, ask staff if there is a priority line for families.
- Flying with Emirates? Pay for their baggage home service check-in and they'll come pick your bags up between 48 and seven hours before your flight, check you in and give you a boasting pass so you can go right to security. The service costs Dh250 for up to seven pieces of luggage.
Navigating security
- Liquids. Prepare for security by packing liquids in your check-in luggage to speed things up when you get to security. If you do want to take liquids on board, everyone knows liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of less than 100ml, but did you know that the total quantity allowed per person is one litre? That's a maximum of ten 100ml bottles per person. Dubai airport does not hand out resealable plastic bags so be sure to get one before time.
Time savers. If you have a choice of lanes when you get to security, turn left. Research shows that most travellers automatically turn right first because the majority of the population is right-handed. Try to avoid security lines that have lots of small children in the queue. These will always be slower as parents need to navigate themselves, their children and buggies through security check points.
Use smart gates — even if you don't live in the UAE
Anyone with an Emirates ID can use the smart gates, and these are typically much faster than waiting in immigration lines. Travellers from countries that are eligible for a visa on arrival in Dubai can also use the smart gate — you just need to register with an immigration officer at the airport.
At the airport: tips for when you're in the terminal
Once you're through security, there's plenty at DXB to keep you entertained. Here are a few must-dos:
Tips for passengers arriving into DXB
Getting home
There are plenty of taxis allocated to arrivals at DXB ,but at peak times, taking one can often mean standing in long lines. Instead you can:
If you’re planning to pick up duty free when you arrive — head to the shop as soon as you get off the plane. By the time you’ve bought what you want, your luggage should be on the carousel, and you don’t need to try to navigating the store with suitcases in tow.
Plus: ways to get in the Christmas spirit
Start the festive celebrations early by getting in the mood before you travel. As well as picking up last-minute gifts at duty-free shopping, you can catch live music and tuck into festive treats.
See live music: There will be live, festive-inspired music happening over the next two weekends to keep travellers entertained this holiday season.
Thursday, December 12 — Danny Aridi will perform from 11pm-1am. The Dubai-based Lebanese Canadian multi-award winning singer and songwriter will be playing some festive tunes in his rasping pop-centric voice.
Friday, December 13 — Pimms Brooke will play festive covers and original songs from 11pm-1am on Friday.
Thursday, December 19 and Friday, December 20 — Hollaphonic will keep travellers entertained with a dance-inspired performance, including festive sounds next weekend. Timings have not yet been released.
Festive dining
Passengers flying with Emirates who have access to the lounge can tuck into traditional Christmas dishes like stollen cake, roast turkey and gingerbread ice cream. Many of the F&B outlets at DXB will also have festive offerings.
Jack’s Bar & Grill — for festive roast dinners
The Draft House — Christmas dinner
Giraffe World Kitchen — Turkey and Cranberry burgers
Costa Coffee — gingerbread latte
The Daily DXB — pumpkin spiced latte
Marks & Spencer will also have a pop-up festive store with a range of festive treats in Terminal 3
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Australia World Cup squad
Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa
MATCH INFO
Day 2 at Mount Maunganui
England 353
Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88
New Zealand 144-4
Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Saturday's results
West Ham 2-3 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves
Brighton 0-2 Leicester City
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
Everton 0-2 Norwich City
Watford 0-3 Burnley
Manchester City v Chelsea, 9.30pm
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Ballon d’Or shortlists
Men
Sadio Mane (Senegal/Liverpool), Sergio Aguero (Aregentina/Manchester City), Frenkie de Jong (Netherlans/Barcelona), Hugo Lloris (France/Tottenham), Dusan Tadic (Serbia/Ajax), Kylian Mbappe (France/PSG), Trent Alexander-Arnold (England/Liverpool), Donny van de Beek (Netherlands/Ajax), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/Arsenal), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Germany/Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Juventus), Alisson (Brazil/Liverpool), Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands/Juventus), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands/Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands/Liverpool), Bernardo Silva (Portugal/Manchester City), Son Heung-min (South Korea/Tottenham), Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich), Roberto Firmino (Brazil/Liverpool), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria/Manchester City), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal/Napoli), Antoine Griezmann (France/Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Eden Hazard (BEL/Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Brazil/Paris-SG), Raheem Sterling (Eengland/Manchester City), Joao Félix(Portugal/Atletico Madrid)
Women
Sam Kerr (Austria/Chelsea), Ellen White (England/Manchester City), Nilla Fischer (Sweden/Linkopings), Amandine Henry (France/Lyon), Lucy Bronze(England/Lyon), Alex Morgan (USA/Orlando Pride), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands/Arsenal), Dzsenifer Marozsan (Germany/Lyon), Pernille Harder (Denmark/Wolfsburg), Sarah Bouhaddi (France/Lyon), Megan Rapinoe (USA/Reign FC), Lieke Martens (Netherlands/Barcelona), Sari van Veenendal (Netherlands/Atletico Madrid), Wendie Renard (France/Lyon), Rose Lavelle(USA/Washington Spirit), Marta (Brazil/Orlando Pride), Ada Hegerberg (Norway/Lyon), Kosovare Asllani (Sweden/CD Tacon), Sofia Jakobsson (Sweden/CD Tacon), Tobin Heath (USA/Portland Thorns)
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
Match info
Bournemouth 0
Liverpool 4 (Salah 25', 48', 76', Cook 68' OG)
Man of the match: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
More coverage from the Future Forum
Wonka
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh209,000
On sale: now
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
Read more about the coronavirus
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The specs
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 3,00rpm
Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto
Price: From Dh139,995
On sale: now
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
The British in India: Three Centuries of Ambition and Experience
by David Gilmour
Allen Lane
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Sunday:
GP3 race: 12:10pm
Formula 2 race: 1:35pm
Formula 1 race: 5:10pm
Performance: Guns N' Roses
Brief scores:
Manchester City 2
Gundogan 27', De Bruyne 85'
Crystal Palace 3
Schlupp 33', Townsend 35', Milivojevic 51' (pen)
Man of the Match: Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace)
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
