Dubai International Airport: 6 Of The Most Luxurious Experiences
The popular aviation hub has become a leisurely destination in itself – making your airport layover a luxurious experience. Bazaar Arabia share the top luxury airport experiences below…
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has this week been named as the busiest airport in the world. In a list released by the Airports Council International on Monday, the booming aviation hub was awarded the top spot in the international passenger category for the 10th year in a row.
With Dubai’s central location in the global sphere, its no surprise that the airport saw nearly 87 million passengers in 2023 and is touted to receive approximately 88.8 million in 2024.
Yet while the airport may constantly be buzzing with activity, there’s plenty of opportunities to relax and recuperate. In fact, Dubai International Airport prides itself on making the airport itself a leisurely destination – and was recently named as the most luxurious airport in the world, according to a study released by AllClear Travel Insurance in March.
The study, which assessed over 1800 airports, considered a number of factors, including how many designer shops were available in the terminals, which airports had at least 10 lounges on offer, the number of 5-star hotels within a 5 kilometre radius of the airport, and whether passengers could enjoy champagne or caviar before embarking their flight.
Ranked out of a 100, DXB came out on top with a score of 83. This was in part to due to its plethora of amenities – such as the numerous spas, indoor garden, and its own 5-star hotel – that gives passengers a uniquely luxurious travel experience.
Below, see six of the most luxe experiences you need to try at Dubai International Airport.
Dubai International Hotel
A five-star escape within the airport, the Dubai International Hotel offers 253 rooms with stunning views over the concourse. The hotel’s spa, sauna, and various wellness facilities allows you to spend your layover in luxury.
Opulent Spas
A tranquil sanctuary inside the bustling terminals, DXB offers a range of luxurious spas. Travellers will be spoilt for choice with the upscale Timeless Spa and ExpresSpa, or the state of the art wellness and beauty services by Be Relax specialists. Then there is the World of Wellness holistic centre which offers everything from Cryo therapy and C02 treatments to henna, hair treatments and indulgent massages.
G-Force Health Club
Located in the DXB hotel, G-Force Health Club allows guests to unwind in the Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room, or even get a session in at the gym. Ensuring you keep up your healthy habits up while in transit, you don’t have to be a hotel guest to make use of the facilities.
Al Majlis VIP Service & Lounges
Al Majlis at Dubai International Airport truly takes the airport experience to new heights. With 21 lounges strategically located throughout Terminal 3 and Concourse B, these luxurious havens include state of the art facilities, while streamlining your journey through check-in, passport control and baggage clearance with a dedicated Al Majlis VIP terminal. You’ll also receive assistance with your travel documentation, along with an exclusive limousine pick-up and drop off to and from your gates.
Rejuvenating Zen Garden
In Terminal 3, passengers in transit can rejuvenate in the Zen garden. Comprised of lush greenery, a fish pond, and benches to sit on, this is the serene hideaway is the perfect spot to read a book or unwind while enjoying the tranquil surrounds of nature.
Designer Shopping
Dubai International Airport is known for its Duty Free shopping. With a range of global luxury brands including Gucci, Hermes, Chanel, and more, fashion enthusiasts can revel in the tax-free designer items on offer.
Photography: Victor Demarchelier. Styling: Julia Golden. Model: Amanda Murphy at IMG Models. Hair: Stefano Greco at Art Department. Make-Up: Hung Vanngo at The Wall Group. Digital Technician: Jon Vachon. Photographer’s Assistant: Robert Massman. Stylist’s Assistant: Yangchen Lama. Hair Stylist’s Assistant: Yukie Nammori. Make-Up Artist’s Assistant: Jayden Pham. Shot at the TWA Hotel in New York
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s January 2023 issue.