Dubai International Airport Website: https://www.dubaiairports.ae/
Dubai International Airport (DBX)
Dubai International airport is a large and busy airport with many international and regional arrivals and departures. It is a Silent Airport, which means there are no overhead announcements. We found this to be an amazing, refreshing experience – walking into the departures terminal was almost like walking into a library! It is still an airport of course, so expect people talking, dining, running to catch a flight.
Dubai International airport is quite large 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 always check before you go. There’s a free 24-hour shuttle bus between all terminals and The Dubai Metro runs between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Sensory/Autism Supports
There are several ways to make traveling in and out of the Dubai Airport easier:
The Zen Garden:
In Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport offers the Zen Garden – an area that comprises of a fish pond, lush trees and benches to sit on while listening to the sounds of water. It is calm and quiet, and offers a children’s area.
Snooze Cube:
The Dubai Airport hosts Snooze Cubes, where you can lie down and take a nap! For AED 75 (about $20 US) you can have a small pod room all to yourself and sleep. If you are feeling very overwhelmed by traveling or the airport, this may be just the place to wait for your flight or take a nap while you wait. Don’t forget to set your alarm!
If you are flying with Emirates, they offer the following services:
- a meet and assist service at the airport to and from the aircraft
- explain directional signs and how to reach immigration, security, and the boarding gate
- direct you to facilities like quiet areas and lounges
- Be one of the first to board the aircraft so you have more time to get settled on the flight