Dubai Airport DXB Terminal 3
Dubai Airport Terminal 3 is one of the biggest and busiest airport terminals in the world. Opened on October 14, 2008, it was the largest building by floor area at the time. It’s part of Dubai International Airport and was specially built for Emirates Airlines.
The terminal is partly underground, cost around $4.5 billion to build, and can handle up to 43 million passengers. While it was made for Emirates, Qantas also started using it in 2012 for a few years. Today, even Flydubai uses Terminal 3 for selected flights.
Terminal 3 Overview
Terminal 3 is known for its modern design and excellent services. It has three main sections: Concourse A, B, and C — each with its own boarding gates, lounges, and shopping zones. Travelers enjoy duty-free stores, comfortable waiting areas, and a variety of international restaurants. Families, solo travelers, and business passengers all find something that suits their needs here.
The terminal also focuses on fast and smooth travel. From smart check-in kiosks to automated baggage handling systems, everything is designed to save time. For those on long layovers, there are luxury lounges, sleep pods, and even a hotel inside the terminal. Whether you are just passing through or starting your journey in Dubai, Terminal 3 offers a world-class travel experience.
Map
Terminal 3 is located on the south side of Dubai International Airport, in the Al Garhoud district. It’s easily accessible by car, metro, and airport shuttles. If you’re visiting the terminal for the first time, using a map can help you navigate to the right entrance or parking area.
Arrival Area
Dubai Airport Terminal 3 is one of the busiest arrival hubs in Dubai, welcoming millions of travelers each year. Once passengers land, they are guided towards Immigration and Passport Control, where their documents are checked. After clearing immigration, they proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their luggage.
Next, passengers go through customs clearance, where officials may inspect luggage if needed. After completing these formalities, travelers can exit the terminal and access various transport options like taxis, metro, and car rentals to reach their destination in Dubai.
Airlines
Air Canada
Fly Dubai
United Airlines
Qantas Airways
Emirates
Shops
Dubai Airport Terminal 3 offers a wide range of shops, from luxury brands and electronics to travel essentials and souvenirs. Whether you’re looking to indulge in some duty-free shopping or pick up last-minute gifts, there’s something for every traveler.
Terminal 3 Parking Options
Dubai International Airport offers convenient parking options at all three terminals. Whether you’re dropping someone off, picking them up, or parking for a longer stay, there are short-term and long-term parking areas available with clear signage and security. Each terminal has its own designated parking zones with different rates and access points.
📌 Pro Tip: Book long-term parking online via RTA Dubai for 20% off!
Departure
Passengers start their journey by checking in at their airline counter and dropping off their luggage. After check-in, they proceed to security screening, where their bags and personal items are scanned.
Once cleared, travelers can explore duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges before heading to their departure gate. Boarding announcements guide passengers to their flight, ensuring a smooth departure from Dubai. The terminal offers various facilities to make the travel experience comfortable and efficient.
Restaurants
Food lovers rejoice! Terminal 3 at Dubai Airport is a culinary hotspot, offering everything from quick bites to gourmet meals. Here are the top 5 must-try spots:
The Daily DXB:
Famous for its lamb machboos (a traditional Emirati dish).
Insider Tip: Visit during off-peak hours (3-5 PM) to avoid crowds.
Comptoir Libanais:
Best hummus and shawarma in the terminal. Perfect for a healthy meal before long flights.
Shake Shack:
Craving a burger? Their Dubai-exclusive date milkshake is a traveler favorite.
Jones the Grocer:
Great for fresh salads and artisanal coffee (ideal for business travelers).
Al Reef Bakery:
Hidden gem near Gate B7 for cheap, fresh manakish (Arabic pizza).
Pro Tip: If you have a long layover, visit the Emirates Business Class Lounge (access can be purchased) for unlimited gourmet food and showers!”
Restaurants at DXB:
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine / Specialty | Location / Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Budweiser | Beer & Snacks | Departure Lounge |
| Get Your FIX | Coffee & Pastries | Food Court |
| Burger King | Fast Food (Burgers) | Near Boarding Gates |
| Costa | Coffee & Light Bites | Arrivals Area |
| Starbucks | Coffeehouse Chain | Departure Lounge |
| The Daily DXB | Emirati & Fusion Food | Food Court |
| Cho Gao | Asian Cuisine | Concourse A |
| Flour + Stone | Bakery & Artisan Breads | Terminal Entrance |
| Paul | French Bakery | Concourse B |
| Bottega | Italian Dining | Departure Lounge |
| Heineken | Bar & Pub Fare | Near Duty-Free Area |
| All’Antico | Italian Sandwiches | Concourse A |
| Desi Lunch Box | Indian/Pakistani Food | Food Court |
| Asian Street Kitchen | Pan-Asian Street Food | Departure Lounge |
| Comptoir Libanais | Lebanese Cuisine | Food Court |
| The Hangar | Burgers & Grill | Concourse B |
| Veranda Café | Café with Outdoor Feel | Arrivals Area |
| Five Guys | American Burgers & Fries | Food Court |
| Grabb’it | Grab & Go Snacks | Concourse C |
| Subway | Sandwiches & Salads | Near Boarding Gates |
| Shake Shack | Gourmet Burgers & Shakes | Food Court |
| M&M | Confectionery | Duty-Free Shopping Area |
| Food Village | Multi-Cuisine Food Court | Central Food Court |
| O’Regan’s | Irish Pub | Departure Lounge |
| L’Éclair de Génie | French Desserts | Near Check-In Area |
| Giraffe | Family Dining | Terminal Concourse |
| Hard Rock Cafe | American Grill & Music Theme | Concourse A |
| McDonald’s | Fast Food | Main Food Court |
| Foodplus | Snacks & Beverages | Near Security Check |
| Pret A Manger | Organic Sandwiches & Coffee | Near Gate Area |
| O’Briens | Irish Sandwich Café | Departure Lounge |
| Treehouse Juicery | Fresh Juices & Healthy Options | Concourse B |
| S34 | Café & Bistro | Concourse C |
| The Sports Shack | Sports Bar & Grill | Departure Zone |
| Jack’s Bar & Grill | Steak & Grill House | Concourse A |
| Jones the Grocer | Gourmet Deli & Café | Premium Lounge Area |
| Paper Café | Coffee & Quick Meals | Terminal Entry |
| Tranzeet | Modern Arabic & International | Arrival Zone |
To see the details of every restaurant, you can visit this page.
What’s inside Terminal 3?
Check-in & Immigration
- Multiple Check-in Zones (Economy, Business, First Class)
- Self-Check-in Kiosks
- E-Gates for UAE Residents
Shopping & Duty-Free
- Dubai Duty-Free
- Luxury Brands (Gucci, Rolex, Chanel)
- Electronics & Gadgets (Apple, Samsung)
- Souvenirs & Perfumes (Arabic perfumes, gold jewelry, dates)
Dining Options
- McDonald’s, KFC, Hardee’s, Burger King
- Chinese, Italian, Indian, Japanese Cuisine
- Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Tim Hortons
- Bars & Lounges
Lounges & Relaxation
- Emirates First & Business Class Lounges
- Snooze Cubes & Sleeping Pods
- Public Showers
- Timeless Spa (Jacuzzi, Sauna, Steam Room, Massages)
Banking & Currency Exchange
- Emirates NBD
- Planet Payment
- Travelex
Passenger Assistance
- Emirates Ticketing
- Dnata Assisted Passenger
- Autostrad
Baggage Services
- Demoshield Baggage Wrapping
- Emirates Baggage Wrapping
- Lost & Found
Family & Medical Services
- Baby Care Rooms
- Showers
- Emergency & Medical Services
Tourism & Travel Services
- Dubai Tourism
- Kitmytrip
- Travelex
- Jumeirah
- Atlantis
- Visit Dubai
Transportation & Transfers
- Dubai Metro (Red Line)
- Airport Shuttle (Terminal Transfers)
- Taxis, Uber, Careem
Hotels & Sleeping Areas
- Dubai International Hotel
- Sleep ‘n Fly Sleep Pods
Special Services
- Assistance for Passengers with Disabilities
- Free Wi-Fi, Charging Stations
- Family Areas & Kids’ Play Zones
- Entertainment Zones (TV lounges, interactive screens)
- Telecommunication (Etisalat, Du, Virgin Mobile)
For a complete list of all available shops, including their locations and contact information, please visit the Shops Page.
Lounges
There are also many lounges where travelers can relax, enjoy food, and refresh before their flight. Whether you need a comfortable place to rest, a spa treatment, or a gaming experience, there are plenty of options, including
- Marhaba Lounge
- G-Force Health Club
- World of Wellness
- XpresSpa
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Emirates Lounges
- Be Relax
- Timeless Spa
- Al Majlis
- Emirates Lounges
- sleep ‘n fly Sleep & Showers
- Ahlan Business Class Lounge
- Game Space Gaming Lounge.
For more information about other available lounges, visit our lounges page to explore all the options.
Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 Hotel
Dubai International Hotel is inside Terminal 3, making it a perfect place to rest during your transit. It offers 5-star facilities, including comfortable rooms that you can book by the hour. You can enjoy delicious international food in your room or at The Ahlan Lounges. For relaxation, the hotel has a spa with a pool, sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy jacuzzi. There is also a fitness center for those who want to exercise.
Rooms come with many amenities to make your stay comfortable. You can choose from different types of rooms, including Executive Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms, and even Royal Suites.
To check more hotels, visit our hotel listings page
For more details on each restaurant, check the dedicated page.
Smoking Area
Dubai Airport does not allow smoking in open areas. However, there are special smoking rooms with ventilation. In Terminal 3, you can find these smoking rooms at Gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, and C23.
Other terminals also have smoking areas:
- Terminal 1 – Gate D22
- Terminal 2 – Departure Gates
If you need to smoke, use these rooms. Smoking in other areas is not allowed.
Photos Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gates are there in Terminal 3?
Concourse B at Terminal 3 has 10 floors, including four basement levels, a ground floor, and five upper floors. It has 32 gates (B1 to B32) for boarding. There are also 14 remote stands for Airbus A340 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Which flights operate from Terminal 3?
Terminal 3 is mainly used by Emirates and Qantas, but it also serves Air Canada, United Airlines, and some flydubai flights. While flydubai primarily operates from Terminal 2, certain flights also depart from Terminal 3.
Can I walk from Terminal 3 to terminal 1 in Dubai?
Yes, you can walk from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 or Terminal 1 to 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB), but it’s not the best option. The two terminals are connected by a dedicated transit area and a passenger tunnel, but it’s a long walk (around 15-20 minutes).
Is there Krispy Kreme in Terminal 3?
No, Krispy Kreme is not available in Terminal 3, but you can find it in Terminal 1 at Concourse D (Upper Level and Departure Airside) and in Terminal 2 (Departures area).