What to Do in Dubai Airport Terminal 3 – A Complete Guide

Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 is one of the largest and busiest airport terminals in the world, mainly serving Emirates and Qantas flights. Whether you have a short layover or a long waiting time before your flight, Terminal 3 offers a variety of activities to make your time enjoyable. From shopping and dining to relaxing in luxury lounges, here’s a complete guide on what to do in Dubai Airport Terminal 3.

Things to Do in Terminal 3

1. Shop at Dubai Duty-Free

Dubai Duty-Free at Terminal 3 is one of the biggest airport shopping areas in the world. You can explore:

Luxury Brands – Gucci, Rolex, Chanel, Dior, and more.
Perfumes & Cosmetics – Top international and Arabic brands.
Electronics & Gadgets – Apple, Samsung, Bose, and other top tech brands.
Gold & Jewelry – Buy authentic gold at duty-free prices.
Chocolates & Souvenirs – Famous Arabic dates, chocolates, and gifts.

Tip: If you’re flying with Emirates, you can pre-order duty-free items online and collect them at the airport.

2. Eat & Drink – Restaurants, Cafés & Bars

Terminal 3 has a wide range of food options, from quick snacks to fine dining.

Fast Food:

McDonald’s, KFC, Hardee’s, Burger King – Quick bites for travelers in a hurry.

International Cuisine:

Sushi & Japanese Food – Yo! Sushi, Cho Gao.
Indian Food – Bombay Chowpatty, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck.
Italian Cuisine – Tranzeet, Bottega.

Coffee Shops & Cafés:

Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Tim Hortons, Caribou Coffee – Relax with your favorite coffee.

Bars & Lounges:

Heineken Lounge, The Draft House, Le Clos Wine & Whiskey Bar – Enjoy premium drinks before your flight.

Tip: Some restaurants are open 24/7, so you’ll always find food no matter when you arrive.

3. Relax in Airport Lounges

If you have a long layover or want a peaceful place to wait, Terminal 3 offers premium lounges with food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities.

Best Lounges in Terminal 3:

Emirates First & Business Class Lounge – For Emirates premium passengers.
Marhaba Lounge – Open to all travelers (paid entry).
Plaza Premium Lounge – Comfortable seating, food, and showers (paid entry).

Tip: Some lounges offer day passes, so even if you’re flying economy, you can enter by paying a fee.

4. Sleep & Rest

If you have a long layover or an overnight stop, you can sleep comfortably at Terminal 3.

Options for Sleeping in Terminal 3:

Dubai International Hotel – Inside Terminal 3, perfect for long layovers.
Sleep ‘n Fly Sleep Pods – Private sleeping pods available for rent.
Airport Lounges – Some lounges have quiet areas for rest.

Tip: If you want a budget-friendly option, find a quiet corner near the lounges where passengers often rest.

5. Stay Connected & Entertained

Free Wi-Fi & Charging Stations

Dubai Airport offers unlimited free Wi-Fi, so you can browse, work, or stream movies. There are charging stations throughout the terminal for your phone and laptop.

TV Lounges & Gaming Zones

PlayStation & Xbox Zones – Available in some lounges for gaming lovers.
TV Lounges – Watch news, sports, or movies while you wait.

Tip: Bring your own headphones to enjoy entertainment without disturbing others.

6. Explore Transportation Options

Dubai Metro (Red Line)

The Dubai Metro connects directly to Terminal 3, making it an easy way to reach the city.

Operating Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 5 AM – 12 AM
Friday: 5 AM – 1 AM
Saturday: 5 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 8 AM – 12 AM

Fare: Starts from AED 3, depending on distance.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Dubai Taxi, Uber, Careem – Available outside Terminal 3.
Airport Shuttle Buses – Free transfer between terminals.
Car Rentals – Hertz, Avis, and other rental services are available.

Tip: If you’re traveling with heavy luggage, a taxi or Uber is the best option.

7. Other Services & Facilities

Currency Exchange & ATMs

Multiple exchange counters for converting currency.
ATMs for cash withdrawal in AED or other currencies.

Baggage Services

Baggage Wrapping – Protect your luggage before check-in.
Baggage Storage – Available for travelers with long layovers.

Medical Assistance

24/7 medical clinics in case of emergencies.

Family & Kids’ Facilities

Kids’ Play Areas – Special spaces for children.
Baby Changing Rooms – Available across the terminal.

Tip: If you have kids, keep an eye out for play zones near the waiting areas.

Final Thoughts – Enjoy Your Time at Terminal 3!

Dubai Airport Terminal 3 is more than just an airport—it’s a world-class travel hub with endless options for shopping, dining, relaxing, and entertainment. Whether you have a short stop or a long layover, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable experience.

Have you visited Terminal 3 before? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments!