Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world and the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic. It serves millions of passengers each year and is one of the world’s major international aviation hubs. The airport opened on September 30, 1960, and welcomed a record 95.2 million guests in 2025. It connects Dubai with destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and other regions worldwide. If you have extra luggage, there is a Dubai Airport storage point where you can arrange storage near the airport.
Visitors at Dubai Airport can enjoy many activities. These include duty-free shopping, a wide range of dining options, and relaxing in airport lounges. There are also spas, sleep facilities, and relaxation areas for passengers with long layovers.
Dubai Airport Bag Policy
| ALLOWED BAGS Airline carry-on limits apply
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| NOT ALLOWED Security and baggage restrictions apply
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Dubai Airport Lockers
Dubai Airport provides 24/7 short-term left-luggage facilities in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. These are staffed baggage-storage services rather than ordinary self-service lockers.
At Terminal 1, storage is available through dnata Baggage Services on the Arrivals level, near Boots Pharmacy and Etisalat. The current price is AED 40 for 12 hours or less for standard-sized luggage up to 21 × 24 × 11 inches, and AED 50 for larger, non-standard, or valuable luggage.
At Terminal 2, dnata Baggage Services provides the same service. The current price is AED 40 for standard-sized luggage and AED 50 for larger, non-standard, or valuable luggage for 12 hours or less.
At Terminal 3, Emirates Left Luggage is located on the Arrivals level near Exit 1, behind Boots Pharmacy. Current rates are AED 35 for standard-sized luggage and AED 40 for larger, non-standard, or valuable luggage for 12 hours or less.
If the airport’s left-luggage service does not suit your plans, there are also nearby luggage storage services elsewhere in Dubai.
Dubai Airport Transportation
There are several ways to get to and from Dubai Airport:
- Dubai Metro: The Red Line directly serves Terminals 1 and 3. Terminal 2 does not have its own Metro station. Metro operating hours vary by day, so check the current RTA timetable before travelling.
- Buses: RTA buses depart from dedicated stops in the Arrivals areas of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Routes and schedules can change, so Dubai Airports recommends checking the RTA website or app for the current connection. A Nol card is required, as cash is not accepted on Dubai buses.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Dubai Taxi Company taxis are available 24/7 at designated ranks at every terminal. The airport taxi starting fare is currently AED 25, with the rest of the fare based on distance. Ride-hailing services including Uber, Careem, and Bolt are also available; follow the airport signs or app instructions to the designated pickup point.
Dubai Airport Camera Policy
Dubai has stricter photography rules than some travelers may expect. Dubai Airports does not publish a general ban on ordinary personal photography throughout all public passenger areas, but there are important restrictions.
Filming or photographing security and police checkpoints or personnel, customs checkpoints or personnel, and immigration counters or personnel is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the relevant authority. Commercial, professional, training, or educational filming and photography at DXB requires written approvals from Dubai Airports and Dubai Police, with additional permissions or airport security passes required in some areas.
UAE government guidance also states that photography of certain government buildings and military installations is not allowed and that you should not photograph people without their permission. It also warns against photographing aircraft and plane spotting.
For ordinary travel photos, be especially careful around security, immigration, customs, police, airport operations, other passengers, and aircraft. If staff tell you photography is not permitted in a particular area, follow their instructions.
Dubai Airport Food Policy
Dubai Airport offers many dining options, from snacks and cafés to full-service restaurants and bars. However, Dubai Airports does not publish a blanket rule prohibiting passengers from bringing ordinary solid food into the terminal.
The main security restriction concerns liquids, aerosols, gels, pastes, and foods with a high liquid content. When passing through departure security, each container must generally be 100 ml or smaller, and these items must fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag with a total capacity of no more than 1 litre.
Exceptions apply for medications, baby milk or food, and special dietary requirements needed during the journey. Dubai Airports specifically allows passengers to bring as much baby food as their baby may need during the flight.
Keep in mind that your airline and destination-country customs rules may impose additional restrictions on food, so check them before travelling.
Other Dubai Airport Rules & Information
Smoking, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices, is prohibited except in designated smoking areas. DXB has designated smoking lounges in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3, including locations in the gate areas.
DXB does not operate a stadium-style no-re-entry policy. If you leave a secure departures or airside area, however, you may need to complete the necessary passport control, security, and airline procedures again before returning, and your ability to do so depends on your boarding pass, visa status, flight, and terminal. Passengers connecting on separate tickets may also need to clear passport control, collect their bags, and check in again.
Families can use services including the DXB Family Zone at Terminal 3 B Gates and dedicated baby care rooms. Baby food and milk required for the journey are exempt from the normal liquid restrictions.
Dubai Airport also provides extensive accessibility support for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance, accessible facilities, dedicated passport-control support, and other special assistance services. Passengers who need assistance should inform their airline, tour operator, or travel agent as early as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before travel.
If you are travelling with an assistance animal, inform your airline in advance so that airport and airline support can be coordinated and all relevant travel and entry requirements can be checked.
Tips for Visitors
Before you travel, check the official Dubai Airport website for updated information about flight schedules, baggage rules, security procedures, transportation, and airport services.
Do not rely on a stadium-style clear-bag rule at DXB. Your carry-on bag itself does not need to be transparent under a general airport policy. Instead, check the size and weight limits set by your airline. The clear-bag requirement applies to liquids, aerosols, and gels, which must generally be in containers of no more than 100 ml inside one transparent, resealable bag of up to 1 litre.
If you have large luggage, DXB has official 24/7 left-luggage facilities in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. If you prefer another location or need storage that better fits your itinerary, Qeepl also offers luggage storage options in Dubai. Storage costs 21.90د.إ per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of 4,000د.إ.
Arrive with enough time for check-in and security. Dubai Airports advises passengers to follow their airline’s recommended arrival time and to allow additional time when travelling during busy periods or with oversized baggage.
