Al Maktoum International Airport

Dubai World Central (DWC), also known as Al Maktoum International Airport, is gradually expanding to become the world's largest airport. It opened in 2010 for cargo, with passenger flights following in 2013.

In 2024, it was announced that the airport will become five times the size of Dubai International Airport (DXB) and welcome 260 million passengers per year. It will feature five parallel runways and accommodate 400 aircraft gates, as well as employing never-before-seen aviation technologies. As part of the AED128 billion strategy, all operations at DXB will eventually be transferred to DWC. 

Things to do at Al Maktoum International Airport

You'll find a Dubai Duty Free store in Al Maktoum International Airport, with all the latest goods such as electronics, designer watches, books and beauty products. You can also grab a quick pick-me-up at Caribou Coffee, tuck into a delicious meal at Olives Restaurant and more as you await your flight.

Al Maktoum International Airport is located in the heart of Dubai South, which is a residential, commercial and logistics development. The region consists of six zones: Dubai Logistics City, Commercial City, Residential City, Aviation City and Golf City. The total construction area is two times the size of Hong Kong Island.

Nearby attractions

Expo City Dubai is just 20 minutes away from DWC, and is built on the site which hosted the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region. The venue is now part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and still features many of the entertainment offerings from Expo 2020, including the flagship Al Wasl Plaza, Garden in the Sky observation tower and Surreal water feature. The main thematic pavilions all remain, along with some country pavilions.

For thrills and family fun, Dubai Parks and Resorts is the place to go, with access to more than 100 indoor and outdoor rides and attractions spread across Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Water Park and Neon Galaxy.

Nearby hotels and restaurants

The closest hotel to this airport is the adjoining Holiday Inn Dubai al-Maktoum Airport. Just 20 minutes away by car are the Lapita and Rove at the Park hotels. Both are located within Dubai Parks and Resorts for easy access to three theme parks, one waterpark and one indoor playworld. 

If you head to Expo City Dubai from the airport, you can also stay at Rove Expo City and try out restaurants within the destination, from Japanese bakery Yamanote Collective to Alkebulan Food Hall, which focuses on cuisine from the African continent, to Saudi fried chicken brand Al Baik. 

How to get to Al Maktoum International Airport

You can reach Al Maktoum International Airport using the following public transport options:

Dubai Metro and bus: Take the Red line to Ibn Battuta Metro Station. From here, you can catch the F55 bus to Al Maktoum International Airport. Alternatively, take the F55A bus from Satwa Bus Station to Al Maktoum International Airport.

Please visit rta.ae for detailed public transport schedules.

Alternatively, If you're driving, the main access road to the airport is Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Get a preview of your entire trip on Google Maps.