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6 Things to Do at Dubai International When You Arrive Early for Your Flight

Photographed by Domen / Van De Velde for Vogue Arabia, December 2018.

Dubai International is one of the busiest airports in the world with hundreds of thousands of passengers flying in and out. However, DXB is unlike most airports, it is transforming the customer experience, taking the journey through the world’s busiest international airport to new heights. Brimming with world-class shopping, cafés, restaurants, and spas, get ready to step into the glamour, style, and excitement of travel.

Whether you have an hour long wait before you board your flight or have more time to spare during your transit, we list down six airport activities at DXB that will undoubtedly help keep you enthralled until boarding time comes around.

Farnoush (left) wears jacket, skirt, shoes, Fendi; bag, Chanel. Shahira wears jacket, shirt, pants, shoes, Vivienne Westwood; scarf, stylist’s own; suitcases and luggage, Fendi, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tumi; hat, boxes, Evelyn McDermott.
Photographed by Domen / Van De Velde for Vogue Arabia, December 2018.

1. Grab a coffee S34 Gahwa Mezza Bar
Kick start your time at the airport with a soothing cup of steaming coffee for a quick jolt of energy. S34 Gahwa Mezza Bar is the first Emirati restaurant in DXB’s Terminal 3, and serves up a lineup of Arabic coffee spiked with cardamom and karak tea to pick and choose from. Inspired by the teahouses that line the alleyways of the city’s old Al Fahidi, the café also serves Arabic treats, including samosas, sambousek, and moussaka so you can get one last taste of the UAE before you jet off to your next destination.

2. Go shopping
It’s not called retail therapy for no reason. Whether you need to complete some last-minute holiday shopping or simply want to calm your nerves, Dubai International airport is a shopping haven. In addition to multiple Duty Free shops, the airport also has Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jo Malone, and MAC Cosmetics boutiques, in addition to a newly opened H&M store that stays open around-the-clock.

Dress, Givenchy; Shoes, Vivienne Westwood. Photographed by Domen / Van De Velde for Vogue Arabia, December 2018.

3. Get a Massage at Timeless Spa
Few things are more relaxing than a soothing massage, especially before a long-haul flight. Timeless Spa in Terminal 3 is an idyllic retreat with a spa menu comprising a number of rejuvenating treatments, including nourishing facials, coffee scrubs, manicures, pedicures, and a myriad de-stressing massages. May we suggest the Desert Aroma Massage? The 90-minute treatment comes with your choice of essential oils inspired by the desert and helps to induce relaxation and a deep sense of calm.

Shahira (left) wears jacket, pants, Etro; shirt, Madiyah Al Sharqi; socks, Chloé; bag, shoes, glasses, Gucci; scarf, stylist’s own. Farnoush wears jacket, pants, Osman; shirt, Tom Ford; shoes, Vivienne Westwood; glasses, Gucci; earrings, Saint Laurent. Photographed by Domen / Van De Velde for Vogue Arabia, December 2018.

4. Take a dip at G-Force Health Club
If you feel like escaping the crowds and working off some excess energy, head up to the G-Force Health Club located at Dubai International Hotel in Terminal 3. There’s a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, private shower rooms, and a fully-equipped gym. Don’t worry about schlepping around a sopping towel – the Health Club provides plenty, in addition to toiletries and hair dryers.

Dress, Givenchy; shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo; hat, Maison Michel at MatchesFashion.com; scarf, stylist’s own. Photographed by Domen / Van De Velde for Vogue Arabia, December 2018.

5. Take a nap at the SnoozeCube
If you’ve got time to wait between flights, but not enough time to venture into Dubai, Terminal 1 offers private suites entitled “SnoozeCube,” where you could catch up on some sleep, work, or rest while at the airport. The sleeping pods, which are available to rent by the hour, provide a full-sized bed, a touch-screen television with a selection of entertainment, as well as high-speed internet access. The units are also connected to the airport’s flight information system to make sure you don’t miss your flight.

6. Enjoy some international street food at The Daily DXB
Feeling peckish but not sure what to eat? Head to The Daily DXB for an array of international street food. Choose from comforting bowls of ramen to crispy pizzas. Whether you are on a health kick or craving fried chicken – there is something to whet everyone’s appetite.

Dress, Gucci; tights, bag, Chanel; hat, Evelyn McDermott. Photographed by Domen / Van De Velde for Vogue Arabia, December 2018.

Now Read: Five Fitness Studios in the Region That Will Change How You Work Out


Hair Bianca Hartkopf at MMG
Makeup Toni Malt at Things by People
Production Camilla Fitz-Patrick
Models Shahira at Storm, Farnoush at MMG Models
With thanks to Dubai Air Navigation Services, Dubai International Hotel, and DNATA.

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