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Dubai Al Maktoum Airport Guide

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Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Dubai Al Maktoum Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Also be careful about laying on the floor at this airport. I did so and found not only dozens of tiny insects but an actual scorpion checking out my laptop! – 5ftman

DWC Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (also known as Dubai World Central Airport).

What to Expect

Dubai Al Maktoum Airport (code: DWC) has a single terminal serving low-cost carriers and seasonal routes. The airport was intended to be the largest airport in the world and part of a larger free economic zone, but its ongoing construction, three planned terminals, has been delayed by ten years. Reviews describe inefficient security processes.

Current facilities are modern but limited. There are only three cafes, a McDonald’s, and a duty-free shop, and none are open 24 hours. WiFi is free, but old reviews describe it as a scam. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge.

Sleeping in Al Maktoum Airport

We do not yet have any sleep-related airport reviews. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer shuttle service for a fee. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Al Maktoum Airport Guide.

Do you have a recent experience sleeping at DWC?
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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Dubai Al Maktoum Airport:

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Al Maktoum Airport on Expedia.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

  • Marhaba Lounge – Location: Airside, after Police Security Control, take the escalator to Level 1; on the right side/mezzanine above duty free in the Passenger Terminal. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from USD 52.94 for 2 hours; higher tiers for 4 or 6 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Airline-invited premium passengers as contracted by operating carriers.

Drinking Water

A reader (February 2026) reports a drinking water station in front of the toilets on the Arrivals level.

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate on varying schedules. At the time of writing, we cannot confirm any 24-hour dining options. Listed outlets include Costa Coffee, McDonald’s and Starbucks. Availability may depend on flight activity, particularly late at night. Travellers staying overnight should consider purchasing food before shops close.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

We had no information about mobile charging availability at the time of this update. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Showers

Free showers are reported Airside:

  • Between Gates 1 and 6
  • Mezzanine level near the Marhaba Lounge

WiFi/Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available at Al Maktoum Airport. Connect to the “DWC Free WiFi” network.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available landside and airside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits if travelling internationally. Notifying your bank before travel may help prevent card issues.
Baby Care Facilities – Dedicated baby care rooms are available. Ask a “May I Help You?” staff member if you need assistance locating one.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available in Departures and Arrivals.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in the DWC Duty-Free area.
Information Desk – Information desks are available landside and airside.
Luggage Trolleys – Luggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout the terminal.
Luggage Wrapping – Luggage wrapping services are available in the check-in area (fee applies).
Medical Services – A 24-hour medical centre is available for urgent or emergency care. Ask a “May I Help You?” staff member if needed.
Pharmacy – A pharmacy is available in the duty-free area.
Prayer Rooms – Prayer rooms and ablution facilities are available throughout the terminal and in the car parks.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking Rooms – Designated smoking rooms are available both landside and airside.

Airlines
Dubai Al Maktoum Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Moldova • Emirates • Fly Dubai • Gulf Air • Jazeera Airways • Rotana Jet • TUI • Wizz Air.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

If travelling light, a public bus is an economical way to travel to and from the airport. Bus F55 offers hourly service to and from Ibn Battuta Metro Station while the metro is in operation. Otherwise, Bus F55A will take you to and from Satwa Bus Station during metro off-hours.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are available on-site: Dollar • Europcar • Hertz.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Metered taxis are available for hire 24 hours a day from the taxi rank at the ground transportation area. Taxis are cream-coloured, except for pink taxis, which female drivers operate. A flag drop charge of AED25 applies to rides departing from the airport.

Last updated: 2026-02-19

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.

Airport at a Glance