Back-to-school travel at Dubai International Airport (DXB) – 7 tips to beat the rush

Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is gearing up for a surge in end-of-summer travel, with more than 3.6 million passengers expected between 13 and 25 August as families wrap up holidays and students return ahead of the new school term.

Daily traffic is projected to average 280,000 travellers, with Friday, 15 August likely to be the busiest day, topping 290,000.

Whether you are arriving, departing, or meeting someone, peak travel periods at DXB can mean longer waits and crowded terminals. Here are some practical tips to help you save time, avoid delays, and navigate the airport with ease.

For UAE residents, Smart Gates at DXB can significantly speed up the immigration process.

Check eligibility: Visit the official Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website – gdrfad.gov.ae.

DXB does not have free pick-up areas. All visitors must use the car parks available at each terminal, and these can get busy when many people are arriving to meet loved ones.

At Terminal 1, there are two options:

At Terminal 3, a standard rate applies to all levels — Dh30 for 30 minutes and Dh40 for up to two hours.

Arrive early to find parking easily, especially during peak times.

Taxis are readily available at DXB, but long queues can form during busy hours. To save time, you can pre-book through apps such as Careem, Bolt, or Uber. Signs in the arrivals area will direct you to the taxi rank or the designated ride-hailing pick-up points.

The starting fare for taxis from DXB is Dh25.

If you travelling on the Dubai Metro is convenient for you and have minimal luggage, the metro’s Red Line connects Terminals 1 and 3 to key parts of the city.

Metro timings:

First and last train times vary depending on the station and direction. Timings are displayed at stations and may change during special events.

Baggage allowance:

You will need a nol card or a single-use red nol ticket to travel.

5. Check hand luggage and baggage restrictions

Rules vary by airline and destination, so always check with your carrier before flying. Some airlines, specifically from India, prohibit food items with high oil content.

Medicines brought from abroad may require approval if they contain controlled substances, check with a local doctor or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). For these, you will need a valid medical report and prescription. Prescription medicines that are not controlled, and over-the-counter medicines, do not require prior approval.

From October 1, Emirates passengers may no longer use power banks during flights. However, travellers are still allowed to carry one power bank onboard, under specific conditions.

If you are carrying cash, jewellery, precious stones, or other items worth more than Dh60,000, you must declare them when entering or leaving the UAE.

You can do this via the ‘Afseh’ platform - website: declare.customs.ae and mobile app: Afseh, available on iOS and Android

Passengers aged 18 and above must make the declaration for items exceeding the limit.

With more travellers returning to Dubai, roads around DXB can get busy. Monitor updates from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and allow extra time for drop-offs or pick-ups to avoid delays.