If you are one of the 80 million passengers who pass through Dubai airport every year, then you must have noticed that it’s is a really special place.
But, if you're not, here's what you're in for (from someone who knows the facility all too well).
It all starts with ...
1. The moment when you keep checking your ticket
This is a must, because you have to make sure you are going to the right terminal. You don't want to end up in terminal 2 instead of terminal 3 and miss the flight because of the cargo village traffic!
2. The moment you ask yourself: how much longer do I have to walk?
If only we get Skywards miles for walking on all those endless conveyer belts in Dubai airport! I mean come on, we are already late!
3. The moment you think of buying a ticket just to shop at the duty free
You'll be tempted, especially with those 50% discounts and 3 for 1 offers around the Christmas holiday. It is actually worth it.
4. Getting confused between self check-in and desk check-in at terminal 3
Do I put my bag on the self check-in machine? Do I stand in the check-in queue? Do I just stand in between and wait for the Emirates lady with the scarf around her neck to help me?
P.S: Why do they always have to wear a scarf?
5. The moment you think of using the “Emiratis Only” queue
You'll find 2 types of travelers:
A- The risk-takers who avoid the long wait by playing it dumb and using the “Locals or GCC only” queues and actually get away with it
B- The law abiding travelers who stand in their designated lines, but secretly wish they can be type A.
6. Those super frustrating moments at the E Gate
If you have yet to use the E Gate, worry not, you're bound to fail just like the rest of us. Don't think of yourself as technologically challenged. Also brush off all anxiety. We all eventually end up at the desk where the nice Emirati officer sits to stamp our passports. Now for the toughest part ...
7. To joke with the Emirati staff at the passport control, or not to joke?
Is it culturally acceptable? Is she going to get offended? Is he going to joke back with me? It's best to act quiet and look at the wall instead.
8. The eye scans. Be ready for the eye scans.
The amount of times I've said, "Wallah I swear I’m not Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible!" under my breath is countless.
9. Passengers with winter attire will confuse you at one point or another
Because living in the UAE means constant sun, and not having to wear layers upon layers of clothes every time you go out. Lebanon, I'm looking at you.
10. There be a cat and mouse game with the Dubai police
It's all about perfect timing. Wait in your car, and keep your eye on the police officer. The moment he looks away is the moment you want to quickly exit the “drop off only” area. Be careful though, they may actually catch you in the act!
11. The moment you go to the bathroom and leave your bags unattended
Because you are in Dubai airport and you are 100% sure no one is going to touch them. THANK YOU DUBAI!
12. The moment you see all the Wild Wadi and Global Village video ads
And wonder: “Why haven’t I been there yet?!”
13. The moment you can’t decide which road to take to get to the airport
Especially if your flight is at rush hour when Al Khail Road becomes equally as busy as Sheikh Zayed Road!
14. The moment you exit Dubai airport
And your glasses immediately fog up as Dubai’s humidity and heat welcome you!