Despite the misfortunes that had happened to me in 2024, I was still privileged enough to travel. Not just once, twice, or even three times—but through four airports in the UAE! Some of these airports are ranked not only among the best in the UAE but also globally! Are you planning a trip to the UAE or a frequent guest but still unsure which airport to fly to? Let me help you choose the best airport in the UAE based on my experiences in 2024!
Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal experiences traveling through UAE airports in 2024. UAE is constantly evolving with ongoing changes to facilities, services, and public transportation connections. While I strive to keep this blog updated, please verify details with official sources.
UAE’s Location and Its Main International Airports
Located in the Middle East and part of Western Asia, the United Arab Emirates known as the Emirates, is bordered by Oman to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and is surrounded by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Thanks to its strategic location, the UAE has become one of the busiest travel hubs in the world. It connects East and West with unparalleled efficiency, luxury, and ease of transit by providing visa-free and visa-on-arrival options to some nationalities.
As of 2025, the UAE boasts several airports, but three (3) airports serve as primary hubs:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB): Serving Dubai with three terminals.
- Abu Dhabi International Airport or Zayed International Airport (AUH) - Serving Abu Dhabi.
- Sharjah International Airport (SHJ): Serving Sharjah.
Other notable airports include Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT), and Fujairah International Airport (FJR), though these primarily handle cargo, regional, or chartered flights.
Exploring Dubai International Airport: Terminals 1, 2, and 3
With over three terminals, Dubai International Airport is undoubtedly the largest and busiest airport in the UAE. It is globally known for its exceptional services and facilities and each terminal caters to different travel profiles:
| Terminal | Airlines & Flights | Public Transportation Connections | Key Facilities | Free Tourist SIM Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Handles all commercial flights from international airlines except Emirates and FlyDubai | Dubai Metro (Airport Terminal 1 Station on the Red Line), taxis, and shuttle buses. | Duty-free shops, premium lounges, food outlets, toilets, ATM services, prayer rooms, smoking lounge, car rental, and currency exchange counters | Yes! Check at immigration or the counters after baggage claim. |
| Terminal 2 | FlyDubai and budget airlines primarily serving the Persian Gulf region and South Asia. | RTA buses, taxis, and shuttle buses. There's no direct Metro access, the nearest station is Abu Hail Station on the Green Line. | Duty-free shops, food courts, business centers, and rest zones. | Yes! Check at immigration or the counters after baggage claim. |
| Terminal 3 | Emirates and selected FlyDubai flights. | Dubai Metro (Airport Terminal 3 Station on the Red Line), taxis, and shuttle buses. | Massive duty-free shops, premium lounges, food outlets, toilets, ATM services, prayer rooms, smoking lounge, car rental, and currency exchange counters. | Yes! Check at immigration or the counters after baggage claim. |
Originally my go-to airport, I’ve frequently used Terminal 1 for flights with airlines like Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Cathay Pacific. With several flight options to all regions and convenient Metro access, it’s incredibly efficient to consider during travel planning.
Though smaller and lacking jet bridges, Terminal 2 still offers solid service. However, the absence of direct Metro access can be a minor inconvenience. But since most of the budget airlines fly here, it’s not unreasonable to factor in extra costs for taxi fares.
Thanks to efficient check-ins and minimal wait times, I’ve consistently enjoyed smooth departures and arrivals from Terminal 3. Whether during the busy holiday season or quieter off-peak times, I rarely spend more than 15 minutes to reach my boarding gate. It’s the epitome of first-world luxury—I swear!
Abu Dhabi International Airport and its Midfield Terminal
Abu Dhabi International Airport recently moved all operations to its state-of-the-art Midfield Terminal (Terminal A). It serves as the hub for Etihad Airways and the operating base for Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, it has quickly gained attention and travel traffic. Despite numerous complaints about Wizz Air's service, the airline's unbeatable pricing continues to attract a significant number of travelers.
Disclaimer: Zayed International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport refer to the same airport. For the sake of consistency, I will be using "Abu Dhabi International Airport" to make it easier to remember.
- Public Transport: A private shuttle connects Dubai to AUH for AED 35 (a 1-hour ride from Ibn Battuta Mall).
- Key Features: Affordable flights with Wizz Air, lounge access for Mastercard holders, and competitive pricing.
- Free Tourist SIM Cards: Yes! Tourist SIM cards are free and can be collected near the arrivals area after passport control.
While Wizz Air’s pricing model may seem unconventional, with proper planning, you can avoid unexpected fees and enjoy an economical flight. For insights into the booking process, public transportation, and my personal flight experience, check out my first trip with Wizz Air below!
Related Read: Flying on a Budget: My first flight experience with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi
Sharjah International Airport - Air Arabia Experience
The hub of Air Arabia, Sharjah International Airport offers budget flights to destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and Europe. While the airport provides affordable options, its limited public transport from Dubai and smaller scale can be less convenient for some travelers.
- Public Transport: Free shuttle services to Al Shindagha City Center in Dubai (not 24/7) and taxis.
- Key Features: Smaller duty-free shops and limited facilities compared to DXB and AUH.
- Free Tourist SIM Cards: As far as we know, yes! Check with the telecom provider counters located near the arrivals section.
Although there’s a free coach service between Sharjah International Airport and Dubai, it’s not entirely hassle-free. It doesn’t operate 24/7 to accommodate early-morning flights, and the pick-up point—Al Shindagha City Center—is located in a busy area of old Dubai. After all, taking a taxi is ultimately the most comfortable option.
Depending on your location in Dubai, it could easily cost you AED 100 or even more. As a resident staying in Al Barsha, my morning departure flight cost me AED 155 by taxi, while my return trip on a Monday morning (traffic included) came to AED 163.50. Similar to Dubai Airport Terminal 2, allocating extra funds for taxi fares is a good idea. However, if the combined cost of a budget flight and taxi fare matches the price of a flight from Dubai Airport, you might as well stick with the latter.
My Personal Rankings - Best Airport in the UAE
With my personal (and slightly biased) perspective as a Dubai resident, here’s my ranking of the best airports in the UAE:
- Overall Winner: Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 (Emirates and FlyDubai)
- Second Place: Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 (International Flights)
- Cost Effective and Comfortable: Abu Dhabi International Airport (Wizz Air)
- Last Option: Sharjah International Airport (Air Arabia) and Dubai International Airport Terminal 2
| Airport | Emirate | Travel Styles Compatibility | Best Flight (Taken) | Personal Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DXB T1 | Dubai | Convenience | Singapore Airlines & Cathay Pacific | 5/5 |
| DXB T2 | Dubai | Budget Traveler | FlyDubai | 4/5 |
| DXB T3 | Dubai | Luxury | Emirates | 5/5 |
| SHJ | Sharjah | Budget Traveler | Air Arabia | 4/5 |
| AUH | Abu Dhabi | Budget Traveler | Wizz Air | 5/5 |
This ranking is, of course, based on my experiences, and I’m no frequent traveler compared to others I know. Things could easily change in the future—who knows? But for now, this is where I stand. While this isn’t a comprehensive guide to UAE airports, I hope it helps you with your travel planning!
So, have you traveled through UAE airports? Share your experiences in the comments below!
