Hi Sunil here to discuss Dubai Airport, one of my favorite airports in the world

The Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the largest airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It has experienced extraordinary growth in the number of passengers and total aircraft activity from 1997 to 2007.

How much is extraordinary? How about a 316% increase?

Since its $540 million mega expansion back in 1998, DXB has turned into more than just an airport.

It is an all encompassing tourist venue like most of Dubai is.

It contributes quite a bit to the economy in Dubai as many travelers spend a lot of cash shopping at the duty free and other stores and restaurants.

As of early 2008, there were over 13,000 workers employed at DXB and produced over $5.5 billion in revenues.

It was the 27th busiest airport in the world back in 2007 with approximately 33 million passengers. DXB is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Dubai.

The expansion project created the Sheikh Rashid Terminal that features an 118,000 square meter concourse with 5 levels. It has brand new runways, 27 gates, 47 air bridges and a new control tower with the newest landing system technology.

If you have a one night layover or simply want to stay at the airport the night prior to your flight out, there is a 100 room full service hotel on the upper levels of the terminal. If you don’t want to stay in your room the entire time, you can head down to one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants that are scattered throughout the terminal.

Don’t forget about the brand new and luxurious Dubai Duty Free before you take your flight. There are some amazing bargains that you can find on Dubai diamond jewelry, cigarettes, liquor and electronics. Read more about the Dubai airport shopping experience here.

Check out this excellent comprehensive video taken at the Dubai Airport. The video shows you the terminal, the world class Emirates lounge, Dubai Duty Free and much more.

The airport serves as the hub for world class Emirates airlines. A lot of other airlines (mostly international flights) are parked here at all times as Dubai is a big international connection hub.

Just take a peak outside your window when you are on the tarmac and you will see it. Many travelers purposely choose Dubai as a layover for a few hours or few days to mix pleasure with their travels. You may very well do the same :)

Because it is getting overcrowded the government is building a new airport. I don’t think it will be completed until sometime in 2010. The new airport will be called the Dubai World Central International Airport and will be 140 square kilometers in size. I believe this will mainly be an Emirates airline hub.

Here is another excellent video in the day time that shows a flight landing into DXB. You can see Dubai City from an airborne view.

I also find the following comprehensive world travel guide extremely useful. You can print out details and facts about pretty much any airport you will be visiting. I recommend printing the airport page and keeping it with your travel documents.

Consider the Private Airport Transfer in Dubai, Kish and I love this service because we get to travel like kings for only pennies!

I will keep you posted as the Dubai World Central International Airport project progresses. I want to check it out first as well before I tell you my thoughts. Stay tuned!