Dubai International Airport
| Continent: Middle East | Country: United Arab Emirates |
| Dubail International Airport | |
| Location | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| IATA code | DXB |
| ICAO code | OMDB |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://www.dubaiairport.com |
| Overview map | Google Maps |
| Communications | |
| Tower | |
| Ground | |
| Clearance | |
| Approach | |
| ATIS | |
Official Spotting Locations
Other Spotting Locations
Terminal 1 - Food Court
There are no official spotting locations, but you can see part of the concourse from the food court above the terminal 1 check in. The view is limited with the concourse blocking out all runway activities and the interesting Terminal 2 area. Pictures can be taken from here without attracting unwanted attention. Good advise is to be discrete anyway.
AirTeamImages.com sample photo: [1]
AirTeamImages.com sample photo: [2]
Runway 30 approach
You can do landing shots at DXB, but stay in a car and use discretion. RWY12 is usually used in the morning and until mid day. There is no really good spot for arrivals or departures and it just isn't very safe to hang around RWY12 approach as the area is very busy industrial area and has several police stations. I have done it, but kept shifting position, most with a very limited view of the approach making things even more difficult.
Runway 30 arrivals are much safer and easier to catch, as theres a small patch of desert near the villa village of Mirdif which is good and at some distance to nosy people. I have used this spot all my three years there and I know other people are still using it without any hassle. Again use discretion and you should be fine.
AirTeamImages.com sample photo: [3]
AirTeamImages.com sample photo: [4]
Locations to Avoid
Perimeter Fence
It seems that DXB Police is patrolling all areas within a certain distance to the perimeter fence. Stay at a distance when observing or photographing and use discretion. Do not hang around the perimeter fence.
Regular Traffic
Facilities and Transportation
A car is an absolute must especially if you venture out during the summer (which should be avoided - its too hot). Even in the autumn and spring the air conditioner is a dear friend. The spots are also difficult (if not impossible) to reach by public transportation.