New
Dubai International Airport
The ambitious US$540 million expansion programme at the Dubai International Airport, initiated by the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation in 1998, has resulted in the completion and opening of the spectacular new Sheikh Rashid Terminal. The futuristic 118,000 square metre concourse, 800 metres in length and comprising five levels, has been designed to meet the expanding needs of travellers and airlines well into the new millennium.In addition to the 27 boarding gates, 47 aerobridges, a new runway and an 84m high control tower equipped with state-of-the-art landing systems, the Sheikh Rashid Terminal blends technology with a very human understanding of passenger and airline needs.The terminal boasts a 100-room hotel on the upper two levels, offering premium accommodation, restaurants, health spa and swimming pool, as well as a fully-equipped business and conference centre. Cafes, bars, snack bars and restaurants are located throughout the length of the new concourse for the convenience and enjoyment of travellers.At the centre of the Sheikh Rashid Terminal is the state-of-the-art Dubai Duty Free shopping complex which offers unparalleled shopping pleasure 24 hours a day.The opening of the Sheikh Rashid Terminal marks the completion of the second phase of development at Dubai International Airport, following the opening in 1997 of Terminal 2. Covering a total area of 12,000 square metres, Terminal 2 has the capacity to process 500 arriving and 1,000 departing passengers per hour - 2.5 million per year. The terminal also includes 1,300 square metres of duty free shopping, a duty free bulk purchasing service desk, first and business class lounges, banking facilities, ATM machines, food outlets and a computerised tourist information booth.In addition to the many scheduled flights using Terminal 2, the spacious and passenger-friendly terminal also caters for charter, executive and special interest flights, such as those of Haj pilgrims.In keeping with the steady growth witnessed in Dubai, the Department of Civil Aviation will start its next phase of expansion, which will comprise the construction of another concourse, identical to the Sheikh Rashid Terminal. The Department of Civil Aviation is poised to take its place as one of the top 20 airports in the world.Dubai Airport Opens e-gate Passengers travelling through DIA will no longer need to stand in long queues at the immigration counter upon arrival or departure. By using special smart card and their finger prints, passengers can now go through the newly installed fully automated e-gate in under 10 seconds with no need to have passports stamped by immigration officials.Dubai is the third airport in the world and the first in the Middle East to install such an advanced passenger clearance system which considerably accelerates the movement of passenger traffic through electronic screening of passenger data.The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department has opened a registration office at the Dubai International Airport to allow passengers to complete formalitites required to acquiring a smart card. Applicants have to show their original passports and complete simple procedures that include finger printing and having their picture taken. Once registered, applicants will be given a smart card that stores all the relevant information about the holder. The smart card costs Dhs.150 and is valid for a period of 2 years, it can be collected within 10 minutes after registering. The finger print ID is the most significant aspect of the system, as it ensures that a person in enrolled into the database. To be eligible for a smart card you have to be over 17 years old and either a UAE or GCC national or resident with a valid residence visa, or a member of the 34 countries that are eligible for instant UAE visas at the airport.Website: http://www.dubaiairport.com
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