Airports in UAE: Major Airports, Codes & Travel Guide

I don’t think there’s any need for a long introduction; you’re planning to travel to the UAE and you need to know which airport to choose as your destination. You might initially think that all flights end at the famous Dubai Airport, but that’s not the case. International airports in UAE are spread across different emirates to complete the country’s air network. That’s why we’ve prepared this article to tell you how many airports in UAE and which one is best for your trip. Stay tuned with us at saadatrent.

How many airports are in the UAE?

Despite its small size, the UAE has seven international and commercial airports that connect all seven emirates to the world’s air network. In addition to the major airports in UAE, there are several dedicated airports for ceremonial flights, private jets, and military affairs (such as Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi). The world’s two largest airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, operate hundreds of flights daily through these airports, along with popular budget airlines such as flydubai and Air Arabia.

Major UAE airports at a glance

Before we go into the details of each airport, it is better to have an overview of all airports in UAE so that you know where each one is and what code they are known by.

Below, we provide you with more complete information about total airports in UAE.

Dubai airports: DXB vs DWC

Dubai’s share of airports in UAE is two international airports, each of which plays a different role in the city’s air transport system. Knowing the difference between these two airports will help you avoid making mistakes when booking a flight.

1. Dubai International Airport (DXB)

DXB Airport is the beating heart of Dubai’s aviation. The airport recorded a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025, and for the 11th consecutive year, it won the title of the world’s busiest airport in terms of international flights. The airport has 3 main terminals:

• Terminal 1: Specially for reputable non-domestic international airlines.
• Terminal 2: Mostly dedicated to economy flights, regional lines, and some flydubai flights.
• Terminal 3: Dedicated and ultra-modern terminal for Emirates Airlines and some flydubai flagship flights.

The advantage of DXB is that it is located within the city of Dubai itself and access to the metro, taxis and the main Sheikh Zayed Road is very quick and easy.

2. Al Maktoum Airport or Dubai World Central (DWC)

DWC Airport is located in the “Dubai South” area (near Jebel Ali and Expo City). The Dubai government has approved a development plan worth nearly $35 billion for this airport to make it the largest airport in the world; with five runways and an eventual capacity of 260 million passengers per year. According to the planning of the authorities, the full transfer of operations from DXB to DWC will occur around 2032.

The advantage of DWC is that if your destination is areas such as Dubai Marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah or Dubai South, this airport is quieter and the queues for passport and baggage claim are much faster.

We recommend that you also read the Dubai Airport car rental before choosing an airport to have a more hassle-free trip.

Abu Dhabi: Zayed International Airport

The capital of the United Arab Emirates has a super modern airport, which was previously known as Abu Dhabi International Airport. With the opening of Terminal A, the complex was renamed Zayed International Airport (AUH).

The new terminal uses intelligent biometric authentication systems that have significantly increased the speed of passenger acceptance. Zayed Airport is the main hub of Etihad Airways, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi also operates budget flights.

So if your final destination is Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, or even Al Ain, we recommend that you land at AUH and use car rental in Abu Dhabi so that you can easily travel anywhere you want, without worrying about high taxi costs or bus and metro restrictions.

Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah is located next door to Dubai, and its international airport (SHJ) is one of the most economical options for traveling to the UAE. It is the home base of low-cost airline Air Arabia and handled over 17 million passengers in 2024. Many travelers who want to save money on their flights choose Sharjah Airport.

It is only about a 15-20 minute drive from Sharjah Airport to the northern areas of Dubai (such as Deira and Al Mamzar). The only thing to be aware of is the traffic inbound from Dubai during peak hours (mornings and evenings).

Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain

If your travel destination is beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi or you want to experience the nature and different regions of the Emirates, knowing airports in uae will also be useful for you:

• Ras Al Khaimah Airport (RKT): The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is famous for its Druid’s Head Mountains, the highest peak in the Emirates (Jebel Jais), and its luxurious beach resorts. Many charter and European flights land directly at RKT Airport to bring tourists to this recreational area.
• Fujairah Airport (FJR): It is the only emirate in the UAE that is located on the coasts of the Sea of ​​Oman and the Indian Ocean. Fujairah Airport focuses more on cargo transit and commercial flights, but it is a first-class option for those interested in diving and the nature of the eastern Emirates.
• Al Ain Airport (AAN): Al Ain is a green and historic city in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert. Al Ain Airport is mostly used for regional, educational flights, and some pilgrimage and seasonal flights.

Which UAE airport should you choose?

Now that you know all the airports in UAE, the main question is: which one is better for you? The answer to this question depends on three things: your final destination, your budget for the ticket, and how important it is to you to have a transfer time.

If your destination is Dubai:

• You want to get to the city center (Downtown, Deira, Sheikh Zayed Road) quickly → DXB
• You are staying near Dubai Marina / JBR / Jebel Ali → DWC (or DXB)
• You are looking for a cheaper ticket → SHJ or DWC

DXB has the best balance between quick access + public transportation (metro).

If your destination is Abu Dhabi:

• Hotel in Abu Dhabi or Yas Island → AUH (best choice)
• If you land in Dubai → You have an additional 1-1.5 hours of travel time

Compare the difference in ticket price with the cost of a transfer between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

If your destination is in the northern Emirates:

• Sharjah / Ajman → SHJ
• Ras Al Khaimah / Fujairah → Local airports

Direct landings in these cities can save 2-3 hours of travel time.

Quick rule: Choose the airport closest to your accommodation, unless the ticket price difference is really significant.

Getting from UAE airports by taxi, public transport or rental car

So, now that you’ve landed, how do you get to your destination? You have three main options.

1. Airport Taxi

Yellow and cream airport taxis are lined up at all airports in the UAE and are in many cases the easiest option, but there’s one catch: the price! The base rate for airport taxis is more expensive than city taxis (for example, at Dubai Airport, taxis start at 25 dirhams). If you’re travelling a long distance, the cost of a taxi can be quite steep.

2. Public Transport (Metro and Bus)

Dubai DXB Airport is directly connected to the Red Line Metro stations, making it a very cheap option for those with little luggage and a destination close to the stations. However, the metro doesn’t operate 24/7, doesn’t have direct access to all parts of the city, and if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, getting around the stations can be a hassle. If you think this option is better for you, be sure to read the Dubai public transport guide to plan properly.

3. Rent a car at the airport (the best and most economical option)

If you want to have complete independence from the moment you arrive in the UAE and reduce your transportation costs throughout your trip, picking up a rental car at the airport is the smartest choice possible. However, it is important to choose a company that is reputable and does not charge you hidden fees.

If you are looking for a company that is both reputable and will deliver the car to you at Dubai airport, you can use our car rental in Dubai service at Saadatrent. All contracts are completely transparent and even the kilometer limit has been removed to improve your experience.

Conclusion

The Emirates airport network is designed to suit every taste, budget and travel plan. If you are looking for the most convenient direct flight, Dubai Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) are your first choices. If you are looking for more economical flights, Sharjah Airport (SHJ) and Al Maktoum (DWC) are excellent options. Ultimately, it is you and your needs that make the final decision, so take your time to choose.

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