Expo City Dubai is directly adjacent to the airport and accessible for a layover without entering central Dubai traffic.
Things to do at Al Maktoum International (DWC)
Al Maktoum InternationalDWC
At the airport
Things to do in Al Maktoum International
Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central) is Dubai's southern airport, with the Expo City Dubai complex directly adjacent — a walkable cluster of museums, exhibition pavilions, restaurants, and public spaces from the 2020 World Expo that has been retained as a permanent cultural and business destination. Dubai's main attractions — Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the historic Creek and souks, and desert safari operators — are 45–60 minutes away toward the city center.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Al Maktoum International
- The Dubai Metro Blue Line (Route 2020) connects Al Maktoum to the main Red/Green lines — allow 60+ minutes to reach central Dubai.
- Sheikh Zayed Road traffic is heavy during 7–9 AM and 5–8 PM; factor this in when planning any city excursion from this airport.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at DWC
1 Sanctifly partner lounge at Al Maktoum International. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestMarhaba Lounge
Airside at Al Maktoum International (DWC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Marhaba Lounge is easy to find once you’ve cleared the formalities. After completing passport control and passing through the security check in Terminal C, continue straight ahead and you’ll see the airport lounge immediately in front of you. Its convenient post-security, airside location makes it a practical stop for travelers who want to settle in quickly without backtracking, whether you’re waiting to board, connecting through Dubai, or taking a moment to recharge before your next flight.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.