1. Step into the Family Zone – DXB’s festive heart
Concourse B comes alive with a beautifully curated Family Zone, complete with a glowing installation, warm winter décor,  decorated Christmas trees, festive huts for complimentary gift wrapping, and cosy seating that turns transits into joyful mini-breaks. The Family Zone is the most photogenic spot in the terminal this winter, and the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit before take-off.

2. Win prizes with the AR Bauble Hunt – DXB’s biggest winter digital adventure
This year’s star attraction is an augmented reality treasure hunt, turning Terminal 3 into a playful, geo-based discovery trail. Guests can use their phones to find hidden digital baubles scattered across the terminal, revealing either festive messages or unlocking special holiday offers from participating partners including Savoury seasonal highlights and gifts from Costa, Jack’s Bar & Grill, Pret A Manger, Giraffe, Asian Street Food Kitchen, Hard Rock Cafe and Rock Shop, The Sports Shack, The Noodle House, The Draft House and The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, DXB Hotel, PANGAIA, Fortnum & Mason, Candylicious, Ray-Ban, Emirati District and Garrett Popcorn. Lucky travellers will find rare Golden Baubles containing premium surprises.

3. Play mini-games on the go
DXB’s new digital experience hub features three quick, fun, and festive games that are perfect for guests with time to spare:
• Spin the Wheel: Instant-win surprises with every spin
• Slide & Solve: A seasonal puzzle challenge
• Cosy Words: A winter-themed word race

Guests can access the games by simply scanning QR codes placed throughout the terminals or via the DXB Wi-Fi landing page. Each game offers another chance to collect digital baubles and unlock exclusive partner rewards.

4. Make your own bauble at the workshop
Families can step inside the Bauble-Making Workshop at Terminal 3 for hands-on crafting sessions, from glitter baubles to snowman and reindeer ornaments. It’s a winter, feel-good activity designed for kids, creatives, and anyone looking for a personalised souvenir before their flight.

5. Meet the North Pole Gang and other roaming performers
Elves and winter characters roam the concourses throughout peak days, spreading cheer and posing for photos. With multiple short sets during busy travel windows, they add a touch of live theatre to the world’s busiest airport.

6. Wrap your gifts at DXB’s winter huts
Two beautifully decorated huts offer complimentary gift wrapping on select days, along with DIY stations and special activities throughout peak dates. Ideal for last-minute presents or a quick way to add holiday cheer.

The Emirati District, a collaborative effort between the Federal Youth Authority and the Fatima bint Mohammed bin Zayed Initiative, provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a diverse international audience. It also offers access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to accelerate business growth.

The event was attended by Her Excellency Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, His Excellency Khalid Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, His Excellency Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports, Omar Bin Adi, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer of Dubai Airports, Eugene Barry, Chief Commercial Officer of Dubai Airports, and a number of senior officials from both sides.

H.E. Dr. Al Neyadi emphasised the UAE leadership's commitment to youth empowerment: "Our leadership's vision places youth at the forefront of our development journey. By investing in their potential and creating an enabling environment, we empower them to excel and contribute to the nation's progress. The Emirati District embodies this approach, providing a global stage for our youth to showcase their talents and contribute to realising the UAE's ambitious vision.

This initiative aligns with the National Youth Agenda 2031, positioning Emirati youth as key drivers of national economic development. We are committed to supporting young entrepreneurs in establishing SMEs, developing their talents, and enhancing their global market access. The Emirati District provides a vital platform for them to achieve tangible success."

Her Excellency Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, said: “The UAE’s vision for the future of the national economy focuses on empowering young entrepreneurs across various sectors, by providing the tools needed for the success of their pioneering projects. This includes flexible legislation and policies that foster a competitive and attractive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. These efforts aim to increase the presence of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in UAE markets while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading destination for entrepreneurship, both regionally and globally.”

She added: “The ‘Emirati District’ at DXB holds special significance as it coincides with the launch of the ‘Emirati Youth Entrepreneurship Council’. This underscores the UAE’s commitment to nurturing youth entrepreneurship based on global best practices while promoting an entrepreneurial culture among younger generations. We remain dedicated to advancing national efforts to establish the UAE as the global hub for entrepreneurship by the next decade, aligned with the goals of the ‘National Entrepreneurship Agenda’.”

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: "The Emirati District at Dubai International serves as a platform for young Emirati entrepreneurs, offering them a unique opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and connect with global markets. This initiative underscores our commitment to empowering youth and providing them with the tools to thrive internationally. It reinforces Dubai's position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and we are proud to support national efforts that reflect the UAE's ambitious vision for the future”.

The Emirati District, located between the bustling Concourses B and C in Terminal 3,  showcases: Amadal by Afnan Bushalat, a concept centred around creating products that offer a taste of home; Mira Farms by FBMI, a social enterprise by FBMI that empowers underprivileged communities, particularly female farmers, by providing global market access for their natural produce; Nuwa by Abdulaziz Al Jaberi, a brand that celebrates the UAE's agricultural heritage by using locally sourced ingredients to produce world-class quality products; and From the Arab by Alyazi Almheiri, a luxury home fragrance brand that reintroduces Arabic scents to modern homes worldwide.

The Emirati District provides a unique opportunity for ambitious young Emirati entrepreneurs, providing them with unparalleled access to DXB, the world's busiest international airport. This initiative exemplifies the UAE's commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering youth with resources, training, and a global platform to showcase their talents and drive the nation's economic growth.

Held at the Park Hyatt, the evening highlighted more than 15 categories, recognising partners who set the standards in customer service, operational excellence, sustainability, and visual impact. The awards celebrated those whose contributions elevate the oneDXB community and make DXB a destination of choice for millions each year.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, acknowledged the milestone achievements and accolades DXB has earned over the past year, expressing gratitude for the collective contributions that have fuelled its success:
"The Airport Excellence Awards are our way of recognising the phenomenal commitment and vision our partners bring to DXB every day. From our airline alliances, which make us one of the world’s most connected airports, to the world-class commercial offerings that define DXB as a destination in itself, these awards celebrate the teamwork and spirit driving our shared success. With over 93 million guests expected this year, each milestone we mark is a testament to the extraordinary dedication of everyone behind these achievements.”

Airline winners included, among others, Lufthansa Group for Excellence in Customer Service, Air India for Excellence in Operations, IndiGo for Excellence in Sustainability Initiatives, Saudia for the Above & Beyond Excellence Award, flydubai for Dedication to Community Development, and Emirates for the Inclusive Travel Award. In the Commercial categories, JCDecaux was recognised for Partnership Excellence, McDonald’s for Excellence in Sustainability Practices, Uber for Excellence in Guest Experience and Hospitality, Five Guys for Excellence in Marketing Campaign Development, and Emirates Leisure Retail took home the Above & Beyond Excellence Award.

As the awards resumed after the pandemic pause, the evening’s winners were a reminder of the resilience and innovation within DXB’s partner community, which continues to make Dubai a world leader in aviation.

The event was hosted by popular radio personality and influencer Kris Fade, who kept the energy high as he led the evening’s recognitions. The crowd enjoyed lively entertainment, including music from DJ Ruben and a standout performance by NotSoHuman, adding an upbeat vibe to the celebration.

The event, held at DAC's gardens, aimed to raise awareness about autism and highlight Dubai Airports' ongoing efforts, together with its strategic partners, to create a smooth and accessible travel experience for all guests travelling through Dubai International (DXB). This initiative also underscores their support for Dubai’s journey towards becoming an Autism-friendly destination.

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said: “We’re committed to creating an inclusive journey for every single guest, because we recognise that we all experience the world differently. Through dedicated routes, the ongoing development of new products and services, and our collaboration with Dubai Autism Centre, we’re actively working to shape a more accessible and welcoming airport experience for all”.

Al Joker added: “This initiative aligns with Dubai Airports’ dedication to supporting UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021, which aim to establish the Emirate as the world’s leading disability-friendly city”. 

DXB has implemented a range of initiatives for People of Determination with visible and non-visible disabilities. These initiatives include a pre-travel planner and a dedicated accessible route through the airport. This prioritised route facilitates a smoother journey through check-in, passport control, security checkpoint, and boarding for guests wearing the internationally recognised sunflower lanyard. 

Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Centre, said: “We would like to thank Dubai Airports for joining our kids in a special sunflower planting event to mark World Autism Day. Planting sunflowers goes beyond raising awareness for autism; it's a powerful symbol of our collective effort to build an inclusive community that embraces and empowers individuals with autism.”

Participants in the event, including representatives from Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS), Emirates, flydubai, Saudia, dnata and Dubai Duty Free, planted sunflowers, reflecting a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for individuals with autism and their families.

DXB was certified as Autism-friendly in November 2022 and is the first international airport to earn a certified Autism Centre (CAC) designation awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

The opening ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD, Alison Milton, Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE; Paul Griffiths, CEO at Dubai Airports; Colm McLoughlin, CEO and EVC of Dubai Duty Free, Members of the Irish Business Council Dubai, as well as senior members of the airport business community. 

Adding to the celebration was a captivating performance by Irish singer-songwriter Conleth McGeary, and the unveiling of specially commissioned art, including pieces by Seamus Connolly and Anna McKeown.

Reflecting on the occasion, Eugene Barry, EVP of Commercial at Dubai Airports, said, "This latest and unique hospitality concept marks the continuation of Dubai Airports’ continuous strategy to provide a superior experience to guests at our airport. O’Regan’s pays tribute to Brendan O’Regan’s pioneering legacy, while enriching our existing range of services."

Through ‘Scan, Pay and Go’, DXB car park users need to simply scan the QR code on their parking entry ticket to be directed to the payment gateway where they can select one of three secure payment methods – Visa, MasterCard or Apple Pay – to complete the transaction. The users have a 10-minute window after completing the transaction to exit the gate barrier. Car park users do not need to visit or remember any website, register online or download any smartphone application to be able to use ‘Scan. Pay and Go’, making the option even more handy.

Commenting on the launch of the new system, Eugene Barry, Executive Vice President of Commercial at Dubai Airports said, “We are delighted to launch 'Scan, Pay and Go’, which is the outcome of Dubai Airports' ongoing approach of working closely with all of our partners to upgrade every customer touchpoint at DXB.”

While the new mobile payment option is now available across all DXB’s car parks, the existing parking payment machines will also continue to be available as an alternate payment option for car park users.