Guests travelling through DXB were invited to pause and receive personalised sketches from local, Dubai-based artists positioned throughout the airport. The activation added a simple, personal touch to the travel experience, with families gathering briefly to watch each illustration come to life before continuing on their journey.

Designed to acknowledge the role travel plays in connecting people, the initiative reflects Dubai Airports’ continued focus on elevating the guest experience through thoughtful, family-centred moments across the airport. It also highlights the everyday journeys that pass through DXB, reinforcing its role as a global gateway for people coming together.

In a fast-changing work environment, Dubai Airports has continued to find new ways to engage and develop its people, setting fresh benchmarks for workplace excellence. Dubai Airports has reached the 75^th percentile in employee engagement, placing it among Gallup's best practice companies – a distinction achieved only by organisations that prioritise engagement as a core part of their business strategy.

“Congratulations to this year’s Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winners for setting the standard for a thriving workplace. Your commitment to creating an environment where employees feel valued, heard and empowered to do their best work is truly remarkable. By prioritising both people and performance, you are shaping the future of work and proving that exceptional workplaces drive real results,” said Jon Clifton, Gallup’s chief executive officer.

Meshari Al Bannai, Chief People Officer at Dubai Airports, said: “Engaged people drive success. This award reflects our ongoing efforts to create a workplace that empowers, supports, and inspires our teams to perform at their best. By focusing on wellbeing, growth, and collaboration, we are shaping a dynamic culture where every individual can contribute meaningfully to the future of aviation.”

Gallup’s research on team engagement and performance is the most comprehensive workplace study ever conducted, covering more than 3.3 million employees across 347 organisations, 53 industries, and 90 countries. Highly engaged organisations see stronger performance across key areas, including customer experience, profitability, productivity, employee retention, safety, absenteeism, and overall workplace wellbeing.

The ceremony, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, celebrated the individuals and teams who exemplify DXB’s commitment to service excellence through their relentless dedication to creating exceptional guest experiences. The awards aim to inspire Dubai’s diverse airport community, fostering a spirit of collaboration and placing guests at the heart of every interaction.

Honourees represented a wide spectrum of Dubai airport’s community, including Dubai Airports, Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Customs, Emirates, dnata, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, and Dubai Taxi Company.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “The oneDXB Chairman’s Awards celebrate the heartbeat of DXB—our people. Their dedication and collective commitment drive the seamless guest experiences that define our airport, setting new benchmarks for excellence in global aviation.”

This year’s event also spotlighted the entire oneDXB community commitment to accessible travel, a key pillar of its vision aligned with Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s most disability-friendly city. Thanks to cross-sector collaboration through the oneDXB initiative, DXB has become the first international airport to achieve Certified Autism Center™ status, accredited by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

The oneDXB Chairman’s Awards reaffirm Dubai Airports’ dedication to operational excellence, enhanced guest experiences, and continued leadership in the global aviation industry. As the gateway to Dubai, DXB’s vibrant community embodies a spirit of unity and shared purpose, ensuring that every guest experience reflects the warmth, efficiency, and hospitality synonymous with Dubai.

The daily average is projected at 274,000 guests, with Friday, December 20, anticipated to be the busiest day of the period, hosting nearly 296,000 guests. The weekend from December 20 to 22 will also see peak activity, with an estimated 880,000 guests passing through.

Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: "Delivering the exceptional experience that DXB is known for during peak travel periods is always a challenge, but one we are well-prepared to meet with collaboration across the oneDXB family. This year, we are excited to welcome millions of guests while also creating moments of joy through festive activations. The Family Zone at Terminal 3 will transform into a winter wonderland featuring a unique fusion performance of carollers and beatboxers, a Magic Station offering gift-wrapping and photo opportunities, a Nutcracker marching band, and more. These activities are designed to surprise and delight, making every journey through DXB truly memorable."

This season’s traffic surge reflects Dubai’s global appeal, with visitors drawn to its vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings, as well as the city’s amazing winter weather. Of the projected traffic, 1.7 million guests will arrive in Dubai, and 1.5 million will depart, underscoring Dubai’s rising position as a premier destination for international travellers.

Travel Tips for Guests 
Dubai Airports is committed to ensuring a seamless travel experience for all guests during this peak period. Here are some tips for those travelling during the coming weeks to make their journey as smooth as possible:

• Check-in Early
  - Emirates guests can use home check-in, early check-in, and city check-in facilities.
  - For other airlines, guests should arrive no earlier than three hours before departure.
   
• Safe & Secure
  - Save time by placing metal items and electronics in hand luggage and adhering to LAGs (liquid, aerosols, and gels) regulations.
  - Permitted portable electronic devices, power banks, and spare batteries are prohibited in checked-in luggage and must be carried in/as hand luggage.
   
• Use Smart Gates: Families with children over 12 can expedite passport control through Smart Gates.
   
• Plan: Organise travel documents, check baggage allowances, and familiarise yourself with your airline’s regulations to avoid surprises.
   
• Avoid Congestion
  - Opt for the Dubai Metro for easy access to and from Terminals 1 and 3.
  - Farewell goodbyes should be exchanged at home, as only passengers will be permitted inside the terminals during peak periods.
   

DXB’s preparations for the winter rush reinforce its standing as the world’s busiest international airport, ensuring a smooth journey for all travellers.