TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2026 3 Inside Looking for things to do in Dubai? Turn to page 29 for the best of the city Your essential guide to Find refreshments From coffee and cakes to sandwiches, snacks, salads and more, you’ll find a range of delicious options at various cafés across the airport Page 6 O Relax in a lounge Unwind ahead of your flight in one of many comfortable lounges in DXB Page 12 Take a nap From DXB Hotel to sleep pods, there are several ways to have a snooze Page 17 Costa Coffee4 APRIL 2026 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Travel might look a little different of late, but there’s plenty of familiarity to be found in this beautiful city. A slow Saturday morning matcha at a home-grown coffee shop, a relaxing breathwork session with pals, an educational museum trip with the kids – there’s time to take pleasure in the small things as well as planning for the bigger days out. Visitors, residents and citizens alike can look forward to Dubai’s warm welcome, whether it’s at your favourite restaurant or right here in the airport. In this issue we’ve rounded up an A to Z of activities for you – the quirkier the better – so if you’re after something new, we hope you’ll find some inspiration. From perfume-making to visiting a chocolate factory, or a glow-in-the-dark badminton match (really), there’s plenty to boost your dopamine levels. So, it’s time to ditch the doomscrolling and discover something new, the city is waiting to welcome you. facebook.com/timeoutdubai youtube.com/timeoutgcc timeoutdubai timeoutdubai timeoutdubai Ed’s pick Amy Mathieson Editor at Large Take a break and try a relaxing yoga class (p62) Hello Published by ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC © 2026 Time Out Group Ltd, London, UK. Time Out Dubai PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE +971 4 444 3000 www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Deputy Managing Director Holly Sands Time Out Dubai Editorial Editor at Large Amy Mathieson +971 4 444 3696 | amy.mathieson@os.itp.com Group Food Editor Yousra Zaki +971 4 444 3255 | yousra.zaki@itp.com Digital Editor Aimee Jakes +971 4 444 3487 | aimee.jakes@itp.com News Editor Findlay Mair +971 4 444 3893 | findlay.mair@itp.com Features Editor Sian Traynor +971 4 444 3396 | sian.traynor@itp.com Senior Social Media Editor (maternity leave) Wyanet Vaz Social Media Executive Marion Colaco +971 4 444 3569 | marion.colaco@itp.com Social Media Creator (Partner Content) Nancy Lova +971 4 444 3305 | nancy.lova@itp.com Digital Content Lead Jeffrey Casiño +971 4 444 3591 | jeffrey.casino@itp.com Content Executive Rodelito Mamuad +971 4 444 3657 | rodelito.mamuad@itp.com Events, Marketing & Brand Head of Events Eleanor Ashton Senior Events Manager Kate Galaktionova Events Manager Gavin Moeketski Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager Maria Trishina Events Coordinator Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant Joyce Swalonga email: events@itp.com Art Senior Designer Gillian Fletcher Junior Designer Celine Iskandar-Elhachem Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Production, Distribution & Circulation Senior Production & Distribution Manager Balasubramanian P +971 4 444 3871 | balasubramanian.p@itp.com Production Manager Anand Sundaram +971 4 444 3424 | anand.sundaram@itp.com Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira +971 4 444 3669 | avinash.pereira@itp.com Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai +971 4 444 3236 | rajesh.pillai@itp.com Advertising Chief Commercial Officer Sally Whittam +971 4 444 3348/+971 56 104 0567 | sally.whittam@itp.com Advertising Director David Wurie +971 52 576 2162 | david.wurie@itp.com Senior Advertising Manager Keenan Cunningham +971 4 444 3533 | keenan.cunningham@itp.com Commercial Manager Tim Quick +971 4 444 3351| tim.quick@itp.com Senior Commercial Admin Executive Janet Comia janet.comia@itp.com ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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The name and logo of Time Out are used under .licence of Time Out Group Limited London UKTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2026 5 Hot listHot list Travel essentials Dubai Duty Free stores throughout DXB are ready to help you with whatever you might need. From a new device for your travels to a gift for loved ones, you’ll find a huge selection across the airport in both departures and arrivals. O Dubai Duty Free. Coffee time This famed London-born coffee shop can be found in Terminal 3, right by check-in. So while you’re waiting to drop your bags you can sip on a cup of coffee – hot or iced – for a caffeine boost. Originating in Shoreditch, Grind is much- loved for its flat whites (IYKYK). O Terminal 3, departures, by bag drop and check-in. A calming space April is autism awareness month, promoting understanding and acceptance of autism, and for travellers in DXB there are special areas to unwind, such as the Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2. The lounge has calm lighting, tactile materials, noise-reducing seating and a decompression zone. O Terminal 2, departures. Please note, some outlets across Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (arrivals and departures) may be temporarily non-operational. 6 APRIL 2026 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Concourse D Directory Turn the page for Concourse map RESTAURANTS Costa Coffee 100 % VEG AN Need refreshments? Visit the famed coffee chain when you’re after a hot or cold drink. O Ground floor, near GateD13. KFC If a trip to the airport is an excuse for filling up on something fried, head to the Colonel’s Qinwan Premium Dates & Café finger-lickin’ house of fried chicken. Pair it with some fries and enjoy your meal. O First floor. Krispy Kreme Stock up on sugary treats at this haven of heavy glazing. With loads of flavours, there are also hot drinks and iced coffees on the menu to wash it down. O First floor. McDonald’s In the mood for salty fries, a burger and a fizzy drink? Heed the call of the golden arches on the first floor of Terminal 1. O First floor. Pret A Manger 100 % VE GA N You’ll find all your favourites present and correct here, from salads and protein pots to juices, coffees and sandwiches. O Ground floor, near GateD11. Qinwan Premium Dates & Café 100 % VEG AN Enjoy regional specialities including delicious dates and coffee at this popular name now in DXB. Pick up a gift or dine in. O Ground floor, near Gate D11. Sawa 100 % VEG AN Up on the first floor, Sawa serves traditional Lebanese street food. You’ll Terminal 1 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2026 7 Vegetarian options 100 % VEGA N Vegan options Halal Dairy-free options Gluten-free options Alcohol served KEY find fresh shawarmas, creamy hummus and more delicious comfort food classics. The breakfast platters are especially popular. O First floor. Starbucks If your day can’t start without a coffee and a carby treat, go to Starbucks for hot and cold drinks and a range of snacks. O Ground floor, near GateD6 and GateD18. Taste of India 100 % VE GA N Grab a quick, casual meal from this Indian spot, serving dosas, biryanis and more. A no-frills budget-friendly option for when you’re in the mood for Indian food. O First floor. The Daily DXB 100 % VE GA N There’s heaps of choice here at The Daily DXB. Head to Jailbird for fried chicken, Ikaria for authentic Greek food or St. Mia for pizza and pasta. Visit Wok for tasty Asian dishes or head to Get Your FIX for everything from sandwiches to coffees. Dairy-free? Try the tahina oat milk latte. O Ground floor, near GateD12. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck From the famed Austrian-American chef, this is a swisher-than-average spot to grab some grub before you take off. Try the pizzas, they’ll make you a happy diner. O First floor. The Noodle House A well-known chain of pan-Asian eateries regionally, the menu criss-crosses the continent with Japanese ramen, Thai curries and loads more Asian favourites that are sure to make you smile. O First floor. BARS The Draft House Avid sports fans will be spoilt for choice with live broadcast sports channels from around the world streaming at this cool sports bar. Grab a burger, sip on a drink and while away the time before your flight. There are often deals, too, so keep a look out. O First floor. The Daily DXB8 APRIL 2026 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Gates D1-D12 418 17 16 2 5 9 11 10 Concourse D, Terminal 1 ENTRANCE RESTAURANTS 1. Costa Coffee 2. Pret A Manger 3. Qinwan Premium Dates & Café 4. Starbucks 5. The Daily DXB SHOPPING 6. adidas 7. Boots 8. Burberry 9. Dubai Duty Free Electronics 10. Dubai Duty Free Fashion 11. Dubai Duty Free Liquor & Tobacco 12. Dubai Duty Free Perfume & Cosmetics 13. Garrett Popcorn 14. Le Clos 13 15. Tiffany & Co. 16. Dubai Duty Free Confectionery 3 SHOPPING adidas Get kitted out at one of several adidas stores in DXB (you’ll also find them in Terminal 3, Concourses A and B). Be sure to pop in to pick up some sportswear to keep up with your fitness goals. O Ground floor, near GateD13. Boots Pick up sun cream, kids’ supplies, make-up, toiletries and more ahead of your flight. O Ground floor, near GateD13. Burberry Purchase the brand’s luxury accessories, as well as its famous sleek trench coats. O Ground floor, near GateD13. Dubai Duty Free You’ll find dedicated shops and counters for everything from perfume and books to chocolate and electronics at Dubai Duty Free. Don’t miss the prize draws either, be sure to check in store for details. O Ground floor. Garrett Popcorn Love popcorn? Garrett Popcorn has two outlets in Concourse D to pop into and grab a snack before you fly. You’ll find everything from sweet to savoury varieties to satisfy every taste. Hello, classic flavours CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn. O Ground floor, near GateD6 and GateD17. Le Clos For more than 15 years Le Clos has hand- curated the world’s finest beverages, providing access to rare gems through close relationships with leading producers. O Ground floor, near GateD13. Tiffany & Co. Shop the high-end collection of jewellery from this world-famous designer brand. O Ground floor, near GateD13. LOUNGES Ahlan Business Class and First Class lounges Need to unwind at the airport? Enjoy that BootsTerminal 1 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2026 9 Gates D13-D21 Restrooms MosqueCurrency ExchangeVAT RefundATM 7 12 14 1 15 8 4 13 GO UPSTAIRS FOR KFC Krispy Kreme McDonald’s Sawa Taste of India The Draft House The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck The Noodle House Ahlan Business Lounge Ahlan First Class Lounge British Airways Lounge Gulf Air Lounge Lufthansa Lounge marhaba lounge Skyteam Lounge WELLBEING 17. Be Relax 18. Sleepover 6 luxe vibe, sample a buffet and sip on drinks to start your journey in style. O First floor. British Airways Lounge A sleek lounge with a bar, dining area and a chic look for first and business travellers with British Airways. O First floor. Gulf Air Lounge Black, Gold and Silver Falconflyer card holders for Gulf Air can visit here. O First floor. Lufthansa Business Lounge Lufthansa passengers can visit this lounge ahead of takeoff to enjoy a comfy setup, plus a buffet, drinks, showers and even business and printing facilities. O First floor. marhaba lounge Whether you’re flying economy or first class, you can book into the marhaba lounge and enjoy an international buffet and drinks. O First floor. Skyteam Lounge This large lounge in Concourse D has snacks, drinks and also has a special kids’ area. You can access it if you’re flying first or business, or are an Elite Plus Frequent Flyer, on Air France, China Eastern, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. O First floor. WELLBEING Be Relax Get treatments including manis, pedis, facials, massages and more at Be Relax before you fly. There is also a range of products to pick up for your travels like pillows and diffusers. You deserve it. O Ground floor, near GateD9. Sleepover In need of a snooze ahead of your flight? Whether it’s a quick nap or a full night’s sleep, you can take a break here and arrive at your destination rested. O Ground floor, near GateD7. Dubai Duty Free On the go DJI Osmo Action 6, Dhs1,429 Every adventure, captured in stunning detail. Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Ceramic Apricot, Dhs2,575 For effortless style on the go. O dubaidutyfree.com.Next >