Al Maktoum Airport and Dubai Airport WiFi: All You Need to Know

Internet access has become a must-have for most travelers worldwide. Thankfully, connecting to Dubai Airport and Al Maktoum Airport WiFi is very simple. In this article, we will share the steps you need to follow to enjoy unlimited high-speed internet during your waiting time at two of the largest and busiest airports in the world.

Follow along for step-by-step instructions on connecting to the WiFi at both airports as well as recommendations for staying connected once the airport WiFi is out of reach.

How to connect to WiFi at Dubai Airport?

Connecting to the WiFi network at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is as easy as it gets. The instructions remain pretty much the same, no matter if you’re connecting from your smartphone, tablet, or computer:

• Step 1: Go to settings and activate the WiFi.
• Step 2: Select the network: DXB Free WiFi.
• Step 3: That’s it! Enjoy free unlimited WiFi while at the DXB.

How does the WiFi internet work on the DXB?

Dubai International Airport offers unlimited WiFi for all passengers and visitors, with high-speed internet and fast access without passwords or credentials. It’s pretty much all you can ask out of a free wireless network.

What other services does the airport offer to have internet?

The DBX airport has other internet access services through its multiple VIP Lounges, some of which are available for passengers of certain airlines, and others for first class and/or business class passengers.

VIP lounges with Wi-Fi service at Dubai airport

Dubai Airport has 14 VIP Lounges, each with different characteristics, services, and rates to meet the needs of passengers.

To give you an idea of how the VIP Lounges work, we will share an example of the Plaza Premium Lounge, which includes unlimited Wi-Fi service.

Choosing one of these lounges depends on your budget and the services you’d like to receive during your time at the airport. Consider that there are rooms with family, coworking, and wellness spaces to match what you need to do while waiting for your flight.

On the other hand, if you are traveling with one of the airlines that has an exclusive VIP Lounge at the airport, check the information on the Lounge to see if it suits your needs. Some might see the lounge as a must-have, while others don’t need it for a great travel experience.

Here we leave you with the website with the list of VIP Lounges available at the airport and the links to book them online. Check if you must adhere to any dress codes that may apply in these lounges.

Internet in Mastercard VIP Lounges

Mastercard has four VIP Lounges at the Dubai airport, all with high-speed internet and unlimited WiFi, as well as other services for its customers.

• Ahlan Lounge at B
• Game Space – Gaming Lounge
• Marhaba Lounge
• Sleep ‘n fly

The Mastercard VIP Lounges are open 24 hours a day and are located in Terminal 3, Sector B. To book your visit to one of these rooms, you must be a Mastercard cardholder. and the services that are not included in the visitor plan will be charged to the card as additional charges.

How to connect to WiFi at Al Maktoum Airport?

The steps to connect to WiFi at Al Maktoum Airport are the same as at the Dubai International Airport since the WiFi network is operated by Boingo Wireless, an American provider and global leader in connectivity solutions with more than one million access points worldwide.

• Step 1: Go to the mobile settings and activate the WiFi.
• Step 2: Select the network: DWC Free WiFi.
• Step 3: That’s it! Enjoy unlimited WiFi.

Alternatives to airport WiFi for internet in Dubai

While the WiFi in Dubai airports is great, you’ll probably need internet once you’re out of the airport as well. Sure, Dubai is known for having plenty of public WiFi hotspots in town, but you can’t rely on them being available to you 24/7. Not to mention that such public networks are often linked to cybersecurity risks.

They might also require you to have a local phone number, which means you have to buy a local SIM card just to access the WiFi. Thankfully, there are ways to improve internet access and not have to rely on someone else having a hotspot you can use. Let’s take a look at some of the main options.

International eSIM card

Using an eSIM card is often the cheapest and most convenient way to stay connected while traveling, and using an eSIM in Dubai is no exception. You don’t need to buy or carry any additional devices, and the whole setup process can be done in advance from the comfort of your own home or hotel room.

The only thing you need is an eSIM-compatible cellphone, but with most recent phones supporting eSIM technology, that shouldn’t be an issue.

Holafly offers unlimited data eSIM plans for the UAE starting from US$6. When you make your purchase, you’ll get an email with a QR code, which you can use to activate your eSIM and have access to the internet in Dubai as soon as you turn your phone’s airplane mode off. 

Holafly also offers 24/7 customer support in multiple languages and a flexible refund policy, which gives you peace of mind knowing that help is always there in case anything goes wrong with the service.

Prepaid SIM card

Etisalat and Du are the two main telecommunications companies in Dubai. You can look for a shop or commercial stand to buy a SIM card at the airport and replace your daily SIM with one for Dubai.

As a visitor, you will receive an offer from Du that includes a free SIM Card for 24 hours. Once this time has passed, you can top it up with the amount of data, messages, and calls you need.

You can also go to the closest shopping center to get a card for local use with exclusive promotions for tourists. Just remember that you must consider some language and local currency barriers when receiving customized service to purchase and activate this SIM.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Pocket WiFi is another alternative worth considering. It’s a great option for business trips or group trips since it lets multiple devices connect at the same time, as long as you have data available. You can book it before you travel and pick it up at an authorized spot at the Dubai Airport in Terminal 3.

You can make your reservation with Kite Trip, travelerswifi.com, and others. The average rate per day is 12.78 EUR + shipping costs of 24.40 EUR if you need it shipped to you.

International roaming

There’s one thing that international data roaming has got going — convenience. All you need to do is enable data roaming on your phone, and you’ll be able to use the internet pretty much wherever you go. 

However, it’s also one of the most expensive options, especially if you plan on using the internet for more than just checking places to visit, taxi services, or currency exchange rates. Data roaming charges can get overwhelming pretty quickly, which makes other options look a lot more appealing.

Final thoughts on Wi-Fi service in Dubai airports

The Al Maktoum Airport and Dubai Airport free WiFi is great. Unlimited high-speed data isn’t something you’ll find in many other airports around the world. But unless you plan on spending your entire holiday at the airport, the WiFi won’t be of much use once your actual holiday begins.

To use the internet anywhere in the country, consider other alternatives, such as the Holafly eSIM for the United Arab Emirates. It’ll allow you to enjoy unlimited data throughout your visit without having to rely on public WiFi hotspots.

Frequent questions about Dubai Airport WiFi

Plans that may interest you

United Arab Emirates

From

$6.90

USD

Asia

From

$6.90

USD

Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

Read full bio

Related reading