Dubai was a layover on the way to and from Phuket in July 2025. It happened both on the way out on the 3rd, once on the way back on the 11th. I never left the airport area, so keep that in mind when reading the rest.

Stay

Both times I stayed at the Copthorne Hotel Dubai Airport, provided by Emirates. If your layover is longer than eight hours, they put you in a hotel for the night, which is the only reason this leg was bearable at all. About seven hours on the ground each way, door to door.

Transport

Shuttle between the terminal and the hotel, and that's the entire story. Immigration on the way in and out was quick both times.

Terminal 3 is enormous. If you have a connection here, give yourself more time than you think you need to get between gates.

Food

• Fujiya: The restaurant in the hotel. Dinner on the way out, breakfast on the way back. Fine, and included.