Al Maktoum International Airport (IATA: DWC, ICAO: OMDW), also known as Dubai World Central, is the secondary international airport in Dubai. It was opened on 27 June 2010 and is slated to become Dubai’s main gateway, replacing DXB in the future following a major investment into its development.

DWC handles most scheduled cargo flights into the UAE, including Aerologic (B772), Aerotranscargo (B747), AirACT Cargo (B747), Cargolux (B747), Cathay Cargo, Challenge Airlines (B763), Emirates SkyCargo, FedEx, Lufthansa Cargo (B77F), Turkmenistan Cargo (A332, IL76), etc. It also time to time have some very interesting cargo aircraft like the new SkyGates IL96-400 or some less known companies from Africa, Asia or Georgia operating with some A321F, B737F, B738F, etc.

DWC also handles the majority of business traffic in the UAE. A few pax flights operate to DWC too, with the likes of Pobeda, Azimuth, BeOnd, and Yemenia.

To conclude, it also hosts the Emirates Training Academy facilities which are using the smaller runway south of the main one. You can easily have the chance to shoot some of their Phenom 100, Cirrus SR22 as well as their Diamond DA42.

Written by Daniel Beliso and Jeremy/Paul Denton. Last Update: January 2025, spot 1

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
12/30	4.500 m (14.764 ft)
13/31	1,838 m (6,030 ft)
Terminals
Terminal 1	All airlines.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed and not allowed.
Car/Public Transport	A car is highly recommend for not being spotted by the police and there’s no public transport.
Restrooms	Only available at the petrol or McDonalds area.
Drinks/Food	Only available at the petrol or McDonalds area.
Hotels	Just an handful of hotels are located at/near DWC, the Holiday Inn, the Staybridge Suites and the Aloft are the ones to think about.
Season	We suggest October until April because it is too hot in the summer and the sun’s position is too high. Heat haze in December is almost not existing.
Security	+++ SPOTTING IS AT YOUR OWN RISK IN THE UAE +++ Spotting in the UAE is neither supported nor understood nor tolerated. Especially taking pictures evincing airport buildings or facilities will may cause problems and punishments (which can range from a check by police to imprisonment in worst case) by the police or airport authorities. We will not be liable for any inconveniences with local authorities. Spotting at Dubai international airport DXB is at your own risk. Keep a low profile wherever you are as some spotters were even caught like 10km away form the airport in the approach path, so the police controls huge boundaries all around the airfield. Information: Our team hasn’t yet experienced (except one occurrence: Team members were taken to the police station after being caught on a parking deck) any problems at Dubai which is attributable to extremely cautious behaviour and obeying of security tips. Please always adjust your behaviour when travelling into the Middle East states including the UAE to avoid inconveniences with the police. General tip for spotting in the Middle East area: If you have a car stow your camera underneath the seat or in the glovebox of the car. Have a map with you to fake a glitch or for an alleged planning of a route. +++ SPOTTING IS AT YOUR OWN RISK IN THE UAE +++
Runway Usage
General Info
12/30	Nothing special, it depends on the wind direction and they use the same procedures as DXB or SHJ.
13/31	Used exclusively by Emirates Training Academy aircraft (Phenom 100, Cirrus SR22 and DA42).

	Spot #1 – In Between Roads – 30 Arrivals Morning & Afternoon
WHERE	Drive to Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central) but follow Dubai Air Show signs or Jetex FBO signs. Drive and pass the runway threshold then you’ll notice an exit on your right. Take it and drive towards that sandy off road. You will have to drive on a dirt/sandy road so make sure you have a 4×4 vehicle to avoid being stuck. You’ll have to drive back towards the Dubai Air Show area on that sandy road but be reassured that you are 95% protected from the tree lines of the airport road and also covered from the highway which makes a very good location (safe). +++ Update January 2025: we have received a report that the access to the dirt road has been blocked by the authorities.  +++
WHAT	Only arrivals runway 30 Morning and afternoon.
TIME	All day depending on which side you wish to shoot.
MISC.	Theirs nothing nearby this location, so take what you need or drive back to the airport you will find toilets, drinks, foods and free wifi.
FOCAL LENGTH	B748 = 110mm / B772 = 130mm / A320 = 200mm / GLEX = 400mm

Afternoon

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Morning
++please email us your samples and we will make sure to add them here – thank you++

	Spot #2 – Dubai Logistics City – 12 Arrivals
WHERE	The spot is a dead end road next to the Dubai South Office HQ. From E311, take the Diesel Roundabout to Al Maktoum Arpt St. South-East bound. Take the third exit at the roundabout in front of Dubai South Office HQ and drive to the end until you see the Kuehne+Nagel building in front of you then park on the side on the small dead end road.
WHAT	Only arrivals runway 12 afternoon.
TIME	Summer: Fom 1300 to sunset. Winter: From 1000 to sunset.
MISC.	Theirs nothing nearby this location, so take what you need or drive back to the airport you will find toilets, drinks, foods and free wifi. The spot is very exposed so be careful
FOCAL LENGTH	IL96-400 = 120mm / B763 = 150mm / A321 = 250mm

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	Spot #3 – EK Training Academy – 13 Arrivals
WHERE	The spot is located between the terminal and the Holiday Inn Hotel. Follow the signs DWC airport, pass the hotels and take the first road on your right towards the roundabout. Then simply put yourself where it suits you the best. Be aware that you are completely exposed.
WHAT	Only arrivals runway 13 afternoon of the EK training aircraft (Phenom 100, Cirrus SR22 and DA42).
TIME	Summer: Fom 1300 to sunset. Winter: From 1000 to sunset.
MISC.	Theirs nothing nearby this location, so take what you need or drive back to the airport you will find toilets, drinks, foods and free wifi. The spot is very exposed so be careful.
FOCAL LENGTH	SR22 = 500mm

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