Eid Al Adha 2025: Emirates offers free ice cream during Dubai getaway
New check-in options and smart travel tools ease airport traffic
DUBAI: With Eid Al Adha just around the corner, Dubai International Airport is bracing for a surge in departures, and Emirates is adding a sweet touch to ease the journey.
Passengers flying with Emirates between 1 and 9 June can expect increased airport activity, but the airline has taken steps to ensure a smoother travel experience. Among its seasonal offerings, travellers can enjoy complimentary ice cream at Dubai International Airport during peak hours, adding a refreshing perk to the pre-flight routine.
From 6 June to 20 July, Emirates will operate four free ice cream carts across various departures zones at Dubai International Airport. Families and individuals passing through the airport on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays between 12pm and 6pm can indulge in mango, chocolate or strawberry ice cream, or passionfruit and raspberry sorbet. The initiative aligns with the Eid Al Adha holiday period, during which thousands of passengers are expected to travel abroad from Dubai.
Check-in services
To handle the increased demand, Emirates is advising customers to check in remotely or arrive at the airport well in advance. Passengers are encouraged to:
- Arrive at the airport three hours before departure
- Clear immigration 1.5 hours before departure
- Be at the boarding gate one hour before departure
Remote check-in options are available via the Emirates App, which allows travellers to manage bookings, download boarding passes, check meal options, pre-select inflight entertainment, and even book chauffeur services. Online and app check-in open 48 hours prior to flight departure.
Another convenient option is early luggage drop-off. Travellers can check in their baggage 24 hours ahead of departure or 12 hours in advance for flights to the US. This allows customers to skip counters on the day of departure and proceed straight to immigration.
Offsite check-in
To further ease pressure at the airport, Emirates offers check-in at the City Check‑in and Travel Store located in ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Customers can drop off their bags and complete check-in from 8:00AM to 10:00PM daily, between 24 hours to 4 hours before their flight.
The location offers service through self-check-in kiosks, staffed counters, and “Sara” – the world’s first check-in robot.
Additionally, Emirates provides home check-in across Dubai and Sharjah. This service enables passengers to complete all formalities at their home, hotel, or office. Bags are collected and sent directly to the flight. First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members can use this service free of charge, while others can book it at least 24 hours before departure.
Getting around Dubai airport
Emirates customers can move efficiently between terminals with various transport options inside Dubai International Airport Terminal 3:
- A train service operates between Concourse A and Concourse B
- A 24/7 shuttle bus connects Concourse A and Concourse C, with departures every 20 minutes
- Dedicated buggies are available for First Class passengers on request
Dubai Airport Buggies, also known as Dubai Taxi, are free for all customers, with preference given to elderly travellers, families, and People of Determination
These services aim to help customers manage time more effectively, particularly during busy hours, and ensure timely arrival at boarding gates.
Duty-free shopping
Emirates passengers can also benefit from EmiratesRED.com, where they can pre-order Duty-Free items and have them delivered to their seat onboard. Orders can be placed between 21 days and 40 hours before the flight.
The summer collection includes more than 200 premium items from brands like Tom Ford, Creed, Jo Malone, Hermes, and Cartier. During Eid Al Adha, customers using the code ‘REDMAG’ will receive a 10% discount on select purchases.
Travel support for all
In line with its commitment to inclusive travel, Emirates offers specialised services for People of Determination. These include:
- A detailed pre-travel planning guide for Dubai International Airport
- Two hours free parking at the airport
- Dedicated priority lanes for check-in, passport control, and boarding
Trained Emirates staff are available to assist travellers with additional needs throughout the airport. Further details can be found on the Accessible Travel page.
Packing essentials
Emirates reminds passengers to check baggage regulations before arriving at the airport. Customers should be aware of the following:
- Power banks are permitted in hand baggage only
- Smart bags must have removable batteries to be allowed in the cabin; batteries must remain switched off
- E-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-cigars, and electronic incense burners are only allowed in carry-on baggage if properly protected
Ensuring that these items comply with airline guidelines will help avoid delays at security or check-in counters.