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Special arrangements at DIA to receive kin, friends

DUBAI — The Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has made special arrangements at Dubai International Airport (DIA) to allow visitors to pick up their friends and relatives from the upper level, outside the Departures area. The move is aimed at distributing the rush outside the Arrivals area and facilitating a smooth flow of passengers at the pick-up points.

Explaining the arrangements and the reason behind the move, Yousuf Al Shaibani, General Manager, Customer Service Division at DCA’s Protocol and Public Relations Directorate, said that since yesterday, visitors have been able to receive friends and relatives at DIA on the first level. “This additional arrangement, which is available only between 8pm and 3am, is aimed at reducing the seasonal rush in the Arrivals area,” he said. The alternative pick up facility will be available until September 7, he added.

Al Shaibani noted that visitors can avoid the rush in the Arrivals area during the mentioned peak hours by informing their friends and relatives arriving at DIA of the new alternative arrangements. He said the DIA is encouraging visitors to use the option to help avoid the rush outside the Arrivals area and subsequently help speed up the pick up of passengers.

“To make the option more convenient for both visitors and passengers, the DCA has arranged for taxis on the upper level (Departures area) during the specified time. The police have also been requested to allow visitors to pick up passengers from the upper level,” he said. He pointed out that those coming to the airport to pick up arriving passengers can wait in comfort in the seating areas or one of the coffee shops on the upper level, which is accessible through a number of elevators, escalators and stairways, instead of standing outside the Arrivals area.

Al Shaibani added that since rush at the Departures area was relatively low between 8pm and 3am; those using the option would find it free of hassles, while the spacious parking lots on the upper level will offer an added convenience.

“Activity is relatively low at the Departures area during the given time especially during this part of the year, so the new arrangement will not in any way affect the flow of vehicles or passengers there,” Al Shaibani said.

The alternative pick up idea was developed and worked upon by various departments of the DCA and implemented in co-ordination with Dubai Police and Dubai Transport, Al Shaibani said.

• UAE