Quick Answer
Both airports offer excellent transit experiences. Dubai has more restaurants and shops; Doha has the superior business class lounge (Al Mourjan). Neither requires a transit visa for most passport holders. Aim for 2-4 hour layovers to avoid fatigue.
Why Connect Through the Gulf?
Connecting through Dubai (Emirates) or Doha (Qatar) typically saves $500-$1,000 compared to direct flights while offering access to world-class lounges and airport facilities. The trade-off is 3-6 hours of additional travel time.
Airport Comparison
| Feature | Dubai (DXB) | Doha (DOH) |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Size | Massive (2 terminals) | Single mega-terminal |
| Business Lounge | Good (can be crowded) | Excellent (Al Mourjan) |
| Shower Suites | Yes (free in J) | Yes (free in J) |
| Sleep Pods | Yes (paid) | Yes (free in J) |
| Transit Hotel | Yes | Yes (Oryx) |
| Restaurants | 50+ | 30+ |
Ideal Layover Duration
Aim for 2-4 hours in business class (enough time for lounge, shower, meal without exhaustion). For economy, 3-5 hours is better to rest. Avoid connections under 90 minutes or over 6 hours.
Pro Tips
- Both airports are visa-free for transit (most nationalities)
- Emirates allows free Dubai stopovers up to 48 hours
- Qatar offers free Doha city tours for longer layovers
- Download airport apps for real-time gate information
- Pre-book shower appointments in peak seasons
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