Dubai Airports has conducted the first operational trial involving members of the public, to test the readiness of the newly built Concourse A – the first purpose-built A380 facility in the world. Situated at Dubai International Terminal 3, the major trial follows a comprehensive series of preliminary exercises that were carried out at the facility in recent weeks with the participation of employees of the airport and its partners.

As many as 50 flights have been diverted from Dubai International Airport following the closure of both runways. Operator Dubai Airports said the airport was closed at 06:45 resulted in the diversion of flights to a number of airports in the region including Dubai World Central, Al Ain, Doha Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Muscat and Bahrain among others.

A new alpha-numeric system has been installed at Dubai International in a bid to make it easier for passengers to find their way around. The updating and conversion of existing signage was the first phase of a longer term project.

Dubai International’s new purpose-built A380 facility, Concourse 3, is set to become a destination in its own right with the introduction of leading food and beverage concepts. Ranging from Giraffe - the popular international family restaurant which will open its first outlet in the Middle East at Dubai International - to trusted brands such as Paul, Dubai Airports has assembled a portfolio of 16 public food outlets and bars.

Dubai International has unveiled a photographic exhibition by British artist Gabriella Sancisi celebrating the UAE’s top sportsmen and women most likely to represent their country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London in July.

With construction of the purpose-built A380 facility - Concourse 3 - on track for completion at the end of 2012, Dubai Airports has launched an intensive operational readiness programme to prepare the new facility for its opening in the first quarter of 2013.