Originally Posted by
extramileage
2. Passport control in KSA is slow and inefficient. Nothing scary, just slow and inefficient. DMM is not known for its tourism industry so don't expect to be warmly greeted. Be prepared to queue and wait - it's better to just set your expectations that way so that you'll feel good if things move quickly (which they may - it really depends if a large flight arrived before you). As a first time entry on your visa you will need to do biometrics at the counter (photo/finger prints). You will see some people run - don't be alarmed, they are just running to queue. I would recommend you move briskly so as to not be stuck all the way in the back. Sometimes the queues can be different for "first time on visa" and "reentry" although, of course, it won't be clear and definitely not posted. Ask someone in the queue. The posted queue signs for "business men, residents, etc" are mostly meaningless except for the "GCC Nationals" one.
As a Gold, head to the Emirates J line at check-in, but that's where it ends. Don't remember if there is lounge access for Gold Y in DMM. At the gate, it's typically a free-for-all and boarding by class is often ignored, let alone skywards tier recognition. If you don't have much carry-on, consider waiting for the masses to board and get on last.
Hope this helps!
Unfortunately DMM is a different beast. I have probably been there over 10 times. While no longer EK Gold, I was EK Gold for the majority of those visits and passport control in DMM is in fact very scary. It is a downright nightmare. Once I had to wait 3+ hours. Average wait time over all my visits is probably around the 2 hour mark.
My advice is to fill out the entry card given to you in-flight before you land and do your best to get to the very front of the queue as soon as you disembark the aircraft.
On the departure from DMM, my advice is to arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight. Check in early and make your way to passport control. There is a lounge that is accessible to EK Gold members. It is nothing special at all, there are some sandwiches, snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks.
I hope your experience is not as bad as some of mine have been, but I advise you to be well prepared and give yourself plenty of time coming into and departing DMM.