Hi TIV,

I fly in and out off DMM every 5 weeks due to working there, so i can give you a bit of a heads up on what to expect.

Prior to boarding i advise pre selecting your seat up the front of the plane, this definitely helps when disembarking and getting to immigration first. Immigration can be a lottery, sometimes it can take 10 mins sometimes it can take 3hrs it just depends on how the Saudis are feeling on that given day. its has become a lot better than what it was they now actually segregate those returning citizens and first timers (your line will be on the left as a first timer) which is a major improvement stops some of the chaos. You will have to do the biometric scan (fingerprints) and photo on your first time in. make sure you fill out your arrival card as best you can, it with ask your for your alien number ignore this.

Regarding leaving Saudi, get to the airport early. Its mayhem trying to get to the check in counters especially between 7pm-11pm. every flight i have taken from DMM is always full and or oversold so if your a gold member like myself most of the time you will get a complimentary bump up in cabin class. when checking in you will have to go threw the usual pre security screen prior to getting into the check in desk. when you arrive at the emirates check in desk look for the business class line (its at this point you have to be a bit ruthless as there really is no distinguishable lines they just stand anywhere so don't be afraid to walk in front of people to get to the business class line, the majority of people standing there don't know what line the need to be in) or find one of the emirates staff and make it know to them that you are a gold member, they will usually see you straight away. There is a priority line threw immigration when leaving but it hardly gets used. Immigration on the way out is nowhere near as bad as on the way in.

Once threw immigration and another security screen turn left threw duty free and walk past the burger joint to the Al FURSAN lounge. Nothing special here but its better than hanging around outside the lounge IMO.

and now boarding-its a free for all, no one understands nor cares if your a first class passenger or a economy they just go for it, so board at your own leisure.

Hope this helps, Enjoy your stay in DMM