DXB Arrivals Question
 

My wife and I will be arriving at DXB on two different international flights, 30 minutes apart. I will be arriving on EK at Terminal 3; she will arrive on UA at Terminal 1. Will it be possible for me to connect with her before we pass through customs/immigration? If not, what would be the best place for me to meet her (my flight will arrive first).

Thanks in advance.

It's about 30~40 mins walk from T3 to T1 (follow the signs). You don't need to go through customs or immigration (air side), but you will need to pass security as is norm for all transits.

Thanks, lighthand. Since I won't actually be in transit, can I pass through T1 security without a boarding pass?

Not sure about T1 but at T3 they don't check BPs

Just tell them you need to get through security on the other side. I had to do it once and it wasn't an issue.

I wouldn't recommend it if you are not familiar with DXB. If I understand correctly (assuming you have no checked bags), you'll need to go through T3 connections security (follow signs for connections when you exit your flight). Once through security then follow signs for the C gates (will require a train trip if you arrived in A). Once at the C gates you need to find connections security and go through it the wrong way (so that you are now mixing with Concourse C arriving passengers) and follow signs for T1 arrivals/baggage and locate your wife before or after immigration.

It might be easier to change terminal land-side (shuttle bus, taxi or metro - I don't know if it's feasible to walk).

Honestly just get a cab and meet your wife at the hotel.

Immigaration queues at T1 can be much longer than T3 so you may be waiting a long time.

Assuming you have no checked luggage, it would be possible to meet at air side of T1.

However as m3red posted, T1 immigration can get very congested. If your wife is travelling in biz or first, you may not need to wait too long at land side if you need to collect your bags at T3 land side.

I guess this must be the first time your wife is in Dubai, hence wanting to meet her at the airport. If not (or if she is comfortable with it), then meeting at the hotel would be a better option.

Assuming you have no checked luggage, it would be possible to meet at air side of T1.

However as m3red posted, T1 immigration can get very congested. If your wife is travelling in biz or first, you may not need to wait too long at land side if you need to collect your bags at T3 land side.

I guess this must be the first time your wife is in Dubai, hence wanting to meet her at the airport. If not (or if she is comfortable with it), then meeting at the hotel would be a better option.