This weekend is set to be one of the busiest at Dubai airport, with more than <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/christmas-rush-more-than-one-million-people-expected-to-fly-out-of-dubai-airports-this-weekend-1.949699">one million travellers </a>flying in and out of DXB for the festive holidays. Dubai Airports has <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/christmas-rush-more-than-one-million-people-expected-to-fly-out-of-dubai-airports-this-weekend-1.949699">advised passengers</a> to leave extra time for journeys to and from the airport, and Emirates warned passengers to check in early and leave plenty of time to get through security. The festive rush starts today, Thursday December 12, but Friday December 13 is set to be the busiest day. Next weekend is also going to be hectic, with thousands of passengers arriving in Dubai to celebrate Christmas and New Year. If you’re travelling from DXB over the holidays, here are some travel hacks to make your journey smoother. <strong>Packing</strong> Double check your baggage allowance before you fly. It can vary depending on the airline you're flying with and the type of fare you have booked. For instance, some promotional fares on Emirates now only allow passengers to check in 15kg of luggage, which might come as a surprise to those used to the airline’s more generous allowances. Putting an empty water bottle in your carry on luggage is a good tip. It's allowed through security and there are lots of water stations dotted around the airport to fill it up from before you fly. If you're planning to pack Christmas presents, don't wrap them. Not only might they get muddled during the flight, airport security are allowed to open wrapped presents to check what is inside. If you need to have something ready to go when you land use a gift bag. If the traffic to get to Departures at DXB is backed up, ask to be dropped off at arrivals instead. Once inside the airport, you can easily take the elevator to the correct level. It sounds obvious, but double-check which terminal you're flying from. Dubai International airport is huge and getting between terminals involves taking a shuttle bus or the metro. Typically, international flights go from Terminal 1, local or low-cost flights from Terminal 2 and Emirates fly from Terminal 3, but check the below guide for more information: Anyone with an Emirates ID can use the smart gates, and these are typically much faster than waiting in immigration lines. Travellers from countries that are eligible for a visa on arrival in Dubai can also use the smart gate — you just need to register with an immigration officer at the airport. Once you're through security, there's plenty at DXB to keep you entertained. Here are a few must-dos: There are plenty of taxis allocated to arrivals at DXB ,but at peak times, taking one can often mean standing in long lines. Instead you can: If you’re planning to pick up duty free when you arrive — head to the shop as soon as you get off the plane. By the time you’ve bought what you want, your luggage should be on the carousel, and you don’t need to try to navigating the store with suitcases in tow. Start the festive celebrations early by getting in the mood before you travel. As well as picking up last-minute gifts at duty-free shopping, you can catch live music and tuck into festive treats. <strong>See live music: </strong>There will be live, festive-inspired music happening over the next two weekends to keep travellers entertained this holiday season. <strong>Thursday, December 12</strong> — Danny Aridi will perform from 11pm-1am. The Dubai-based Lebanese Canadian multi-award winning singer and songwriter will be playing some festive tunes in his rasping pop-centric voice. <strong>Friday, December 13</strong> — Pimms Brooke will play festive covers and original songs from 11pm-1am on Friday. <strong>Thursday, December 19 and Friday, December 20</strong> — Hollaphonic will keep travellers entertained with a dance-inspired performance, including festive sounds next weekend. Timings have not yet been released. <strong>Festive dining</strong> Passengers flying with Emirates who have access to the lounge can tuck into traditional Christmas dishes like stollen cake, roast turkey and gingerbread ice cream. Many of the F&B outlets at DXB will also have festive offerings. Jack’s Bar & Grill — for festive roast dinners The Draft House — Christmas dinner Giraffe World Kitchen — Turkey and Cranberry burgers Costa Coffee — gingerbread latte The Daily DXB — pumpkin spiced latte Marks & Spencer will also have a pop-up festive store with a range of festive treats in Terminal 3