Watch Ultimate Airport Dubai

Ultimate Airport Dubai is a National Geographic documentary series that gives viewers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most advanced airports - Dubai International Airport. The series highlights the extraordinary efforts and challenges that take place daily to keep the busy airport running smoothly, and to ensure the safety and comfort of the millions of passengers that pass through its gates every year.

The show is hosted by Tom Goodman-Hill, an accomplished stage and screen actor known for his roles in The Imitation Game and Humans, and Mel Sabharwal, a seasoned TV presenter and journalist. They are both joined by Hassan Ibrahim, a Dubai-based journalist and presenter, who brings a wealth of local knowledge and expertise to the show.

The series is split into 10x forty-five minute episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of the airport's operations. From customs and security to engineering and aviation, Ultimate Airport Dubai covers all aspects of the airport's daily life. Viewers will get a chance to see how the airport copes with extreme weather, mechanical failures, and even runaway planes, all while maintaining the highest levels of safety and efficiency.

In the first episode, viewers are introduced to the airport's flagship Terminal 3, which is larger than London's Heathrow airport and designed to handle over 70 million passengers per year. We see the airport staff dealing with a range of issues, from misplaced luggage to medical emergencies. We also learn about the cutting-edge technology that helps the airport to run smoothly, from state-of-the-art baggage handling systems to advanced security features.

As the series progresses, we get to know many of the airport's staff, such as the operations manager who has to overcome a major setback when an entire aircraft fleet is grounded, the team that coordinates handle the arrival of thousands of sheep and horses for the annual Dubai World Championship horse shows, and the fire and rescue team that's always on standby.

One episode focuses on the airport's engineering department and takes us behind-the-scenes to show us the complex machinery used to keep the terminal buildings and runway up and running. We learn how the staff carry out maintenance on one of the world's largest aircraft hangers, capable of accommodating the Airbus A380, and also see how they deal with a difficult repair job that needs to be completed overnight.

The seventh episode focuses on the airport's role in connecting the world, showcasing how the airport supports travelers from all around the world to explore new opportunities and experiences. We meet passengers traveling from as far as Brazil and Bolivia to settle in Dubai, and a young Emirati lady that uses the airport as a gateway to pursue her dreams of becoming a fashion designer in Milan, Italy.

The final episode sees the airport preparing for the busiest time of the year - the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. We witness how the staff handle the huge influx of passengers from all around the world, and how they manage the increased security risks that come with such a large event. The show ends with an insightful reflection on the work done by airport staff, both seen and unseen, to make Dubai International Airport one of the world's best.

Overall, Ultimate Airport Dubai is a fascinating glimpse into the world of airport operations, showcasing how technology, teamwork, and expertise come together to create one of the world's busiest and most advanced airports. Through engaging storytelling and stunning cinematography, this documentary series provides an intimate view of the day-to-day challenges experienced by the men and women who keep the airport running like clockwork, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in aviation, technology, and global connectivity.

Ultimate Airport Dubai is a series that ran for 3 seasons (30 episodes) between September 5, 2013 and on National Geographic