A major refurbishment of Dubai International's Terminal 1 is due to begin in the first quarter of the current year, which on completion will offer passengers a vastly improved travelling experience.

The refurbishment includes more efficient and streamlined baggage screening in the departures hall, the replacement of all check-in desks, upgrade of baggage systems and the modernisation of all public areas. The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The new baggage screening process is expected to improve passenger flow by eliminating a queuing point, reducing the time it takes passengers to move from the forecourt in Terminal 1 to the departure gates.

The additional space created by streamlined baggage process will be used to transform the departures hall into a more spacious and welcoming environment and when combined with upgraded way-finding signage, provide a more easily accessible building for the travelling public.

The refurbishment programme also includes the reconfigured and expanded arrivals hall with new food and retail outlets. The arrivals immigration hall is also being refurbished to improve passenger flow and reduce processing times for arriving passengers. The adjoining arrivals forecourt will be reconfigured to improve traffic flow and create a safer pedestrian environment for all passengers leaving the Terminal 1 arrivals hall.

Once the refurbishment of Terminal 1 is complete, it will be linked via a new elevated train system to Concourse D, which is currently under construction. Concourse D will become the new home of the more than 100 airlines that fly to and from Dubai Airport when it opens in 2015.

"Dubai Airports is continually striving to enhance the service we offer all our passengers while expanding our facilities to meet the growing number of passengers passing through the airport. The upgrade of Terminal 1 together with the construction of Concourse D will offer our passengers a more inviting and comfortable environment," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.