How much layover time should I allow for a connecting flight to Colombo via a hub airport (e.g. Dubai)?

Better to build in a large time buffer for connections 'just in case' — much calmer and avoids stress from possible delays.

If you land at one end of the terminal and your departure gate is at the other end (e.g. gate B23, almost at the very end), a short layover means you'll have to sprint to make it.

On routes like Ekaterinburg–Dubai–Colombo, the connection goes through Terminal 2, while on the way back you land in Terminal 3 but depart from Terminal 2 — if the flight is delayed, the shuttle time between terminals can make you miss your next flight.