Review: Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai

The Emirates First Class Lounge in the A Concourse of Dubai (DXB) is a sight to behold: it feels more like being in a private terminal.

I’m merging two visits into one for this review. I’m in the midst of a oneworld first class trip report and while that may seem an odd place to insert an Emirates First Class Lounge review, the close partnership of Qantas and Emirates meant I had access to the lounge during my transit in Dubai. Qantas Flight 1, the flagship Sydney to London service, stops in Dubai to change crews.

My second visit was just a week later, an overnight layover as I flew from Los Angeles to Frankfurt via Dubai in Emirates First Class.

Signage to the lounge is clearly marked. If transiting, you’ll need to re-clear security and proceed upstairs to the lounge, one level above the business class lounge.

Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai is Massive

After checking in, you walk past the desks and into what appears to be another large terminal. To your right is seating, to your left are duty free shops. But this is all part of the lounge.

Have a walk around. It will take you a good five minutes to walk from one side of the lounge to the other.

You’ll also find convenient charging stations around the lounge:

And a children’s play room:

Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai Dining

Dining is such a treat in the lounge. Anywhere you have a seat an attendant will come up to you and offer you a choice of beverage. My go-to drink in the lounge is a berry smoothie.

Throughout the lounge there are buffets with light snacks, beverages, as well as a full bar. If you really want to indulge in something special, there is a wine shop that will sell pricey bottles of wine. My advice: the free stuff is more than adequate.

Cool coffee machines, though attendants are happy to make you coffee from scratch–

The true dining highlight, however, is the restaurant. The buffet is nice enough, though hardly unique. What I loved, however, was the comprehensive selection and high quality of the a la carte menu. I sat down to eat at 4am (5pm LA time). The kitchen had already transitioned to breakfast but was happy to accommodate my supper request.

I do try to limit my carbs, but it was hard to resist the delicious bread in the lounge paired with my favorite French butter in the world (both salted and unsalted).

First course, a green salad–

Second course–butternut squash soup:

Main course: beef filet cooked a perfect medium rare with stuffed potatoes and Béarnaise sauce:

And a berry smoothie to finish:

It was a simple meal, but oh so delicious.

The menu has likely changed since my visit, but here is the a la carte and drinks menu:

A look at the dining area and buffet:

Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai Spa

First class passengers receive a complimentary 15-minute spa treatment. During my overnight stay I was offered an appointment at the time of my choosing and took it just before eating the meal above.

I chose a back and shoulder massage. It was fine, but not memorable. Tips are not expected, but appreciated.

Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai Restrooms and Showers

The lounge has several bathrooms and a central shower area. I did take a shower before my flight to Frankfurt and was surprised that the shower did not appear all that clean (check out the soap scum *hopefully* on the tile floor of the shower).

Amenities were available as well–

Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai Smoking Room

If you’re a smoker (I’m not), the lounge features a beautiful smoking room (itself larger than many airline lounges) with a private bar (and bartenders).

Emirates First Class Lounge Sleeping Room

Jetlagged and wide awake, I never used the sleeping area despite the overnight stay in the lounge. If you do need to rest, it’s not like the private rooms at the Qatar’s Al Safwa lounge, but does offer a better sleep experience than the Etihad First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi:

Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai Service

Service sparkled in the lounge. Every employee interaction was professional and friendly. On my way out I had my shoes shined and was amazed at what a tremendous job the man did. It is easy to get lost in this huge lounge, yet the staff unobtrusively yet effectively keeps watch over you.

Don’t forget, you can directly board your flight from the lounge if leaving from the A Gates:

CONCLUSION

What else can I say other than this is an amazing lounge? I actually do like both Qatar’s Al-Safwa and Etihad’s First Class lounge better, but this is quite a bronze lounge. I enjoyed both visits and hope to return again soon.

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