Like the city itself, Dubai International Airport (DXB)—the largest in the world when it comes to international passenger traffic—hums with a sleek, futuristic vibe, from its soaring ceilings to wow-factor design elements like a massive water cascade and gleaming metallic columns. But for certain lucky passengers on Emirates—the Dubai-based airline known for its top-notch service and luxe touches—the high life continues in the airline’s business class lounges. I recently was able to visit Emirates business class lounge in Dubai, and I was impressed with the experience. Here’s what makes a stop in the glamorous space worthwhile.
The lounge experience: spacious, upscale, and with a snazzy Champagne bar
In today’s travel landscape of packed-to-the-gills airport lounges, what first struck me about the Emirates business class lounge I visited (in Concourse B of Terminal 3) was its massive size and glorious lack of crowding. With nearly 100,000 square feet of space, the lounge has a maximum capacity of 1,351 guests; during peak travel times, capacity hovers around 700, an Emirates employee told me. You don’t need to do the math to know what that means: Even when the space is busy, it feels private and calm.
Indeed, no jockeying for tables or navigating any lines here; instead, the biggest challenge I faced during my time in the lounge (which was unfortunately cut short because of a mix-up with my airport transfer from the hotel) was deciding what to eat and where to settle in. The employee who checked me in graciously provided a tour, but first-time visitors should take a lap to scope things out. Even with plenty of signage, it’s possible to get lost in the vast space. But no matter where you are, it feels distinctly Emirates, with rich design touches including mahogany wood elements and gold accents, thoughtful amenities (like a Skywards help desk and outlets galore), and, of course, spot-on, smiling service.
There are oodles of seating options, from more formal zones to tranquil spots where you can settle in with a book or your laptop. My first stop was the dedicated sleeping area facing the front of the airport, with soaring windows that allowed tons of light (another sleeping area toward the middle of the lounge might be a better choice for light sleepers, since it’s sans windows). The cushy, full-length loungers, complete with blankets, are tucked into cozy partitions, which also have small tables and outlets for charging. About half of the loungers were occupied, but I found a free one and kicked up my feet while juicing up my phone.
Along a long walkway running the length of the lounge, numerous showers are available (no reservations necessary). Since I’d just come from my hotel, I didn’t need one, but a peek into a stall revealed squeaky-clean surfaces and stacks of fresh towels—an amenity I’d certainly take advantage of after a long flight. Guests wanting to loosen travel-weary muscles can head to the Timeless Spa (services require a fee for business travelers); there’s even a shoe-shine station (also for a fee).
After my brief rest, I grabbed a quiet table near one of the buffet areas and surveyed my options for lunch at the various stations serving up Western, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. There was a head-spinning array of choices, including curries, fresh-looking salads, and plenty of hummus varieties. I opted for a heaping plate of vegetable noodles, which was light yet super tasty, along with fresh fruit and sparkling water. The Health Hub, located close to the lounge entrance, is stocked with grilled vegetable wraps, fruit, smoked salmon, gluten-free muffins, and fresh juices. Somehow, I managed to avoid the temptations of the dessert bar, and instead snagged a couple of oranges from the Health Hub to stash for an in-flight snack. Coffee aficionados, meanwhile, shouldn’t miss grabbing a cuppa at the dedicated Costa Coffee stand (complimentary, of course). It had recently closed prior to my mid-afternoon visit, but would be an excellent option for morning flights.