Dubai likes to do everything in style and grandeur. It’s a big city, with the tallest Burj Khalifa tower, some of the world most luxurious hotels, including the only 7 star Burj Al Arab, shopping and entertainment facilities.
Emirates Airline can equally boast with its largest Airbus A380 fleet (over 120 aircraft). And to compliment that, there’s Emirates Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport.
So big, that it occupies the entire length of the Terminal 3 building. It is located two levels up from the main concourse (the first level is for First Class passengers). So big, it has strategically placed maps to find your way through the facilities and where they are located. I was told that it takes about 10 minutes to walk from one end to the other.
Several different areas to choose to relax
If you have a short layover while transiting, or arrive with just enough time to catch your flight, you’re not going to appreciate what the lounge has to offer. If you have two hours or more to relax before boarding, you’re going to enjoy savouring its delights and comforts.
The main highlight and convenience of this well designed lounge is that you can board the upper deck of the A380 aircraft directly from it, instead of following the crowds in the main terminal. But as some gates are so far away, many passengers tend to settle down nearer to their boarding gates, and not venture much further.
Several different areas to choose to relax
I have visited this lounge three times, and on each occasion have had a friendly smile and welcome, even when once there was a small crowd clamouring to get in, causing a slight disturbance. I was pointed toward the direction where my boarding gate is, and informed I can board from the gate.
Once you enter, look left and then right, and it becomes obvious how spacious the area is, so much so that it almost doesn’t look like a regular lounge, but more like a new luxury terminal. Various styles of decor and colours are used in different areas, some that look elegant, soothing and tasteful while others rather bright and gaudy.
With space for more than 1500 guests, there are numerous seating areas with furnishings of all manner of designs and sizes, from various shaped chairs to sofas. There are semi-private resting places, quiet zones, dining areas, business centres, computer stations, cubicles, playing areas for children, and even a ‘cigar bar’ for smokers. Therefore, even at the busiest of times, you can easily find a quiet cosy spot to relax undisturbed. However, there are no private sleeping rooms, which I found both surprising and disappointing, as on one of my visits, I could have done with a few hours sleep. Instead I had to settle for an ottoman, with blanket provided.
A view of Duty Free shops below
If you’re stressed or tired, there are a couple of shower rooms, and spa (at extra charge) with massage and therapeutic treatments to invigorate. The shower rooms are well equipped with shower, toilet, sink and, toiletries. They are cleaned and dried thoroughly before the next person can use them.
If you have a long layover before your next flight, you’ll find it enjoyable to stroll around exploring different places. There are a couple of sections, where the middle part of the lounge atrium is open for a view of shops and crowds at the main concourse below.
Self-service food areas
When it comes to food, there are several areas where you can grab a bite, and two main restaurant style dining spaces. There’s even a Moët and Chandon champagne bar, and fridge full with Haagzen-Dazs ice cream!
If you’re hungry you’re spoilt for choice. Cold food including salads, humus, finger food, nuts, fresh fruit, cakes, and much more are plentiful. The self service hot food section is equally impressive, with delicious and appetising to look at food of different cuisines. If you wished to have just smoked salmon with champagne or delicious dim sum and noodle soup, the choice is yours.
Despite my minor niggle about lack of sleep rooms, this is one of the nicest lounges I have spent time in. Emirates have gone to lengths to impress and cater to the high end traveller. And it shows that size and style does matter.
View of planes at air-jetties and first class lounge a floor below
Dubai Airport, Terminal 3
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