Emirates is known for over-the-top luxury, and its First Class Lounge in Dubai (DXB) Concourse A is no exception. Spanning the entire terminal concourse, this lounge offers direct gate access, unlimited fine dining, premium drinks, and full spa services.
I recently flew the Emirates New A380 First Class from Dubai (DXB) to San Francisco (SFO), and got to experience the luxiry of the Emirates First Class lounge. Here’s what to expect inside the largest First Class lounge in the world.
Location
Emirates has three first class lounges in the DXB airport, though the Concourse A lounge is the largest and most impressive.
The Emirates First class lounge is one level above the main course, and extends the length of the concourse, giving you access to all gates. This allows First Class passengers to board their flights directly from the lounge without ever stepping back into the public terminal.
Hours
The Emirates First Class lounge is open 24/7, so you can access the lounge no matter the time of your flight.
Access
The Emirates First Class Lounge is open to:
- Passengers flying Emirates First Class
- Emirates Skywards Platinum members (on any Emirates flight)
- Paid access – for business class passengers Emirates business class, you can access for $150 ($125 if you’re a Skywards member), or if you’re in Emirates economy class, you can buy access for $300 ($250 if you’re a Skywards member)
In my case, I had access through my Emirates First Class flight that I booked after finding award space with a Roame alert.
Checking In
Accessing the Emirates First Class Lounge at DXB starts with a dedicated First Class check-in area, separate from the main terminal.
Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3, First Class passengers breeze through a dedicated check-in zone. Security and immigration are fast-tracked, ensuring that within minutes, you’re past security and entering the lounge, avoiding the usual airport chaos.
Impressions Of The Emirates First Class Lounge
Layout/Seating
This lounge is huge. Walking into the Emirates First Class Lounge, it’s immediately clear that this isn’t your typical lounge, with a size of over 100,000 sq. ft.
The design is modern and elegant, with high ceilings, spacious seating areas, and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Even during peak travel hours, it feels uncrowded, thanks to its massive size.
There are more seating options than you could ever need. If you’re looking to relax before your flight, you’ll find plush armchairs and semi-private lounge seats throughout the space. For those who want to get work done, the lounge has dedicated workstations with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and quiet surroundings.
For dining, there are multiple seating arrangements, including private dining tables for à la carte meals, casual café-style seating, and open communal areas. The bar areas are also designed for both solo travelers and small groups, offering a mix of high-top seating and comfortable bar stools where you can enjoy a pre-flight drink.
The issue with having such a massing lounge is the lack of intimacy. The lounge feels a bit sterile and empty as there is so much open space, and it feels as if not much is going on with so much room.
Amenities
The Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai goes beyond standard lounge offerings, providing a full suite of luxury amenities designed to enhance your pre-flight experience.
For those looking to freshen up, the lounge features private shower suites. If you have extra time, the Timeless Spa offers complimentary treatments, including massages and facials, with additional services available for purchase.
Business travelers can take advantage of the dedicated business center, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, quiet workspaces, and printing services. Meanwhile, those interested in shopping will appreciate the integrated duty-free stores, allowing First Class passengers to browse luxury brands without leaving the lounge.
With spa services, private showers, luxury shopping, and quiet workspaces, this lounge offers everything needed for a comfortable and seamless airport experience before your flight.
The Food At The Emirates First Class Lounge DXB
The Emirates First Class Lounge in DXB is one of the best parts of the experience. There is one main restaurant that has both à la carte dining and a self-serve buffet, both featuring high-quality and diverse options.
While the buffet all looked good, we chose the à la carte option. The staff in the restaurant was very attentive and friendly. We ordered the sushi, wagyu burger (my favorite), and beef tenderloin. All food was tasty, with the wagyu burger being the highlight.
The first class lounge has solid drink options, but not quite as nice as you'll experience onboard. The champagne in the First Class lounge is Moet, which is great, but not as good as the Dom Perignon offered on board.
There is also a huge selection of wine, with bottles all over the lounge. Emirates invests a lot in their wine program, with especially nice bottles used onboard. However, many leftover bottles are brought to the lounge, so there are some gems you may find randomly all over the lounge.
While I didn't drink a lot of wine, saving myself for the Dom Perignon on board, it was fun seeing all the different bottles in the space. If you're into wine, you'll be sure to find this as a highlight of the lounge.
Overall Rating of the Emirates First Class Lounge DXB: 9/10
The Emirates First Class Lounge at DXB is easily one of the best in the world. Its massive size, premium dining, spa services, and private boarding access make it one of the most exclusive airport experiences available. Here's my breakdown:
- Food Quality & Variety: 9/10
- Cleanliness: 9/10
- Interior Design: 9/10
For Emirates First Class travelers, this lounge is an essential part of the experience. With Roame searching Emirates Skywards awards, you can find First Class seats and experience this lounge for yourself on your next trip through Dubai.
