Luxury in a Massive Space: Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai, Concourse A

by Krish Patel 

Back in February, I found a deal to fly First Class with Emirates from Dubai to New York, which was slightly more than Business Class. Of course, I was very excited to experience the flagship Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai, which offers incredible luxury to its guests. The space is really large and packed with amenities, seating, and various food and beverage stations. 

Emirates First Class Lounge Location and Access

Emirates has three First Class Lounges at its hub in Dubai Airport Terminal 3, with the one I visited being in Concourse A. You’ll also find a First Lounge in the B Gates and another in Concourse C. All of the concourses in Terminal 3 are connected airside by a train system, so it’s possible to access any of the lounges before your flight. The First Class Lounge is found one level above the terminal, while the Business Class Lounge is two levels above.

Obviously, Emirates First Class passengers can access the lounge before their departing flight (access isn’t permitted upon arrival). In addition, Skywards Gold members can also access the lounge. Day passes to enter the lounge are dependent upon the class of service. Business Class passengers can enter the lounge for $150, while Economy customers can enter for $300. 

Emirates First Class Lounge Seating, Layout, Amenities, and Ambiance

Upon entering the lounge, you’re greeted by the stunning marble finishes complemented by elegant sconce lighting. It really sets the luxurious vibes for the rest of the First Class Lounge. The front desk area is found at the halfway point of the lounge, with access to both sides.

Making your way to the left of the front desk area is some high-end duty free shopping. I find it very convenient and practical that the lounge has several shopping options since travelers won’t have to go back into the terminal. Duty free items for purchase include wine bottles, perfumes, tobacco, and jewelry. Near the shopping area is a customer service desk and map of the lounge, which I find very useful. This isn’t the only map in the lounge, and several of them can be found throughout the space.

This is one of the largest lounges in the world, measuring at over 100,000 square feet. Every part of the airport lounge is connected by walkways, but it still feels overwhelming to navigate. Despite the maps, its large size can be hard to find your way around since there’s just endless seating throughout. You can spend your entire layover simply deciding on where to sit in the lounge because there are so many variants of furniture to choose from. 

Much of the seating in the lounge lining the windows overlooks the terminal below and adopts a brown color palette. The furniture features side table space, but charging ports can’t be found at many of the seats. You’ll find high-end lamps in some of the seating areas that add an extra bit of coziness. 

Emirates lounges don’t feel very modern in general, especially those in Dubai. While I love the privacy and space between some of the seating areas, a modern ambiance could make the lounge feel a lot more elevated. 

In terms of facilities, the lounge has a lot to offer. This includes a kids play area, business center, cigar bar, showers, relaxation rooms, and the Timeless Spa (found right outside the lounge and also accessible to those not in First Class). None of the amenities were crowded during my visit given the great size and small number of people who have access. 

The workstation is not busy and features computers, as well as desk cubicles to get some work done. I love when lounges have something for every type of traveler because it makes the space diverse in terms of amenities. Those looking to rest will appreciate the relaxation rooms, which feature day beds and come with free goodies like a blanket and eye mask.

Right outside the shower suites is a shoe shining station. I find the shower suites to be very spacious, and they come provided with a bathrobe, towel, and hair dryer. Emirates has partnered with Voya to offer soap and bath products in the showers.

One of the coolest offerings in Emirates Lounges is that you can board your flight directly from the lounge without going back into the terminal. When it’s time, you can scan your boarding pass and then take the elevator down to the jet bridge or tarmac level if you have a bus gate.

Emirates First Class Lounge Dining

Perhaps where this lounge truly excels is in the food and drink category. There are several food and beverage stations throughout the lounge, as well as a buffet and sit-down dining restaurant. I love how Emirates offers a great variety of cuisines in the lounge, such as Indian, western, Asian, and Middle Eastern. The self-serve food stations have a few sweet pastries, fruit plates, vitality juices, and dates and Arabic coffee. Another self-serve station was offering fresh sushi and Japanese dishes throughout the day.

The buffet selection is very extensive and features several hot entrees and cold dishes. You’re definitely not going to be left hungry if you decide to eat á la carte or from the buffet. Emirates is known for serving Möet and Chandon champagne in its First Lounges, and there was a whole champagne bar at the buffet. 

In the restaurant, the furniture adopts a red and brown color palette and features plush leather chairs. Each table was made of light or dark wood and included a rose, which was a wonderful touch. All of the food and drinks you order is included in your visit and comes at no additional cost. 

Overall Thoughts

The Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai’s Concourse A is very luxurious and has plenty of seating. Its amenities and dining make this a great place to relax with a snack or meal. You can hit the showers, catch up on work, take a nap, and even board your flight directly from the lounge. While the lounge itself feels luxurious, I wish that the layout was less complex. Its large size makes it super difficult to navigate, even with a map. Travelers can spend their entire time in Dubai just deciding on where they should sit in the lounge. If you’re visiting the space, I guarantee that you will have an exceptional lounge experience, but be prepared for long walks within a massive space.