Looking to make your time at the airport as comfortable as possible? Then you’ll want to make use of one of the Dubai International Airport lounges on offer.
Stop spending your time loitering outside the Emirates Lounges hoping to gain access (this is reserved for those travelling on Emirates flights and eligibility depends on what class you are flying in) and check out these other, equally brilliant options.
Dubai International Airport has plenty of private areas that you can pay to use. So, swerve the takeaway sarnies and trying to get comfortable on a plastic chair by checking into a luxe lounge where comfy seats, food and drink on tap and welcoming hospitality come as standard.
Spoilt for choice on lounges, you can expect even more impressive spaces when operations eventually move to Al Maktoum International Airport – but that’s a while off yet.
Wondering which one works for you? Time Out’s handy guide has all the key info for you; from location and price to the perks. Happy lounging.
Dubai International Airport Lounges: Terminal 1
Ahlan Business Class Lounge
For those who want their Business Class experience to start hours before they step on a plane, the Ahlan Business Class lounge is a good choice. Expect all the joys of Business Class travel inside the lounge that meets the needs of any flyers who like to travel in style.
Price: From Dhs200 per person.
Location: Concourse D.
Perks: Children’s play area and express spa treatments.
Sleeping facilities: No.
How long can I stay? 3 hours.
Open 24 hours,Terminal 1, Dubai International Airport, Concourse D, ahlan-dia.com (04 505 2703).
marhaba Lounge
Throughout DXB there are a few marhaba Lounges to choose from depending on where your flight is departing from. Terminal 1’s marhaba Lounge is a great place to recharge prior to flying. The lounge is stocked with hot and cold food, beverages and plenty of comfortable chairs for chilling in. If you wish to have a nap then you can pay to enter a sleeping room.
Price: From Dhs200 (adult), Dhs105 (child).
Location: Concourse D.
Perks: Massage chairs, children’s playroom and shower facilities (for an extra fee).
Sleeping facilities: No.
How long can I stay? Passes are available for 4 or 8 hours.
Open 24 hours, Terminal 1, Concourse D, 800 627 4222, marhabaservices.com.
sleep ‘n fly
Small but mighty comes to mind when describing sleep ‘n fly. The cabins may be small at three m sq but they are equipped with a single or double bed so that you can get in some kip before jetting away. With prices per hour, sleep ‘n fly offers flexibility depending on how much time you have to rest before boarding.
Price: From Dhs80 per hour, Dhs30 per extra hour during off-peak times (8am-10pm), or Dhs40 per extra hour during peak times (10pm-8am).
Location: Concourse D.
Perks: Beds, shower facilities and USB ports to charge gadgets.
Sleeping facilities: Yes.
How long can I stay? It’s flexible as you pay per hour.
Terminal 1, Dubai International Airport, Concourse D, reservations.dxb@sleep-n-fly.com, sleep-n-fly.com, (052 355 1477).
Dubai Airport Lounges: Terminal 2
marhaba Lounge
Expect all the comforts you need at marhaba Lounge Terminal 2 (DXB) with the chance to indulge in extras, such as a sleeping space or showering, if you want to add them to your bill. With passes available for four hours or eight hours it’s a good place to set up base in if you have a lot of time to kill at the airport.
Price: From Dhs185 (adult), Dhs105 (child) Free (Children under 2yrs).
Location: Opposite Duty Free.
Perks: Children under the age of 2 years are admitted free.
Sleeping facilities: No.
How long can I stay? Passes are available from 2, 4 or 6 hours.
Open 24 hours, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 2, opposite Duty Free, marhabaservices.com (800 627 4222).
Dubai International Airport Lounges: Terminal 3
Al Majlis lounge
For those who really love to live the high life (and don’t mind dropping a wedge on a lounge visit) then the Al Majlis lounge is for them. This is a lounge with lots of VIP touches that will have you feeling like you are a movie star.
Price: Dhs2500 per adult, Dhs500 per child.
Location: Next to exit 4 at the Departure level.
Perks: Dedicated Dubai Duty-Free outlet, separate immigration, customs and security check and lounge visitors get transported to the departure gate in a BMW series 7 vehicle.
Sleeping facilities: No.
How long can I stay? Depends on needs.
Open 24 hours, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, departure level, almajlis.reservations@dubaiairports.ae, (04 504 5196).
Cadiz – Ahlan Lounge @ B
If you are food-focused and not a fan of buffets then Cadiz- Ahlan Lounge @ B will impress you. Board your flight with a full belly as the lounge serves up an international a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Price: From Dhs199.
Location: Concourse B.
Perks: Digital copies of international newspapers and magazines and massage chairs
Sleeping facilities: No.
How long can I stay? 3 hours.
Open 24 hours, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, Concourse B, dubaiintlhotels.com (04 505 2000).
Game Space
Not your usual kind of lounge, Game Space is the region’s first-ever, you guessed it, gaming lounge. There are 40 PC game stations, along with 50-inch screens with PlayStations and side-by-side seating if you want multi-player options. Games on offer include Fortnite, League of Legends and Crash Bandicoot.
Price: Dhs40 (30 mins for under 16’s), Dhs60 (one hour for under 16’s), Dhs100 (unlimited for under 16’s); Dhs60 (30 mins for adults), Dhs80 (one hour for adults), Dhs180 (unlimited for adults).
Location: Concourse B, near Gate B27.
Perks: You can order food at your gaming station.
Sleeping facilities: No.
How long can I stay? For as long as you pay to play.
Open 24 hours, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, Concourse B, gamespacedxb.com.
Marhaba Lounge
There are two marhaba Lounges found in Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. Both have dedicated ‘relax’ areas that are quiet zones kitted out with reclining chairs for those wanting a quick kip. Expect warm hospitality and a menu of food that is sure to impress the fussiest of eaters.
Price: From Dhs220 per adult or Dhs105 per child.
Location: Concourse A, B and C.
Perks: Massage chairs (Concourse A branch), reclining chairs for sleeping (both Terminal 3 lounges), children’s playrooms (Concourse A and Concourse B) and shower facilities (for an extra fee).
Sleeping facilities: Sort of (the relaxation zone does not offer beds or privacy but you can sleep there).
How long can I stay? 4 or 8 hours.
Open 24 hours, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, Concourse A and B, marhabaservices.com (800 627 4222).
Plaza Premium Lounge
Whether travelling for business, pleasure or a family vacation Plaza Premium Lounge has it all. The stylish lounge serves up an array of food which is sure to fit your fancy. If you need to catch some Zs after making the most of the lounge then you can pay for a private room at an extra cost. Showers are also available as an add-on.
Price: From Dhs220.
Location: Concourse A.
Perks: Children’s area, access to printers and copiers and telephones.
Sleeping facilities: No.
How long can I stay? Three hours.
Open 24 hours, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, Concourse A, plazapremiumlounge.com (04 505 7940).
Their Patio
Situated in the Arrivals terminal, Their Patio is a comfortable co-working space with refreshments and showers available. Whether you’re waiting between flights or waiting for a friend to land, you can head to the lounge to relax and work. The comfortable space also has meeting rooms that can be rented out by the hour.
Price: Dhs130 (for two hours)
Location: Terminal 3, Arrivals.
Sleeping facilities: No.
How long can I stay? Two hours.
Open 24 hours, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, Arrivals. plazapremiumlounge.com (04 252 6182).
The Gallery by Dubai International Hotel
Start your trip right by relaxing and recharging at The Gallery by Dubai International Hotel Lounge. Load up on your favourite foods at the buffet before making the most of the massage chairs and if you want to freshen up before hopping aboard then you can use the lounge’s showering facilities.
Price: From Dhs199.
Location: Concourse B.
Perks: Children under 2 years old are admitted free with an adult, complimentary massage chairs.
Sleeping facilities: No.
How long can I stay? 3 hours.
Open 24 hours, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, Concourse B, dubaiintlhotels.com (04 505 2000).
sleep ‘n fly
Terminal 3 has three sleep ‘n fly branches to choose from, including a super fancy brand-new lounge. If you want a good sleep then the Concourse B branch, which is the largest sleep ‘n fly in the world, has everything you could want with the choice of single and double rooms. Basically a hotel in the concourse, this is where you’ll get a proper kip, no interruptions, but you can also just go for all the normal lounge facilities.
Price: From Dhs105 per hour.
Location: Concourse A, B and C.
Perks: Shower facilities and unlimited Starbucks coffee (Concourse B branch).
Sleeping facilities: Yes, options vary per lounge.
How long can I stay? It is flexible as you pay per hour.
Open 24 hours, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, Concourse A, B and C, reservations.dxb@sleep-n-fly.com (052 3551477).
In addition to these, some airlines have lounges reserved for specific travellers, so it is worth checking if you are eligible to use them before you arrive at the airport.
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