Emirates Business Class Lounge

Emirates Lounge – Dubai International Terminal 1, Concourse C, gate C8 (DXB)

With a plethora of Emirates Lounges packed with high-end features and amenities, choosing where to settle on a layover at Dubai International airport is an embarrassment of riches. The humongous Concourse B Emirates Lounge—which features a golden wave with 2,400 gold leaves—is only eclipsed in scope by the Concourse A club, the largest in the world.

The vintage Concourse C is much more modest in comparison: it was the first international-grade terminal building at DXB, and it doesn’t have the same wow factor. Emirates is working on revitalizing the space, and the new lounge near gate C8 was built as part of that effort. Opened without fanfare in 2018, the Emirates Lounge near gate C8 complements the legacy club situated between gates C19-C22. Given its location at the very end of the concourse, the C8 lounge is probably best suited for passengers departing from adjacent gates, but all premium Emirates customers are welcome to visit regardless of destination.

Emirates Business Class Lounge DXB design

The Emirates business class Lounge at Dubai International airport Concourse C near gate C8 is the first club at DXB to sport the airline’s new design language, which was already implemented at airports as far-flung as Cairo or Paris Charles-de-Gaulle.

Seating at Emirates Lounge Dubai gate C8

Compared to the vintage design showcased at the lounge near gates C19-C22, the C8 lounge feels like a breath of fresh air. The décor is less stuffy, less heavy-handed, and less obnoxious. The ensemble is still incredibly opulent, yet effortlessly lower key, with a more residential feel.

The space boasts soaring ceilings and picture windows overlooking the airport’s dramatic 24-hour operations. The lounge is bright and airy, and an excellent vantage point for aviation lovers. Emirates has chosen an open-space concept, but elegant Arabian-inspired partitions delineate individual areas and carve out private nooks without sacrificing light flow or the feeling of openness.

While the décor incorporates many luxurious touches such as fine wood paneling, elaborate stone finishes, and Rolex clocks, the club feels elegant and not gaudy like its predecessors.

Emirates Lounge Dubai gate C8 lobby

The lobby opens onto a spacious touchdown space outfitted with a circular couch, dramatic curved bookcases, and marble consoles. The lounge then stretches in both directions, with a variety of seating and dining areas. Guests will find a choice of plush leather armchairs with side consoles and coffee tables, inviting nooks by the windows, and dining tables and booths. Fresh flowers, indoor plants, lamps, and white marble consoles spruce up the décor. It’s unfortunate however that Emirates did not better optimize the layout for solo passengers.

While easily available, power outlets are nowhere near plentiful, which feels like a glaring omission for a brand new lounge.

Emirates Business Class Lounge DXB amenities

The Emirates business class Lounge at Dubai International Airport Concourse C near gates C8 features a range of high-end amenities for international travelers.

Buffet at the Emirates Lounge Dubai Terminal 1, near gate C8

Emirates shines in the catering department, and the C8 lounge is no exception. Patrons will find a generous assortment of salads, cold and hot entrees, and dessert, with a wide range palate-pleasing options for both health-conscious travelers and more casual eaters. For a sweet finish, check out the ice cream cart, the selection of local dates, or various other specials.

Beverages include Voss water, espresso, tea, juices and soda, as well as a wide selection of middle-shelf liquor. While there is no designated bar area, servers in the lounge are happy to craft cocktails upon request.

Despite its qualities, the food and beverage selection at the C8 lounge comes short of the overwhelming abundance on display at the Concourse A and Concourse B lounges. Time permitting, consider heading over to another concourse for a variety of buffets showcasing specialty cuisines from around the world. (At the Concourse B lounge, head over to the Moet & Chandon bar to enjoy pairings of vintage Champagnes with delicate treats.)

Dining area at the Emirates Lounge Dubai Terminal 1, Concourse C, near gate C8

The club also features a small business center with four computers and printers. Fast Wi-Fi is available throughout, and connecting is seamless.

Other amenities include immaculate bathrooms, shower rooms, a prayer room, and a selection of newspapers and magazines. There is no kids’ room at this location.

Emirates business class customers are entitled to a complimentary 45-minute spa treatment in partnership with Timeless Spa, though enjoying the benefit will involve a trek to the Concourse A or Concourse B lounges. Be sure to inquire early about availability as there may be a waitlist at peak times.

Emirates Business Class Lounge DXB bottom line

The Emirates Lounge at Dubai International Airport Concourse C near gate C8 is the newest outpost in a long lineage of extravagant clubs. The C8 location is certainly modest compared to its grandiose peers in Concourses A and B, but it’s also more intimate—and more visually appealing and quieter than the legacy lounge near gates C19-22. The new location near gate C8 will also save passengers departing from the end of Concourse C from a long walk to another lounge.

Emirates Lounge – Dubai International Terminal 1, Concourse C, gate C8 (DXB)

The club boasts comfortable seating in opulent surroundings, sweeping tarmac views, a world-class buffet spread, an enjoyable selection of beverages, showers, and Wi-Fi.

For a taste of Emirates’ more exuberant amenities, though, you’ll need to make your way to Concourses A or B, time permitting. Noteworthy amenities that are not available at Concourse C include complimentary Timeless Spa treatments (Concourses A and B), the Champagne bar and smoothie bar (Concourse B), as well as restaurants with cuisines from every corner of the world, wine tasting, and kids’ rooms (Concourses A and B.)