Emirates First Class Lounge

Emirates First Class Lounge – Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3 Concourse C

The Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 Concourse C is Emirates’ first and original First Class Lounge.

Located in the original section of the airport—which does feels somewhat drab compared to the newer concourses, the First Class Lounge in Concourse C is far more modest than its newer and much more exuberant counterparts in Concourse A and Concourse B. It’s also smaller—by order of magnitudes—but rarely gets busy since relatively few flights depart from Terminal 1.

Emirates First Class Lounge DXB design

Emirates First Class Lounge – Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3 Concourse C

The small and low key reception area opens onto a lobby featuring a soothing water feature with changing lights. The eye is immediately drawn to the soaring ceilings – the lounge stretches on two levels, with a mezzanine overlooking the ground floor. The grand windows boast exciting views of the tarmac and let plenty of light in.

Overall, the design is relatively plain. While all the ingredients that make up an Emirates lounge are present, such as the marble floors and Rolex clocks, there is a certain simplicity to the space. The benefit of the small space is that patrons don’t need to walk miles, as they do at the sprawling Concourse A lounge.

Emirates First Class Lounge DXB amenities

Emirates First Class Lounge – Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3 Concourse C

Both levels feature open seating and dining areas, with power outlets at every seat. Sit anywhere and a discreet and attentive staff member will promptly present you with a menu. You may order drinks and cooked to order food from any seat in the house, although for a full meal the dining rooms may be more convenient. Should the 10-some page generous selection not satisfy you or should you be in a hurry, a buffet is available at all times. Emirates’ food and beverage selection is a true highlight, with fresh, high quality dishes, and a large selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The chefs are also known to be creative, should an idea off the menu strike your fancy.

Emirates First Class Lounge – Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3 Concourse C

The mezzanine includes a smoking area, a quiet zone, and a slumber room. The dimly lit sleeping quarters feature recliners outfitted with pillows, eye shades, and bottles of VOSS water. The ability to take a nap may come in handy for travelers departing at odd times—the lounge is open 24 hours a day to match the traffic patterns in and out of Dubai airport. That being said, privacy is limited—the room is essentially akin to a (luxurious) dorm. There are semi-private alcoves, but no doors or private sleeping pods.

Showers available, though they fail to impress. Designed in a “locker-room” style, the small cabins provide just enough space to undress; you’ll need to use the sinks in the shared area, and the toilets are in a different area altogether. (Note that Emirates has addressed this flaw at the new Concourse A lounge.) On the brighter side, bathrooms are outfitted with high-end Timeless Spa products.

Other amenities include newspapers and magazines, as well as a charging station – essentially locker style cabinets with a variety of cables and power tips. It’s unlikely to be of much use in the age of USB chargers but could occasionally be a life saver.

Emirates First Class Lounge DXB bottom line

The Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 Concourse C is a pleasant, quiet and enjoyable lounge, with high end features, a rich set of amenities, and delicious food and beverages. Terminal 1 isn’t the most exciting place to be, and some passengers may prefer the grand lounges in Concourse A and Concourse B, but the more intimate, modest and perhaps genuine character of the Terminal 1 lounge may be appealing to some.