Marhaba Lounge
Marhaba Lounge – Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 1 Concourse C
The Marhaba Lounge at Dubai Airport Terminal 1, Concourse C is one of the several independent lounges (despite being technically owned by Emirates) located in the original section of the airport.
The Marhaba Lounge welcomes all passengers for a fee in addition to members of lounge access programs such as Priority Pass.
Marhaba Lounge DXB design
Your perception of the Marhaba Lounge may be heavily influenced by your familiarity with Dubai airport and the Emirates lounges. If you’re new to Dubai airport, you’ll find a clean space with soaring ceilings, marble floors that evoke traditional middle-eastern luxury (but feel so passé), and a fairly generous buffet. If however, you have had the chance to visit Terminal 3 or the Emirates lounges, then you’re more likely to suffer from a blast from the past and look at the small space and basic amenities in disbelief. Simply put, the Marhaba Lounge serves basic needs well, but it doesn’t compare to Emirates’ offering, putting Star Alliance in a weak position when it comes to ground services.
The lounge benefits from ample natural light thanks to the large windows, which also offer great views on the tarmac.
Marhaba Lounge – Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 1 Concourse C
While Terminal 1 is dated, the lounge was renovated recently and is well maintained. The first room is setup as a simple but elegant seating area, with armchairs and coffee tables. The flowers on each table are a nice touch, although power outlets are sorely missing. The large room in the back is comprised of multiple seating areas – some “reserved” for specific airlines and a buffet area. The reserved areas look sad – they’re cramped and large insufficient at peak departure times, not to mention that they don’t feature any amenities. Laptop users may find the lack of high tables or work desks (as well as the lack of power outlets) problematic.
Marhaba Lounge DXB amenities
Marhaba Lounge – Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 1 Concourse C
The buffet offers a generous selection of cold and hot appetizers and entrees and is very suitable for a full meal on the ground. Adjacent are a few dining tables, although dining space is somewhat limited overall. Self-serve alcoholic beverages are available, although the selection is pretty narrow, and the presentation (dispensers affixed to the wall) doesn’t scream luxury.
The bathroom is a lowlight, from the sketchy tiny corridor to the tiny facilities. Showers are available at an extra cost, but don’t expect fancy amenities.
Marhaba Lounge DXB bottom line
Overall, the Marhaba Lounge at Dubai Airport Terminal 1, Concourse C provides comfortable place to sit and offers a generous buffet. However, the design is dated and the amenities limited. If you are accessing the Marhaba Lounge as a pay-in user or through a lounge access program, then you may stay up to 4 hours (although this is hardly enforced) and roam around the other Marhaba Lounges at no extra cost. The location at Terminal 3, Concourse A is nicer, but we’d be hard pressed to justify the 30 minute hike to get there.
- The generous buffet.
- The ability to stay overnight, since the lounge is open 24 hours a day (but there are no dedicated sleeping spaces.)
- The lack of power outlets.
- The crowds and lack of space at peak times.
- The sad bathroom.
Marhaba Lounge at Dubai - International (DXB) welcomes:
- Pay-in customers: relax at the lounge no matter what airline you’re flying. Purchase access now and save time and money.
- All passengers, regardless of airline and class of service, for a fee.
- Select premium customers and elite members departing on an airline served by this lounge (see airlines served).
Cards accepted
You may have access to Marhaba Lounge as a premium customer of one of the following airlines, or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program. Check the Access rules tab for more details.
oneworld
Access for eligible customers traveling on the following oneworld member airlines only.
 | Qatar Airways (QR) |
Other airlines
 | Air Astana (KC) |  | Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG) |  | IranAir (IR) |
 | Kam Air (RQ) |  | Kuwait Airways (KU) |  | Mahan Air (W5) |
 | PIA Pakistan International Airlines (PK) |  | Ural Airlines (U6) |  | Yemenia (IY) |
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Overall ratings
Nice buffet, and showers available (at a cost) but pretty basic facility otherwise for Dubai.