Their Patio by Plaza Premium Group

Located in the arrivals zone of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, “Their Patio” is Plaza Premium Group’s foray into the co-working space business. Plaza Premium, the world’s #1 independent airport lounge operator, has popularized the concept of pay-per-use lounge access, with a rapidly expanding global footprint.

“Their Patio” is built upon the same fundamentals—anyone can get in for a fee—but the club isn’t billed as a traditional airport lounge but as a co-working and meeting space. Despite this distinction, the typical Plaza Premium Lounge access rules apply. Specifically, American Express Platinum Card and The Centurion Card members and Capital One Venture X credit card holders enjoy complimentary access.

“Their Patio” is located in the public Arrivals area, outside immigration, baggage claim, and customs. As an arriving passenger, clear all formalities then exit customs. You’ll find “Their Patio” after Dubai Duty Free, opposite customs, though you will need to make a left and walk around the retail area in order to get in. Visitors who are not flying in will find “Their Patio” on the arrivals level near Carrefour Market.

Their Patio by Plaza Premium Group DXB design

An oasis at the heart of the retail area at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 in the Arrivals Zone, “Their Patio” boasts a contemporary and ultra-functional design with comfortable furniture, soothing colors, and clean lines.

The club isn’t fully enclosed, so noise from the terminal may bleed in. While the space lacks windows and daylight, the lounge is luminous and relatively quiet, and feels like a haven of peace and privacy, especially at nights at the peak of international arrivals. (Their Patio is open 24 hours a day, and when we visited in the evening, it was completely deserted.)

Guests will find their choice of inviting sofas, cozy booths, comfortable armchairs, shared worktables, and tabletop seating. The ensemble has a bit of a Scandinavian vibe, with natural wood, smooth lines, and pops of color. The lounge is pristine and features an eye-catching art collection.

While seating options abound, “Their Patio” has surprisingly few actual work spaces for a co-working facility. Business centers with individual cubicles may have fallen out of fashion, but more tables at a proper height would certainly come in handy. Worse, power outlets are relatively scarce, and they’re not of the universal type. “Their Patio” feels more like a living room than a work space.

Their Patio by Plaza Premium Group DXB amenities

Despite being located in the international arrivals zone, “Their Patio” is technically not an arrivals lounge, and thus does not feature any typical amenities such as showers, a hot buffet, or a bar. In fact, there isn’t even a bathroom, though guests will find public facilities in the immediate vicinity.

“Their Patio” offers a modest food and beverage selection: patrons can order a variety of complimentary light snacks and soft drinks, which will be delivered to their table. There are no provisions for self-service: even water and coffee/espresso must be ordered from a staff member.

Business amenities include a printer/copier and fast Wi-Fi, though the club doesn’t have phones or any AV equipment. Patrons are expected to bring their own devices.

The club sports two six-person conference rooms, though they’re not fully enclosed and thus not suitable for confidential conversations (and again, are not outfitted with any AV equipment.) The only completely private spaces are the two phone booths, which happen to be quite claustrophobic—an odd design choice considering the ample available real estate.

During regular business hours, Plaza Premium offers a variety of a-la-carte business services including assistance with residency and visa, and accounting and VAT assistance.

Finally, in the event that the adjacent Duty Free stores aren’t enough, “Their Patio” also sells a few luxury products such as caviar. Why would anyone purchase caviar at a co-working facility is anyone’s guess, but nevertheless the option is available.

Their Patio by Plaza Premium Group DXB bottom line

“Their Patio” at Dubai International Terminal 3 (Arrivals zone) is Plaza Premium Group’s first co-working lounge. The space is welcoming, modern, and convivial, but it’s unclear who Plaza Premium Group is targeting with this product.

As an arrivals lounge, “Their Patio” misses the mark: the club lacks essential amenities such as bathrooms and showers. Then again, “Their Patio” isn’t billed as an arrivals lounge but as a co-working facility; it just happens to be located in the Arrivals area. But with scarce power outlets, relatively few desks, and a lack of ergonomic workstations, the club seems ill-fitted for productive work. While there’s ample space for conversation and meetings, the open-plan concept means that discussing confidential details is not an option. And given the lack of AV equipment and phones, “Their Patio” won’t accommodate hybrid meetings either.

“Their Patio” is a great pit stop for a snack or a drink after a flight, or informal, non-confidential conversations. It’s also a comfortable place to wait for arriving passengers, for anyone who happens to have complimentary access. When it comes to purchasing access, though, the value feels questionable. Whether the product is sustainable in its current form is anyone’s guess. Dubai airport could certainly benefit from having an arrivals lounge, but given the location of “Their Patio” in the middle of a retail area, it’s unclear whether retrofitting the space with showers is even possible. Time will tell whether the product is successful.