Service on Emirates’ first class lounge menu in Dubai turns heads

Requesting this impressive service in Emirates’ massive first class lounge in Dubai will turn heads.

As travellers review a thirteen page food and beverage menu ahead of their flight to Australia, a man walks around offering to shine their shoes for free as they eat.

This is Emirates’ first class lounge on Concourse A at Dubai International Airport.

The lounge runs the entire length of the building with its own gates for direct boarding and windows to view aircraft as they come and go, but it is distinctly different to the regular concourse below.

It is so quiet and calm, it is hard to remember airport anxiety is a thing.

This is a deliberate decision by the airline with only specific Emirates boarding announcements allowed to interrupt the peace.

The lounge is huge – the second biggest of the airline’s seven lounges at 9050sqm – so there is little chatter from other guests to overhear, but even if that is too much, there is a dedicated quiet area where you can lay down and even have a nap.

Guests also have access to a complimentary 15-minute treatment at the Timeless Spa.

A massage might just be the best way one could spend their time between check-in and boarding. Getting a facial, manicure or having your hair styled is also an option.

Inside Emirates’ first class lounge on Concourse A at Dubai International Airport – the second biggest of the airline’s seven lounges at 9050sqm.

The first class lounge looks similar to that of business class, but Emirates has levelled up its offerings.

As well as your typical lounge buffet, there is all-day á la carte dining with open kitchens.

The extensive food and beverage menu is updated about every three months and takes seasonal produce into consideration.

Currently there is avocado and smoked Scottish salmon toast, wagyu burgers, sushi, lobster rolls, and seafood risotto among the offerings. There is also a vegan section on the menu.

a Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne and fresh pastries. Picture: news.com.au

While you can sip premium wines and the world famous Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne from the bar at the Concourse A lounge, over on Concourse B there is a Moët & Chandon Champagne bar, with four cuvées to try, paired with complementing canapes.

It is located in the business class lounge – the largest of the lounges at 9209 sqm – but first class lounge guests are also welcome to visit.

The first class lounge on Concourse B is currently being upgraded, so Emirates warns there may be some changes to food availability and noise.

A taste of the Emirates first class lounge menu in Dubai.

If requested, a mixologist will whip up your cocktail at your table.

Back in the lounge on Concourse A, there’s another exciting offering on the beverage menu.

“For a unique experience, our mixologist can prepare our indulgent signature cocktails at your table,” it says.

The mixologist wheels over his cart and begins making a ‘Green and Gin Breeze’ (gin, green apple syrup, pineapple juice and apple juice).

It is quite the show and draws the attention of other guests. All eyes in the vicinity of the cart are on the mixologist as he works his magic.

A mixologist prepares a ‘Green and Gin and Breeze’. Picture: news.com.au

All eyes in the vicinity of the bar cart were on him, intrigued by the service. Picture: news.com.au

Most guests in the lounge near where a Dubai to Melbourne flight will soon board appear to be business people, but there is a couple of backpackers who stand out among the small crowd. The kids play area remained empty with no children in sight.

There is also a cigar lounge, wine cellar, a dedicated duty-free shopping area, conference rooms, business centre, prayer rooms and showers.

There is one luxury service available that is harder to spot: a personal airport shopper.

Guests can choose what they want on their phones and an Emirates staff member will go do their shopping within the airport.

The traveller is given an Apple Airtag to be found within the lounge later on and have their items delivered to them before their flight.

First class lounge access is, of course, included for Emirates passengers travelling first class and platinum Emirates Skywards members, but it is also available for business class passengers who want to upgrade for $US175 ($260) plus taxes, or $US150 ($225) plus taxes if you are a Skywards member.

If you are travelling in economy or premium economy, first class lounge access will cost you $US300 ($450) plus taxes, or $US250 ($375) plus taxes if you are a Skywards member.

Qantas Frequent Flyer platinum and platinum one members flying on codeshare services operated by Emirates also have complimentary access to the Emirates first class lounge.

This writer visited the first class lounge a guest of Emirates