Setting a new benchmark in premium travel

A leading airline has unveiled its next-generation signature lounge concept that is being introduced and rolled out across its key cities globally this year.

The move is said to mark a milestone in Emirates’ continued investment into elevating customer experience on-ground.

The new design aesthetic has been revealed in the Emirates Lounge in Munich, as well as Frankfurt, with signature lounges in Manchester, Mauritius and Istanbul expected to follow in the coming months.

Serving as a blueprint for Emirates lounges worldwide, the latest signature concept reflects, said a company spokesman, its “unwavering dedication to exceptional hospitality, luxury and innovation.”

Emirates will invest more than AED 50 million into each next-generation lounge, underscoring its commitment to delivering world-class facilities.The Emirates Lounge in Manchester is planned for July, followed by Mauritius in August, and Istanbul in October.

Customers, said the spokesman, can expect “contemporary architecture and furniture, integrated technology, locally inspired dining, expert recommendations from an in-house barista and mixologist and wellness-focused amenities tailored to premium travellers.”

The lounges are artfully arranged to cater to customers who work, dine, relax and connect while travelling.

Commenting, Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer at Emirates, told this site: “Our investment in our next-generation signature lounge concept reflects Emirates’ continued commitment to delivering a seamless, premium experience at every stage of the journey.

“These new lounges have been designed to combine refreshed luxurious interiors with the elevated hospitality and innovation that Emirates is known for – a space for our customers to relax, enjoy, dine and prepare for their travel in comfort. As we expand this concept and theme across our global network, it will set a new benchmark and standard for airport lounges and further strengthen our premium proposition.” 

Inspired by the elegant palette of Emirates’ cabin interiors and the flagship lounges of Dubai, customers will benefit from more than 50 design enhancements, including distinct zones for relaxation, work, socialising and dining. The new lounges feature discreetly integrated lighting, herringbone floors throughout, accents of marble and gold, and the signature backlit Emirates Ghaf Tree motif – a nod to UAE culture highlighting the national tree.”

They offer more private areas, as well as communal spaces designed to function as both social hubs and working areas. Details such as Italian eco-leather seating, wireless charging and universal power access at every seat enhance productivity, while a dedicated artefact wall honours both local artists and Emirati culture. Emirates’ signature Rolex clocks adorn walls and provide global time zones.

Elevated Dining

Dining areas in the new lounge design have been reimagined around culinary theatre and live cooking. Menus will offer a wide variety of international cuisine, with highlights including regional specialities and a dedicated ‘Made In’ area spotlighting the best of local cuisine. Live cooking stations will offer à la minute dishes, while hot and cold buffet selections will be refreshed throughout the day and night. A dedicated bread oven fills the air with the tempting aromas of handcrafted pizzas, flatbreads and manakeesh, inspired by the city of Dubai.

Premium beverages continue to be offered with Emirates’ curated selection of wines, beers, champagne and spirits. A new barista bar concept will feature a dedicated mixologist offering locally inspired cocktails, mocktails and speciality coffees and artisan teas.

Restorative relaxation in Emirates Lounges

Displays of local plants and fresh floral arrangements enhance the ambiance. Customers who wish to freshen up will enjoy upgraded shower suites with spa-inspired finishes and sustainable VOYA amenities.

Dedicated male and female prayer rooms offer a serene environment for spiritual reflection with ablution facilities and Qibla direction integrated into the design, ensuring guests can perform their prayers in comfort and privacy.

For relaxation and sleep while on layovers, the Quiet Zone provides an oasis of calm. Featuring plush seating, soft lighting, and sleep amenities such as blankets, eye masks, and earplugs, this area is designed to help guests recharge. Additionalfacilities include spaces for private meetings and breastfeeding, ensuring every customer’s needs are accommodated. All Emirates Lounges operate as silent environments, ensuring a peaceful experience for travellers.

About Emirates Lounges

Emirates Lounges are accessible on a complimentary basis to First Class and Business Class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members, including those travelling in Premium Economy and Economy Class. Paid access is also available.

Emirates has a network of 42 dedicated airport lounges, including 8 in Dubai and 34 located within major airports around the globe. 

At Dubai International Airport (DXB), 8 Emirates Lounges are located in the flagship Terminal 3, with 3 lounges for First Class customers and 5 for Business Class customers.

These give passengers the chance to work, relax (or just indulge) before boarding directly from the Concourse A lounges. You catch up on the news, with an assortment of international newspapers and stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi. Travellers also get the chance to savour global flavours and, said a spokesman, “taste your way around the world” with a choice of gourmet dining options and exclusive beverages.

With spacious seating and a dedicated quiet area for taking a nap between flights, it all makes for a perfect place to head for if you have some time to kill between flights.

• The airline also offers Dubai Connect,a complimentary service for passengers with long layovers. Passengers have to book at least 24 hours in advance but then at the Connections desk on arrival into Dubai, they are taken to a hotel where they can relax before the next flight.It also offers a shuttle service to/from the hotel and airport.
• Visit the Emirates Lounges
• Photo: Emirates