Plan Your Flight: Top Business Lounges In the Middle East

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Plan Your Flight: Top Business Lounges In the Middle East

28 Nov 2024

According to official statistics, the airports in Dubai and Doha are ranked among the 10 busiest in the world. This is not connected to the population size in the UAE or Qatar, but rather to the nature of the flights themselves — most of them are connecting, making Middle Eastern cities some of the biggest airport hubs in the world.

No one will argue that spending an additional 5–6 hours in a crowded airport, with queues at every corner, is a sort of torture. This is where business lounges come to the rescue, providing a place to relax, enjoy a coffee in peace, take a shower, or even get some sleep before your next flight.

With the help of Andrew Baturin, CMO of Tumodo — an online B2B business travel platform that helps businesses plan trips for their employees and book flights and accommodation with maximum benefit and minimal impact on employee efficiency — we will dive into the key details of which business lounges in the Middle East are worth checking out, especially when you are facing a long flight and important meetings ahead.

Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Hamad International Airport

This lounge is considered one of the biggest in the Middle East. (By the way, it has a virtual map on the Qatar Airways website, so you can easily pick the spot that is perfect for you in advance.) It is divided into several zones, with amenities including various seating areas, family rooms, showers, a smoking room, a game room, and a gym. The great thing is that many seating areas are designed like booths, offering partial or full privacy for a more intimate atmosphere.

For those who are always working, the lounge offers a wide range of business services, from conference rooms to a fully equipped business centre. So, if you have got an urgent call or an offline meeting before your next flight, you have definitely picked the right place!

— What is the cost of access?

— 453 AED (or 124 USD). The entrance is free for First and Business Class passengers, as well as members with eligible Qatar Airways and oneworld loyalty statuses.

— Is dining included?

— Yes, and there are two options of dining: à la carte and buffet. The dishes are featuring both international and Middle Eastern cuisines, with halal and vegetarian options.

— What unique features are worth noting?

— There is a spa with treatments available for an additional cost.

Emirates Business Class Lounge in Emirates Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport

A key highlight of this business lounge is its location — it spans the entire Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, allowing you to relax right up until departure. In some cases, you can even board your flight directly from the lounge.

One more thing to mention: Emirates is known for its attention to detail, offering separate zones for work and dining, along with seating areas that provide blankets and pillows.

— What is the cost of access?

— Approximately 590 AED (or 160 USD). The entrance is free for Business and First Class passengers, as well as Skywards Silver, Gold, and Platinum members.

— Is dining included?

— Yes, it is available in “Fine Dining” areas. The lounge mostly provides starters, including salads, appetizers, desserts, and light bites.

— What unique features are worth noting?

In addition to the amenities mentioned above, the lounge also features a designated cigar lounge and a luxurious Champagne bar.

Etihad Airways Premium Lounge in Abu Dhabi International Airport

This lounge is known for its spacious design and well-equipped gaming room. This is the place where you can not only play digital games but also try foosball or air hockey. One more highlight — the Roof Lounge. It is a must-visit, not only for the delicious, refreshing drinks but also for the stunning views.

— What is the cost of access?

— It is 490 AED (or 134 USD) for adults and 245 AED (or 67 USD) for children. Access is complimentary for Etihad’s First and Business Class passengers, as well as select Etihad Guest loyalty members.

— Is dining included?

— Yes, the lounge offers an international buffet along with live-cooked Emirati-inspired dishes.

Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge in Bahrain International Airport

This lounge in Bahrain is perfect for those who still have work to get done, providing everything you could need — from dedicated co-working zones to computers in case you forgot your laptop or need an extra screen. Like many top-tier lounges, it is divided into zones for gaming, relaxation, dining, and more. The highlight? The gaming zone features a VR station with 100 games to choose from — perfect for keeping you entertained during a layover.

— Is dining included?

— Yes! The lounge offers hot and cold buffet options, snacks, and beverages, plus a live cooking station for freshly prepared dishes.

— What unique features are worth noting?

— In addition to the VR games, the lounge has an entertainment area with pool and foosball tables, a golf simulator, and a spacious terrace with views. Just note that the Wi-Fi does not reach the outdoor seating.

And, as a bonus, three pro tips for those planning their travels soon.

— If you are traveling overnight or during peak hours, lounges can get busy, so it is best to reserve them in advance.

— If you are traveling with pets, check the lounge’s pet policy first. While most lounges do not allow animals, exceptions are made for certified service animals (e.g., Emirates Business Class Lounge).

— Typical lounge stays last 4 hours. If your layover is longer, check the lounge’s policy for extending your visit.

by Barbara Yakimchuk