As mentioned earlier, I was visiting Dubai for the IATA AGM 2024. I flew into Dubai on Air India’s A350, taking the opportunity to review the first Air India international route. After a quick stay at the Residence Inn, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, I returned to the airport for my return trip on Air India. Air India uses Terminal 1 in Dubai, and I will talk about the Air India experience in another part of the trip report.

As a recap, here is what happened so far:

• Encalm Prive Lounge, Delhi Airport, Terminal 3 (International)
• AI 995, Delhi to Dubai on board Air India’s A350 Business Class
• Visa on Arrival in Dubai
• Residence Inn, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

In Concourse D of Terminal 1, Dubai, many lounges are located along one alley. Terminal 1 is used by all airlines except Emirates and FlyDubai. Some airlines have invested in their own lounges, hence.

Here are some of the airline lounges at the Dubai Airport Terminal 1.

There are also contract lounges at Dubai Terminal 1. Here is the SkyTeam Lounge, managed by Marhaba.

At the end of the hallway is the Ahlan Business Class lounge, opposite the Skyteam lounge.

The Ahlan DXB Lounge is operated by the same organisation that operates the DXB International Hotel, the only hotel inside the airport premises. There is a Business Class Lounge and a separate First Class Lounge. A variety of airlines use the lounge for their customers. This lounge is also accessible using a Priority Pass and other credit cards.

Air India customers were issued a separate lounge invitation card for the lounge.

The lounge’s entrance is through a beautiful foyer that opens up at the reception. The receptionists were warm and hospitable.

The lounge was very crowded when I arrived at about 10 PM local time. Here are the various seating arrangements dotted around the lounge.

There was a wall full of reading materials.

The dining area was at the back. It was spacious and had a well-stocked bar. The bar was stocked with Pimm’s, Campari, Malibu, Smirnoff Vodka, Bourbon, Bacardi Rum, and Gin. There was also a bottle of Gold Tequila, Jose Cuervo. Whiskey blends included Jameson, Grant and Famous Grouse. I was happy with a glass of Chardonnay.

Here is a look at the cold options available. The lounge was well stocked on dates and desserts, including Indian ones.

There were breads, salads and fruits.

There were sandwiches and Middle Eastern options, apart from beers.

Salads and sandwiches: There were hot appetisers and curries.

Apart from the small bites, a hot buffet was on offer, including Indian, Chinese, and soup options.

Here is a small platter I made myself for dinner to give you an example of things on offer. There was veg pizza, roasted potatoes and rice pulao.

I also discovered a vegan buffet with Rajma Curry, which went very well with their Steamed Rice. You know what I mean.

In terms of beverages, there were juices and a coffee station.

There were also a variety of wines on offer.

Back then, there also used to be a menu to order. However, on this trip to the lounge a few years after the last time I was over, no one offered me a menu, so I presume this has been discontinued.

Small stations around the lounge with some beverages and sweets on the countertop.

The lounge seems to have cut down on the space for workstations in the lounge. There used to be 3, and now I could just spot one.

I spent about an hour in the lounge and wanted to try out the Lufthansa Lounge next door, but I was tired, so I skipped it and headed for my gate instead. In terms of the crowds, I think they suddenly dropped off, and the lounge became very peaceful after that.

Bottomline

Ahlan Business Class Lounge is a good contract lounge in Terminal 1 at the Dubai International Airport. The food spread is excellent and caters to all palates. However, the lounge tends to get crowded at various times of day and night. Many airlines use this lounge, and it is accessible via Priority Pass.

Have you visited the Ahlan Business Lounge? Which is your favourite lounge in Dubai Terminal 1? 

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Pros

+ Well designed airport lounge
+ Good food and beverage options
+ Paid Spa available

Cons

- Tends to get crowded

Rating