Emirates has opened its ‘Emirates First’ check-in area in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Based on the photos, this space looks stunning and blends Emirates’ signature style with a more modern twist.
Emirates First Check-In Dubai
As of July 18, 2025, Emirates has opened its new First Class check in area at Dubai International Airport. The new space promises a unique and luxurious airport experience for the carriers First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. The new check-in space features an opulent and refined experience for passengers departing the carrier’s hub.
The new space has been designed with unique elements that represent the Emirates First Class experience. These include Emirates’ Rolex clocks which indicate the time in major world cities, like you’ll find in the carrier’s First Class lounges, a back lit Ghaf Tree, honoring the First Class cabins onboard, and, most importantly, not a digital screen or advertisement in sight.
Here’s how Adel al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer, described the new space:
“We invest heavily in upgrading our ground products, and Emirates First is one of the areas that will offer a unique and private environment to our First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. We know our customers value privacy and convenience, and this will provide another level of hospitality to the check-in experience, as part of our efforts to continuously uplift the overall travel journey. Now, our customers can enjoy a sleek transfer with our Chauffeur Drive Service, a swift check-in at the exclusive Emirates First, explore a world-class lounge before boarding, and relax into a multi award-winning inflight experience with Emirates.”
While check-in counters are available if customers prefer, all check-in activities for First Class and Skywards Platinum members can be done via iPad while passengers are seated throughout the lounge. From there, bags are loaded onto dedicated First Class baggage belts and customers can proceed to one of three First Class lounges at the airport.
Personally, I enjoy the look of this space though the idea isn’t to spend a ton of time here. The furnishings look comfortable and the opening of this dedicated check-in area should further improve the Emirates First Class Experience for passengers.
Emirates’ Commitment to First Class
While we have seen many carriers eliminate First Class in favor of an upgraded Business Class experience, Emirates has continued to expand and improve upon its First Class offerings with new “game changer” seats and onboard offerings.
The airline currently offers 26,800 weekly First Class seats, the largest number in the industry, and that number will only grow as the airline takes delivery of new aircraft. While I don’t find Emirates Business Class to be cutting edge or industry leading, I can’t wait for the chance to try the airline’s First Class product, though the likelihood of that has gotten smaller.
Summary
Emirates has just unveiled its new First Class check-in area at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The new space is located in Terminal 3 and is available to First Class passengers and Emirates Skywards Platinum members. Guests can be checked-in via iPad while seated, avoiding the check-in counter entirely.
(Images courtesy Emirates)