Emirates has opened the airline’s first dedicated lounge in the Middle East outside of Dubai in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This new lounge will accommodate passengers flying on the airline’s 3x daily Airbus A380 flights between Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President of Airport Services, had this to say about the opening of the lounge:
“Jeddah was our first gateway into the Kingdom 35 years ago, so it’s fitting that the King Abdulaziz International Airport, a world-class facility is the first airport in the region outside of Dubai to feature an Emirates dedicated lounge. The lounge is beautifully designed to deliver an industry-leading experience and Emirates’ signature hospitality for our customers from the moment they step inside.”
Mohammed Mattar, Emirates DSVP Airport Services
The new lounge in Jeddah marks Emirates’ 40th lounge, joining the 7 lounges at DXB and 32 other lounges throughout the Emirates network.
Emirates Lounge Jeddah Entry Requirements, Location, and Space
The $5.4 million dollar (AED 20 million) lounge covers just under 10,000 square feet (900 square meters) and has the ability to accommodate up to 190 passengers. Passengers flying in First and Business Class can access the lounge when departing Jeddah along with Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members. Emirates’ mid-range, three-cabin A380s used on the route feature 517 seats so, unless there are a large number of elite members flying economy, there should be plenty of space in the lounge.
The lounge is located in Terminal 1, on the third floor of the departures area. It is a 3-5 minute walk gates, A28B and A38B, where Emirates’ three daily A380 flights depart.
According to the press release, the new lounge features a “refreshed and sophisticated design, anchored in contemporary elements with regional design influences.” The lounge offers a variety of seating configurations, including dining, lounging, and quiet spaces. The lounge also features a range of dining options, with the buffet including a variety of local, Middle Eastern, and international dishes.
In addition to the seating and buffet areas, the lounge features shower facilities and a prayer room along with other amenities.
While the lounge looks nice, I can’t help but notice the lack of natural light. Even in the press photos, the lounge appears to be either artificially bright or extremely dark. I’d be curious to hear from anyone who’s had the chance to visit as to whether these photos are representative of the space.
Summary
Emirates has opened its first lounge in the Middle East, outside of Dubai, at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport. This marks the Dubai based carrier’s 40th overall lounge and will accommodate customers flying on the three, daily A380 flights to Dubai. The photos don’t show any natural light or windows whatsoever so I’m curious to hear what the space is actually like from anyone that has visited.
(Photos courtesy Emirates Airline)
