Review: Dubai Ahlan First Class Lounge Concourse D
There are many lounges in the new Concourse D at Dubai International Airport. Concourse D is the latest concourse that is assigned for all airlines (non Emirates) that currently use Terminal 1 for check-in.
On my recent Air France First Class La Premiere flight, I have the opportunity to experience the new Ahlan First Class Lounge which is operated by Dubai International Hotels. This lounge is for airlines do not have their own dedicated lounge and some airlines First Class passengers to use.
Airlines currently use this lounge include Air France (F only), Singapore Airlines (F only), Kuwait Airways, Air Algerie and Syrian Air. It is not clear whether premium passengers of Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian and TAROM can use this lounge. They have their own dedicated lounge or via their alliance lounge at Concourse D.
Access to this lounge is also available for purchase on Lounge Buddy here.
Diners Club member and certain AMEX member are also welcome to use this lounge.
I received a warm welcome from the staff at reception desk.
They handed out cold towels at entrance, this helps to refresh and cool down from the walking to the lounge.
Immediately after entry to the corridor, I was shocked to see such a large 4 screen panel Flightradar 24!
No doubt is every AvGeek's dream place to lounge around!
Beside the usual Flight Information screen, lounge user can monitor their flight in real time on these screens!
I have to say this is the coolest lounge feature I've ever seen! (of course coming from an Avgeek point's of view!)
Some of us should start to think about installing this at home!
We were escorted straight to the dining area.
The area was practically deserted with only 1 other person in. Not quite the crowded scene you expect in the busy hours of Dubai International.
Here are the extensive menu it offers with table service.
Apart from the above à la carte menu, you can also select anything from the buffet area.
The buffet area offer mostly cold appetizers and desserts.
Live kitchen can be seen from the buffet area.
I ordered Sushi and Sashimi combo. It was freshly made!
Dim Sum platter. Freshly steamed.
The food is excellent and I recommend to allow 1 hour to enjoy multi course dining cooked to your order.
There is also an impressive wine cabinet and bar behind the dining area.
Behind the bar, there are more seating area.
Some are open seating and some are a bit more private.
There were no others in the entire lounge during my visit.
I only managed to stay in the lounge for 1 hour due to my flight timing but I could easily staying for 3-4 hours in this beautiful brand new lounge.
The food is excellent and all freshly prepared, a step ahead of the usual lounge pre-made buffet affair. The service is very attentive and every need is taken care of. I am very impressed of those giant FlightRadar 24 screens at the corridor. What a cool feature and thought to install them! This lounge is really every Avgeek's ultimate lounge!
There is also a spa area (pay spa) that I didn't get to visit due to short of time.
In my opinion, this lounge is a huge step above the old Dubai International First Class lounge in Concourse C.
Well done, I can't wait to visit again!
Sam’s Travel Hacks
