ahlan Business Class Lounge Dubai T1

It had been so long since I last flew out of Dubai’s Terminal One that I almost forgot it existed! The last time must have been back in high school—when my only real concern was snagging a spot by the windows for the best apron views.

For the past 15 years, my departures from Dubai have been exclusively with Emirates or flyDubai. That changed recently when I took an interesting side trip with Vistara, just days before its official merger with Air India.

Stepping into Terminal One, my first thought was that decent lounges here would surely be unlikely. After all, if Terminal 3 was starting to feel dated, this one had to be practically old school. But as I soon discovered, the Ahlan Business Class Lounge defied my expectations!

Location & Access

This lounge is located in the D concourse which requires getting on a shuttle train from check-in area.

Once at the concourse, you can take escalators up to where all the lounges are..

There are indeed 4 airline lounges within this area and 4 contract lounges!

Access

This lounge is used by several airlines who would send invitations their business class and status holder passengers.

Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qatar, Oman Air and Saudia are just some of the dozen plus airlines who do not have their own lounges and use this space..

If you airline does not invite you, you can access it via Priority Pass. Entry via this method is dependant on lounge capacity at the time and is restricted to max 3 hours

You can also pay directly with entry pricing:

• $50 for 3 hours
• $60 for 4 hours
• $90 for 6 hours

ahlan Business Class Lounge Dubai

This is a relatively small lounge space, given the number of airlines using it!

Just past the small reception leads you do this main room where you can then spread out into other spaces within..

At my time of entry – 6pm on a weekday, it was heaving!

There is nothing particularly special or memorable about the interiors here but you will find various comfortable seating areas with cosy lighting..

If you continue further into the back there is a more quieter space with a single line of leather seating in pairs by the window which looks in on the terminal..

The lounge is well staffed and kept clean and generally well maintained.

ahlan Business Class Lounge

You will find a staffed bar here at the centre of the main space with a couple of high stools available..

You will find a decent selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages here

I did not order any drinks but did ask for a pineapple juice and was pleasantly surprised to be a served a fresh juice!

ahlan Business Lounge Food + Drinks

True to it’s word, this lounge offers extensive food choices, from local Arabic dishes to international

The buffet area is right in the middle of the lounge as you walk through the main room..

Being that it was around dinner time, there was a hive of activity with kitchen staff bringing out sizzling hot dishes which all smelt incredible..

To start, you will find various lighter/starter dishes such a baba ganoush, tahini, cute little olives & cheese dishes etc

There are also fresh fruits

Given the small space, I was impressed with just how much food they managed to have out, though it was not spread out in a way like in most lounges that lend themselves to taking pictures !

There were some pasta choices & sushi plates, but the Arabic hot dishes were nothing sort of spectacular !

There was a lamb stew with potatoes..

and then also a beef stew..

There were well portioned in their individual thali like pots.

I had to try both! And they were both simply exquisite! The lamb stew in particular  with the potatoes soaked full of flavour – it was simply delicious. It would strongly pull you in for seconds!

To finish up your meal, you will find a good selection of dessert treats also..

If you fancy a wine with your meal – there was a selection available here also

Outside of the buffet area, you will also find a couple of refreshment stations where you can enjoy a chilled soda or make yourself a tea or coffee.

ahlan Business Lounge Facilities

There is a small Business Centre located right at the back end of the lounge.

Whilst their website seems to state you will be sent outside of the lounge itself to use showers – there are actually two showers located inside, next to the male and female restroom respectively.

When I enquired with staff if they were available for use, they were quick to offer me fresh packaged towels, but I did not actually need a shower!

Spa treatments

You can arrange / pre-book Spa treatments express spa treatments directly on their site.

Overall Thoughts

While this lounge does not look to be anything special – I was super impressed by the catering here, but the quality and range of choice is a class above what you will find on any contract lounges.

On the downside – this is not an especially relaxing space at peak times, unless you find a good spot and zone out with good headphones!

It is worth passing by, simply for the food alone! Also if you can, entry via Priority Pass would work out significantly cheaper than on the door rates!