Sneak peek: 8 things you need to know about British Airways’ new Dubai lounge
As part of our £7bn transformation plan, we’ve recently opened brand-new lounges in Miami and Dubai. Here, we take you to the Middle East to reveal the secret details that make the Dubai lounge so special
18/12/2025
1. Middle East meets West Located in Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport and spanning just over 5,800sqft, the Dubai lounge offers customers an elevated experience in a space where British elegance meets Dubai’s glamour. This lounge reflects the best of both worlds, being refined, relaxed, and unmistakably original. Its opening comes as we continue to strengthen our presence in the Middle East, recently adding more flights from London Heathrow to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
2. The future of British Airways lounges has arrived As with Miami, we worked in partnership with global architecture and design firm Gensler on the design concept, which will serve as the vision for future lounge developments. Known as BA’s Global Lounge Concept, this new design scheme is described as “welcoming, intuitive and bold,” by Ashley Dowell, Design Director and Senior Associate at Gensler, who adds: “The new lounges offer a surprising retreat for travellers to relax, work and socialise in the midst of their travels.”
3. The design is inspired by Arabic art and architecture Brought to life by local contractor Al Tayer Stocks, Compass and AAID Studio, the new space nods to traditional Middle Eastern style, with a modern interpretation of the traditional Mashrabiya pattern, subtly reflecting local influences. Expect sweeping arches, patterned panelling and mirrored walls inspired by Emirati architecture. Washrooms feature locally sourced geometric tiles, while artisanal finishes such as fluted marble, antique mirrored ceilings and bespoke detailing create an inviting and sophisticated space.
4. There are BA ‘Easter eggs’ to discover We have paid homage to our heritage with some ‘if you know, you know’ touches. The colour palette is in our very own dark navy and burgundy, while the bolster cushioning present in between lounge seating areas is upholstered with a design that takes inspiration from BA’s former uniform ties and cravats, nodding to heritage in terms of both colour and the distinctive pattern. Even table surfaces are crafted from upcycled garments. Look out also for the chandelier framed by a mirrored ceiling in the main dining area – the British Airways Speedmarque is embedded above.
5. The lounge serves signature cocktails and mocktails A full-service bar acts as a focal point of the space as part of the new lounge. Customers can try a selection of premium Champagnes and English sparkling wines, along with expertly crafted cocktails, such as a Dubai chocolate martini, and non-alcoholic ‘Bucks-free’ Fizz, made using Lyre’s Classico Grande non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
6. Expect to dine on local delights and global favourites The Dubai lounge has a self-serving dining area, offering a range of options including an Arabic breakfast, mezze selection, cakes and cheeses. Coffee comes from Coffee Planet, a UAE-founded coffee brand renowned for its premium Arabica beans, while Birchall, British Airways’ new global British tea partner, will make sure your cuppa hits the spot.
7. It’s extra-special for First Dubai is one of just a handful of airports in the world outside of London to feature a Concorde Dining Room. It offers à la carte dining, plus six booths down the side. The menu features a range of options, from Arabic mezze to Scottish smoked salmon and BA’s signature Concorde Wagyu burger. There’s also the traditional dessert, Umm Ali (puff pastry with milk, cinnamon, nuts, raisins, and cream).
8. This is just the start Miami and Dubai are the first lounge refreshes to be launched as part of BA’s Global Lounge Concept. We have also committed to refreshes of our existing club lounges at Glasgow and Boston. “We are honoured to have partnered with British Airways to carve the path for the Global Lounge Concept being introduced around the world,” says Gensler’s Ashley Dowell. “Driven by hospitality and inspired by the heritage of British Airways, combined with the rich vibrancy of each location, the lounges will reflect a global journey framed through a British lens.”
Read more about the newly opened Miami lounge here. For more about British Airways lounges, see here.
