First Look: British Airways' New Dubai Lounge Finally Takes Flight

British Airways has finally opened its brand-new lounge at Dubai International – six months behind schedule but perfectly timed for the winter sun rush. As someone who's passed through Dubai more times than I care to count (those tier point runs don't fly themselves!), I've been eagerly awaiting this opening since it was first announced back in March 2024.

The new space, part of BA's ambitious £7 billion transformation programme, occupies what was formerly the Qatar Airways lounge in Concourse D. And from these first glimpses, it's clear BA hasn't just slapped a new coat of paint on the walls – they've completely gutted and reimagined the space.

The Design: A Dramatic Departure

Walking into the lounge, you're immediately struck by the dramatic design choices. Those illuminated archways create an almost theatrical entrance to the bar area, whilst the navy blue chairs and marble-topped tables give it a sophisticated feel. It's a far cry from the rather tired aesthetic of the old lounge, which always felt like it was bursting at the seams.

Even the bathrooms have received the full treatment – those geometric tiles and illuminated mirrors wouldn't look out of place in a boutique hotel. It's these touches that show BA is serious about elevating the lounge experience beyond the functional basics we've grown accustomed to.

Food & Beverage: Early Days

The buffet setup looks promising, with those individual dessert pots and fresh vegetable crudités showing attention to presentation. Early reports suggest the selection is somewhat limited compared to what you might find in the Heathrow lounges, but the quality seems decent. And yes, before anyone asks – BA did manage to spell "Champagne" as "Champange" on their menu boards, which has already become a bit of a running joke on FlyerTalk!

The Spaces That Matter

The main lounge area offers a variety of seating options – from those eye-catching red leather sofas to more intimate navy blue armchairs. The crystal chandelier adds a touch of glamour, though I can't help but notice the lack of natural light. That's the curse of Concourse D, unfortunately – no windows to speak of.

The bar area looks particularly inviting, with proper bar seating (finally!) and what appears to be a decent selection of spirits. This is a massive improvement over the old lounge's rather apologetic drinks station.

The Concorde Dining Room

For those with BA Gold Guestlist status (or travelling in First), there's a dedicated Concorde Dining Room featuring six booths and two lounge areas. This exclusive space should help ease the crowding issues that plagued the old lounge, especially during those peak evening departure times when multiple A380s are preparing to depart.

The Verdict: Progress, Not Perfection

Initial feedback from passengers has been largely positive, with particular praise for the attentive staff who are apparently going above and beyond during these opening weeks. The space is significantly larger than the old lounge, which should help with crowding issues – though we'll have to see how it copes once BA's full schedule is operating.

The improved facilities – including better showers, more power sockets, and wireless charging stations – address many of the pain points of the old lounge. However, it's worth noting that this still isn't on par with some of the spectacular lounges you'll find elsewhere in Dubai (looking at you, Emirates).

Practical Considerations

If you're eligible for access (BA First Class, Club World, or Executive Club Silver and above), I'd recommend arriving early to properly explore the new space. The lounge is located in Concourse D, just around the corner from where the old BA lounge used to be.

For those wondering how many Avios you'll need for that upgrade to business class to enjoy lounge access, our Avios Calculator has you covered.

Room for Improvement

Whilst this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, there are still areas where BA could improve. The lack of natural light is unfortunate (though unavoidable given the location), and early reports suggest the food offering could be more substantial. The spelling mistake on the menu boards is amusing but doesn't exactly scream attention to detail.

Final Thoughts

After years of making do with an overcrowded, outdated lounge that felt more like a waiting room than a premium space, this new Dubai lounge represents genuine progress. It won't win any awards for being the world's best lounge, but it's a solid offering that finally gives BA passengers in Dubai something to look forward to rather than endure.

For those of us who regularly transit through Dubai (whether for tier point runs or genuine travel), this new lounge makes those connections considerably more pleasant.

The real test will come during the peak winter season when the lounge faces its first proper stress test. But for now, BA deserves credit for delivering a lounge that, whilst not revolutionary, is a marked improvement over what came before. Sometimes, that's exactly what we need.

Have you visited the new BA lounge in Dubai? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Drop me a message on Instagram or share your experience in the comments below.

Image Credit (with permission): Nicola S via BA Facebook Group