Ahlan Dubai Lounge
A third party lounge used by many airlines operating out of Terminal 1.
The Ahlan Dubai Lounge is located on Level 2 of Concourse D, and you can spot it a mile off, by the constant trek of passengers and the noise coming from the lounge. It can get packed.
Having said that, the food is excellent, and a cut above many other lounges, and there is also a well stocked bar.
Dubai Ahlan Lounge review
The Dubai Ahlan Lounge is either a lovely empty lounge with plenty of space, a good decor, and great dining, or a totally crammed lounge, overcrowded, and with seats hard to come by, depending on the time you visit. Often, in one evening, you may get to see both sides of the lounge, and more.
The main problem is, the lounge is used by a large number of carriers that don't have their own lounge, as a Business Class lounge, and all of these flights leave at the same time. Hence, between about 7pm and 11pm, the lounge is so packed as to be uncomfortable. However, pop in mid afternoon or gone midnight, and the lounge will be completely empty.
As you enter there is a reception on the left. Then, there is a small 'touch down' area opposite reception if you are only staying a short while. Towards the windows is a small, private room, with recliners, while opposite this is a children's room. Further in, the lounge widens out, with lots of one plus one seating opposite the windows. Alas, there is no real view, and it just looks out over the main terminal building. Inside from here is the dining and catering area, with an island bench with hot dishes, and a strange bookshelf arrangement with all the dishes stacked on shelves.
Further in is the main bar area, opposite the staffed bar. Carry on, and turn right, as this is the most private part of the lounge, with plenty of seats in a windowless room, that ends in a wine rack.
Food
It is the dining area which makes this lounge: it much better than in most paid for lounges, and indeed would be worthy of note in a First class lounge.The island bench has a hot buffet with chicken biryani, samosas, curries, and rice. Pasta dishes, and even pizza sometimes appear here.
On the opposite wall is a small bookshelf, on which are small trays with hot dishes; complete meals in a dish you can empty onto your plate. There are also small plated up salads, along with a shelf with burgers, and another shelf with sandwiches.
Finally, there is a refrigerated shelf, with lots of great desserts, of many different types. There are small French cakes, fairy cakes, little petit fours, you name it. You can come here for the desserts alone.
From 0430 to 1130am there is a separate breakfast menu, and you can order omelettes, or Eggs Benedict.
Bar
There is a large well stocked staff bar, which offers a great range of cocktails. Most are free, but there is a charge for premium spirits.There are cans of beer in the fridge by the hot dishes.
Don't miss the shelf of wine, with four whites, and four reds, beside the dining area.
Business Facilities
There is Free wifi.There is also a small computer room, with three PCs.
Bathrooms
In lounge.One shower available, with amenities and towels, on request from reception.
There is also a small spa, however it can be hard to book this.
Access
Open to business class travellers flying on Air France, Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, Singapore Airlines and Kuwait Airlines.Terminal 1, Concourse D (Inside Security). Located on Level 2 of Concourse D.
Video: Ahlan Lounge Concourse D
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