This post reviews our experiences at the Al Dhabi Lounge by Lounge – Abu Dhabi International’s only Priority Pass airport lounge at the time (it has recently been removed from the PP network but may return). Dan and I used Abu Dhabi International’s Al Dhabi Lounge three times last year (including when we flew in in the above cover photo, that’s the F1 track in the pic), and we had a relatively OK experience each time. I wouldn’t kill yourself to visit this lounge, but if you have a decent layover and no other options, it probably makes sense. While it can get crazy during busy periods, the Al Dhabi Lounge is a sizeable space with edible food and decent drinks, in addition to good wifi and complimentary showers.
Abu Dhabi city! This was it decked out for the World Cup.
THE AL DHABI LOUNGE
The Al Dhabi Lounge is located in Abu Dhabi airport’s Terminal 1 at the end of a very long corridor, which is accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 without re-clearing security. We walked to the lounge from Terminal 3, and it probably took us 15 minutes walking at an average pace. The Al Dhabi lounge is open 24/7, and it is open to almost all travelers as long as its not full (i.e. anyone can buy a day pass to this lounge). The Al Dhabi Lounge’s entrance is located on the ground floor, and the lounge is directly above it. A check-in desk, which is shared with the Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel (read about our stay there here), check guests in pretty quickly, although on one of our visits there was a looong line (due to the F1 race and the World Cup in Qatar). Once checked in, guests go up one floor to a second check-in desk, where they check in once again, LOL. Information, including wifi passwords, are provided at this second check-in desk. Once cleared on the second floor, the lounge is to the right and the hotel is to the left. Guests cannot enter the hotel without a reservation, so no safety worries if you are staying there!
Dan waiting to get into the lounge. There was a line due to the crowds in Abu Dhabi that weekend. It moved quickly.
Instructions for accessing the lounge. Up one floor! There were stairs and and an elevator.
Second floor check in…this was a bit of an unnecssary mess.
THE AL DHABI LOUNGE SPACE
The Al Dhabi Lounge itself comprises a large area. The lounge is long, opening from the check in area into multiple rooms, most decorated in a neutral palette with with worn leather chairs and/or desk seating. Normally, I don’t think its difficult to find a seat in the Al Dhabi lounge, but during one of our visits, it was PACKED! Most seats have electric outlets very close by (Type G adapter if you don’t use that at home) and lamps are sprinkled around the lounge for additional lighting. I didn’t see any “sleeping areas”, but if its not crowded, you could probably find a quiet corner to rest. In my opinion, the whole lounge could use a refresh, but it is better than the general terminal.
Some seating areas.
More seating area. These were desk-like kiosks.
Moving through the lounge, one passes the restrooms and showers and eventually reaches a cafeteria with a large buffet against one wall and cafeteria seating in the remainder of the room. It gave mall food court vibes, but there is plenty of seating here. There are also TVs playing news or sports, with some other TVs spread around the lounge playing the same.
Dining area in the cafeteria – the buffet is in the back.
More cafeteria seating.
In the next, and final, room, there is a full bar with bartenders serving up all sorts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including espresso beverages. There are a few seats at the bar and high and low top tables in that room.
Bar seating area.
THE FOOD AT AL DHABI LOUNGE
So honestly, I only really ate breakfast in the lounge. When we visited at night, we had already had dinner in Abu Dhabi one time and the second time, went to the airport McDonald’s (very close to the lounge!), so I only took a peek at the food. In any case, food is set up buffet style on a long buffet lining the wall for all meals. On offer are some cold foods such as bread, cereal, and yogurt, followed by a hot bar with a variety of options. For breakfast, the hot bar was a mix of Western breakfast staples and Indian food, both of which I’m a fan. My favorites were the hash browns and the naan coupled with lentils, which were both delicious! While I only peeked at the dinner spread, it seemed to have an Indian flair. I would also note that a kitchen staff is on site cooking the food and constantly putting out new things (at least on our 3 visits), so the food is fresh. I have included some pictures for reference, but they are not my finest work LOL.
The buffet line.
A view of how the buffet is set up. This was the first “cold portion” of the buffet. Also, this was a very late dinner look so it looks a bit weak.
Hummus, cheese, and olive options.
Dessert spread. Dan enjoyed the rice pudding-ish dish.
Here is a bit of the breakfast spread for reference.
The hash browns were pretty decent.
Some British staples.
Lentils and naan. Clearly, this was popular.
Myfood at Al Dhabi lounge. This was my very random breakfast. The food was pretty good.
THE DRINKS AT AL DHABI LOUNGE
While I neglected to get many pictures of the drinks at this lounge, there is a full bar in the back of the lounge offering things like sodas, water bottles, juices, a full espresso bar, and alcohol at all hours, including standard liquor, red, white and sparkling wine, and a couple types of beer. Heineken seemed to be the most popular choice when we visited. For all drinks, alcoholic and non, you order from the bar (and tipping is appreciated!). There was a line during the crowds for the World Cup, but it moved fast. I drank water, Diet Pepsi (no Coke!) and sparkling wine. The sparkling wine was dry and surprisingly good, especially for a county where alcohol is not super popular.
The bar. It looks empty, but it was not at all!
Pictures of the sparkling wine from my IG.
OTHER AMENITIES AT THE AL DHABI LOUNGE
The Al Dhabi lounge had decent wifi when we visited. It was also playing the World Cup on multiple TVs around the lounge. Guests were REALLY into it, and honestly it was pretty fun. Lots of fans en route to Qatar were dressed up in the countries gear.
Qatar World Cup!
The Al Dhabi Lounge also has a smoking room. I didn’t venture inside, but it was operational and oddly popular.
The smoking lounge.
Finally, the Al Dhabi Lounge offers showers. If you want to use them, sign up as soon as you arrive to ensure you get in timely. We did not use the showers in the lounge, but people were definitely using them during both of our visits. The showers are located about midway through the lounge near the restrooms.
Lining up for the shower registry. As with many lounges, you have to sign up for a slot that is usually 15 – 30 minutes. It’s generally first come first serve, so sign in as soon as you arrive.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE AL DHABI LOUNGE
My parting thoughts are that the lounge was fine, especially if you have a long layover or can get in for free. It’s almost certainly better when it’s not the World Cup in Qatar. That being said, if you can get in for free and are in Terminal 1 or 3, why not? I would further point out that, per the internet, the Al Dhabi Lounge is no longer part of Priority Pass. Entrance passes for 3 and 6 hours are available for purchase. Another lounge, the Pearl Lounge, is now the only PP lounge at Abu Dhabi International.
STEAL OUR LOUNGE
Al Dhabi Lounge: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) – International Departures, Terminal 1 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates. We entered on our Priority Pass, which offered complimentary access at the time (not currently as of January 2024). Access via Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Passes available to the general public for purchase.