Exclusive ‘Emirates First’ Check-in Area for First Class Guests Opens at Dubai International Airport

Emirates has today announced the official opening of ‘Emirates First’ in Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, offering a unique and luxurious airport experience for First Class guests and Skywards Platinum members.

Emirates Officially Opens Emirates First Check-in Space at Dubai International Airport for First Class Guests - Courtesy Emirates

On Friday (July 18, 2025), Emirates announced the official opening of ‘Emirates First’, an exclusive new First Class experience at Dubai International Airport (DXB).  Located in Terminal 3, the new space offers a luxurious and unique airport experience for Emirates’ First Class guests and Skywards Platinum members.  The check-in area has been meticulously upgraded with an opulent and refined private seating area, offering an exclusive check-in process for the carrier’s premium customers.  Emirates is the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel, offering 26,800 First Class seats weekly.

In Friday’s announcement, Emirates; Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer, Adel al Redha, said,

“We invest heavily in upgrading our ground products, and Emirates First is one of the areas that will offer a unique and private environment to our First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members.  We know our customers value privacy and convenience, and this will provide another level of hospitality to the check-in experience, as part of our efforts to continuously uplift the overall travel journey.

“Now, our customers can enjoy a sleek transfer with our Chauffeur Drive Service, a swift check-in at the exclusive Emirates First, explore a world-class lounge before boarding, and relax into a multi award-winning inflight experience with Emirates.”

Reimagined with premium guests in mind, Emirates First considers every detail in the travel journey to ensure a ‘Fly Better’ experience for guests.  A grand golden entryway marks the entrance to the private space, where a dedicated Emirates host verifies guest eligibility for entry.  With a neutral palette of warm earth tones subtly blended with accents of Emirates’ signature rich bronze and gold, the new offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport.  Flanked by grand columns, Emirates First features a mix of elegant wood and marble floors, soft carpeting, and plush leather and fabric armchairs and sofas.  A feature wall adorned with Emirates’ famous Rolex clocks indicate the time in major world cities.  Additionally, a magnificent back lit Ghaf Tree honors the national tree of the UAE, while echoing the interior cabins of Emirates’ newest aircraft.

Emirates leadership team and partners gather for the official opening of 'Emirates First', an exclusive airport experience at Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB).  Left to Right: Brigadier Hamouda Belsuwaida Al Ameri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Airports Security, Adel al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer, Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President & Chief Commercial Officer, H.E Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director-General, GDRFA, Mohammad Mattar, Emirates’ DSVP Airport Services, Sami Aqil Abdullah, SVP Airport Services Outstation & Business Support, H.E Major General Ali Atiq bin Lahej, Assistant Commander-in-Chief Port Affairs at Dubai Police, Ahmed Obaid Al Muhairi, Deputy Director of Airports Security, Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, DSVP International Affairs, Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, Assistant General Director of Airport Passport Affairs Sector - Courtesy Emirates

Emirates First offers a streamlined check-in experience, where formalities can be performed on iPads while guests are seated, allowing families to relax in the seated areas, while one member is assisted with the check in process for all. If preferred, Customers can also use the check-in counters, and drop baggage at the stunning marble and brass desks.  Customers can then breeze through Security and Immigration before heading to one of the three dedicated Emirates First Class Lounges in Terminal 3 at DXB.

Emirates Officially Opens ‘Emirates First’, an Exclusive new First Class Check-In Experience at Dubai International Airport (DXB) - Photo Gallery Courtesy Emirates 

This is just the latest addition to Emirates’ recent suite of investments for First Class guests.  Last May, the carrier announced a range of enhancements that finesse the finer details of hospitality and service onboard, including a keepsake menu which tells an explorative story of Emirates’ wine selection and culinary inspirations.  The carrier also rolled out new Emirates engraved Robert Welch bowls designed for unlimited caviar, and rustic cheeseboard slates to enhance Emirates’ renowned artisan cheeseboard.  Additionally, Emirates First Class cabin crew now also provide a gloved service for exceptional hospitality onboard.

Source: Emirates