Inside Emirates’ brand new $5m lounge at Jeddah airport: Photos

Emirates inaugurated its first-ever lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This new facility will serve customers flying on its thrice-daily Airbus A380 services.

The opening of the new facility, located in the airport’s Terminal 1, marks the UAE flag carrier’s 35th year of service to Jeddah.

The opening ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Nasser Huwaiden Al Ketbi, UAE Consul General in Jeddah, and Raed bin Ibrahim Al-Mudaiheem, chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO). Emirates was represented by Mohammed Mattar, divisional senior VP of Airport Services, and other senior officials.

Emirates invests in infrastructure

The airline, in its official statement, noted that this development underscores its commitment to expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the aviation goals of the country’s Vision 2030 programme.

The lounge was set up at a cost of Dhs20m($5.4m) and spans 900 square metres.

It is designed to accommodate over 190 guests, offering various seating options. The lounge caters to First and Business class passengers as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members.

Commenting on the launch, Mohammed Mattar stated, “Jeddah was our first gateway into the kingdom 35 years ago, making it fitting that King Abdulaziz International Airport, a world-class facility, is the first outside Dubai to feature an Emirates lounge.”

“The lounge, centrally located in Terminal 1, is designed to offer an industry-leading experience and Emirates’ signature hospitality.”

Conveniently located on the third floor of Terminal 1 departure area, the lounge is a 10-minute walk from the terminal entrance and a 3-5 minute walk to boarding gates A28B and A38B, where Emirates’ flights are stationed, noted the official statement.

The new lounge boasts a modern and sophisticated design with regional influences. It offers various seating arrangements, including dining, lounging, and quiet areas for relaxation.

Amenities include a wide range of dining options, shower facilities, a prayer room, and more. The buffet features an array of Middle Eastern, local, and international preparations.

Mazen Johar, CEO of JEDCO, added, “The Emirates lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport signifies our 35-year-long strategic partnership. The lounge enhances the airport’s services and supports our efforts to provide a seamless travel experience for passengers worldwide.”

In addition to this new lounge in Jeddah, Emirates operates seven lounges across the three concourses at DXB and 32 others globally.

Since beginning operations in 1989, Emirates has played a vital role in connecting the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The airline currently serves Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and Dammam with over 70 weekly flights, including triple daily flights to Jeddah with its flagship Airbus A380s.

To date, Emirates has transported nearly 30.7 million passengers on more than 112,000 flights to and from the kingdom, connecting travellers via its extensive global network.

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