Emirates Opens New First Class Check-In in Dubai

Updated: July 18, 2025, 12:33pm CDT

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Emirates’ Refreshed First Class Check-In Area at DXB
Best Way To Book Emirates First Class
Final Thoughts

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Emirates’ first-class ground experience at Dubai International (DXB) just got an upgrade.

After announcing a wave of first-class enhancements back in May, the airline opened the doors of its refurbished first-class check-in today, July 18.

“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,” said Adel al Redha, deputy president and chief operating officer at Emirates.

Here’s what you can expect should you find yourself checking in for an Emirates first-class flight in Dubai.

Emirates’ Refreshed First Class Check-In Area at DXB

Emirates‘ luxurious first-class ground experience begins with a journey to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in a luxurious chauffeur-driven BMW or Mercedes-Benz. After being temporarily closed for the refurbishment, the next step entails the privacy and comfort of the airline’s exclusive first-class check-in area once again.

Emirates Skywards Platinum elite members are also eligible to check in here at the dedicated space at Dubai’s Terminal 3.

The space has been reimagined with the wants and needs of Emirates’ most premium passengers as a priority.

Inside Emirates First Class Check In at Dubai DXB — Emirates’ first-class check-in area has reopened at Dubai’s Terminal 3. Image Credit: Emirates

Guests can enjoy their check-in experience while relaxing in an armchair or sofa in a hotel lobby-like setting. A member of Emirates’ first-class team will complete the entire check-in process with an iPad from wherever the passenger is seated in the check-in lounge.

The reopening of Emirates’ first-class check-in area is part of a larger project to enhance the first class experience, which was first announced in May.

Best Way To Book Emirates First Class

Emirates’ first class is up there with the most exclusive and sought-after premium experiences in the sky. You’ll find it onboard most of its fleet of Boeing 777-300 jets and all of its flagship Airbus A380s. Note that its new Airbus A350s and smaller Boeing 777-200s don’t feature first class.

The best way to experience this without breaking the bank is by using points. Lucky for us, earning Emirates Skywards miles is pretty easy.

Along with flying and shopping to earn miles, yu can transfer to Emirates from these rewards programs: Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Hot Tip:

If you’re going to splurge on Emirates first class, then it’s worth considering a route that’s operated by the Airbus A380 for its onboard shower.

Final Thoughts

Emirates has unveiled the first stage of its first-class enhancement project. The redesigned check-in area at Dubai’s Terminal 3 has been brought into line what the kind of luxury that Emirates’ first-class passengers enjoy on board its aircraft.