Emirates Next-Generation Lounges: What's Changing

On July 6, Emirates unveiled a roadmap for its next-generation lounges, a signature lounge concept set to become the airline’s global standard. Each converted lounge represents an investment of more than 50 million AED (approximately $13.6 million US) per lounge, and the rollout is already underway in Germany.

For members of the Emirates Skywards program, this change directly affects the experience tied to Platinum and Gold status. Here’s what’s changing in practical terms, where, and from when.

What’s changing in Emirates lounges

Emirates is announcing more than 50 design upgrades, in line with its latest cabins: warm, streamlined décor, discreet integrated lighting, and premium materials. The concept affects both the layout and the services offered on site.

Rest and work areas

Private work zones: Italian leather armchairs, in areas better insulated from the rest of the lounge
Built-in charging: wireless charging and universal outlets at every seat
Co-working tables: shared spaces for working together
Separate lounges: social areas separated from the main dining spaces

Dining

Each next-generation lounge includes a “Made In” space dedicated to local dishes, as well as an open-kitchen area where food is prepared live in front of travellers. A dedicated oven also makes it possible to serve pizzas and flatbreads, with flavours inspired by Dubai.

Wellness

Prayer rooms: separate spaces for men and women, with ablution areas
Quiet rest areas: dim lighting, with blankets, masks, and earplugs provided
Enclosed rooms: for private meetings or breastfeeding
Silent mode: no loudspeaker announcements in these areas

This next-generation concept is becoming the new benchmark for the Emirates lounge experience.

– Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer of Emirates

Rollout worldwide

Emirates currently operates 42 lounges, including 8 in Dubai and 34 internationally. The new concept was first rolled out in Germany, in Munich and Frankfurt. Other stops will follow in the coming months.

Munich and Frankfurt: first lounges converted, already in service
Manchester: conversion planned for July
Mauritius: conversion planned for August
Istanbul: conversion planned for October

No Dubai (DXB) lounge is among the first sites announced. Travellers who use our Review of the DXB First Class lounge or the DXB Business lounge are therefore, for now, enjoying the current version of these spaces.

Impact for points travellers

Access to Emirates lounges remains unchanged in principle. It remains free for First and Business Class passengers, as well as for Skywards Platinum and Gold members, even when travelling in Premium Economy or Economy Class. Paid access is also still available for other travellers.

For Canadians who earn Skywards miles by transferring bank points or through a co-branded credit card, this rollout makes Platinum or Gold status more attractive to target, since the lounge experience tied to these statuses will be upgraded over the coming months. Our page on the best credit cards for airport lounge access details options that also provide access to a network of lounges.

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Next-generation Emirates lounges – Frequently asked questions

What changes with Emirates’ next-generation concept?

It’s a redesign of Emirates lounge design and services: more than 50 improvements affecting work areas, dining, and well-being, with an investment of more than 50 million AED (approximately $13.6 million US) per converted lounge.

Does access to Emirates lounges change with this new concept?

No. Access remains based on cabin class, First or Business, or on Skywards Platinum and Gold status, with paid access possible for other travellers.

Which Emirates lounges have already been converted?

Munich and Frankfurt, in Germany. Manchester follows in July, Mauritius in August, and Istanbul in October.

Are Dubai lounges affected by this change?

Nothing indicates for now that Dubai (DXB) lounges are part of the first wave of conversions.

How much does it cost to convert an Emirates lounge to the new concept?

Emirates puts the investment at more than 50 million AED, approximately $13.6 million US, per lounge converted to the new concept.

How do you become a Skywards Platinum or Gold member?

By earning qualifying miles or flight segments with Emirates and its partners. Full details can be found in our Emirates Skywards guide.

To go further

As of July 6, 2026, information confirmed directly from the official Emirates press release (June 30, 2026), relayed by Voyages d’Affaires.

Next-generation Emirates lounges: what’s changing for Skywards members