Emirates (EK) unveiled a next-generation signature lounge concept on June 30, 2026, rolling it out first at Munich Airport (MUC) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA), according to the airline’s own press release. The Dubai-based carrier said the design will serve as a blueprint for its lounges worldwide, with Manchester (MAN), Mauritius (MRU) and Istanbul (IST) scheduled to follow in July, August and October 2026. Emirates confirmed it will invest more than AED 50 million, around $13.6 million, into each new lounge.
The announcement was made from Dubai and covers Emirates’ global network of 42 dedicated airport lounges, including eight at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer Adel Al Redha said the redesign reflects the airline’s commitment to a “seamless, premium experience at every stage of the journey”. The move follows a similar aesthetic already used in Emirates’ newest cabin interiors.
What Emirates Unveiled on June 30, 2026
Emirates confirmed the new lounge concept had already gone live in Munich, (an airport that is a part of ten busiest European routes) and Frankfurt when it made the announcement. The design translates the airline’s newest cabin interiors into a ground-based space. Emirates said customers can expect contemporary architecture, integrated technology, locally inspired dining and wellness-focused amenities built for premium travelers.
The rollout is deliberate rather than simultaneous. Gulf News reported that the redesign brings elements from Emirates’ latest aircraft cabins into airport spaces, covering furniture, technology, dining areas and dedicated zones for work, relaxation and socialising.
Where The New Signature Lounges Are Opening First
Emirates set a clear timeline for its next four cities. According to the airline and PAX International, the schedule runs as follows:
- Munich (MUC) and Frankfurt (FRA): Live now, already open to customers.
- Manchester (MAN): Planned for July 2026.
- Mauritius (MRU): Planned for August 2026.
- Istanbul (IST): Planned for October 2026.
KarryOn, an Australian travel trade outlet, noted that the first concept cities are concentrated in Europe and the Indian Ocean, though Emirates says the design will eventually reach all 42 of its lounges, including its four Australian locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
How Much Emirates Is Investing in Each Lounge
Emirates confirmed the more than AED 50 million per-lounge figure directly in its press release, a number matched by multiple outlets covering the story. The investment converts to roughly $13.6 million per site. That spending covers more than 50 individual design enhancements per lounge, according to Emirates.
Completing five cities (Munich, Frankfurt, Manchester, Mauritius and Istanbul) within roughly a year, at more than $13 million each, represents a fast pace of investment for a single ground-experience programme.
What The New Lounge Design Includes
The new lounges are built around distinct functional zones rather than a single open floor plan. Per Emirates’ own description, the aesthetic draws on the airline’s Dubai flagship lounges and includes herringbone floors, marble and gold accents, and the backlit Emirates Ghaf Tree motif, a reference to the UAE’s national tree.
Specific features vary by zone:
| Feature | Focused Work & Productivity | Elevated Dining | Restorative Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Productivity, connectivity and flexible working | Premium dining with live culinary experiences | Relaxation, wellness and comfort during layovers |
| Key Spaces | Private work areas, communal work/social spaces | Spacious dining areas with live cooking stations | Quiet Zone, shower suites, prayer rooms, private meeting rooms, breastfeeding spaces |
| Seating | Italian eco-leather seating designed for comfort and work | Ample seating in a welcoming dining environment | Plush seating with soft lighting for rest and sleep |
| Technology | Wireless charging and universal power outlets at every seat | Not specifically highlighted | Silent lounge environment to minimize distractions |
| Food & Beverage | — | International cuisine, regional specialties, ‘Made In’ local cuisine section, live cooking, fresh bread oven, all-day hot and cold buffets, premium wines, champagne, spirits, barista bar, artisan teas, locally inspired cocktails and mocktails | Complimentary refreshments remain available throughout the lounge |
| Signature Features | Artefact wall showcasing local artists and Emirati culture; Emirates’ signature Rolex world clocks | Culinary theatre, à la minute cooking, handcrafted pizzas, flatbreads and manakeesh | Emirates signature fragrance, fresh floral displays, spa-inspired shower suites with VOYA amenities |
| Wellness Amenities | Comfortable ergonomic workspaces | Freshly prepared meals and premium beverages | Shower suites, blankets, eye masks, earplugs, tranquil ambiance |
| Cultural Elements | Local artwork and Emirati-inspired décor | Regional cuisine and locally inspired beverages | Prayer rooms with ablution facilities and integrated Qibla direction |
| Additional Facilities | Social collaboration areas | Dedicated barista and mixologist bar | Private meeting rooms, breastfeeding rooms, male and female prayer rooms |
| Ideal For | Business travelers, remote workers and passengers needing connectivity | Travelers seeking a premium culinary experience before departure | Passengers looking to rest, freshen up or enjoy a peaceful layover experience |
All Emirates Lounges operate as silent environments, the airline confirmed, and the redesigned spaces also include rooms for private meetings and breastfeeding.
How The Lounge Redesign Fits Emirates’ $5 Billion Retrofit Programme
This ground-experience investment runs alongside a much larger effort already underway in the sky. Emirates is roughly halfway through a US$5 billion retrofit of 219 aircraft, comprising 110 Airbus A380s and 109 Boeing 777s, according to the airline’s retrofit programme overview. As of May 2026, 95 aircraft had been completed, representing more than a third of the airline’s fleet.
Both programmes share the same design language. Emirates’ cabin retrofits already feature the Ghaf Tree motif and modern colour palettes that now appear in the Munich and Frankfurt lounges. Where the retrofit programme upgrades the in-flight experience, the new lounge concept extends that same aesthetic and investment logic to the ground, giving Emirates a more consistent premium product from check-in to touchdown.
What Adel Al Redha Said About the Investment
Emirates’ COO Al Redha framed the lounge rollout as a natural extension of the airline’s broader customer experience strategy:
“These new lounges have been designed to combine refreshed luxurious interiors with the elevated hospitality and innovation that Emirates is known for, a space for our customers to relax, enjoy, dine and prepare for their travel in comfort,”
He added that expanding the concept across the global network would “set a new benchmark and standard for airport lounges and further strengthen” Emirates’ premium proposition. The comment echoes language Emirates has used to describe its aircraft retrofit programme, reinforcing that both initiatives are being presented as parts of one strategy.
Who Can Access Emirates’ New Lounges
Access to the redesigned lounges follows Emirates’ existing entry rules rather than introducing new restrictions. First Class and Business Class customers receive complimentary access, as do Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members, including those flying in Premium Economy or Economy Class. Paid access is also available at most locations.
Emirates operates lounges across a wide network of cities including Auckland, Bangkok, Cairo, Delhi, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow, New York JFK, Singapore, Sydney and Zurich, among others. At Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, Emirates runs eight lounges in total, split between three for First Class and five for Business Class passengers.