Etihad Business Class Lounge — Local services in Abu Dhabi

Had an experience to try out the Etihad business class lounge in the new Abu Dhabi Zayed International airport. The airport is quite big but I was surprised to find out that there is only one business lounge no matter where your gate is. It was interesting and refreshing to try out because the airport is new and the lounge is new, all the decor and furniture are like brand new and in tip top condition. Quite impressed there are 3 storeys to explore and the space is very long so it can be quite a long walk from one end to the other. I happened to have a 10 hours transit so I had the time of my life to explore the entire lounge. When I was there around noon, the lounge was quiet busy and the dining area was packed with people. I decided to pop by later as it would probably be better to explore the other floors first. The upper floors were definitely much quieter with lesser people, more empty seats. There is a bar where I passed by and decided to get a drink and I was served immediately as there was no one around. Next to the bar was supposedly to put some hot food but the staff were doing some arranging and after some time there was still no food placed at the area. Walking around you can see the east and the west zones where some refreshments like chips, cookies and drinks are located and be enjoyed at any time. Also happened to see a family room and a game room of sort. There are also 2 gates which can be accessed from the lounge, wonder why the special treatment and seems like London flights is one of those which can be accessed from the lounge? There is also a smoking room at the top floor which I thought was empty at that time while I was on my way to look for the shower. The shower and relaxation zone is kinda far and slightly inconvenient as you have to get to the top floor and then take the escalator down again a floor down, an area close to the first class lounge. I decided to take a shower and got myself a shower room. And just as I was about to shower there was a blackout! Not sure what to do, I was already half naked wrapped in towel I opened the door and shouted "hello" but no one was around. I decided to continue shower with my cellphone light instead. After I finished shower and got dressed and it was still in darkness, I wanted to use the hair dryer so I opened the door again and this time there was 2 female staff at the counter just talking and ignoring me. Then came a male staff to apologize and told me they were checking for the issue and told me might have to wait for a while so I just finished up my stuff and left the showers. I decided to head for a nap which is the relaxation zone next to the shower area. I was told we could use a max of 4 hours for each room, and the staff told me it was dark inside because of the blackout, which I said fine since we don't need the lights on for sleeping. So she got me a room and just as I was about to go to sleep the lights came on, so the staff came back again to guide me on how to operate the lights and the temperature of the cubicle. I slept for a while and it was quite refreshing, felt like I have slept for a long time. By then it was already evening I felt hungry and wanted to check out the dining area again, I was so surprised that it was EMPTY! All the dishes displayed looked fresh out from the kitchen and the spoons and ladles for the dishes were all new. I have to say am very impressed with the quality and variety of food. Food was good I could just keep going rounds trying different stuff. Overall good experience except for the blackout and also an experience when I entered the lounge. I showed the staff my boarding pass and they verified, and after walking another few steps towards the escalator I was stopped by another staff wanting to check my boarding pass. I told him his colleague has checked and asked him to check with the colleague he insisted and the colleague turned around and saw our commotion and said he has already checked and he just walked off without apologizing. Some of the customer service of the staff really needs to be...

If travel is an art, Etihad’s Business Class Lounge is the gallery where luxury meets calm precision. From the moment you step through those frosted glass doors, it’s clear you’ve entered a space designed to make “waiting” feel like a privilege.

🛋️ Ambience & Design

The lounge feels like an elegant modern oasis sleek marble, soft lighting, and muted earth tones. It’s spacious, but more importantly, intelligently spaced. Even during peak hours, you’ll find quiet corners to unwind, work, or just people watch while pretending to read that magazine you grabbed at check-in.

Etihad’s subtle Emirati touches geometric patterns, warm hues, and ambient Arabic music, create a cultural luxury that’s distinctive without being overdone.

🍽️ Dining Experience

Now let’s talk about the real showstopper: the food. Etihad’s à la carte menu and buffet options are worthy of a boutique hotel restaurant. Expect international dishes with Middle Eastern flair, think grilled lamb chops with saffron rice or perfectly spiced mezze platters.

The desserts are dangerously good (you’ve been warned), and the coffee? Let’s just say it might ruin airport coffee for you forever. Baristas pull rich, aromatic espressos that make you forget jet lag even exists.

🍸 Beverage & Bar

The fully stocked bar features a refined wine list, premium spirits, and champagne that flows with the kind of generosity that reminds you why business class tickets exist. The bartenders are not just drink mixers, they’re conversationalists who can talk travel, football, or quietly leave you alone when you just want to sip and stare out the window.

🧖‍♀️ Wellness & Showers

There’s nothing quite like taking a warm shower before a long-haul flight. The Etihad lounge showers are immaculate stocked with premium toiletries, fluffy towels, and strong water pressure (yes, it matters). There’s also a spa service for a quick massage if you have extra time before boarding.

💻 Work & Connectivity

Business travelers will appreciate the fast Wi-Fi, private pods, and abundance of power outlets. There are quiet work zones where you can take a video call or finish off those last few emails — if you can resist the temptation of another cappuccino.

🛫 Final Boarding Call

Overall, Etihad’s Business Class Lounge isn’t just a pre-flight stop it’s part of the journey. It reflects the airline’s brand promise of “comfort in motion,” blending sophistication, warmth, and attention to detail in every corner.

Whether you’re gearing up for a red-eye to London or a long haul to Sydney, you’ll walk out of this lounge refreshed, fed, and quietly wishing the flight would take just a...

My 5 hour layover became a pleasant experience, thanks to the exceptional amenities at the business class lounge:

Food Variety:

The lounge offered an impressive array of food options, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. The quality of the food was excellent, providing a satisfying culinary experience.

Alcohol Selection:

The lounge boasted an outstanding selection of alcoholic beverages, allowing for a premium and enjoyable drink experience. Staff members were accommodating, even going so far as to fulfill a special request for a customized cocktail, such as a pina colada.

Comfortable Spaces:

The lounge provided a variety of seating options, ensuring comfort for different preferences. Workspaces were available for those needing to catch up on tasks, and there were separate cubicles for private meetings, offering a versatile environment.

Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities:

The showers and restrooms were exceptionally clean, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards. Staff members were courteous and attentive, further contributing to the overall positive atmosphere.

Toiletry Options:

The staff went the extra mile by providing options for essential toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shaving kits. This thoughtful touch added to the convenience and comfort of the overall experience.

Overall Fantastic Experience:

The combination of great amenities, friendly staff, and a clean environment created a fantastic overall experience. The lounge played a crucial role in making the extended layover not just bearable but genuinely enjoyable.

In conclusion, the business class lounge surpassed expectations, earning a well-deserved 5-star rating for its comprehensive and...