Emirates has inaugurated its first lounge in the region at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.
This state-of-the-art facility is designed to serve passengers on the airline’s triple daily A380 flights. It marks a new era in Emirates’ presence in the Kingdom.
The impressive 900-square-metre lounge, representing an investment of AED 20 million (USD$5.4 million), is strategically located in Terminal 1.
It caters exclusively to First and Business class travelers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members.
With a capacity to accommodate over 190 guests simultaneously and offers a variety of seating options. The new lounge is set to redefine the pre-flight experience for Emirates’ premium customers.
Expanding Presence in Saudi Arabia
This substantial investment is a clear demonstration of Emirates’ dedication to expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia.
It aligns perfectly with the aviation goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious plan for economic diversification and reduced dependence on oil.
By enhancing its ground services, Emirates is not only supporting these national objectives but also ensuring a welcoming experience for customers in one of its most crucial global markets.
The timing of this inauguration is particularly significant as Emirates celebrates a major milestone – 35 years of service to Jeddah.
This long-standing relationship with the city makes it a fitting location for the airline’s first dedicated lounge in the region outside of Dubai.
Opening Ceremony & Comments
The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of high-ranking officials from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Emirates.
Notable attendees included His Excellency Nasser Huwaiden Al Ketbi, Consul General of UAE in Jeddah, and His Excellency Engr. Raed bin Ibrahim Al-Mudaiheem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO).
Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services at Emirates, spoke at the event, highlighting the historical significance of Jeddah as Emirates’ first Saudi gateway 35 years ago.
He expressed gratitude to the airport authorities for their support in bringing this project to fruition. He further emphasized the lounge’s role in delivering Emirates’ signature hospitality from the moment customers step inside.
Eng. Mazen Johar, CEO of JEDCO, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the lounge’s importance in enhancing airport services and its contribution to comprehensive development efforts.
The lounge itself is a modern design, seamlessly blending contemporary elements with regional design influences.
It offers a variety of seating configurations to cater to different passenger needs, including dining areas, lounging spaces, and quiet corners for relaxation.
The facility is equipped with luxurious shower facilities and a prayer room, ensuring that all passenger needs are met.
Culinary Offerings & Location
One of the standout features of the lounge is its extensive culinary offerings. The buffet presents a wide array of Middle Eastern, local, and international delicacies.
Passengers can savor dishes such as Lamb Kabsa, Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini, Moroccan Lemon Chicken, and Prawn Machbous. The are available alongside desserts like Saint Sebastian Cheesecake and Tiramisu cake.
Conveniently located on the third floor of Terminal 1’s Departure area, the lounge is easily accessible, being just a 10-minute walk from the terminal entrance and a 3-5 minute walk to the relevant boarding gates.
This new lounge joins Emirates’ impressive network of premium facilities, which includes seven lounges across the three concourses at Dubai International Airport and 32 others around the world.
Summary
Emirates’ relationship with Saudi Arabia dates back to 1989, and today the airline serves four gateways in the Kingdom. Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and Dammam are served with more than 70 weekly flights.
The triple daily Airbus A380 service to Jeddah is a highlight of this robust schedule.
Over the years, Emirates has played a crucial role in facilitating tourism and trade in the Kingdom. It has transported close to 30.7 million passengers on more than 112,000 flights.
The airline has connected Saudi travelers to a wide array of destinations across its extensive global network.
This spans popular cities like Dubai, London, Istanbul, Paris, and Jakarta, as well as sought-after holiday destinations in the United States and the Indian Ocean.
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