Etihad Airways has opened a new flagship First Class Lounge & Spa in Terminal 3 of Abu Dhabi International Airport. This space highlights the airline’s dedication to offering exceptional and desirable hospitality.
Inspired by top-tier hotels, private clubs, and fine dining establishments, the lounge provides an exclusive environment. It features unmatched design, style, comfort, world-class dining, and personalized beauty and relaxation services.
The lounge offers 16 distinct zones for guests to unwind, recharge, and enjoy entertainment in complete luxury before their flights. Amenities include an à la carte restaurant, a fitness center, a Six Senses Spa, Style & Shave barbers, a nail bar, a TV room, a secluded relaxation room, a prayer room, and a children’s play area.
Etihad Airways’ CEO, Peter Baumgartner, stated that the new First Class Lounge & Spa is the pinnacle of their global lounge offerings and reflects the best of their home city, Abu Dhabi. He emphasized its intelligent design, innovation, exceptional hospitality, and service, positioning it as the ultimate airline hospitality experience that mirrors Etihad’s transformation into a leading airline. He added that this new First Class space demonstrates their commitment to developing world-class products as they continue to redefine travel.
Open 24/7, the expansive facility spans just under 1,700 square meters and provides panoramic airport views. It is exclusively available to guests of The Residence, Etihad First Class, Etihad Guest Exclusive, Etihad Guest Platinum members (plus one guest), Etihad Airways Partner (EAP) airline First Class guests, EAP ‘Invitation only’ members (plus two guests), and EAP equivalent Platinum members (plus one guest).
Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President of Marketing, highlighted their focus on reimagining service and hospitality. He emphasized that beyond the remarkable physical environment, they have prioritized creating an aspirational luxury lifestyle space that aligns with their renowned in-flight service. The result is an exceptional airline lounge and spa experience.
Guests of The Residence enjoy a private space adjacent to the main lounge entrance, complete with a dedicated Savoy-trained Butler, custom-made Poltrona Frau Italian leather seating, a private shower room stocked with Acqua di Parma products, a prayer room, and private dining.
The First Class Lounge & Spa is staffed by a highly trained team, including a General Manager, Concierge, Maître d’Hotel, Savoy-trained Butlers, chefs, and mixologists, all carefully selected for their expertise.
The Executive Chef, with experience from leading hotel brands like Ritz Carlton, Shangri-La, and Intercontinental, leads a team of skilled Sous Chefs, Demi Chefs, and Chef de Partie to deliver exceptional dining experiences. The à la carte dining area offers frequently changing menus featuring Arabian, Indian, and international cuisine made to order at any time of day. The kitchen uses the freshest locally sourced seasonal produce. Guests can also savor a unique five-course Emirati tasting menu created by chefs from Mezlai at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. A casual dining and bar snack menu is also available.
A custom cocktail menu, developed in partnership with London-based beverage consultancy Fluid Movement, features unique creations inspired by Etihad’s destinations, such as New York, Melbourne, Shanghai, Paris, Mumbai, Sydney, and London. The signature mocktail, Abu Dhabi, incorporates Middle Eastern flavors. Each beverage is handcrafted by trained mixologists using syrups and garnishes inspired by the cities they represent.
The Six Senses Spa offers three treatment rooms with shower facilities. First Class guests can enjoy a complimentary treatment, while guests of The Residence receive two.
Promoting health and well-being, the Relax & Recline area features a large video wall with 27 screens, soothing sound and lighting, and six Poltrona Frau leather recliners. The fitness room is equipped with Technogym treadmills and cross trainers, along with male and female washrooms and showers.
The Style & Shave area is staffed by barbers offering various hair and shave services, including a complimentary express treatment and shoe shine service. The nail bar provides hair and nail services, including nail art, and one complimentary express treatment.
HE Eng. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed delight in supporting Etihad Airways’ new First Class Lounge, recognizing it as a testament to both the airline’s and the airport’s commitment to providing top-tier service to passengers traveling through the UAE capital.
The lounge’s interior design embodies style, space, and serenity, complemented by Etihad Airways’ “Facets of Abu Dhabi” branding. Its geometric patterns and color scheme draw inspiration from the UAE landscape, representing 21st-century Arabian modernism.
This addition expands Etihad Airways’ Premium Lounge network to 14, including recent launches in Melbourne and premium lounges in Abu Dhabi (Terminals 1 and 3), Sydney, a dedicated Premium Lounge within Abu Dhabi Airport’s US Preclearance facility, and a Premium Arrivals Lounge.