This is the other contract lounge over here in DXB T1 that I visited. There are quite a number of options over here, which would be nice for passengers. I have visited a number of Marhaba lounges around the world. Marhaba have its roots in Dnata, which in turn is owned by Emirates. I am expecting it to offer quite an experience since it is their so-called flagship one. I will just be briefly sharing here since I spent more time over at the other Ahlan Lounge, which Singapore Airlines uses for their premium passengers here, too. 

Access Requirements

The Marhaba Lounge is open 24 hours daily. You can access this lounge through a lounge program membership, such as Priority Pass. I have an unlimited Priority Pass through my UOB Reserve Card or my Citi Prestige Credit Card, which provides me with 12 yearly visits. I access the lounge primarily using these two cards. A standard entrance will cost 35USD. Typical guest entitlements follow.

Arrival & Location

The lounge is located near the main central area, after clearing immigration and the skytrain. Simply head once you level up, and you can find the lounge easily. Just a spot for the food court and dining area. 

Marhaba Lounge 

It was pretty busy when I was here. I was here right in the late evening, which is a peak for DXB. I can imagine it being busy round the clock with how busy DXB have with departures at all hours. The entire room is filled with dining tables and couches; you have some of these around the wall as well. The lounge also comes with a smoking room and a prayer room. Wifi is available over here, and some of the seats also come with charging points. Here are some pictures of the place. 

Toilets and Showers 

There are also bathrooms available over here, but no showers. The bathrooms were badly maintained, and it was a disaster. It is worse off than the public ones in the terminal. 

Food and Drinks

Do note that they provide halal food over here. Most of the items lean towards Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. There are a couple of salads, breads, chicken, biryani, sandwiches and ice cream.

For drinks, they had coffee, tea, soft drinks, spirits, beers and wines. 

 

Conclusion

It is a simple one as much as how contract lounges go. Nothing too fantastic. It is one of the options that you can consider over here. I do expect much more from the lounge. It belongs to the lower echelons of things. There is nothing premium about this lounge. Do note that while the lounge offers halal food, alcohol is served here. The Ahlan Lounge is better than this. This should be your option without other choices.