Inside Emirates’ private employee-only lounge in Dubai

 Most travellers know Emirates for its luxurious first class suites, signature inflight cocktail bar and network of world class airport lounges.

But there’s a new Emirates lounge on the radar – one you’ll never get to see unless you work for the airline.

The Wejhaty Lounge, which means ‘my destination’ in Arabic, isn’t a lounge for passengers.

It’s a space exclusively for Emirates employees such as cabin crew, ground staff and head office teams, along with their families and guests who might be visiting.

From meeting pods to relaxation zones, this private lounge combines function with comfort to meet the needs of the airline’s massive workforce.

Emirates’ exclusive staff lounge at Dubai.

Spread across a sprawling 22,770ft² (2,115m²) with room for 500 people at any point in time, the Wejhaty Lounge feels more like a high-end co-working space than a traditional staff area.

For a start, visitors are greeted, served and guided by concierge service attendants.

Emirates’ exclusive staff lounge at Dubai.

Emirates has outfitted this space with everything its people might need, whether they’re looking to catch up on work, take a breather between shifts, or connect with colleagues.

There are high-tech meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and even quiet zones for those who prefer to work solo, plus a fully-stocked pantry

The lounge also includes dressing rooms, wellness spaces and ergonomic seating for staff to recharge after long hours on the job.

For quick breaks, employees can grab a coffee or unwind in one of the lounge’s dedicated relaxation areas – one of which is a downsized version of an Emirates business class with the latest business class seats and a sofa from the A380 lounge.

Emirates’ exclusive staff lounge at Dubai.

Digital screens throughout the lounge display updates on training opportunities, company news, and team events.

A playroom for youngsters contains toys and entertainment, with a nanny to supervise it all.

Employees and their families have access to a complete range of medical services – including biometrics, fitness tests and x-rays – plus HR, IT, payroll and cashier services.

Emirates’ exclusive staff lounge at Dubai.

Wejhaty also houses third-party international visa services for employees before they jet off to their next destination.

In addition to an amphitheatre-style modular auditorium that can hold around 100 people there are 19 discussion rooms and two specialised ‘assessment spaces’ where pilots, cadets and other specialist roles have dedicated facilities and advanced technology for simulation- and computer-based assessments.

Travellers rarely get a look at what goes on behind the scenes of their favourite airlines, but spaces like this highlight the immense effort it takes to deliver a seamless travel experience across Emirates’ global operations.

Also read: New Emirates 777X business class suites and “game-changer” economy seat