OK, having been completely blown away by ICE on the flight out to Dubai, I feel compelled to report on the mixed bag that is DXB for departing pax in J.

The dedicated check-in is very well organised, but because my flight goes from the low gate numbers, they directed me to the "new" lounge at gate 9 (where i'm sitting now).

Hmmmm... Not very good at all. Food & drink selections seem very limited compared to what I recall in the other lounge, although it is a couple of years since I last used it (no champagne for example). Wish i'd made the effort to go up to the old lounge.

Oh well, at least it's a comfy seat, free beer and a decent plate of biriayni before I get on the A330 (minus ICE ) for the trip home...