I certainly agree with the previous posters. Concourse A lounge is the way to go. Generally it is very comfortable and if it might get a bit busier you just move away from the center areas to the outer sections where it is very quiet and peaceful. That even works out fine for long layovers. You just have a seat, lie down, relax and maybe spot some of the birds flying around in the terminal building ;)

UAE777

Thanks for all the help guys.

I will certainly head to concourse A for my layover. Now that I'm fully booked, I know my layover will be 07:20 to 10:10 on my outbound, and 05:30 to 08:00 on my return.

I like the area at the tip of the Concourse... there are some private beds ^

(long time lurker here)

Concourse A has a Shake Shack outlet (for those who don't know Shake Shack, it's a popular NY burger joint with a cult-like following that is now in the Middle East via Al Shaya).

Worth a stop in Concourse A just for that, although a burger at that time of day may be bit awkward for you (granted, it's always high noon at DXB airport).

Can we now go to any lounge we want (A, B, C)?
On Monday morning I was in B lounge (flight from one of B gates) and one women had refused access because of flight from A gate - she was told that she should go to A lounge.
Just wondering if this limitation is only for the busiest B lounge or also for A and C?

That could be a possible reason. I've used the A Business lounge couple of times in the past when my flight was departing from the B lounge though never the other way around. Nowadays I prefer to use the B FCL and they've never stopped me except to inform me that my flight is from the A gates and I should plan on leaving at least 45 minutes before departure.

The latest boarding passes tend to read that the Dubai Lounge Invitation is for the Business Class Lounge nearest to your departure gate.

I arrived in A and got let into A on account that my gate for GLA flight had yet to be announced. The man infront of me trying to access A was told that his flight was leaving from B. The lady did give the man the choice though as his flight was hours away - the man said he may as well do the walking down and proceeded to leave to go to the B lounge.

Can you be more specific as to where this is? Wouldn't mind checking it out.

Page 3 (Departures) on this map:

http://www.dubaiairport.com/en/passe...203%20Maps.pdf

F and B location 3.

FWIW, we've done both of those options you are considering. We do GLA-DXB-MEL return annually. There are pros and cons for the shorter stopover and longer stopover. Here's our experiences using lounges:

We've done the 9 hour wait 3 times and found it was ok. By the time you have some food (a few times), use the computers, read the papers, have a shower and a nap you will find the wait isn't too onerous. The other advantage is that you get into MEL at 6.35 am or a bit later (depending if you are A380 non-stop or via SIN or somewhere else but you did say 777 I remember so probably getting in 8.45 am'ish). We prefer that to the shorter connection time and getting into MEL at say 2.30 am but each to their own.

The last time we were there our usual Business Class lounge was closed for renovations and we were able to use a First Class lounge opposite but it wasn't as good (mainly due to staff waking you up if you so much as closed your eyes sitting in the downstairs chairs!)

The airport and ek flights are not subject to any type of fasting so you will be fine.

The only restriction is flying into Saudi but then you only go there if you have to...

I am arriving in Dubai from NZ via Melbourne at 5:25 am and leaving at 11:20 am for IST (early September) in Business class. I am assuming I will want to sleep at least some of the time. Would it be worth heading over to concourse A? My flight arrives and leaves from terminal 3. Also, should I bring an electrical adapter with me to recharge my devices or will a NZ/ AUS plug work in the lounge? For that matter will it work on the A380-800?

Always better to carry your own adapter though the lounge has power pods with outlets supporting plugs of several countries next to the seating areas.

IIRC, only US style plugs supported.

I've always just asked for an adapter and the crew have brought me one for my UK laptop / phone. However, for some reason both on the 777 and the A380 I've found my laptop will not charge on either. Very strange. Not sure if not enough power or what, but the only device I've manage to charge is my phone.

Thanks Marconess and Jackiedada! I don't fly often and this is my first Emirates flight. Really looking forward to it!