After flying Etihad’s A350 business class from Chicago to Abu Dhabi, we briefly stopped in the Etihad Arrivals Lounge prior to heading to Dubai. I mainly just stopped in to be able to review it, as I wasn’t looking to shower or eat anything.
How is the Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi? Well, it’s the only “proper” arrivals lounge in the Middle East (Qatar Airways has a premium arrivals facility, but it doesn’t have showers). So it’s better than nothing, but I wouldn’t plan on spending more time here than you need to. The main intent of the Etihad Arrivals Lounge is that this is where the carrier’s chauffeur service leaves from, for eligible passengers.
Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi location
As is standard, the Etihad Arrivals Lounge is located landside, convenient for those arriving at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. When you land at Abu Dhabi Airport, just follow the signage toward passport control and arrivals. You’ll first clear passport control (premium travelers have access to a fast track lane), and then you’ll pass through baggage claim and customs.
Once you’re landside, you should continue to see signage for the Etihad Arrivals Lounge. For our arrival at Terminal 3, the lounge was located just outside the exit for immigration, with the entrance to the lounge to the right of the steep moving sidewalks.
At the reception desk you’ll just have to provide your eligible boarding pass, and you’ll then be admitted.
Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi hours
The Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi is open 24/7, as it never closes. This reflects that there are flights arriving and departing all hours of the day and night in the Middle East. If anything, midday is the quietest time at the airport.
Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi entry requirements
The Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi is open to passengers traveling in Etihad first and business class, as well as Etihad Guest Platinum members. So make sure you hold onto your inbound boarding pass, for smooth access to the lounge.
Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi seating & layout
The Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi isn’t very big. When you enter from the terminal, you’ll come down a hall, leading to the main part of the lounge.
The main part of the lounge has seating for 18 people, with five different seating “clusters.” There’s a TV in the room that’s playing international news, and the lounge basically faces the outside roadway of the airport, though you can’t really see outside due to the windows being frosted.
The lounge also has a small business center area with a computer.
Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi food & drinks
The Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi has a very modest food selection, that’s significantly scaled down compared to the past.
This includes dates, cookies, sweets, Arabic coffee, tea, an espresso machine, and canned and bottled juice, soda, and water.
So don’t come here hungry, though some people may appreciate being able to grab a water or coffee.
Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi bathrooms & showers
The Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi has two sets of restrooms that guests can use, each featuring a toilet and sink.
The lounge also has several shower suites, each with a walk-in shower, a toilet, and a sink. The shower suites are perfectly functional, though not exactly luxurious.
Back in the day, the Etihad Arrivals Lounge had a salon where you could get a complimentary shave or beard trim. Unfortunately that’s no longer available, and at this point that space is empty.
Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi chauffeur service
One of the primary reasons to use the Etihad Arrivals Lounge is because this is where Etihad’s chauffeur service departs from. There’s a part of the lounge that leads directly to the road, and then there are staff on hand who can direct you to the right car.
Etihad offers chauffeur service for first and business class passengers in Abu Dhabi, though only if they paid cash for their tickets. Since we had redeemed miles, we weren’t eligible for this.
Bottom line
The Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi is basic. It’s not worth going out of your way to visit, but if you’re looking for somewhere to chill on arrival while having some water or coffee, want a shower, or if you’re using Etihad’s chauffeur service, it’s worth stopping in.
This space has definitely undergone some cost cutting compared to back in the day, when there was a more extensive food selection, as well as a salon with complimentary treatments.
What do you make of the Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi?
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