We recently flew Business Class with Etihad Airways from Melbourne to Zayed International Airport, giving us the opportunity to spend a 3 hour layover in the new Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge which only opened late 2023.
Entrance to Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge Location
Located in the new Terminal A of Zayed International Airport, the Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge is situated on the north side of the terminal between gates C27 and D43.
This lounge was relatively difficult to find coming out of customs in the transfers section, as there were no clear signs to tell you where to go. After walking around and asking a retail assistant at one of the duty-free stores, we were pointed in the basic direction of where to head, and eventually found some signs leading us to the the Etihad Business Class Lounge.
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Signage In Airport
As we visited this lounge twice during our travels, the second time made it a lot easier to find coming out of the customs transfers area. The easiest way to locate the Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge is to head down the escalators once passing customs and turning left. Eventually you’ll find some signs which will lead you out the front of Gate D43, where you’ll see the main dining area through the windows (a sneak peek before entering) then eventually see the entrance of the lounge.
Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge Layout
The Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge layout was just as confusing to navigate as it was to find in the airport.
When we arrived to the entrance of the lounge, we were greeted by three service desks on the left hand side. Staff were seated here to scan our boarding pass, while staff were also located on the right to help you navigate the lounge.
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Foyer
In order to access this lounge you must be an Etihad Business Class passenger, Etihad Guest Silver member (with no guests), Etihad Guest Gold member (with one guest). If you are travelling in Economy and looking to access the lounge, you are able to purchase a pass which allows you access for either a 4 hour period or up to an 8 hour period.
Once we passed the entrance, we quickly realised the size of the lounge. There were a set of stairs and escalators to the right or a set of lifts to the left, both which take you up to the 5th level. Being spread across levels 3, 5 and 6, there is no surprise that a lift is offered.
The main dining area, named ‘Liwan Global Dining’ is located on level 3 as is where you’ll find majority of the food options. We also found there were plenty of seating options from booths, to high tables and then dining tables as well. There was also a bar and plenty of staff available to assist us if needed.
Seating Offered From Entrance Of Lounge To Liwan Global Dining
Group Table Seating In Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
High Table & Group Table Seating in Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Bar & Dining Space Etihad Business Class Liwan Global Dining
Being the main dining space, we found it to be relatively busy around the food station areas during peak times (we found it picked up between Midnight and 3am). Although, as it was quite spacious we didn't find it too difficult to find a quiet space to sit back and indulge in the open buffet they had on offer.
Seating Options In Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Seating In Dining Area
Using the lift to venture upstairs, you’ll find level 6, which is considered the ‘main floor’ with the notorious Constellation Bar.
To the far left and right of this level, you can use escalators to venture down and access level 5 where you can find some quiet spaces called the ‘East Study’ and the ‘West Study’.
East Study Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
West Study Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Both of these pockets have different features, however both have shower facilities. We found this fitting considering the large size of this lounge, making it easy to access the showers no matter where you are located in the lounge.
As the Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge layout is relatively long and narrow, they have taken advantage of scattering various versions of seating along this entire floor. You'll find a range of comfortable plush couches with charging points, high tables for more work-type spaces, as well as bigger couches in groups of 4 suitable for families.
Seating In Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Seating Level 5 Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
The ‘East Study’ has a Relaxation Room which provides private rooms suitable for sleeping, however, unfortunately during both visits when we tried to enter - they were all full. The ‘West Study’ has a family room and a gaming room which is a great spot to locate if you’re travelling with your family.
Signage In Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Signage In Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge Bar & Dining
Heavily promoted for their ‘global dining experience’, the Liwan Global Dining space on level 3 features a relatively large buffet serving Emirati and Middle Eastern inspired dishes, cold salad options and some pastry/bakery food items.
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Liwan Global Dining
Overall, we wouldn’t describe it as ‘global’ dining as we found the range of selections weren’t over the top, but they were still good. We opted for the Thai Green Curry and the Vindaloo which were very tasty. We also paired this with some steamed vegetables and rice, both of which were available to serve separately. A nice touch as we could mix what we wanted.
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Liwan Global Dining Hot Dishes
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Liwan Global Dining Hot Dishes
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Liwan Global Dining Hot Dishes
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Liwan Global Dining Salad Bar
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Liwan Global Dining Buffet
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Liwan Global Dining Bakery Section
Etihad Business Class Liwan Global Dining Thai Green Curry
Although we didn’t consume any alcoholic beverages in this lounge, if you’re after a cocktail or a more selective drink, we’d recommend sitting up stairs on level 6. We found there was a wider variety of options to pick from and also gave a nice view of the lounge and tarmac.
Both levels have barista-style coffee (something we would expect from a lounge this size), while there are plenty of pod-like areas scattered throughout the lounge for soft drinks, waters, self-serve coffee, juice and more.
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Liwan Global Dining Bar
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Bar Liwan Global Dining Area
Level 6 also had another buffet area right next to the Constellation Bar and a smaller dessert-styled buffet a little bit further down as well. At each end of the Constellation bar, there was more seating areas in various forms - from tables to booths and lounge chairs. We would suggest heading to those areas if you're looking for a seat during peak times of the lounge.
Constellation Buffet Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Constellation Bar Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Self Serve Buffet Next To Constellation Bar Etihad Business Class Lounge
Constellation Bar Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Seating Spaces Over Buffet Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Dessert Station Past Constellation Bar Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Seating Level 6 Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
If you’re after more snack-style foods, they are available throughout the lounge in the pod-style areas. Snacks consisted of fruits, date bars (a personal favourite), chips and other sweet treats. We found having these snack bars a great way to grab food without having to travel too far around the lounge. This is ideal for anyone looking to settle in a particular area.
Coffee & Snack Stations Scattered Throughout the Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Extra Features
The more we walked around this lounge the more we found. A great additional feature we came across was a Gaming Room featuring a gaming station (either an Xbox or Playstation), an air hockey table and also foosball table. This is ideal for entertaining children and passing time.
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Games Room
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Games Room
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Games Room
There was also a family room right next door which seemed suitable for parents with younger children and appeared more as a playpen with plush toys, small ottomans and a big TV.
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Family Room
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Family Room
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Family Room
The shower facilities were great, with no need to pre-book, and easy availability both times we visited. Each shower suite provided a spacious private room with a toilet, sink with a big mirror and complimentary towel, shampoo, conditioner & shower gel were all provided in the shower. A hair dryer was also available which was useful. If you’re after any extra amenities, you simply have to ask the staff member monitoring the shower facilities and they’ll be able to provide them for you.
Etihad East Study Shower Facilities Etihad Business Lounge
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Shower Suite
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Shower Facilities
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Shower Amenities
West Study Shower Facilities Etihad Business Class Lounge
Relaxation Rooms are also available in the East Study, allowing some privacy for those looking to sleep or simply unwind in a quiet space. These were all occupied when we visited, meaning we didn’t get to have an opportunity to experience them.
Relaxation Rooms Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge
The bathrooms throughout the lounge were located within close walking distance no matter where you decided to spend most of your time during the visit which was super handy considering the lounge was shaped like a long walk way. All bathrooms had good lighting and big vanities which was a nice touch in case you wanted to touch up or refresh. They provided hand towels as for drying your hands as well as a bench on entrance where you could leave your baggage instead of bringing it into the toilet with you.
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Toilets
The self-serve sections scattered throughout the lounge as well as ample amount of toilets made the overall experience feel very well catered for and comfortable. We enjoyed that you were able to get a bottle of water, snack or go to the toilet close to wherever you were sitting and that there were plenty of staff walking around everywhere to help you whenever you needed.
During our visit we walked past the Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Spa which is still under construction *at time of visit* and the First Class Lounge which we hope to visit next time we travel to Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Spa
Etihad First Class Abu Dhabi Lounge Entrance
Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Summary
Our experience in the Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge was an overall pleasant one. Although it was rather confusing to find and navigate, we found the staff to be very helpful and friendly when needing guidance.
The food options were well catered for and tasty but nothing too over the top or incredible. It would be nice to see an even larger selection considering how much foot traffic comes through this lounge.
The overall look and feel of the lounge felt very modern, the lighting and seating were comfortable and provided a nice ambience. The entire Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tarmac which we can imagine would offer great views during the day.
The two bars had good drink selections and barista-style coffee was a nice touch, however found they could get rather busy during peak periods. If you’re looking for a more quiet space we definitely recommend finding a spot in the East or West Study.
If you’re spending your layover or stopover in Abu Dhabi, the Etihad Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounge is a must to check out. Check out the latest Etihad Business Class airfares to Europe to be eligible to enter this lounge.
Ready to book your Business Class trip? Speak to an airfare specialist today to discuss which option is best for you!