The United Arab Emirates has very much hung its hat on luxury travel and, as such, business and first class flights are kind of Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s *thing*. This is, after all, the country that invented the cappuccino with actual gold sprinkled on the foam rather than chocolate.
It may all seem a little remote to those that can’t shell out thousands of pounds on an eight hour flight, but for those who can, options abound. Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways in particular have sought to out-do each other when it comes to luxury travel, to the extent that the experience doesn’t only cover the time you spend in the air.
Flat bed seats, onboard lounges, designer amenity kits, and chef-curated menus, are joined by luxurious lounges at airports on the ground. For those of us slumming it in economy, the whole thing seems rather OTT, but – as airlines love to tell us – it is the lucky few that turn left at the aircraft doors that pay for the rest of us to fly for less in the back.
Whether you're jetting in from London, New York, Mumbai or Sydney, there are many options for comfort, service, and value. Here's how the top airlines to the UAE stack up.
What are the best airlines flying to the UAE?
Emirates: As Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates got there first, and the airline has been resting on its laurels ever since. With service to over 130 cities, Emirates really took the A380 and ran with it, with lie-flat seats, onboard lounge bars and generous entertainment systems that make long-haul travel a destination in itself.
Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi’s national airline is picking up the rear with its Business Studios and preferred Boeing 787 and A350. Among the perks it offers is direct aisle access, tech-savvy controls and luxury finishes. As well as a personalised service, Etihad claims to be the sustainable option for wealthy travellers looking for a seat that takes the place of four.
Qatar Airways: While technically based in Doha, Qatar Airways has tried to cash in on its proximity to the UAE (just one hour) and more reasonable rates to match. Its Qsuite has won awards and been dubbed the best business class in the world for privacy, if that is your thing.
British Airways: A staple for UK-based flyers, BA’s new Club World Suite is complete with privacy doors and lie-flat seating and now operates on many London–Dubai flights. It also benefits from Heathrow’s excellent T5 lounge and amenities.
United Airlines: Given the long distances involved, US-based travelers have long preferred United’s EWR–DXB non-stop route, which offers Polaris Business Class. Like others, it includes lie-flat seats, bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, and airport lounge access.
Verdict: Emirates and Qatar consistently lead in global rankings, offering great service and cabin design. Etihad is a top choice for travelers headed to Abu Dhabi, and for the US market it's got to be United as you don’t need to change in London or Istanbul.
Which airline has the best business class lounges?
Qatar Airways: The Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha is often described as a “five-star hotel in an airport.” With à la carte dining, private nap rooms and spa-like bathrooms, you’ll never want to leave.
Emirates: The Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport (Concourse A) is vast and includes unique features like champagne bars, direct boarding access and wellness areas.
Etihad Airways: Etihad’s lounges in Abu Dhabi are beautifully designed, with spa treatments by Six Senses and à la carte meals. First-class amenities are sometimes available for purchase by business passengers.
British Airways: The Galleries Club Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 is stylish and spacious, while its new lounge at JFK in New York (opened 2023) has won accolades for its design and dining options.
United Airlines: Polaris Lounges in Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco stand out among US lounges for their restaurant-style menus, craft cocktails and nap rooms.
Verdict: Qatar takes the global crown for lounge luxury, but if you’re flying nonstop to Dubai, Emirates’ Business Lounge is best in class for direct flights.
Which airline has the best business class seat?
Qatar Airways Qsuite: An industry benchmark, Qsuite seats have full sliding doors, lie-flat beds, and customisable layouts for solo, duo or group travellers.
Emirates A380: Emirates business class seats not only provide access to the inflight bar and lounge, but come with their own minibar for passengers who want to get sozzled at their own speed.
Etihad Business Studio: Etihad seats have built-in massage features and pride themselves on desk-like features for those looking to work inflight.
British Airways Club Suite: The latest BA product includes a door, direct aisle access, and large entertainment screens. Found primarily on newer aircraft serving LHR–DXB.
United Polaris: United’s Polaris seats are comfortable and private, though consistency varies depending on aircraft. The airline goes big on the Saks Fifth Avenue bedding.
Verdict: Qatar’s Qsuite is the new kid on the block for innovation and privacy. Emirates has a storied style and flair. Etihad strikes a quiet balance between comfort and those looking to burn the mid flight oil.
Which airline has the best customer service?
Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways has won various awards for its customer service, including from Skytrax, and is pivoting that as a major distinguishing factor between it and other airlines.
Etihad Airways: Far from being the new kid on the block, Etihad has been doing the whole luxury travel thing for a long time, and experience counts for a lot.
Emirates: Emirates crews are diverse and generally upbeat, and often speak multiple languages. That said, some travellers have complained that service can be decidedly mixed.
British Airways & United: Maybe it is the size and breadth, or the fact that for both airlines the Gulf is only one region of many, but some travellers complain that both are not as consistently luxurious as Gulf carriers.
Verdict: Qatar and Etihad are the front-runners, but those with points deals and loyalty schemes might prefer to stick with established players like BA and United.
Which airline has the best prices for business class?
If there is such a thing as “affordable business class fares”, it very much depends on timing, route and flexibility.
Turkish Airlines: Offers competitive one-stop fares but with a change in Istanbul.
Kuwait Airways / Saudia: You can often get a sub-US$2,000 roundtrip in business from Europe or East Coast USA, though lounges and in-flight service lack the wow factor.
Air France / KLM: Regular sales from European hubs make them good value carriers for business class, with decent products and reliable service.
Emirates / Etihad: Offer seasonal promos, especially from Europe and Asia. Booking during off-peak periods can result in decent value.
Points and Miles:
- Use American AAdvantage miles for Qatar Airways Qsuite
- Aeroplan is great for Etihad redemptions
- Emirates Skywards offers flexibility, especially with partner bookings
Verdict: Don’t overlook one-stop options like Turkish or Saudia for savings. For points redemptions, Qatar and Etihad deliver superb value and luxury.
Best Business Class options from key regions
From the UK to UAE
British Airways: Club Suite on LHR–DXB routes
Emirates: A380 service from London, Manchester, Birmingham
Etihad / Qatar: Via codeshare through Heathrow or regional UK airports
From the USA to UAE
Emirates: Direct from NYC (JFK, EWR), Boston, SFO, LAX, Seattle, Miami
Etihad: From JFK and Chicago O’Hare to Abu Dhabi
United: Nonstop from Newark to Dubai
Qatar Airways: Connecting via Doha to Dubai or Abu Dhabi
Verdict: Emirates dominates for nonstop US and UK options. For those open to connections, Qatar offers the best cabin and service, especially if you’re redeeming miles.
