About this flight
Emirates Airlines consistently ranks among the top in global airline flight service rankings. Enjoy this first-class flight experience!
This time, the journey takes us from Cairo, Egypt, to Dubai, UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Arriving at Cairo Airport three hours before departure, I also had the chance to enjoy the Emirates Lounge.
The flight was operated on a Boeing B777-300ER.
Emirates Airlines' first-class service offers an extraordinary level of relaxation, exquisite cuisine, and ultimate comfort—whether in the cabin, the in-flight dining, the lounge facilities, or the lounge meals.
Cairo Airport
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Pre-Immigration Lobby
This is the scene at the lobby before immigration.
Baggage Screening Area
This is the baggage screening area. It is not crowded, possibly due to the late-night hours. Some travelers are wearing traditional Arab attire.
Palm Tree Planting
A view of the airport lobby. The planted palm trees create a nice tropical atmosphere.
Palm Trees and Ceiling Lighting
The combination of palm trees and the subdued ceiling lights evokes the image of palm trees standing on a sandy beach under a starry sky.
Suitcase Wrapping
This is a machine that wraps suitcases with a protective film to prevent theft, scratches, and water damage.
Departure Gate Check-in Counter
This is the First-Class check-in counter for departure.
Boarding Pass
Traveling from Cairo to Dubai, then from Dubai to Narita—both are late-night departures. The journey includes spending nearly 20 hours in First-Class lounges, enjoying the experience before boarding.
Lounge
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Lounge Entrance
This is the area for various airline lounges.
Emirates Airline Lounge
This is the Emirates Airline lounge. It is shared by First-Class and Business-Class passengers, but the seating areas are separate.
Seating Area
There are standard sofas as well as sofas that seem suitable for a short nap.
Dining in the Lounge
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Buffet Counter (Appetizers)
The breakfast buffet counter features an appetizer section.
- ・ Beef and oregano pie
- ・ Roasted pumpkin
- ・ Mashed potatoes
- ・ Roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, fennel)
- ・ Indian-style basmati rice (long-grain rice)
Buffet Counter (Main Dishes)
The breakfast buffet counter also includes a selection of main dishes.
- ・ Roasted vegetables with beef
- ・ Grilled chicken
- ・ Fried cod with cream
- ・ King prawn green curry
- ・ On the far right, it looks like spinach and penne gratin
Appetizers, Fruits, Cheese, and Desserts
This section offers appetizers, fruits, cheese, and desserts.
- 【Appetizers】Salmon, tuna with vegetables, table beets with feta cheese
- 【Fruits】Assorted fruit platter
- 【Cheese】A selection of cheddar, blue cheese, brie, and goat cheese
- 【Desserts】
・ Kunafa (a Middle Eastern sweet made with fine noodle-like pastry)
・ Chocolate and pear tart with cream cheese
・ Pineapple and carrot cake - Middle Eastern dipping sauces for bread
It feels like "international cuisine."
Bread and Crackers
A paradise for bread lovers, this section offers a variety of bread.
- Middle Eastern Khubz (flatbread)
- British Crusty Roll (crispy outside, soft inside)
- Sourdough Roll with a tangy flavor
- Whole wheat bread
- Pumpkin seed bread
- Crackers are also available
Dates
The wooden box contains dates. Serving dates with Arabic coffee is a traditional hospitality practice in the UAE. They pair exceptionally well.
Arabic coffee is infused with spices and herbs such as cardamom, cloves, ginger, and saffron, giving it a unique and aromatic flavor.
Breakfast
I picked a variety of delicious items from the buffet counter:
Tuna and vegetable salad
Dates
Roast beef with roasted tomatoes
Carrot soup
Cheese
Drinks: Cola and mineral water
Since Egypt is an Islamic country, alcohol is not served.
Dessert
Enjoying cakes and other sweet treats.
Lounge Bar
This is the lounge bar, offering a selection of soft drinks and tea. Since Egypt is an Islamic country, alcohol is not available.
Boarding Aircraft
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Boeing B777-300ER
This is the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for our Cairo-Dubai flight. Commonly known as the "Triple Seven," it is a wide-body, twin-aisle aircraft.
In-flight Seat
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Welcome Drink
I have taken my seat. In front of me is a large screen, a semi-circular mirror (which can be opened and closed) on the table, and an Arabesque-style lamp by the window. I enjoyed a glass of champagne as my welcome drink.
Welcome Drink and Arabic Coffee
Along with champagne, I was served dates and Arabic coffee.
Under the semi-circular mirror, there are amenities such as skincare products.
Overhead Space and Cabin Interior
A view of the overall cabin space, including the ceiling.
Headphones
These headphones were developed by the British luxury speaker manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins exclusively for Emirates Airlines. I can't wait to listen to music with them.
Window and Side Lamp
The window frames and lamp showcase the beauty of the Arabian aesthetic.
Stars on the Ceiling (1)
When the lights dim, tiny "stars" appear on the ceiling, creating a miniature planetarium.
It offers a dreamy experience of sleeping under a starry sky.
Stars on the Ceiling (2)
As the cabin darkens, "stars" appear on the ceiling, further enhancing the feeling of drifting into sleep under the night sky.
Seat Lighting
After takeoff, when the cabin lights were dimmed, I enjoyed a second glass of champagne.
The ambiance is enhanced by the Arabian-style lamp on the left and the soft glow around the semi-circular mirror.
Meanwhile, a functional reading light from above provides ample illumination.
The design is simply outstanding.
Seat and Window-side Space
A photo of the window-side space. There is ample room between the seat and the wall, making it clear that the design prioritizes relaxation and comfort.
Neighboring Seat
The seat next to mine was unoccupied.
You can get a good look at the full-seat layout, the drink bar beside the seat, and the individual suite doors.
Full Seat View
A spacious, cocoon-like seat designed for maximum comfort.
Drawer Under the Desk
A stationery drawer featuring a leather-bound notebook and a ballpoint pen—just like a luxurious hotel desk.
Window Design and Arabian-Style Lamp
The ornate window trim and the Arabian-style lamp create a profound sense of happiness and luxury.
Seat-Side Drink Bar
There is a storage space for soft drinks. Although it looks like a mini fridge, it does not have a cooling function.
Soft drinks and mineral water are available anytime at your convenience.
In-flight Meal
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Menu
Shortly after taking my seat, I received a meal menu and a wine list, both enclosed in a leather cover. I had plenty of time to carefully choose my meal before dining.
Aperitif and Snacks
I ordered champagne as my aperitif, accompanied by pistachios and nuts as a snack.
Table Setting
A white tablecloth was elegantly spread over the table, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a fine dining restaurant in a luxury hotel.
Appetizer
The appetizer was a traditional Arabic mezze (Mezze), featuring six types of dips to be enjoyed with Middle Eastern flatbread, Khubz. Pickles were served in the background.
Arabic Appetizers (1)
A selection of Arabian mezze, traditional Middle Eastern appetizers, served with Khubz flatbread.
- ・Mutabal – A roasted eggplant paste mixed with tahini and lemon juice
- ・Ummak Khouria – A carrot-based appetizer
- ・Labneh – A thick yogurt sauce
Arabic Appetizers (2)
Another set of Arabian mezze, also enjoyed with Khubz flatbread.
- ・Fattoush – A salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, and crispy bread
- ・Hummus – A chickpea paste mixed with olive oil and lemon juice
- ・Slow-cooked meat stew
Appetizer
A salad featuring chickpeas, olives, and other beans.
Main Course
I believe this was stuffed zucchini with meat, served with roasted eggplant.
Dessert
After the meal, I enjoyed coffee along with nuts and chocolates.
Arrival in Dubai
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Dubai from Above (1)
A view of Dubai’s cityscape from the air in the early morning.
As of 2021, Dubai has a population of 3.47 million, with over 80% being expatriates. It is a city known for commerce, trade, and tourism.
Dubai from Above (2)
An aerial view of Dubai in the early morning.
